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A new arrival to the collection which is most welcome, a very complete and original 120mm Battalion Anti-Tank Gun L2.

There are not that many of these weapons around these days and most have some part or the other missing so I should think this is one of the best example in the UK.

This will be displayed along side the MOBAT but the issue now is whether to go the whole hog and acquire a Wombat and Conbat ............:nut:

 

 

Rob.......................rnixartillery

bat 1.jpg

bat4.jpg

bat5.jpg

bat6.jpg

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What sort of ammunition does this fire, is it separate components or a one piece round? How is it actually fired as there doesn't seem to be anywhere for the firing pin to be mounted? Rim fired? for want of a better expression!

It looked very ungainly behind the carrier, not very well balanced at all being tail heavy. Does the hitch have any affect on the barrel life? and is it rifled?

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Okay ,well the BAT fires a 120mm fixed HESH (High Explosive Squash Head )Round and weighed just over 59 lbs,remember this weapon was introduced to replace the 17 pdr anti-tank Gun but this was down to development in Ammunition.

The round was ignited through an electrical connection so did away with the conventional Firing mechanism.

The L2 BAT didn't stay in service for very long partly to the fact the shield made it very cumbersome and difficult to manhandle in the field thus removing the weighty shield and giving us the MOBAT making it quarter of a ton lighter but giving the crew no protection.

The hitch did not affect the barrel which is rifled but it was under slung when reborn as the MOBAT.

Hope this answers some questions.

 

 

 

Rob..................rnixartillery

DSCF0964.jpg

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Thanks Rob. A few more questions for you. I presume the round goes in through the conical end after the breech block is opened/lifted and is held in by breech block and rim as per .303 cartridges. When it is fired does a portion of the propellant gas get diverted out the back to counteract the recoil? Is the shell case ejected upon opening/lifting the breech block?

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Thanks Rob. A few more questions for you. I presume the round goes in through the conical end after the breech block is opened/lifted and is held in by breech block and rim as per .303 cartridges. When it is fired does a portion of the propellant gas get diverted out the back to counteract the recoil? Is the shell case ejected upon opening/lifting the breech block?

 

Yes the back blast is expelled through the venturi and it is pretty impressive baring in mind the size of the cartridge and amount of propellant ! :shocked:

Once the Breech Block is dropped the conventional shell ejectors remove the spent cartridge from the chamber.

 

Rob................rnixartillery.

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With the tow hook mounted above the barrel was there a risk of filling the barrel with mud when being taken cross country?

Or is a barrel cover fitted?

 

Yes It would have a barrel plug and a breech/venturi cover fitted when towed.

 

 

 

Rob....................rnixartillery

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