26 Manuals 3835, Field Branch Artillery Ammunition

W a r Office Code
R E S T R IC T E D N o. 11257
The information given in this document

is not to be communicated, either dir
ectly or indirectly, to the Press or to any 26
person not authorized to receive it. Manuals
3835
Ibio-bb- o r t - Y liJ
User Handbook
for
t
FIELD BRANCH ARTILLERY
AMMUNITION
Land Service
1958
i
THE W AR OFFICE R.A. 1.
January, 1958.
ffT O ?e ^ crv (
W a r Office Code
R E S T R IC T E D No. 11257
The information given in this document

is not to be communicated, either dir
ectly or indirectly, to the Press or to any 26
person not authorized to receive it. Manuals
3835
User Handbook
for
FIELD BRANCH ARTILLERY

AMMUNITION
Land Service
1958
THE W A R OFFICE R.A. 1.
January, 1958.
- ii -
Record of Amendments
Amendment By whom Date of

Date A.C.I.
Serial No. amended Insertion
i..
CONTENTS
Page
L is t o f illu s t r a t io n s .......................................................................................................................... x ii
Chapter i
Introduction
Section i. General
Scope ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Objects 1
Arrangements 1
Section 2. Definitions associated with Equipments

Guns, howitzers and mortars ........... *. ............. ................................................................... 1
C la s s ific a tio n ................................................................................................................................... 2
Means o f f i r i n g ................................................................................................................................... 2
Means o f in it ia t io n .......................................................................................................................... 3
S a fe ly devices ................................................. 3
Section 3. Field Branch Artillery Equipments

Loading ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Section 4. The Round of Ammunition
Future designation and marking .......................................................................................................... 3

Components ............................................................................................................................................. 4
C artridge ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Section 5. Categories of Ammunition

General ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Chapter 2
Explosives
Section 1. Introduction
C la s s ific a tio n o f exp losives ........................................................................................................ 7
D e fin itio n s ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Uses ................................................................................................................ 10
—iv —
Section 2. Propellants Page

G e n e r a l........... . .................................................................... .................... . ................................ 10
H is to r ic a l ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Burning o f a prop ellant ...................................................................................................................... 10
P ro p erties o f the id e a l p rop ella n t ...................................................................................... ./ • • • 11
Composition ................................................................................................................................... ••• 12
C h a ra cteristics ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Plash and Smoke ...................................................................................................................... . ••• 14
P rop erties o f the commoner prop ella n ts ........................................................................................... 15
Nomenclature ........................................................................................................................................ 15
M u ltip lic ity o f p rop ella n t ...................................................................................................................... 18
Section 3. High Explosives

D e fin itio n ............................................................................................................................................. 18
Compositions ................................................................................................................................... 20
C ategories ............................................................................................................................................. 20
Bursting charges - i . e . s h e ll f i l l i n g s ...................................................................................... 21
Constituents ................................................................................................................................... 21
Code fo r H.E. f i l l i n g s 21
In it ia t o r s (d is r u p t iv e ) ................................................................................................................. 21
Constituents ................................................................................................................................... 22
Interm ediates ................................................................................................................................... 22
T.N.T. ............. * ......................................................................................................................... 23
C o n s titu e n ts ........................................................................................................ 23
Section 4. Miscellaneous Compositions
G e n e r a l...................................................................................................................................................... 23
I n it ia t in g agents (ig n ife r o u s ) ........................................................................................................ 24
Smoke producing substances ................................................................................................................. 21+
F la re producing substances .................................................................................................................. 26
Conclusions ............................................................................................................................................. 26
Chapter 3
Cartridges
C la s s ific a tio n and comparison ........................................................................................................ 27
Comparison o f Q.F. (separate loading) and B .L. ca rtrid ge systems ........................................ 27
C artridge case ................................................................................................................................... 27
C artridge bag ................................................................................................................................... 28
P rop ellan t c h a r g e ................................................................................................................................... 28
Charge - types ................................................................................................................................... 30
P rop ella n t p ro o f and chargeadjustment ......................................... 30
Section 2. Q.F. Cartridges
G e n e r a l...................................................................................................................................................... 31
Su b-division o f c a rtrid g e s ........................................................... 31
Design o f ca rtrid g e s .......................................................................................................................... 31
— V
Page
Section 3. Types of Q.F. (Separate loading) Cartridges
used in Field Branch Artillery Equipments
Q.F. 25 p r . g u n ................................................................................................................................... 32
Normal charges .......................................................................................................................... ... 32
Super charges ................................................................................................................................... 32
Increment charges .......................................................................................................................... 34
Issue and preparation ................................................................................................................. 34
Section 4. B.L. Cartridges
General ............................................................................................................................................ 33
Sub-division o f ca rtrid ge s ....................................................................................................... 35
M aterials ............................................................................................................................................ 35
Diameter and length .................................................................... ............. ... ... ............. 35
Design o f B.L. h ow itzer and gur^/howitzer ca rtrid ges ........................................................... 36
Arrangement o f how itzer and gurj/howitzer ca rtrid g e s ........................................................... 36
Section 5. Types used in Field Branch Artillery Equipments

B .L. 4 .5 in . g u n ................................................................................................................................. 37
B .L. 3*5 in .g u n .................................................................................................................................. 37
B .L. 7*2 in . h o w it z e r ......................................................................................................................... 39
Chapter 4
Means of Ignition
Ig n itio n o f the p rop ellan t charge ............................................................................................... 41
Section 2. Primers
General ............................................................................................................................................ 41
Percussion - descrip tion . . . 41
Action ............................................................................................................................................ 43
Section 3. Tubes
General ............................................................................................................................................. 43
Percussion, S.A. c a rtrid g e ....................................................................................................... 43
Action .................... 43
Section 4. Igniters
General ............................................................................................................................................ 4^
— v i—
Chapter 5
Projectiles
Section 1 Introduction Page
G e n e r a l................................................................................................................................
Component d e t a i l s ......................................................................................................................................... 46
P r o je c t ile s - d e fin itio n s ....................................................................................................................... 48
Section 2 The Shell
G e n e r a l............. .................................................................... ................................................ . ••• 50

