| Accession Number | RELAWM07139 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Munition |
| Physical description | Brass, Copper, Paint |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
9.2 inch High-Explosive Howitzer Shell, sectioned
Description
This sectioned shell has a 75mm thick copper driving band at bottom. Although scratched in part and revealing the brass underneath, traces of the original mustard yellow paint are still visible. Stamped at top is "9.2 HOW [illegible] / 272294" in black paint. Illegible details are also stamped below in black ink. The travelling plug is still attached to the shell.
History / Summary
High-Explosive shell for use by a 9.2 inch Breech Loading (BL) Howitzer. The 9.2-inch Howitzer was the largest artillery piece used by Australians in the war, and remains the largest used in land battle in the history of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery. Guns of different sizes fired a range of shells, including high-explosive (HE), shrapnel, gas, and smoke. High Explosive shells were used almost exclusively.
The shells weighed 290lb and had a maximum range of 10,060 yards when fired from a 9.2 inch Howitzer Mk. I. When fired form the 9.2 inch Howitzer Mk. II, the shell had a range of 13, 935 yards.