| Place | Oceania: Australia, South Australia |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM20432.002 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Artillery Accessory |
| Physical description | Paint, Steel |
| Maker |
Williams, Rayburn Keith |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | c 1942-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
VDC 3 inch Mortar Baseplate
Description
3 inch mortar baseplate made from steel plate. The baseplate has been reinforced with steel bars which have been welded across the surface. Anchor spikes have been welded to the bottom of the plate. The basplate is painted matt grey. There are no markings.
History / Summary
Baseplate used for instructional drill purposes with the 3 inch practice mortar barrel by the 2nd Battalion Australian Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC). The mortar was fabricated by Private Rayburn Keith Williams at his engineering shop. Private Williams was born in Adelaide, South Australia on 2 August 1905. He enlisted into the VDC on 28 March 1942 and served until 2 October 1945. The baseplate answered all drill requirements except for locking the breach piece which could be easily added.