High exp losive s h e ll .......................................................................................................................... 50
Shell H.E. Nosed fuzed ................................................................................................................ 50
S h e ll, H.E. base fuzed 52
C a rrier, s h e ll ... .......................................................................................................................... 52
S h e ll, smoke, B.E. .......................................................................................................................... 52
Containers, smoke .......................................................................................................................... 54
S h ell plugs in coloured smoke containers ...................................................................................... 54
S h e ll, f la r e ................................................................................................................................ 54
S h e ll, incendiary, B.E. ................................................................................................................... 54
S h e ll, chemical, B.E................................................................................................................................ 54
S h e ll, s ta r, B.E. 54
P ra c tic e p r o je c t ile s .......................................................................................................................... 55
Section 3 Shot
G e n e r a l...................................................................................................................................................... 55
Armour p ie rc in g ................................................................................................................................... 55
Armour p ie rcin g capped 55
P ra c tic e ............................................................................................................................................. 56
Proo f ...................................................................................................................................................... 56
Paper ...................................................................................................................................................... 56
Chapter 6
Fuzes
Section i. Principles etc.
Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 57
Forces ..................................................................................................................................................... 57
Mechanical devices .......................................................................................................................... 58
Other fuze components ......................................................................................................................... 64
Section 2. Types
Time fuzes ............................................................................................................................................. 66

Time and percussion fuzes ................................................................................................................. 67
Percussion fuzes ..................... 67
Base fuzes ............................................................................................................................................. 67
Proxim ity o r va ria b le time (V .T .) fuzes ........................................................................................ 67
—v ii—
Section 3. Fuzing Procedure Page
General............................................................................................................................................ 68
Examination of fuzes ................................................................................................................... 68
Nature of shell normally issued fuzed or plugged .................................................
Instructions fo r fuzing ........................................................................................................... 70
Preparation fo r firin g ............................................................................................................... 73
Prepare shell for return to vehicle .............................................................
Section 4. Care, Preservation, faulty Ammunition and Prematures
Care of fuzes ........................................................................................................................... 74

Preservation................................................................................................................................... 73
Faulty anniunition ................................................................................................................... 75
Prematures ................................................................................................................... .-. . . . 76
Defective fuzes ................................................................................................................. . . . 76
Unserviceable fuzes .............................................................................................................. 76
C h a p te r 7
T ra cers an d T r a c e r - a n d - Ig n it e r s
Section 1 . General
Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 77
Classification ...................................................................................................................... 77
Section 2. Tracers, Shell
Description ...................................................................................................................... 77
Action ............................................................................................................ . .................... 79
Section 3 . Tracer-and-Igniters, Shell
Description .............................................................................................................................. 79
Action ............................ ..................................................... ............................................. 80
Section 4 . Integral Tracers
Description .............................................................................................................................. 80
C h a p te r 8
C a r t r id g e s , Blank an d Paper Shot
Section 1 . Introduction
General....................................................................................................................................... 01
—v iii—
Section 2. Types authorised for Field Branch Artillery Equipments

Page
C artridge, b l a n k ...................................................................................................................................
Precautions t o be observed when f i r i n g blank ammunition ........................................................... 82
C artrid ge, paper shot .................................................................................................................. 82
Chapter 9
Drill Ammunition
General ............................................................................................................................................. 83
Section 2. Components
D r ill c a r t r id g e s ................................................................................................................ 83
D r ill p r o je c t ile s ........................................................... . . . .................................................. 86
D r ill f u z e s ............................................................................................................................................. 87
D r ill primers .................................................................................................................................... 87
D r ill tubes - S.A. percussion .......................................................................................................... 88
Chapter 10
4.2 inch Mortar Ammunition
Equipment ............................................................................................................................................. 89
Ammunition .................................................................................................................................... . . . 89
Waterproofing and ru stp roofin g ........................................................................................................ 90
C lips s a fe ty pin s p ec ia l ................................................................................................................. 90
Cover, t a i l , M.L. 4.2 in . mortar ............................................................................................... 90
Spring, reta in in g c a rtrid g e augmenting ...................................................................................... 90
.Means o f ig n it io n ........................................................................................................................... 90
Section 2. Bombs
Bombs, S.B. M.L. H.E. stream line ............................................................................................... 91
P ra c tic e bombs ............. ................................................................................................................. 92
Section 3. Propellant Charges
Primary ca rtrid g e s ........................................................................................................ ... ... 92

Augmenting c a r t r i d g e s ...................................................................................................... . ............. 94
D r i l l ca rtrid g e s (prim ary and au gm en tin g)...................................................................................... 94
—ix —
C h a p te r 11
R ecord s
Section i. Purpose and Application of the Lotting System Page
In tr o d u c tio n ............................................................................................................................................ 95
Propellants ............................................................................................................................................ 95
Section 2; Purpose and Application of the Batching System
Introduction .................... 95
Purpose o f batching .......................................................................................................................... 95
Batching system ................................................................................................................................... 96
A pplication o f batching system ....................................................................................................... 96
Id e n tific a tio n o f batches and subbatches ........................................................................................ 97
Ammunition and package markings ....................................................................................................... 98
C h a p te r 12
I d e n tific a tio n C o lo u r s and M a r k in g s
G e n e r a l..................................................................................................................................................... 99
Forms and a p p lic a t io n s ...................................... 99
Section 2. Cartridges
Metnod o f colour id e n t ific a tio n and markings ............................................................................. 100
A ddition al means o f id e n t ific a tio n ............................................................................................... 105
Mortar ca rtrid ges 105
Section 3 . Projectiles, Fuzes and Tracers
P r o je c t ile s ............................................................................................................................................ 106

S te n c illin g ............................................................................................................................................ 110
Mortar bombs ............................................................................................................................................ 11 7
Fuzes ..................................................................................................................................................... 117
Section 4 . Packages
Method o f colour id e n t ific a tio n and markings ............................................................................. 118
C h a p te r 13
A s s o c ia te d P u b lic a tio n s
Associated p u blication s ................................................................................................................. 131
—x —
Appendix A Page
Various types and uses o f e x p lo s iv e s ............................................................................................... 133
Appendix B
P rop ellan t compositions ........... .. ............................................................................................... 134
Appendix C
Composition o f interm ediaries and in it ia t in g exp losives .......................................................... 136
Appendix D
Code in d ica tin g high explosive w ith composition and percentages o f ingredients ............. 138
Appendix E
Details of Ammunition authorized for
Field Branch Artillery Equipments
Part i. Q.F. 25-PR. Gun Ammunition
P r o j e c t i l e s ............................................................................................................................................ 14-0
C artridges ............................................................................................................................................ 140
Fuzes ...................................................................................................................................................... 142
Primers ............................................................................................................................................ 142
S h e ll, Q.F. 25 p r . chemical B.E.......................................................................................................... 143
S h e ll, H.E. stream line ................................................................................................................. 143
S h e ll, H.E. screening smoke .................................................................................................... 144
S h e ll, stream line, B.E. coloured smoke ........................................................................................ 145
S h e ll, f l a r e , T.R.B.E. ................................................................................................................. 145
S h e ll, stream line, B.E. incendiary ............................................................................................... 145
S h e ll, s ta r ................................................................................................................................... 145
Shot, A.P.C............................................................................................................................................... 145
Shot, p ra ctice ................................................................................................................................... 145
Part 2. B.L. 4 .5 -inch Gun Ammunition

