ORDNANCE QF 18 PDR Mk. IV & Mk. V

ORDNANCE QF 18 PDR Mk. IV & Mk. V
Image: Ordnance QF 18 pdr Mk. IV (IWM)
Year1923
Weapon TypeLight Field Gun
Origin & DesignerBritain/Various
Numbers Produced472 (All Models)
Crew6 (Gun Sergeant, Gunner, Loader, Range Setter & 2 x Ammunition Bearers)
Calibre83.8mm (84.x295R)
Elevation-5° to +37° (Mk. IVP) -5° to +50° Mk. VP)
Traverse360° (Mk. IVP) 25° Left & Right (Mk. VP)
BreechAsbury/Wellin Screw
RecoilHydropneumatic
Gun SightNo. 22
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
CarriageBox Trail (Mk. IVP) Split Trail (Mk. VP)
Trailers[@trailers]
Gun Shield[@gun_shield]
Armoured Plate[@armoured_plate]
Barrel Length2.463mm (L/28)
Overall Length5.029m
Width[@width]
Height[@height]
WeightWeight in Traction: 1.968 kg
Weight in Action: 1.413 kg
Round WeightHE: 8.4 kg (Mk. IC)
Muzzle Velocity495 m/s
Feed[@feed]
Magazine Capacity[@magazine_capacity]
Practical Rate of Fire[@practical_rate_of_fire]
Rate of Fire20 r.p.m.
Maximum Rate of Fire[@maximum_rate_of_fire]
Maximum Ceiling[@maximum_ceiling]
Maximum Ground Range[@maximum_ground_range]
Maximum Range10.100m
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
TractionMotorised (Morris 4x4 Tractor)
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe 18 pounder had become the mainstay of all British and Commonwealth light field regiments from the outbreak of World War One until the early phases of World War Two. Many were up-graded in the 1930s with a new carriage which was fitted with pneumatic tires to allow for motorisation. The numbers started to decline once the 25 pounder became available, but many were still in service all over the world with British and Empire troops. Of the 216 18 pounders taken to France with the BEF all were lost, some saw action in Africa and the Far-East. Many were converted to 18/25 pounders and used as an interim gun until the 25 pounder became available. By the end of 1940 only around 250 guns were left in service.