4.5-inch Howitzer data sheet

BRITISH ARTILLERY IN WORLD WAR 2

Updated 14 June 2014

Conversion factors to metric measurement

Ordnance, Q.F. 4.5-inch How Mk 2 on Carriage Mk 1P

The 4.5-inch Howitzer was introduced before WW1. It was a 'light howitzer' and the equivalent of the German 10.5 cm howitzer of that period. It was used in various theatres in the first 2 or 3 years of WW2. During the 1930s it was modified for vehicle towing, first with solid rubber types (Mk 1R carriage) then the Mk 1P with with pneumatic tyred wheels and appropriate brakes. It was replaced by the 25-pdr. It was important after the fall of France because only a relatively small proportion of 4.5-inch How were lost. This gun had nothing is common with the 4.5-inch Gun or 4.5-inch AA or Naval guns.

Calibre	4.5 inches	Barrel length Bore length	70 inches 13.4 calibres	Rifling	32 grooves, 1 in 20 uniform twist	Chamber capacity	100 cubic inches
Barrel	Built-up A tube & jacket	Breech	Horizontal sliding block	Recuperator	Hydro-pneumatic	Sights	Reciprocating & non-calibrating
Carriage configuration	Box trail	Max elevation	-5� to 45�	Top traverse	3� L & R	Loading angle
Basic Weight	1.5 tons	Length (muzzle to towing eye)	9.1 feet	Trunnion height	3.8 feet	Width at wheel hubs	6.7 feet

Standard HE Shell Mk 16
Length (less fuze)	13.42 inches	Calibre radius head	3	Body Diameter	4.49 inches	Driving Band Diameter	4.64 inches	Weight (incl fuze)	35 lbs	Explosive Weight	4.3 lbs

Charge

New Gun MV

RT MV

RT Max Range

Time of Flight @ Max Range

Probable Error @ Max Range

Approx Propellant Weight

1	600 f/s	550 f/s	2,700 yds	19 secs	50 yds	0.4 lbs
2	613 f/s	630 f/s	3,300 yds	22 secs	45 yds	0.5 lbs
3	705 f/s	700 f/s	3,900 yds	24 secs	45 yds	0.6 lbs
4	827 f/s	820 f/s	4,900 yds	28 secs	40 yds	0.7 lbs
5	1017 f/s	1000 f/s	6,600 yds	35 secs	45 yds	1 lbs

Rates of fire	Gunfire	Intense	Rapid	Normal	Slow	Very slow
Rounds/Minute		4	3	2	1	�

Normal Detachment

6 men

Gun Tractor

Artillery Trailer

No 26, 30

1st Line Ammo (per gun)

VARIANTS

The Mk 1 ordnance had a 1:15 twist.

Picture List

Q.F. 4.5-inch How Mk 2 on Carriage Mk 1P - front view
Q.F. 4.5-inch How Mk 2 on Carriage Mk 1P - rear view

Gun Detachment duties in action:

No 1	Detachment Commander	No 2	Breech and gun rule
No 3	Layer, fire gun	No 4	Loader
No 5	Ammunition	No 6	Ammunition

Equipment Publications:
(Post WW1)
Range Tables Part 1:
40/WO/6503           Standard projectile, 1918.
40/WO/9039           Standard projectile, HE fuzed No 106, 1924.
26/Manuals/913      Standard projectile, 34� lbs, 3 CRH, 1931.
26/Manuals/2555    HE, Mk 1D (Streamline), 1940.
26/Manuals/2763    Supplement for Smoke Shell, BE, Fuzed T&P No 220, 1941.

Gun Drill:
26/Manuals/1434 QF 4.5-inch Mks 1 & 2 Howitzer on Mks 1 & 1R Field Carriage, 1934.
26/GS Pubs/655 QF 4.5-inch Mks 1 & 2 Howitzer on Mks 1 & 1P Field Carriage, 1940.

Handbook:
26/Manuals/153 QF 4.5-inch Mks 1 & 2 Howitzer on Mks 1 & 1A Field Carriage, 1927.
226/Pubs/33 QF 4.5-inch Mks 1 & 2 Howitzer on Carriage 4.5-inch Howitzer Mks 1, 1P, 1PA & 1R, 1940.

Identification List:
57/Guns/421        QF 4.5-inch Mks 1 & 2 Howitzer on Mks 1 & 1R Field Carriage, Carriage and Ammunition Wagon
                          Limber Mks 1 & 1R, Ammunition Wagon QF 4.5-inch Howitzer, 1928.
57/Guns/2283      QF 4.5-inch Mks 1 & 2 Howitzer on Mk 1P Carriage, & No 26 Artillery Trailer, 1941.

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