P r o je c t ile s 145
C artridges ................................................................................................................................... 146
Fuzes ...................................................................................................................................................... 146
Ig n ite r s , a u x ilia r y .......................................................................................................................... 146
S h e ll, H.E. stream line ................................................................................................................. 146
Tubes ...................................................................................................................................................... 147
—xi —

Page
P r o je c t ile s ........................................................................................................ 147
C artridges ........................................................................................................ 147
Fuzes ................................................................................................................. 148
Ig n ite r s , a u x ilia ry ...................................................................................... 148
S h e ll, H.E............................................................................................................ 148
S h e ll, H.E. stream line ............................................................................ 149
S h e ll, fla r e , T.R.B.E. ............................................................................. 149
S h e ll, B.E. incendiary ............................................................................. 150
S h e ll, B.E. smoke ...................................................................................... 150
Tubes ................................................................................................................. 150
P r o je c t ile s ............. 150

C artridges ............. 151
Fuzes ...................... 151
S h e ll, H.E. stream line 151
Tubes ...................... 152
Appendix F
Particulars of Fuzes
Fuze, percussion, D.A. , No.117 ............................... 153
Fuze, percussion, D.A. and graze, No.119 ............. 139
Fuze, time and percussion, D .A ., No.213 ............. 164
Fuze, time and percussion, graze, No.221 and No.221B 168
Fuze, percussion, base medium, L 1 5 ...................... 172
Fuze, percussion, D .A ., No.162 ............................... 176
Fuze rocket, 3*5 in . UK M 20 - fuzed percussion L16 180
Appendix G
Particulars of Primers
Prim ers, percussion, Q.F. ca rtrid g e s, No.1 ............................... 185
Prim ers, percussion, Q.F. ca rtrid ge s, No.9 ............................... 187
Prim ers, percussion, Q.F. ca rtrid g e s, No.11 ............................... 189
Appendix H
Particulars of Tracers
Tracers, s h e ll, No.2 ............................................................................. 191
Tracers, s h e ll, No.37 ............................................................................. 193
Appendix J
Particulars of Tubes
Tubes, percussion, S.A. c a rtrid ge 195
- x ii -
List of Illustrations
P ag e
F ig . 1 Types o f ammunition................................................................................................................. 5
2 P rop ella n t shapes .................................................................................................................. 13
3 Use o f in it ia t o r s , interm ediaries and bursting charges ........................................ 19
4 Section thro* ty p ic a l c a rtrid g e case ... .................................................................... 28
3 Typ ica l p rop ellan t charges ............................................................................................... 29
6 T yp ica l examples - separate loading ca rtrid g e s - Q.P. 25 p r. ............................... 33
7 B .L. 4 .5 in . Gun c a rtrid g e ............................................................................................... 37
8 B .L. 5 .5 in . Gun c a rtrid g e ............................... 38
9 B.L. 7.2 in . how itzer c a rtrid g e ...................................................................................... 40
10 Typ ica l percussion prim er .......................................................................... 42
11 Typ ica l percussion tube ............................................................................................... 43
12 Typical C.R.H. (c a lib r e radius head) design .................................................................... 47
13 Typ ica l d riv in g band and a lte rn a tiv e baseplates ........................................................... 48
14 P r o je c t ile d e fin itio n s .......................................................................... 49
15 Typical H.E. (h igh ex p lo sive) nose fuzed s h e ll ........................................................... 51
16 Typical B.E. (base e je c tio n ) c a r r ie r s h e ll ...................................................................... 53
17 Method o f fu nction ing, base e je c tio n s ta r s h e ll ........................................................... 55
18 Typical A.P. (armour p ie rc in g ) shot 56
19 Holding devices ... 59
20 Holding devices ................................................................................................................. 60
21 Masking devices ... 61
22 Masking devices ................................................................................................................. 62
23 F ir in g devices 63
24 F ir in g devices 64
25 Detonators 65
26 Magazine and channels ........................................................................................................ 65
27 H.E. s h e ll fu ze-h ole plugs ............................................................................................... 69
28 H.E. s h ell su ita b le fo r standard fu zes, plugged w ith No.13 (o r L2A1) and No.3 fuze
h ole plugs .......................................................................................................................... 71
J
- x iii-
Page
P ig . 29 H.E. s h e ll su ita b le fo r V.T. fuzes on ly, plugged w ith No.29 ( o r L4A1 ) fu ze h ole plugs 72
30 H.E. s h e ll su ita b le f o r V .T. or standard fu zes, plugged w ith No.13 (o r L2A1) fuze
hole p l u g s .................................................................................................................................... 72
31 S h e ll, B.E. (smoke e t c . ) plugged with No.1 fu ze h ole plug ......................................... 73
32 Method o f s e ttin g time o r time-and-percussion fuzes .................................................. 74
33 Types o f s h e ll tracers ......................................................................................................... 78
34 Typical s h e ll tra ce r-a n d -ig n ite rs ....................................................................................... 79
35 Typical in te g r a l tra c e r f i l l i n g s fo r shot .................................................................... 80
36 Types o f blank ca rtrid ge s ......................................................................................................... 82
37 S.B. M.L. 4*2 in . mortar bcmb .................................................................... 89
38 Method o f retain in g primary c a rtrid ge in S.B. M.L. 4*2 in . mortar bcm b....................... 90
39 Method o f f i l l i n g S.B. M.L. 4*2 in . mortar bomb ........................................................... 91
40 Primary c a rtrid g e and augmenting c a rtrid ge fo r S.B. M.L. 4.2 in . mortar bomb ... 93
41 I d e n t ific a t io n markings f o r 25 p r. c a r t r i d g e s .................................................................... 101
42 A ddition al s t e n c illin g to in d ic a te charges designed f o r sp ec ia l purposes ............... 101
43 Examples o f id e n t ific a tio n markings on B .L. cartrid ges .................................................. 103
44 Coloured rin g s , bands and s tr ip e s , e t c . , on p r o je c t ile s 109
45 Typical id e n t ific a t io n markings fo r H.E. f i l l e d s h e ll .................................................. 113
46 Typical id e n t ific a t io n markings f o r smoke s h e ll ............................................................ 114
47 Typical id e n t ific a t io n markings fo r f l a r e s h e ll and s ta r s h e ll .................................. 115
48 Typical id e n t ific a t io n markings fo r incendiary s h e ll ................................................... 116
49 Typical id e n t ific a tio n markings fo r A .P. (armour p ie rc in g ) shot ................................... 116
50 L a test approved id e n t ific a tio n markings f o r s t e e l box fo r separate loading s h e ll . . . 120
51 L a test approved id e n t ific a t io n markings f o r s te e l box w ith in n er c o n ta in e r s ............. 122
52 L a test approved id e n t ific a t io n markings f o r wood box w ith in n er containers ............. 124
53 Latest approved id e n t ific a tio n markings fo r wood box with in n er containers ............. 126
54 L a test approved id e n t ific a tio n markings fo r s te e l box fo r bulk packed f u z e s ............. 130
55 S h e ll, Q.P. 25 p r . , chemical, B.E............................................................................................ 143
56 Fuze, percussion, D .A ., No.117, mark 18 154
57 Fuze, percussion, D .A ., and graze, No.119B, mark 17 ................................................. 160
58 Fuze, time and percussion, D .A., No.213, mark 4 166
59 Fuze, time and percussion graze, No.221B, mark 4 169
60 Fuze, percussion, base, medium, L15A1 ............................................................................. 173

