Petard Mortar

[kevinT]

I am looking for diagrams / pictures or reference material of the breech end of the petard mortar used on Mk IV Churchill tanks.
Anybody help?

Cheers
Kevin

I'm not sure that the Petard is actually a mortar. I believe that it is a hollow charge weapon that is placed against a target by a boomb arangement on the tank.
The Petard is actually an ancient weapon used to blow holes in castle walls or gates. The expression "Hoisted by one's own Petard" comes from the fact that sometimes the bomb exploded prematurely and the person igniting the bomb was blown up in the air by the explosion.
The only picture I have seen of a WW II Petard is in one of the War Amps videos. I believe Cliff Chadderton gives a brief description of it in his new book "EXCUSE US HERR SHICKLGRUBER". The book is available from the War Amps for $10.00 well worth it.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Kevin, try http://www.armourinfocus.co.uk/a22/

HTH,
Hanno

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally posted by kevinT
I am looking for diagrams / pictures or reference material of the breech end of the petard mortar used on Mk IV Churchill tanks.

Hi Kevin;

The Petard Mortar, or by it's proper name: Mortar, Recoiling, Spigot:

(Kevin, the Petard didn't have a breech, it was loaded by the muzzle)

Cheers

[kevinT]

Hi Mark,

Thank you for coming up with the goods again. I knew I could rely on you.
Apologies for calling it a breech. I knew it wasn't but couldn't think what the other end was called. I didn't know how it was fired from the inside. The round / shell / bomb was loaded by the driver so I understand. Leaving himself or at least his hands open to sniper fire.
Thanks again for the photo. Perfect.
Anything you're not too good at?

Cheers
Kevin

[Mark W. Tonner]

Hi Kevin;

Just some points you may find of interest.

Below:

- image A: the 40lb bomb fired by the Petard
- image B: the 40lb bomb with propellant unit attached
- image C: the loading position - the weapon was "broken" for loading
- image D: ready for firing.

Cheers

[Mark W. Tonner]

Hi Kevin;

Thought you might find this of interest also.

Churchill AVRE stowage sketch - exterior.

Cheers