Thornycroft Mk2 Depth Charge Launcher

[Gspragge]

I won this the other day after a brief skirmish.
Not the real thing , but produced by Thornycroft in any event.
Likely for promotional purposes and a company souviner etc., circa late 1917 -1918 into 1919 I expect.
These came in MK1 and Mk2 types the difference being the mounting of the launcher tube which is really a large bore short range mortar.
This size has a base size of 5" x 5 1/2", one one side of the tube a GV cypher and the other marked Thornycroft - Patent.
There were also examples for presentation in both marks made at twice the size, bases 10" x 10 1/2" aprox.

 

[Gspragge]

Does anyone have some images of the breech, drawings etc.
curious to know how it was loaded.

 

[ThomasP]

Here is a site that has some images of the DC thrower(s) as well as a couple of manuals for the Mk I and Mk II in their collection. Possibly worth contacting them?

"https://collections.hampshireculture.org.uk/collections-search?keywords=Depth charge throwers"

A semi-close-up of the breech mechanism for a WWII era Mk V.:
"https://collections.hampshireculture.org.uk/object/thornycroft-depth-charge-thrower-4"

 

[pzgr40]

Beautifull model, I'd love to have it.

 

[Gspragge]

Thanks, I had been to the site but didn't realize there were so many images. Rather complicated. I had a couple of years
ago a ww2 or (later) era pair of shop made launchers and depth charges , as a pair of book ends. I likely posted them here.
Not the same detail of course. But it does make one wonder if these were put out in pairs for the same purpose ?
I attach the presentation versions, these are twice the size of mine and both bear the same plaque. They were sold in the UK in two
separate auctions by the same firm. The cost of the winning bids was horrendous (well to me at anyrate, given the exchange rate of pound to Canadian $).
Mk1 & Mk2. These can be found online, be seated though for personal health and safety reasons

 

[Gspragge]

Tonight I noticed that the Depth Charge had a hinge at one end !
I gently pried the end cap off and here are the images. So what now were these sold as ? Bookends
is completely plausible or ? It's rather a good fit and not loose in place, no wonder the solder
join failed.
It is also evident that the Mk1 version also has this feature, it also looks to have been nickle or silver plated
with pitting evident.