British WW2 4.5in 8cwt case

[Vasco Da Gama]

This interesting case turned up recently, not one I have found before. The 4.5in 8 cwt started life as an Army weapon, potentially to arm the Churchill AVRE tanks. This did not come to pass and the Navy then took over development as a weapon to arm motor gun boats. My understanding is a small number did see service but after WW2. The case is unusual as it started life as a 3.7in anti-aircraft case before being converted to 4.5in. Length 249mm, rim 135mm and mouth 115mm.
Pictured alongside a 2pdr tank case for comparison.

 

[ydnum303]

Very interesting; have never seen one of these before.

What projectile went with it? Surely not the standard 4.5" Naval Gun shell? Does anyone have a photo or drawing of the complete round?

Roger.

 

[tankbarrell]

A photo comes up on a google search.

 

[TimG]

Some further information - http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNBR_45-19_mk1.php

TimG

 

[Quatermass]

Case and container.

 

[tankbarrell]

Is that box a C263 or a C320?

 

[Quatermass]

1943 dated C263, exterior painted naval stone over original green.

 

[tankbarrell]

So a repurposed 6 pdr 7cwt box. I wondered if it were the original use for the C320 as I haven't been able to find out what that was for.

 

[AE501]

Is your Box a C263 or a C263A?

 

[Quatermass]

Box is C263

My understanding is the C320 is for 20 Pr paper shot.

 

[tankbarrell]

I think they pre-date 20 pr but do you have a reference for that?

 

[AE501]

The C320 was used with the Cartridge 105mm L7 Tank gun Paper Shot but I do not know about the 20 Pr .

 

[tankbarrell]

I have a couple of C320 boxes, both dated 1944, I wonder what the original intended use was?

 

[Falcon]

Interesting post. I did not know these existed.