QF 4.5 inch Howitzer

The QF 4.5 inch howitzer was the standard field ordnance deployed by the British Army during WW1 and WW2. This 114-mm-caliber howitzer had been introduced in 1908. It was massively produced, with more than 3,300 pieces, by the Coventry Ordnance Works and Vickers. It fired 15.6-kg HE shells to a maximum distance of 6.7 km.

Being relatively easy and light to tow to the battlefield, the QF 4.5 inch howitzer would remain in service until the end of 1943, as it was withdrawn from field formations right after the North African Campaign. It was replaced by the 25-pounder gun. In World War II, it was first used by the BEF in 1940, during the German invasion of France. For this armed conflict, its old wooden wheels were replaced by steel wheels with pneumatic tires.

Specifications

Type: field howitzer

Caliber: 114 mm (4.5 inch)

Barrel Length: 1.78 m (5 ft, 10 in)

Total Weight: 1,370 kg

Breech Type: horizontal sliding block

Elevation: -5 to +45 degrees

Traverse: 3 degrees to right and left

Carriage: box-trail

Muzzle Velocity: 310 m/s

Maximum Range: 6.7 km

Crew: 6

Below, Front view of the Ordnance QF 4.5-inch howitzer (WW2 version).

Rear view, with breech exposed, of same howitzer.