Darwin

[Mike Cecil]

Interesting image Mike.



The projectile appears to be a 6 inch High Explosive Practice round, indicated by the black band around the body about half way up. HE is indicated by the buff colour of the projectile.



The 2 inch wide black band around the body immediately above the driving band indicates the shell is suitable for both the 6 inch gun and 6 inch howitzer, ie is common to both. I cannot see a red filling ring near the top of the body/base of the fuze, so this may be an inert prac round.


The belt worn by the gunner has the brass 'Tube, Vent-sealing..' either percussion or electric, depending upon the weapon set-up. These are used in Breech Loading (BL) guns firing bag charge - the propellant charge is contained in a bag, often of silk cloth, with an igniter at the end placed nearest to the vent. When the vent tube is set off, it flashes forward and sets off the igniter, which in turn ignites the cordite propellant charge.


Thanks for posting the link.


Mike