- x iv -
Page
P ig . 61 Fuze, percussion, D .A ., No.162, mark 3 / 3 ............................... ... ....................... 177
62 Fuze, percussion, L16A1 (P a r t 1) ............................................................................. 182
63 Fuze, percussion, L16A1 (P a r t 2) ......................................... ............................... 183
6if. Prim er, percussion, Q.F. ca rtrid g e s, No.1, mark: 2 185
65 Prim er, percussion, Q.F. c a rtrid g e s , No.9, mark 4 187
66 Prim er, percussion, Q.F. ca rtrid g e s, No.11, mark i*/l .......................................... 189
67 Tracer, s h e ll, No. 2, mark 7 191
68 Tracer, s h e ll, No.37, mark 1 193
69 Tube, percussion, S.A. c a rtrid g e , mark 5 .................................................................. . 195

f
— 1 -
NOTE
Inform ation r e la tin g t o d e ta ils o f in d ivid u a l charges, p r o je c t ile s

and t h e ir packages, e t c . , w i l l be found i n : -
Regs, fo r Anqy Ordnance S ervices Volume 4* Ammunition

Pamphlet No. 6. (B. L. ammunition)
Pamphlet No. 7. (Q.F. separate an.nunition)
Pamphlet No. 11 P a rt 1 (3 .5 inch Rocket Ammunition)
Pamphlet No. 12 P a rt 3 (Ammunition f o r the Ordnance M.L.
4.2 inch M ortar)
FOR DETAILS OF RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED CM THE USE OF SPECIFIC
MARKS OF HJZES FOR TRAINING AND EQUIPMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH
SPECIFIC MARKS OF HJZE see: -
" LIMITATIONS IN THE USE OF RJZES FOR TRAINING 1955
W.O. CODE No. 11233."
Chapter i
Introduction
Section i. General
SCOPE
1• P rim a rily F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y ammunition, but i t also embraces ammunition used in the
secondary r o le o f Anti-Tank A r t i l l e r y .
OBJECTS
2. Promotion o f a f u l l e r understanding o f a l l aspects.
Presen tation o f es s e n tia l data f o r easy referen c e.
P rovision o f d e ta ile d inform ation on components.
P ro v isio n o f inform ation on assembly, purposes o f various combinations with d escrip tio n s o f
a ction s.
ARRANGEMENTS
3° Body o f n o te s :- Consideration o f broad and general p r in c ip le s .
Appendices:- (Data in tabular form.
(D eta ile d descrip tion s w ith illu s tr a tio n s o f current Service exp on en ts.
4. As in d icated by the t i t l e , th is pamphlet i s e s s e n tia lly a u ser handbook on everything concerning

F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y ammunition© Although containing ve ry complete d e ta ile d information i n the
Appendices, a study o f the whole pu blication should not only enable the d e ta ils to be understood but
should also a s s is t in the understanding o f oth er B ritis h as w e ll as fo re ig n ammunition fo r which
d e ta ile d p a rtic u la rs may not be a v a ila b le .
Chapter i
Introduction
Section 2. Definitions associated with Equipments
GUNS. HOWITZERS AND 1DRTARS

3. These are equipments which a l l have the fo llow in g p r o p e r tie s :-
(a ) That g iv e p r o je c t ile s sp e c ifie d i n i t i a l v e lo c it y and d ire c tio n o f motion.
(b ) They do so by the rapid burning o f a prop ellant charge i n a chamber, producing gas under
pressure which fo rc e s the p r o je c t ile t o move along a b a rrel (a ls o c a lle d "bore" o r " p ie c e " ).
_ 2—
There are no sharp d istin gu ish in g featu res between guns, how itzers and mortars. C ertain general
d iffe re n c e s may, however, be noted.
6. Guns - These g e n e ra lly produce higher muzzle v e l o c i t i e s , f l a t t e r t r a je c to r ie s w ith a sm aller

angle o f descent and have fewer charges than how itzers; apart from these there are no e s s e n tia l
b a l l i s t i c d iffe re n c e s between the two.
7. Howitzers - Compared w ith guns these have a higher tr a je c to r y , and steeper angle o f descent,
w ith v a ria b le charges, thus enabling engagement o f ta rg e ts behind in terven in g crests.
F or r e la t iv e ly the same t o t a l weight o f equipment, howitzers have a la r g e r c a lib r e , shorter
b a rre l and sh orter range, a low er muzzle v e lo c it y , very high e le v a tio n and f i r e a h eavier s h e ll w ith
higher H.E. content than guns.
8. Gun/howitzer (combined weapons) - T h i 3 i s a gun o f a c a lib re interm ediate between the gun and
how itzer th at i t rep la ces and i t has a va ria b le charge. Muzzle v e lo c it ie s are in general s lig h t ly
low er than the o ld e r guns but maximum ranges are u su ally s lig h t ly g re a te r due p r in c ip a lly t o ireproved
s h e ll design. S h e ll weights are u su ally low er than fo r h a ritz e rs . Thus:-
25 p r. ( c a l . 3.45 inch Range 13,000 yds . )

Replaces 18 p r. gun and ( c a l . 3.3 inch Range 9,000 y d s .)
4.5 inch howr. (35 lb . s h e ll Range 6,000 y d s .)
5.5 inch gun (80 lb . s h e ll Range 18,000 y d s .)

