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9.45 inch mortar fuze
- Thread starter lcn
- Start date
I have found reference to the No31 fuze used with the 9.45 trench mortar also known as the flying Pig
Developed from the French 240mm Mortar in 1915, the British began to field this weapon towards the end of 1916 after a troublesome testing process during the previous summer. The first version of the 9.45-Inch Mortar to reach the battlefields of France, was known as the Mark I. During 1917, the Mark I (and Mk. II) were gradually replaced by the Mark III Heavy Trench Mortar.
Caliber: 9.45 Inch (240mm).
Ammunition Type(s): High Explosive, Chemical Filled (not fielded).
Bursting Charge: Amotol or Ammoal 80/20.
Bomb Weight: 179 lbs.
Maximum Range: 2,265 yds.
Elevation: 80 (?) Maximum, 45 Minimum.
Traverse: +/-? mils from center.
Length of assembled steel barrel: 79.3 in.
Weight with elevating gear (minus platform): 644 lbs.
Developed from the French 240mm Mortar in 1915, the British began to field this weapon towards the end of 1916 after a troublesome testing process during the previous summer. The first version of the 9.45-Inch Mortar to reach the battlefields of France, was known as the Mark I. During 1917, the Mark I (and Mk. II) were gradually replaced by the Mark III Heavy Trench Mortar.
A formidable weapon, the Mark I bomb with No. 31 time fuse fired from this weapon would demolish 10 yards of trench section and would produce a crater 10 feet deep by 30 feet in diameter in fairly compacted earth. The bomb became affectionately known as the "The Flying Pig" in reference to its size, shape and flight visual.
Assigned to the Royal Garrison Artillery, the 9.45-Inch Mortar, Mark III, was to become the standard heavy mortar for the remainder of the Great War, and by 1918, there were four 9.45-Inch Heavy Trench Mortars assigned per each Heavy Trench Mortar Battery. The HTMB's reported to the Divisional Commander until 1918 when all HTMB's were reorganized at the Corps Level. This weapon was also used in action on the Western Front by the Australians.
Normal Crew complement consisted of three Officers and 66 other ranks per HTM Battery.
Actual DataAssigned to the Royal Garrison Artillery, the 9.45-Inch Mortar, Mark III, was to become the standard heavy mortar for the remainder of the Great War, and by 1918, there were four 9.45-Inch Heavy Trench Mortars assigned per each Heavy Trench Mortar Battery. The HTMB's reported to the Divisional Commander until 1918 when all HTMB's were reorganized at the Corps Level. This weapon was also used in action on the Western Front by the Australians.
Normal Crew complement consisted of three Officers and 66 other ranks per HTM Battery.
Caliber: 9.45 Inch (240mm).
Ammunition Type(s): High Explosive, Chemical Filled (not fielded).
Bursting Charge: Amotol or Ammoal 80/20.
Bomb Weight: 179 lbs.
Maximum Range: 2,265 yds.
Elevation: 80 (?) Maximum, 45 Minimum.
Traverse: +/-? mils from center.
Length of assembled steel barrel: 79.3 in.
Weight with elevating gear (minus platform): 644 lbs.
Production Figures:
Mark I, (1916 to 1917): 203.
Mark II, (1917 to 1918): 336.
Mark III, (1917 to 1918): 162.
Mark IV, (1917 to 1918): 11.
Total 9.45-Inch Mortar production (1916 to 1918): 712
Total Bomb production of all 9.45-Inch ammunition (1916 to 1918): 338,915 rounds
Mark I, (1916 to 1917): 203.
Mark II, (1917 to 1918): 336.
Mark III, (1917 to 1918): 162.
Mark IV, (1917 to 1918): 11.
Total 9.45-Inch Mortar production (1916 to 1918): 712
Total Bomb production of all 9.45-Inch ammunition (1916 to 1918): 338,915 rounds
