Description
Object description
Quick Fire 25 pounder Mark II Gun on a Mark I carriage, 1942.
Label
The idea of combining the dual role of gun and howitzer arose in 1918, and was developed between the two World Wars. A pilot model was built in 1930, the first 25-pounder appeared in 1935 and the final stages of development were hastened by the outbreak of the Second World War. Initial production was slow, but by 1945, over 12,000 had been manufactured.
The 25-pounder was probably the most outstanding field artillery piece used by British and Commonwealth forces in the Second World War, being durable, easy to operate and versatile. The Army's basic close support artillery weapon, it doubled as an anti-tank gun in the North African Campaign, and was also employed in jungle, airborne and mountain roles. The 25-pounder remained the standard British divisional field gun until 1967, but the type saw service in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, in the Middle East in 1973 and was still in widespread use in the mid-1970s.
This example, a Mark II Gun on a Mark I Carriage, served with the 11th Field Regiment in North Africa.
History note
This 25 pdr field gun was used by 11 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, when it fought at Ruweisat Ridge on 2 July 1942. This episode of its history was reported to IWM at the time of donation in 1948 as follows:
"The 18 Infantry Brigade box was overwhelmed on the evening of 1st July 1942, and the Alamein Line broken. The only troops available to stop the gap was a Battle Group forming a few miles to the east, the core of which was 11 Field Regiment, RA, and a battalion of the Essex Regiment (5 Indian Infantry Brigade). The 11th Field Regiment and about two companies of the Essex were ordered forward at once and next morning contacted the enemy on the Ruweisat Ridge just east of the former 18 Brigade Box. The enemy in considerable strength, and with a number of tanks, was endeavouring to continue his advance towards Alexandria. The column repulsed two attacks despite heavy, methodological and accurate artillery. Casualties were heavy and one gun detachment was reduced to a single wounded man who still kept his piece in action. For most of the day the enemy armour was held at a distance but shortly before dark a tank attack succeeded in closing a couple of hundred yards and put a troop out of action. The regiment continued to hold its ground however and eventually the enemy were driven off. One of 11 Field Regiment's guns was knocked out by a direct hit, many vehicles destroyed and five officers and about 80 men were casualties - something like a quarter of their strength. During the afternoon, the 2nd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery came into action to the south and protected the flank and B Battery Honourable Artillery Company joined the column during the night giving valuable assistance. Some moral support was received from the Armoured Brigade who watched the battle from the regiment's rear left."