British 2Pdr AA Projectiles

[Vasco Da Gama]

Pictured are 2 WW2 British 2pdr naval anti-aircraft projectiles. The first (with the steel nose plug) is marked P, Mk VIII and is dated 4/43. I think that the shape and lack of high velocity stamping indicates that this is what may be termed the low velocity practise projectile. The second (with the brass transit plug) is marked HV, B1T and is dated 1/40 and I guess is the high velocity tracer projectile. The only real difference is the HV projectile tapers towards the nose and the fuse diameter is smaller 32mm against 38mm. It is my understanding that the Royal Navy was looking for better performance from their 2pdr AA guns before the start of WW2 and gained a greater muzzle velocity by introducing a more powerful loading and a lighter projectile, the differences in these projectile would appear to fit in with this reasoning. As always glad to have your comments.

 

[tigbrand]

Your plugged practice is a hard shell to find with its original band. The transit plug is a rare thing. I have been after one for 15 years! Can you post bigger pics please,cheers Tig.

 

[Vasco Da Gama]

Transit Plug pictures

Hopefully the pictures below will help, the WW1 projectile is thrown in just for interest! I also managed to remove the transit plug (Bakelite) from the base, I assume that this projectile had an internal tracer. Marking on the end of the tracer plug; P14, I/N, 1939, BCM, SIL/3.

 

[tigbrand]

Thanks for the extra pics,much appreciated. Yes,your HV shell had an internal Tracer. I posted some pics of these recently,there are two types. Thanks Tig.