Airborne 6 pdr

[rnixartillery]

I have finally made time and effort to get my Airborne 6 pounder back home .
This is the real deal and I think the only complete one in the UK and one of a handful surviving in the world today, an extremely rare breed of the infamous 6pdr.
I will carry out an extensive restoration once the 2 pounder has been completed.

Rob..................rnixartillery.

[Alex van de Wetering]

Wow Rob, that's a great find....very nice. I was surprised to see one at the Bastogne Barracks a few years ago; it's now displayed in the vehicle exhibition hall.
Apart from the Bastogne one, the monument-one in Renkum, the one at the Airborne Museum Oosterbeek and now yours, I haven't seen any other survivors.....but I am sure you know more far more about the subject and any other surviving examples.

Do you know how many were made in total?

Alex

[Niels V]

For the untrained how does it differ from the normal 6 pdr. From the looks it seems to be in good condition, why the need for an extensive restoration
Very nice license plate by the way

[rnixartillery]

Alex ,I don't know exactly how many were converted as I cannot find much info on these Guns. One nice touch I found many years ago was a small arms training manual for the 6 pounder belonging to an airborne gunner for the standard weapon. He has been through it and amended it based on the airborne configuration with lots of neat drawings and notes explaining were it was altered.

Niels ,as you will know the modifications were to make it Glider transportable and towable by jeep.
Without going into it too much detail the axle was shortened to reduce width so the shield was altered to suit with the elevation gear re-designed and relocated on top of the rack, the trails were hinged to reduce length and an alternate perch fitted for Jeep towing purpose.
Although this particular gun has resided in a museum for many years it has always been privately owned, it is in good order but requires a fresh restoration.

Rob....................rnixartillery.

[Tim Bell]

Rob

Nice to see you have it home - very nice!

Will have to pop over again sometime.

Cheers

Tim

[Robin Craig]

Rob,

as a post war heathen, that I am, it almost seems from this distance to be a stepping stone in the genesis towards the 105 pack howitzer aka the spaghetti gun.

Great find and good luck with it.

[tankbarrell]

Nice one Rob, I didn't realise that was privately owned.

[rnixartillery]

Negotiation has been long and hard but I believe this to be the icing on a cake I have been baking for almost 30 years and now have everything on my wish list covered.
I have spent the Morning cleaning the old grease from the breech and giving it an oiling and 'dressed it up' a bit with some original canvass and accessories I have before pushing it into the display room along side the standard 6 pdr.
I am looking for a sight adapter as some light fingered twat has stolen the one from the gun also looking for the leather arm rest if anyone can help, buy or trade.
Anyone who shares the same interest is welcome to visit and have a look around ,one thing we have plenty of is tea !

Rob...................rnixartillery.

[Tim Bell]

Rob

Would this be Carriage Mk3?

Do you have Military College of Science Publication - Notes on Field Artillery Equipment - Pamphlet No 3 - Carriages 6pdr Mk1 and Mk3?

The section on Carriage Mk3 says this is Mk1 Carriage modified for transport by air.

This lists the differences between the Carriages, has a section on disassembly and assembly, then care and maintenance, plus stores list and lubrication guide.

If you are interested, I can scan this document and send to you.

(This also records detail for Carriage Mk1 for anyone with the regular 6pdr).

Tim

[tankbarrell]

I'd have a copy of that please Tim.

[rnixartillery]

Originally Posted by Tim Bell

Rob

Would this be Carriage Mk3?

Do you have Military College of Science Publication - Notes on Field Artillery Equipment - Pamphlet No 3 - Carriages 6pdr Mk1 and Mk3?

The section on Carriage Mk3 says this is Mk1 Carriage modified for transport by air.

This lists the differences between the Carriages, has a section on disassembly and assembly, then care and maintenance, plus stores list and lubrication guide.

If you are interested, I can scan this document and send to you.

(This also records detail for Carriage Mk1 for anyone with the regular 6pdr).

Tim

Tim,

That would be most appreciated ,happy to cover any costs .
One thing Which is very evident is that even on the airborne conversion there are quite a few variations and slight differences.

I'll post a few pics of it dressed when it stops raining !

Rob.....................rnixartillery

[Tim Bell]

Originally Posted by rnixartillery

Tim,

That would be most appreciated ,happy to cover any costs .
One thing Which is very evident is that even on the airborne conversion there are quite a few variations and slight differences.

I'll post a few pics of it dressed when it stops raining !

Rob.....................rnixartillery

Rob

I've scanned and published it here...

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...d=1#post225809

Tim

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Great find, Rob!

Amazing to see the number of rare British artillery pieces you have preserved and restored

Keep up the good work

[rnixartillery]

Originally Posted by Tim Bell

Rob

I've scanned and published it here...

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...d=1#post225809

Tim

Thank you Tim !

Rob.......................rnixartillery.

[rnixartillery]

Well its tucked away for the time being until Its turn in the workshop although it doesn't look bad with some kit attached.


Rob.....................rnixartillery.

[Petr Brezina]

Very, very nice!