Replaces 60 p r. gun and ( c a l . 5 inch Range 14,000 y d s .)
6 inch howr. (100 lb . s h e ll Range 9,000 y d s .)
9. Mortars - These are sm all, lig h t and e a s ily handled equipments p r o p e llin g p r o je c t ile s w ith low
v e lo c it ie s at high angles o f e le v a tio n . They are u su ally loaded through the muzzle, whereas guns and
how itzers are loaded through the breech. They u su ally have smooth bores, whereas guns and howitzers
have r i f l e d bores. They are normally fir e d a t high angle.
CLASSIFICATION
10. In the past equipments were c la s s ifie d by the means o f the obturation enployed. "Obturation"
i s used t o describe the sealin g o f the rea r end o f the chamber against prop ellan t gases escaping
rearwards.
1 1 . Q.F, ordnance - The p ro p e llin g charge i s contained in a brass o r s t e e l ca rtrid ge case, the case
p rovidin g the means o f obturation.
There are two ty p e s :-
(a ) Fiired — The case i s fir m ly attached to the p r o je c t ile and the whole assembled round i s loaded
as a u n it. Loading i s quick but i t i s not p o ssib le t o vary the p rop ellan t charge without
changing the conplete round.
(b ) Separate - The c a rtrid g e case i s e n t ir e ly separate and the p r o je c t ile i s ranned home before
the c a rtrid g e case i s loaded. The charge in the case i s v a ria b le .
1 2. B.L. ordnance - The charge i s contained in a c lo th bag, t o the breech end o f which a gunpowder
ig n it e r i s f i t t e d . Obturation i s obtained by a r e s ilie n t pad assembled on the fron t face o f the
breech mechanism and sealin g the rea r end o f the chamber.
MEANS OF FIRING
13. The breech mechanism o f a gun or h ow itzer ca rrie s the means o f f i r i n g . They may be percussion
o r e le c t r ic although, at the time o f w r itin g , a l l F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y equipments have percussion
breech mechanisms.
14. Percussion - The s t r ik e r o f the mechanism i s driven on t o the percussion cap assembled c e n tr a lly
in the base o f the prim er o r tube. The i n i t i a t i n g conposition in the cap i s nipped on an a n v il and
the resultan t flame ig n it e s gunpowder in the body o r magazine o f the prim er o r tube which in turn
ig n ite s the main p rop ella n t charge*
15. E le c tr ic - On contact being made the e l e c t r i c current passes from the b a tte ry o r dynamo, through
the f ir in g p in o f the breech lock to the contact p iece assembled c e n tr a lly in the base o f the prim er
o r tube, along the insulated w ire in the copper p lu g , through the irid io-p la tin u m bridge t o th e small
copper p o le and the body o f the tube o r prim er, and back, v ia the gun, to the b a tte ry . The bridge
becomes incandescent, ig n it e s the guncotton dust which, in tuns, ig n it e s the gunpowder in the
magazine, the resu ltan t flame ig n ite s the c lo th i g n i t e r attached t o the base o f the p rop ella n t charge,
sndthen the charge its e lf©
- 3 -
MEANS OF INITIATION
16. Q.F. guns - The in i t i a t o r i s contained in a prim er assembled in the base o f the c a rtrid ge case.
The prim er contains i t s own means o f obturation.
17. B. L, guns - The in i t i a t o r i s contained in a small brass case known as a tube, which i s loaded
separately in to a chamber in the rear o f the breech mechanism. This chamber i s connected by a fla sh
channel to the chamber o f the gun.
On f i r i n g , the fla s h passes along th is channel, on to a gunpowder ig n it e r attached to the rea r
end o f the ca rtrid g e , which in turn ig n ite s the main propellant charge.
The tube provides i t s own obturation on the Q. P. p rin c ip le and i s supported by a lock working
in a s lid e box, which togeth er form in e f f e c t a miniature s lid in g breech b lock and f i r i n g mechanism.
SAFETY DEVICES
iS. These are incorporated in breech and f i r i n g mechanisms t o prevent the gun from being fir e d
before the breech i s f u l l y closed.
Chapter i
Introduction
Section 3. Field Branch Artillery Equipments
19. These equipments may be s e lf-p ro p e lle d o r towed. The guns and howitzers may be o f the Q.F.
type o r o f the B. L. type.
LOADING
20. Q.F. guns may be e it h e r fix e d o r separate loadin g, w hile Q. F. howitzers are separate loading
only.
With fix e d ammunition the p r o je c t ile i s assembled t o the cartrid ge case and loaded as one u n it,
whereas w ith ammunition fo r Q.F. separate loading guns and how itzers the p r o je c t ile i s f i r s t loaded
and rammed, follow ed by the c a rtrid ge .
With B. L. guns and howitzers the round i s always loaded separately. F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y
Q.F. and B.L. guns and how itzers are separate loading mainly because the conplete round i s d i f f i c u l t
t o transport and handle, and also because i t a ffo rd s f a c i l i t i e s f o r varying the p rop ella n t charge*
Chapter 1
Introduction
Section 4. The Round of Ammunition
RJTURE DESIGNATION AND MARKING

21. New designs o f amnunition - A model number follow ed by the l e t t e r "A" and a s e r ia l number w i l l
be adopted in nomenclature and markings in lie u o f a number and mark p re vio u sly used t o id e n t ify the
store. Where, however, new patterns o f e x is tin g stores are introduced, the number ar*3/or mark w i l l
continue to be advanced as heretofore.
22. Ammunition f o r new equipments - A l l referen ces to the method o f obturation such as "B. L ." ,
"Q. F ." , "R .C .L .", e t c . , w i l l be omitted from primary nomenclatures and markings. When, however, i t
i s required to d iffe r e n t ia t e between two weapons o f s im ila r c a lib r e but o f d iffe r e n t r o le arxi design ,
a reference to the r o le w i l l be incorporated to make id e n t ific a tio n conplete. T y p ica l examples
although not F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y equipments a re : -
120 nm. 12 BAT.

