Unknown primer (?) base

[GeoffR]

Unknown primer(?) base found on a beach near Harwich. A heavy lump distorted by explosion, about 5cm / 2 inches in diameter. Two dates appear to be RL 3 39 and RL 4/40. Would welcome any thoughts on what it might have come from.

 

[ozziammo]

GeoffR,

This is the remnants of a No.11 Gaine that sits under the time fuze, predominantly in the 3.7in AA gun.

There should be other threads that have dealt with the No.11 Gaine, do a search.

Regards Ozzi.

 

[GeoffR]

Thanks Ozzi, a search revealed just one mention - bloome's in Dec 08, where you posted a picture which matches perfectly.
Spotter's 'List of British Fuzes' links the No.11 with 6" naval/coastal guns. Both 6" coastal guns and 3.7" AA guns are potential sources in this area. In this example, where the remaining depth dimension is a little less than the diameter, could its heavy weight of 13oz (370gm) indicate the former and rule out the 3.7" guns?

With regards
Geoff

 

[ozziammo]

Mate, when these things go bang, anything can happen!

Without seeing it in its original prefired state in the round it was fired in, it is virtually impossible to predict what it was used in!

Happy Pondering.

Regards Ozzi

 

[GeoffR]

Ozzi, it was a long shot, but if you don't ask .....
I'll put my pondering hat on, but not for too long - looks like a step too far to resolve this one.

With regards
Geoff