Early British 13pdr field gun round

[Vasco Da Gama]

I thought to post a few pictures of an early production British 13pdr shrapnel round for the field gun introduced into service in 1905. The projectile is dated 1905, the aluminium No80 MK2 fuze is 1907 and the Mk1 case, with crimps, is 1910. Pictured alongside a similar dated 18pdr shrapnel round for comparison.

 

[Darkman]

I love the early 13 and 18 pdrs, great to see this nice example. The mouth has really been bulged by the pusher plate on your shell - I’ll bet the fuze socket adapter won’t screw in.
I have an early 13 pdr as well, I’ll get some photos later.

Cheers, Graeme

 

[Darkman]

Here's my early 13 pdr. 1906 dated Mk I shell by Coventry Ordnance Works, 1906 No. 80 Mk I fuze by VSM, 1905 Mk I case by King's Norton with 1906 acceptance date.

Graeme

 

[Vasco Da Gama]

Thanks Graeme, as you correctly assess the adapter ring fits closely, but not enough to engage the threads and screw in. However, I was not going to walk away from such an early projectile and fuze! My grandfather served with the Royal Horse Artillery in Palestine in WW1, Territorial batteries were attached to the Australian Mounted Division. It would appear in 1917 they switched between 13pdrs and 18pdrs on a number of occasions, using the heavier guns for set piece engagements, but then reverting to the 13pdr for mobile operations. A number of mentions of increasing the horse teams from 6 to 8 animals per gun because of the difficult terrain. I had thought that once equipped with the 18pdr they would have stuck with it, if for nothing else then logistical reasons. Lots of mentions of the 13pdr shell not being able to deal with trench systems effectively and on occasion the battery firing 500 rounds in a day.

 

[Big Dave]

A pair of 13 pounder cases ,engraved to the Yorkshire Hussars ,(thanks to Peregrinvs for the tip off)

 

[Darkman]

Nice headstamps. Have you researched the battles or engagements commemorated?

 

[Big Dave]

Hi Graeme, I think they refer to C Squadron ,1/1st Yorkshire Hussars , who landed at Le Harve ,18th April 1915 ,joined the 49th Division took part in the battle of Auburs Ridge 9-10th May 1915 (heavy casualties with very little gains though I can't find any hussars casualties ) .The regiment reformed after the battle joining XVII Corps Cavarly Regiment remaining on the western front right through the war.
Of local interest to me,living in the center of the recruiting area ( York ,Leeds , Knasborough,Harrogate)one of my local pubs in York was called the Yorkshire Hussar (sadly no longer open )

 

[Darkman]

Nice to have some pieces with local significance. York is a beautiful city with so much history preserved. I enjoyed it very much.