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Help with US Navy HE 6in (WW2)

MINENAZ16

Well-Known Member
Ordnance approved
Hello,

We found serveral times US Navy 6in HE shells (ww2 mediterranean sea) that I can't find in my documentation.
Every time fired shells were very damaged and very difficult to see details.
This week we found one in perfect condition so questions are :

-What is the Mk of this shell (it's not 6in Mk34) ?
(total length 678mm - length without plug 592mm - length without ring 577mm - base to band 25mm)


-No markings on body, fired band so no markings, but nice markings on base :

"B.C.13.22 LBS" : I assume it's explosive weight (explosive D)
"WT.COMP.105.60 LBS" : complete shell weight 105.60lbs
"AUX.D.F.MK17-3" : auxiliary detonating fuze Mk17-3
"B.D.F. MK28-6" : base fuze Mk28-6
"TR MK5-1.0.l.l." : tracer Mk5-1 (I don't understand "0.l.l"
"7/43" : date

-The shell is plugged (steel inert head plug, same shape as a navy fuze). As far as I know auxiliary fuze Mk17 needs a PDF to détonate.
Ok for the base fuze, but I don't understand the operation of the head fuze (?).



6in.JPG6in plug.jpg
 
It is my understanding, that standard HE shells, could be used in a Semi-Armor piercing role, by using a standard steel nose plug to give it some penetrating capability, with an aux-det fuze underneath that has the same delay as the base fuze, so it will penetrate before detonating. Aux Det fuzes do not require a fuze above them. That's why the steel nose plugs are threaded on the bottom, for the Aux det fuze to screw into.
 
Last edited:
See under “Use (1)”.
On plug AP P = Armor Piercing Plug
 

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Hi,

greif, this book looks interesting. Is there a pdf version available somewhere ?

Cheers,

S.
 
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