120 mm. L1 Tk.
23. Fixed ammunition (p r o je c t ile cum case) fo r new equipments - The term "round" in lie u o f
"c a rtrid g e " w i l l be used to designate the conplete assembled s to r e , in both nomenclature and markings.
Where, however, new pattern s o f e x is tin g Q.F. fix e d amnunition are introduced, the term "c a rtr id g e "
w i ll continue to be used.
- 4 -
COMPONENTS
24. The main components o f a complete Q.F. round are th e ca rtrid ge case, prim er, p rop ella n t charge,
p r o je c t ile and ( f o r oth er than shot) a fu ze, and those o f a B.L, round, the ca rtrid ge ( i n a c lo th b a g ),
tube, p r o je c t ile and fu ze.
25. C artrid ge case (Q.F. amnunition) - T h is i s normally o f brass and serves to obturate the chamber
o f tbs gun, contain ard p ro te c t th e p ro p e lla n t, support the prim er and any a d d ition a l ig n it io n
required, and f i n a l l y , in tbs case o f a fix e d round, t o u nite the p rop ellan t section to the p r o je c t ile .
26. C artridge (B. L. anrounition) - This normally con sists o f a prop ellant charge which i s enclosed in
a c lo th bag, the end o f which i s loaded nearest the breech being f i t t e d w ith a c lo th ig n it e r f i l l e d
w ith gunpowder,,
27. Prinrer - Th is i s normally o f metal and screwed in to the centre o f the base o f the ca rtrid ge
case. On the prim er cap being struck by a mechanically operated s t r ik e r o r f i r e d e l e c t r i c a ll y , i t
serves to produce a fla s h to ig n it e the gunpowder in the prim er magazine and alone or in conjunction
w ith an a d d ition a l ig n it e r in the c a rtrid g e , produces s u ffic ie n t fla s h adequately t o ig n it e the
p rop ellan t charge.
28. Tube - T h is i s sim ila r in design to an u nbu lletted S.A.A. round. There are severa l types
d iffe r in g mainly in s iz e , and method o f ig n it io n i . e . percussion and e le c t r ic . On the cap being
struck by a m echanically operated s t r ik e r o r fi r e d e l e c t r i c a l l y i t produces a fla s h t o ig n it e the
gunpowder in the body ( o r magazine) o f the tube which, in turn, ig n ite s th e gunpowder ig n it e r a t the
rearward end o f the p rop ella n t charge. They are vised mainly in B.L. guns and how itzers being f i t t e d
in a vent in th e f i r i n g mechanism. E le c t r ic tubes are n ot, at p resen t, used w ith any F ie ld Branch
A r t i l l e r y weapons.
29. P rop ella n t charge - This con sists u su ally e it h e r o f c o rd ite or o f a n itr o c e llu lo s e p rop ella n t.
The charge may a ls o include a decoppering agent co n sistin g o f a sma l l amount o f t i n and/or lead
u su ally in th e form o f f o i l , position ed as n early as p o ssib le immediately in the r e a r o f the
p r o je c t ile .
30. Fuzes - These are designed to f u l f i l a s p e c ific purpose such as tim e, d ire c t a c tio n percussion,
graze o r delay and may be made t o be assembled e ith e r in the nose or base o f the p r o j e c t i l e . In some
designs th e fuze may combine the dual purpose o f , say, time and D.A. percussion e tc .
31. P r o je c t ile s - These may be e it h e r s o lid (s h o t) o r hollow (s h e l l ) the l a t t e r being f i l l e d w ith

exp losive o r other substance, such as smoke, f l a r e , incendiary conpositions, e tc . In the case o f
s h e ll a fuze arel/or a s h e ll ig n it e r i s f i t t e d to i n i t i a t e the f i l l i n g . Both shot and s h e ll may be
f i t t e d w ith a tra c e r t o g ive a v is ib le "tra c e " o f the path o f the p r o je c t ile in the sky.
32. Ia d 3 ard cups - C ertain Q.F. ca rtrid g e s are assembled w ith a l i d o r cup in the mouth o f the case.
The o b ject o f these conponents i s to prevent ingress o f moisture, prevent portions o f the chargebeing
dislodged from the case when being loaded, and a ls o to prevent the charge moving forward away from the
means o f ig n it io n , i . e . the p rin er.
CARTRIDGE
33. Q.F. fix e d »m «in itio n (F ig . 1) - With t h is ammunition, the p r o je c t ile i s fir m ly attached to
the c a rtrid ge case and thus the p r o je c t ile , c a rtrid g e case, propellant charge (which cannot be varied )
and the prim er co n stitu te a sin g le e n tit y termed the "c a r tr id g e ". In c id e n ta lly , the c a rtrid g e may be
issued and/or stored e it h e r plugged or w ith th e fuse assembled. When demanding such ammunition i t
w i l l be necessary, th erefo re to s p e c ify the p a r tic ul a r type and nature o f fu ze required and the type
o f c a rtrid g e i . e . S.V. , f u l l o r reduced charge.
34. Q.F. separate loading ammunition (F ig . 1) - In th is instance, the p r o je c t ile and c a rtrid g e are
separate s to re s , the "c a rtr id g e " co n sistin g on ly o f the c a rtrid g e case, p rop ella n t charge and primer.
The p r o je c t ile and fu ze are separately demandable.
35. B.L. amnunition (F ig . 1) - This co n sists o f the c a rtrid ge (o r charge) which i s contained in a
c lo th bag, a p r o je c t ile , a Aize and a tube, a l l o f which are separately packed, stored and demandable.
The term "round" i s not normally used when r e fe r r in g to t h is nature o f ammunition. Here again, when
demanding such ammunition i t w i l l he necessary t o s p e c ify the p a rtic u la r type and nature o f fu ze, the
type o f charge i . e . super, f u l l , 1/2 charges, e tc . and the s iz e and type o f tube i . e . percussion o r
e l e c t r i c , required.
TYPES OF AMMUNITION
T Y P IC A L Q .F. SEPAR A TE L O A D IN G A M M U N ITIO N
Projectile PRIMER PROPELLANT CLOSING CUP PROJECTILE

Cartridge
T Y P IC A L B.L. AM M U N ITIO N
Cartridge
\
- 6 -
Chapter i
Introduction
Section 5. Categories of Ammunition
GENERAJj
There are fo u r main ca teg ories o f amnunition:-
Operational
P ra ctice
Blank
D r ill
I t i s most inport suit that the d is tin c tio n s should be c le a r ly understood and recognised. Only
one category o f ammunition should ev er be on the gun p o s itio n a t ai^y one time.
37. Operational - A l l ammunition conponents in t h is category i . e . , the c a r tr id g e , p r o j e c t i le , fuze

and tube, are "LIVE" and the p r o je c t ile i s p rim a rily le t h a l, although such non -leth al items as smoke,
sta r and fla r e s h ell are n ecessa rily included.
38. P ra c tic e - Ammunition in th is category i s fo r p ra c tic e f i r i n g , i . e . , fo r e f f e c t in simulated

