What's new
British Ordnance Collectors Network

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

6 Inch Coastal/Naval MkV gun Prac Projectile?

P

pedro

Well-Known Member
Ordnance approved
Chaps,
Recovered this one. Diameter ~150mm/6inch across the driving band (measured groove to groove which mirrors land to land in the gun). 28 grooves. Found in the ocean about 12km off Fort Lytton (Brisbane), caught in dredge. Not the first I've recovered but different features. DB is about 1.5in wide. Large base plug. curiois lead/antinomy? ring around pointed nose. Note corrosision has reduced body calibre and rust is very evident, but not corroded on nose. I suspect 6in guns at Ft Lytton. Any clues/references??

IMAG0219.jpgIMAG0220.jpgIMAG0221.jpg

Pete
 
Last edited:
Are you SURE this is an inert item? If not contact the authorities (Police) ASAP.
 
I'm thinking along with kahu1. Looks too much like a filled shell. The white metal at the tip could be where the balistic cap has been soldered on and the base view shows a brassy coloured piece which could well be a fuze. Just becuase a gun saw no action does not mean they did not use up old live service shell in practice, it was easier than disposing of them. I think it should have gone straight back over the side, but if its ashore then do get it looked at by the proper authorities.
 
Please dont touch it, report it to the appropriate authorities, its simply not worth taking any kind of risk.

The simple fact is you dont know what you have there and even if it is a practice shell, some of these contain explosive elements.....in most cases certainly enough to do some serious damage.
Dont assume that because its been rolling around on the bottom of the sea and hauled up in a dredger that it is safe.

Treat all objects such as this as live, highly dangerous items......report it as soon as possible, be safe not sorry.

regards Kev
 
Gents,
relax, the item has already had a point focal shaped charge through from side to side about 1.5in north of the driving band. (P.S. I'm on duty in the job for a couple of weeks - SATO)
 
perhaps we are on the right track with the blunt penetrative cap missing. SOme of these ealy AP did not have ballistics caps.
 
Pete,

From what I've found online it wasn't fired from a Mk. XII gun - it had 36 grooves. It would appear that most of the 6" projectiles are at least 20"+ long, yours appears to be only about 17.5". What did the shaped charge reveal about the core?

Regards

TimG
 
TimG
Shaped charge casued no other action internally, just passed through. Item has a base cavity but ingress of sea water was evident.
P
 
pedro said:
Gents,
relax, the item has already had a point focal shaped charge through from side to side about 1.5in north of the driving band. (P.S. I'm on duty in the job for a couple of weeks - SATO)
Click to expand...

Should have guessed,the Trimcast is a giveaway!.
Can't be too careful though.
 
please explain 'Trimcast' you've lost me not that I should use it to ident. shells.
 
'Trimcast' is an Australian manufacturer of largely military/government purpose tough transit cases, like the one that the shells are lying on. A common feature of 'on the job' pics.
 
well spotted Kahu1. 2 pounder.. trimcast is a trade brand of the olive drab, plastic box on which the projectile is resting
p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top