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2 Inch Mortar Smoke Bomb
There were two types of smoke bombs one filled with smoke composition (HCE) the other filled with white phosphorous (W.P.). The drill for using the two types was that a screen as begun with W.P. to give immediate screening, followed by H.C.E. and gaps filled with W.P. In the photograph above you can just make out 3 holes in the tail fin shaft. In all there were 18 holes around this shaft through which the smoke or W.P. would escape - there are also four holes around the base of the tail fin.. All smoke bombs were pained green. The red band indicates that it is filled, an additional white band would indicate W.P. The bombs were propelled by a ballistic cartridge fitted in the tail. HCE: The flash from the cartridge ignited a priming mixture which in turn set of the smoke composition itself. A trail of smoke was by the bomb as it lobbed through the air. The composition itself would burn for approximately 1.25 minutes. W.P.: The white phosphorous bombs were fitted with a fuse which would detonate upon impact. The fuse itself had a protective cap which was removed prior to firing. Note: All ammunition items displayed are free from explosives and weapons deactivated. |
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The photograph above shows a 75mm High Explosive round on the left and a 75mm Armoured Piercing Capped round on the right. A key advantage of the 75mm weapon was the ability to fire standard American ammunition (APC- M61, HE M48) as well as British manufactured rounds. In addition to these rounds there would also have been a small percentage of 75mm smoke rounds (Shell Smoke MkII or M89) which would have been stowed in the hull an passed to the loader by the co-driver as and when required.
Note: All ammunition items displayed are free from explosives and weapons deactivated. |
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7.92mm Besa
Know also as "expendable liners" or "linings", these boxes had tear of lids(either side of the central bridge. The box would be contain a single 255 round belt, folded into layers, each layer being separated by a feil strip. The cord running aroud the box is to faciliate its removal from a wooden the packing box (each containing two tinned plate liners) The Besa amunition was carried in a 225 round belt. Two examples of belt are shown below, the MkI has metal links whilst for the MkII belt the ammunition is clamped to a canvas webbing.
Note: All ammunition items displayed are free from explosives and weapons deactivated.
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Note: All ammunition items displayed are free from explosives and weapons deactivated. |
