REMOVAL OF JAMMED SHELL FROM THE BORE OF THE GUN
A. When the projectile is in the loaded position, i.e. has not taken the rifling.
B. When the projectile has been forced to take the rifling by firing but not left the gun.
Proceed as following:-
A. The projectile will be ejected under the supervision of the Gun Position Offer by the ejector or by firing as found most convenient.
By ejector.- Place a quantity of sacking or similar material in the chamber to act as a cushion and prevent damage to projectile or breach mechanism and close the breach. Lay the gun in a safe direction at slight elevation and insert the ejector from the muzzle, taking care that the head fits snugly over the nose of the shell, clear of the fuze. The final adjustment of the ejector should be carried out by one person, all others being behind the muzzle. Ropes previously fitted to the stave of the ejector are taken down on each side of the gun and manned equally by the detachment. the stress is taken and the projectile forced to the rear. Should that fail, the ejector may be withdrawn about 1 -3 inches by one person, the ropes manned and a jerk given to the ropes, which will move the projectile in most instances.
By firing.Guns using fixed ammunition can be cleared by loading a cartridge in the normal manner laying the gun in a safe direction, and firing. In this case a shortened cartridge case must be used; the propellant charge and primer being taken from another cartridge.
B. This is very unlikely to happen, but if it should, the incident should be reported at once, in the case of shell containing explosive, to the R.O.A.C., for the attention of the Inspecting Ordnance Officer, who will make the necessary arrangements to clear the bore. In the case of solid shot or shell with inert filling, where there is no explosive risk, it will be reported to the E.M.E.
In case of extreme operational urgency, where technical supervision is not available, unit commanders may attempt removal of abnormal jammed shot or shell. If Mechanical ejection fails, the Gun Position Officer will clear the bore by firing. As there is a risk of a premature, the operation must be conducted under precautions as follows:-
Lay the gun at maximum elevation and in a safe direction, load a propellant charge (maximum charge to reduce as far as possible the risk of the round falling short) and arrange to fire by percussion, using a long lead (at least 15 yards). Place all personnel under cover and, when all is clear, fire from a covered position. The bore should be inspected, and if damaged, the gun will be placed out of action for technical examination.
HANDBOOK FOR THE ORDNANCE, Q.F., 40-MM., MARKS I,I* AND III 1941 AMENDENTS (No. 4)