[Rod Bellars (RIP)]

okay this is second one for the day as realized I need parts here as well the18pdr was made in various marks on of the final being the mk5 split carridge which increased elevation on other marks considerably when the BEF began upgrading in 1938 only 70 mk2 breach rings were made and many of the latest models of 18pdr were upgraded to 25pdr or as it was initially called 3.45'' gun which is observed on early shell cases . The commonest converted guns with new barrel liners fitted were mk3/4 18pdr with classic howitzer trail and mk5 with modern split trail . Australia got a few of each but numbers are uncertain and Gower had no definitive numbers I have seen two mk4 conversions here in rough shape and this mk5 and remians of another .

The mk 5 was apparently issued to 2/7th field regt and may have been use d on the attack on Bardia Gower claims no local issuance and AWM told the felllow who found this gun they dont exist in Australia ahowing a lack of accurate records ,

This gun was sold for scrap before wars end with demolition work on it the barrel and recoil both had charges placed on it I assume training demolition techs when obscolete in 43-44 era , My gun was taken to a farm and stripped for the trails to use as a super phospate spreader and later scrapped when time wore its down . The screap man recovered the chasis and other parts that were taken off still lying around the shed and the fellow i Got it off started putting it back together until i bought it off him .The barrel currenlty fitted is a 18pdr mk4 iv barrel as the 25pounder one was badly damaged and will be rebuilt and externally they are identical

I am after following parts should anyone find them the arc on right side of gun for ranging not unlike a smaller version of a 5.5" mine is present but badly corroded from years in dirt other side of gun needs the sight mount and bar with cup and also needed is the front broze recoil cap . The gun displays well as it is but thats no reason not to make it better as well the lower shield is a copy I do have original fittings and may do this up some more if i cant soure a real one enjoy the shots of this rare beasty I believe their is a mk5 18pdr in NZ anyone know of any other mk5's?
shots of gun and orignal breach ring attached ,breach rings were upgraded with extra stop on them to 18pdr ones and were restamped as such and with a P for pneumatic tyres . Most BEF ones were lost in France and some were re-used by the Germans also some use of them in North Africa was made as stop gap anti tank guns as well

finally i was so keen to pick this one up i was caught speeding with a trailer on and lost 3 points on my licence :-( well at least it gave more revenue to our needy government if we look on the bright side :-)