2 Pounder Anti-Tank Gun

This gun is an Australian manufactured quick firing 2 pounder anti tank gun mounted on a Mark II carriage. The gun barrel is of monobloc design and features a percussion fired, semi-automatic vertical sliding breech block. The recoil system uses the hydrospring mechanism. The barrel has twelve grooves and a uniform right hand twist. There is no breech block and the bolts securing the semi- automatic gear have been removed. The carriage is mounted on pneumatic tyred (7.50 x 16 inches) wheels of light metal alloy which are detachable when in the firing position. A sight is fitted to the left side (telescopic sight missing) and a shield sight is provided for rapid laying. A shield is mounted for crew protection and a seat is provided for the gunner. For travelling purposes, the two front outer portions of the trail legs can be folded upwards and clamped. The swivel trail eye for tractor connection on the rear trail is missing. A handspike is attached to the rear leg. On the right side is a metal ammunition locker on top of which is a case for tools and spare parts. Markings - "Ordnance QF2 indr MK 1X and X on carriage Serial No CT/ 4912, FL 4876676 Barrel No.L/11060, Breech Ring No. L/11060, manufactured by GM Holdens 1941. The weapon has an overall olive drab colour scheme.

The 2 pdr anti tank gun was the standard anti tank gun of British and Australian forces at the beginning of the Second World War. This weapon was used by the 2/21 Australian Infantry Battalion in the defence of Ambon in early 1942. The gun was captured by the Japanese and recovered by the Australians after occupation of Ambon immediately after the unconditional Japanese surrender in September 1945.

The battle between the Australians and invading Imperial Japanese on the Indonesian (then known as the Dutch East Indies) Ambon and subsequent war crimes committed by the Japanese is one of the most tragic theatres of operations in which Australians fought during the Second World War. This 2 pounder Anti Tank Gun is a physical reminder of this story.

File number: 743/1/25. Land Ops (Morotai) advised MHS Sydney on 14/12/45 the following item held at Ambon "Ordnance QF2 indr MK 1X and X on carriage Serial No CT/ 4912, FL 4876676 Barrel No.L/11060, Breech Ring No. L/11060, manufactured by GM Holdens 1941. Breech Block missing.