3" Mortar information

[Darrin Wright]

I have several questions related to 3" Mortar and associated CES that goes with them.
By asking my questions in this thread, I hope to learn and build an information base for those that have info and require info.

Base plates
I have attached several pics showing a rectangular base plate and a plate with tapered corners/edges. Why is this?
I have heard that there was a modification/build change late in the war and that all early base plates were scrapped and replaced with the new rectangular model base plate?

How many aiming posts are utilised with the mortar?

[lynx42]

Hi Darrin,

My 3" mortar has the later base plate as pictured in two of your photos. I have no idea when the change took place. It will be interesting to see the reply's. I have 2 aiming posts and lights in the CES kit for mine.

Regards Rick.

[Mike Cecil]

Darrin,

Try the following NAA files, they may provide an answer. Some are open, some are scanned, a few are closed (NYE) (you'll have to apply to have them opened):

NAA Barcode: (use advanced search)
365436
448758
1039482 - NYE
1039484 - NYE
4330497
4330876

I only have the Aust 1937 training pam, which is not provide much.

Mike

[Tim Bell]

Always believed the base plate with holes in was lightened for Airborne use.

Tim

[Lynn Eades]

Are we talking about Australian made 3" mortars, in this thread?
I'm guessing there were variations. New Zealand Railways built them here.
(I know nothing about them and have just posted for clarity)

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

British 3" made in 1944. The base plate has no holes or tapers around the edges and has a chain at the back for lifting instead of rope. The leather case is C/|\ marked but had a slip of paper inside with Greek instructions.

And it's little brother. Does anyone out there know where I can get a muzzle cap for a 2" mortar?

I have a copy of the 3" manual if there's anything specific you'd like to hear about.

[Chevrolet 41]

Hi All,

I understand the white stripe on the base plate provided direction for night shooting so the crewmen knew the direction to lay the base plate down i.e. in the direction they were going to drop some ordanance.

Just glad I never had to carry the bipod any distance!

Cheers

[Godwin Hampton]

Chevrolet41

My impression is that the white line was added post-war.

The white line was NOT for aiming the mortar at night - for that you had the night aiming lamp - but for aligning the base plate with the 'zero line'.

The section commander would decide where to site the mortar/s and would plant a small flag. He would then establish the direction of the target from the flag, and an aiming post would be planted away from the site. So the imaginary line flag - post - target would be the 'zero line'.

The base plate would then be placed close to the flag, with the white line in line with the flag and the post i.e. on the 'zero line'. The flag was then removed.

The white line was offset to be in line with the sight, not the barrel, as you aim with the sight! The offset would make no difference at the target....you would not be sniping with a 3" Mortar!