combat ard i s provided fo r tra in in g in marksmanship and observation.
The conponents are "LIVE". The p r o je c t ile , however, i s le s s le th a l than i t s op eration al
equ ivalent. In the case o f s h e ll or p ra c tic e p r o je c t ile i t may contain only a small qu antity o f low
exp losive f i l l i n g or in the case o f shot the nose nay be truncated o r may not be s p e c ia lly hardened.
To e f f e c t economy in costs and labour such p r o je c t ile s may a lso be manufactured from a low er grade o f
m aterial than i s a requirement fo r t h e ir operational version s.
Such p r o je c t ile s are designed to i n f l i c t the minimum o f damage to the p ra c tic e ta rg et o r area,
w hile a t the same time perm ittin g accurate ranging t o be achieved and enabling the poin t o f inpact
to be observed.
Except f o r the p r o je c t ile , a l l oth er conponents are id e n t ic a l w ith those used f o r the equ ivalent
operational round.
39. Blank - This i s used f o r demonstrations and salu tin g purposes. I t consists o f a c a rtrid g e case
o r bag containing only a charge, u su ally o f gunpowder although c o rd ite charges have been approved f o r
some equipments.
i|0o D r i l l - A l l d r i l l amnunition i s c o n p le te ly INERT and i s used f o r p ra c tic e in handling and

d r i l l o f loadin g, fu z in g , e tc . In shape, dimensions and weight i t i s sim ila r t o the equ ivalent
Service s to re 0
- 7 -
Chapter 2
Explosives
CLASSIFICATION OP EXPLOSIVES
41. For m ilita r y purposes ex p losives may be d ivid ed in t o :-
Prope H ants
High explosives
M iscellaneous, including gunpowder, pyrotechnic and other compositions that
cannot u su ally be detonated.
P rop ellan ts are ex p lo sives which are not normally intended to do more than explode.
High e x p lo s iw s are those that are capable o f being detonated, and are normally used f o r that
purpose. They may be sub-divided f o r gun amnunition purposes i n t o : -
(a ) S h e ll f i l l i n g s , which are very in s e n s itiv e and d i f f i c u l t to detonate;
(b ) I n it ia t in g agents, which are very s e n s itiv e , and detonate qu ite e a s ily ; and
( c ) In term ediaries, which are used t o p ic k up the small but concentrated shock given by the
in i t i a t o r and transform i t in to a s u ffic ie n t ly v io le n t wave to detonate the main f i l l i n g .
DEFINITIONS
42. E xplosives are substances which, on being su itab ly in it ia t e d , deconpose r a p id ly , y ie ld in g a
la rge quantity o f gas. They are capable o f e x ertin g a sudden and intense pressure on t h e ir
surroundings. The re s u ltin g disturbance may be e it h e r an "explosion " o r a "detonation".
A sound knowledge o f the exp losives used in F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y ammunition i s e s s e n tia l to a
proper understanding o f th e p r in c ip le s o f care and maintenance, as i s also some knowledge o f the
metals used fo r exp losive containers such as s h e lls , magazines, e tc .
43. Explosion - Th is may be regarded as a rapid combustion, which occurs in the absence o f
atmospheric oxygen, and i s characterised by the ev olu tion o f heat, fla s h and sound, and by the
rapid deconposition o f the substance, forming la rg e qu an tities o f gets. The rate o f deconposition
i s , however, com paratively slow when compared w ith the extrem ely rapid deconposition o f detonation.
I t may be between 0.3 and 300 metres p e r second and depends to a g rea t extent on the surrounding
tenperature and pressure. When an explosive such as co rd ite i s ig n ite d i t bums from the surface
inwards in p a r a lle l la y e rs w ith a v e lo c it y which depends on the pressu re, but which, even urder
severa l thousand atmospheres, never exceeds a few metres per second. The ig n it io n i s conminicated
from la y e r to la y e r by the heat generated, and the h o tte r the ex p losive i s b efore ig n itio n , the le s s
heat i s required to ig n it e i t and the le s s time i t takes to bum from la y e r to la y e r.
Thus w ith an ex plosion , the explosive i s converted in to gas by burning which progresses
conparatively slow ly and r e g u la rly and exerts a sustained pressure on the container. This pressure
bu ilds up u n t il "something goes".
In the case o f a p rop ella n t charge, t h is i s the p r o je c t ile which i s forced up the bore o f the
gun, n eith er p r o je c t ile nor gun being damaged.
I f the exp losive i s confined in a sealed con tain er, such as a s h e ll, t h is w i l l fra ctu re at i t s
wealeest poin ts in to a few la rg e fragments. The actual fractu res are conparatively clean and normal
t o the surface.
The p rin c ip a l explosives o f t h is type are the c o rd ite s , n itr o c e llu lo s e p rop ellan ts and
gunpowder. These exp losives i f in s u ffic ie n t ly confined w i l l only bum , and t h is fa c t i s made use
o f in various powder tra in s fo r fu zes, tra ce rs e tc .
44. Detonation - With a detonation the conversion in to gas i s by a disru p tive ard. almost
instantaneous wave a ction which shatters the container in to a la rge number o f small fragments
tr a v e llin g a t great speed and th erefo re w ith grea t pen etrative power. These fragments are them
selves evidence o f the d isru p tive a ction , being jagged and s p lit .
The explosives that are capable o f being detonated are known as high explosives. Unless
there i s e f f ic ie n t in it ia t io n and transmission o f the detonating wave, however, a p a r t ia l detonation,
ex p losive, or burning only w i l l re s u lt.
- 8 -
45. V e lo c it y o f detonation - This v a r ie s from 3,000 metres/sec. to over 8,000 metres/sec. w ith
Service high ex p lo sives. Rates fo r some o f the conraoner high exp losives are given below :-
V. o f D. M elting Ig n itio n
DESIGNATION metres/sec p o in t °C poin t °C
Fulminate o f mercury 4,500 at d en sity 3*3 gn/c.c. - about 170°
Lead azide 4,500 n 3.8 N - " 350°
Amatol 80/20 5,080 n N -
1.5 235°
Guncotton, wet 5,500 n 1.23 n - 187°
Torpex 6,850 M n -
1.73
T.N.T. 6,900 n It 81 . 1 ° 240°
1.57
P ic r ic acid 7,250 ii 1*63 N 12 1 . 6° 250°
Guncotton, dry 7,300 it It - 187°
1.15
C.E. 7,300 n It 129.1° 180°
1.5
Ni t roglycerin e 7,750 it - 13° 188°
P.E.T.N. 8,100 ii It 141° 145-150°
1.7
R.D.X. 8,400 ti It
1.7 203.5° 213°
The v e lo c it y o f detonation i s not g r e a tly a ffe c te d by ex te rn a l conditions unless these are

extreme. A ir temperature has l i t t l e o r no e f f e c t . Increase o f confinement has a s lig h t e f f e c t
on ly, provided that th e confinement i s s u ffic ie n t to ensure couplete detonation. In ve ry
in s e n s itiv e ex p lo s ives , however, the propagation o f detonation may not be maintained under lig h t
confinement.
The c h ie f fa c to r a ffe c t in g v e lo c it y o f detonation i s the density o f the ex p losive. Up to a
maximum lim it increase in density means increase in v e lo c it y .
e . g . , P ic r ic acid d en sity 1.3 g r ./ c .c . rate 5,980 metres/sec.

