Bofors 40mm Mk1 carriage

[Godwin Hampton]

The riveted Mk 1 carriage (or platform, as it was known officially) was the original Swedish design, and was most probably never manufactured by the British or Commonwealth factories. A simpler design was used, without any suspension and with axles that would be removed for firing.

The Americans, on the other hand, adapted the Swedish design to their manufacturing methods, preferring welding to riveting.

So the Bofors in the photo could well be an American model being used by the British Army.

All versions were used up till the end of the war and beyond, as they were not considered at all 'old'. Remember the British Army in 1944 was still using a rifle introduced in 1907!

If it works well, it's still good....