WW2 Primer ? What from?

[Millsman]

This item came out of a box of field found relics from the Somme Battlefield.

On cleaning it up it has a headstamp of RL 145 1 42 VI

So obviously British Royal Laboratories made - January 1942 - but I've no idea what it is from as it's not threaded to fit a shell. The primer has been struck.

Any help appreciated.

John

 

[Snufkin]

John, it looks to be a Tube, [FONT=Verdana,Arial,Tahoma,Calibri,Geneva,sans-serif]V[/FONT]ent, Percusion .5-in MkVI. TimG put a chart up on post #5 here:

http://www.bocn.co.uk/vbforum/threa...ify-these-cartridge-cases?highlight=vent+tube




Tom

 

[strakv]

This is a Vent tube Mark VI for breech loading guns.

 

[Millsman]

Thanks Tom and Strakv.

I'm still not any wiser on what they fitted into.

What purpose do the cork particles serve?

Help!

 

[TimG]

They are used with bagged charges and perform the same function as primers in cartridge cases.

Cork particles?

TimG

 

[Millsman]

They are used with bagged charges and perform the same function as primers in cartridge cases.

Cork particles?

TimG

Sorry Tim

It's the cork plugs and what appears to be pellets.

Were these primers inserted into a special hole in the breech?

 

[tankbarrell]

 

[Millsman]

Many thanks, it's coming clear now.

What calibre of artillery would this have been used with in WW2? Pretty heavy stuff I would think.

 

[tankbarrell]

4.5", 5.5" and 7.2", I should imagine, possibly others.

 

[TimG]

Post war these were shown as only being used on Coast Artillery, BL 6" and BL 9.2" and were for use in emergencies if the electrical system had failed (the .5" is available in an electrically fired version).

The function of the cork was to seal the end of the tube.

Some of the G.P. was in pellet form to control the rate of burn.

TimG