The 25 Pounder Gun Howitzers
The British 25 Pounder Gun-Howitzer was probably the best artillery piece to see action anywhere during the Second World War. It was originally designed as a weapon capable of taking on a dual role, that of a traditional field gun with its relatively flat trajectory, and that of a howitzer with its high angle of fire. The 25 Pounder was developed from the 18 Pounder which saw extensive service in the First World War.
The gun fired a 25 pound (11.4 Kg) shell to a range of 11,500 yards (10515 metres), but with a supercharged propellant could achieve 13,400 yards (12,344 metres). Ammunition types included HE (High Explosive), smoke, flare and star-shell.
It was also discovered that the 25 Pounder made an excellent anti-tank weapon. A circular metal platform, carried underneath the guns could be dropped to the ground and the wheels placed on it as shown in the photograph. The gun could then be rapidly traversed to face an on-coming tank. The 25 Pounder was also adapted as a self-propelled gun using a Sherman tank chassis and named the ‘Sexton’.
| Projectile | 25Lbs (11.4Kg) |
|---|---|
| Range | 11,500 Yards (10,515 Metres) |
| Calibre | 3.45 Inch (87.5mm) |
| Rate of Fire | 10 Rounds per minute |
| Ammunition | HE, AP, Smoke, Illuminating |