| Accession Number | RELAWM05041.001 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Artillery Accessory |
| Physical description | Steel |
| Maker |
Hotchkiss, Elswick Ordnance Company |
| Place made | United Kingdom: England |
| Date made | 1917 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
6 pounder Hotchkiss QF Mk II 6 cwt Gun shield
Description
This gun shield was fitted to a 6 pounder Hotchkiss QF Mk II 6 cwt gun (RELAWM05041).
The shield is made from 10 mm steel plate. It is painted grey and bears 'ghost' marks on the inner surface, the outline which conforms with the gun to which it was originally bolted.
The gun type to which this was fitted served as the main armament on the Mark IV Male tanks during the First World War. It was also fitted to naval vessels. This example is one of the latter types. The shield is substantially larger in height than could be accomodated within a tank sponson.
History / Summary
The 6 pounder 6 cwt Mk II gun was introduced on the Mk IV Male tank in British Army tank units in January 1917 as a substitute for the long barrelled Hotchkiss QF 6 pdr 8 cwt gun which often contacted the ground or other obstacles when crossing uneven surfaces.