British Ordnance Collectors Network
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No36 Striker without vent slot
- Thread starter Infanteer
- Start date
The slot was first invented in 1915 to try to overcome the problem of fuzes fastburning through by increasing ventilation. Some people say they were to be a part of the No 5 Mk II specification, but in 1916 there were still large stocks of the original strikers and although they started to appear in mid 1916 they did not become universal in the No 23 Mk I or Mk II until 1918.
I would say that for 1916 and 1917 the slotted striker made up about 10% of strikers, increasing to about 30% by the end of 1917. This is purely based upon what I have seen recovered from the Somme and Arras battlefields. Snufkin may have some actual numbers.
I've never seen a 23 Mk III or No 36 striker without a slot. So I would say your one may be a reject or more likely one taken off the production line before it was finished.
John
I would say that for 1916 and 1917 the slotted striker made up about 10% of strikers, increasing to about 30% by the end of 1917. This is purely based upon what I have seen recovered from the Somme and Arras battlefields. Snufkin may have some actual numbers.
I've never seen a 23 Mk III or No 36 striker without a slot. So I would say your one may be a reject or more likely one taken off the production line before it was finished.
John