25-pdr field gun on Carriage Mk II

[mcspool]

Took some pictures of a 25-pdr on Carriage Mk II recently (still on strength with the Netherlands Army, albeit as a gate guard!)

 

Who has more information about this particular model of 25-pdr gun?

 

All I know is the 25-pdr gun on Carriage Mk II had a narrowed axle, shield and firing platform. One source states this was done to enable the gun to be towed by a light vehicle ("probably LWB Land Rover"), another source states this conversion was carried out for jungle and airborne operations.

 

What was the exact purpose of this conversion? When was it carried out?

 

Thanks!

Hanno

 

 

 

 

 

More and larger pictures in my G503 album.

Edited January 30, 2009 by Marmite!!

[Grasshopper]

I remember reading in the Firepower museum that it was converted for jungle use, and could be towed by a jeep(?) or similar vehicle. I think the barrell was shortened too for more close range work. I think it may have been done for the Korean war, but I stand to be corrected.

[Great War truck]

That reminds me, i was approached by an old boy who was on 25 pdrs in Korea. While firing a barrage the round blew up in the barrel of his 25pdr blowing the gun to bits. None of the crew were hurt which was a bit miraculous. The RSM took the crew off another 25pdr and made the ones who's gun had just blown up carry on using that one instead. Psychology i suppose. He showed me all the photos. It was amazing that none of them were killed.

 

Tim (too)

[Mark]

That is a lovely looking bit of kit

[Tony B]

Ask keith Brigstock, just allow the rest of night for the answer. :-D Nice gun, is it welded down? would look good behind a Dodge. :drool:

[Richard Farrant]

Here is a photo of the Jungle 25pdr from The Rotunda, outside my workshop after restoration. It is the one now on display at the Firepower museum.

 

Hanno was asking of its purpose, well in hill country, as in the Far East, more elevation is required, so the trail breaks its back to enable this, the narrow track for obvious reasons. I think in heavy going, a jeep would struggle because of the weight imposed on the tow hook. This example has a normal width shield fitted, and it had been on display like this for years previously.

 

Richard