Aircraft catapult launch cartridge?

[Darkman]

I saw this modified 3 Pr cart case at a local auction recently. I’ve been told that it’s a naval
aircraft catapult launch cartridge. I’ve seen photos of Sea Hurricanes on launch rails for protection of merchant navy ships. The headstamp was 3 Pr RL 1941 TRE (presumably RNAD Trecwn carried out the conversion). About half of the neck had been removed and the solid brass perforated attachment fitted over the top. Would someone have more information and be able to verify that it’s a catapult launch cartridge?
Thanks, Graeme

 

[TimG]

@Darkman
Graeme,
I doubt it. The warships used a steel case of about 4.5 inches in diameter. The 'Hurricat' used a rocket catapult, which I would imagine was something akin to a U3.
TRE is indeed RNAD Trecwn.

TimG

 

[Darkman]

Thanks Tim,

This is actually the second case modified like this I’ve seen, with the exact same mouth fitting. The perforated fitting is very well made. I’d say these cases have a genuine naval use as some sort of launching charge. The other case was stamped No. 5 Mk 1 (relating to the conversion) and NOD (Naval Ordnance Depot?) Has a post WW2 conversion date of 1950. Strangely the case has had a larger No. 1 Mk II primer fitted.

Graeme