" 1.5 w " 7,110 •
" 1.63 " n 7,250 "
Th is i s the lim it fo r p ic r ic acid and fu rth e r increase in d en sity w i l l not a ffe c t th e rate o f
detonation. I t should a lso be noted th at increase in d en sity produces also a decrease in
s e n s it iv it y , e .g . T.N .T. c ry s ta ls are used as an interm ediary, w hile cast T.N.T. i s used as a
bursting charge.
I t has been found that the e f fe c t o f detonation i s most v io le n t in the d ir e c tio n in which the
detonating wave i s t r a v e llin g . I t fo llo w s , th e re fo re , that both in the design and use o f detonators
t h is poin t should be borne in mind. The most e f fe c t iv e p a rt o f a detonator i s the closed end.
46. E ffe c t o f an a i r gap - I f an a i r gap i s introduced in to a detonating system the detonation

wave, in jumping the gap, lo s e s energy, and the amplitude o f the wave f a l l s o f f in p rop ortion t o the
s iz e o f th e gap. I f the f a l l i n g o f f is great enough, the detonation wave may fade out a lto g e th e r,
and even i f the gap i s so small that the wave passes o v er, i t may have l o s t so much o f i t s energy
that complete detonation o f the remainder o f the exp losive w i l l not occur, and a 'p a r t i a l ' detonation
or 'ex p lo sio n only* w i l l r e s u lt.
I t i s th erefo re v e ry important to avoid a i r gaps in a detonating system and to maintain the
stress supplied by the i n i t i a l detonation above the necessary c r i t i c a l valu e, since detonation breaks
down when the amplitude o f the wave f a l l s below t h is c r i t i c a l value. A ir gaps are unimportant in an
explosion, as the fla s h crosses the gap e a s ily . S lig h t gaps between the conponents o f i n it ia t in g
systems are unavoidable, and th erefo re i n i t i a t i n g and interm ediary f i l l i n g s should have an anple
margin o f power.
47. Sensitiveness t o blow and fr ic t io n - The prop erty which a l l explosives possess o f bein g brought
to explosion by blow o r f r ic t io n i s known as "sen sitiven ess" o r " s e n s it iv it y " , the former designation
being used in S ervice lit e r a t u r e . This property i s o f great iimportance as i t in d ica tes the uses t o
which an ex p lo s ive may s a fe ly be put and i t determines the precautions which must be taken during i t s
manufacture, handling and transport. Very s e n s itiv e exp losives are required f o r use in percussion
caps and detonators, w h ile those which may be used as bu rsting charges f o r s h e ll and have th erefo re
t o withstand the considerable shock o f discharge from a gun must be very in s e n s itiv e .
48. I n it ia t io n - E xplosives are sta rted o f f by " i n i t i a t o r s " . These are ig n ite d by a d ir e c t blow,
f r i c t i o n o r flam e, and are used fo r s ta rtin g the a c tio n o f combustion, explosion and detonation.
For s ta rtin g combustion o r ex plosion , a flame only i s required and such an i n i t i a t o r i s termed
"ig n ife r o u s ".
- 9-
Where a detonating wave i s required, however, a "d is ru p tiv e " i n i t i a t o r i s necessary. This
sta rts b y burning, but qu ickly bu ilds up to detonation. The detonating wave from a d isru p tive
in i t i a t o r i s seldom powerful enough in i t s e l f to se t o f f the comparatively stable high exp losive used
as the main f i l l i n g o r bu rstin g charge o f a s h e ll and consequently an "interm ediary" o r "exploder" i s
interposed. (The American term "booster" i s synonymous w ith "e x p lo d e r").
Disruptive in it ia t o r s and interm ediaries are classed as high explosives.
49. Ligh t - This i s ob jection able in the case o f propellants but i s o f use in lo c a tin g s h e ll and
bomb bu rsts, and in tra ce r compositions, which enable the tra je c to ry o f a p r o je c t ile to be observed
thereby a s s is tin g ranging, and a lso fo r sta r s h e ll and illu m in atin g compositions. In th is
a p p lication gas pressure i s redundant and may even be inju riou s so th at compositions are desirable
which give on ly s o lid products o f combustion. Further, hot gases from burning or explosion are
ion ised , i . e . , possess e le c t r ic a l con d u ctivity, so that tracers and ig n ife ro u s s e lf-d e s tru c tio n
elements on s h e ll are found to p ro h ib it the "aiming" o f radio proxim ity fu zes. Ion ized gases,
however, from s h e ll o r bomb bursts g iv e radar echo which i s much g rea ter than th at from the p r o je c t ile
in f l i g h t alone. This e f f e c t a s s is ts ranging a t n ig h t o r in fogQr weather.
50. Sound - A l l explosions o r detonations g iv e r is e to sound waves ( i . e . , lon gitu d in al waves) in

the a i r and consist o f successive compressions and ra re fa ctio n s. Where these are o f la rg e amplitude
as when a charge o f high ex p losive is detonated, they give r is e to b la s t and suction e ffe c t s which may
do considerable damage to m ateria l and personnel. The b la s t from the muzzle gases o f a gun which
may a t the muzzle a tta in magnitudes o f the order o f 4 tons per square inch, can produce harmful
p h y s io lo g ica l e f fe c t s unless personnel and p a r tic u la r ly t h e ir ears are adequately protected. This
e f f e c t maybe a grea t annoyance in "staggered" b a tte ry p o sitio n s where one gun may be f i r i n g n early
over another.
Sound waves freon ordnance or s h e ll bursts are made use o f in sound ranging and the lo c a tio n o f
h o s tile b a tte rie s .
51. C om patibility - I t i s c le a r ly o f great importance that exp losives s h a ll not in te ra c t w ith either
(a ) other explosives with which they may be in contact o r (b ) t h e ir containers. This c r it e r io n i s
known as co m p a tib ility . The assessment o f c o m p a tib ility i s not always easy, fo r small changes in
conditions may g r e a tly a f f e c t the r e s u lt. Thus, mercury fulminate i s qu ite stable towards copper a t
ordin ary temperatures when dry, but w i l l decompose when placed in copper caps in the presence o f
moisture. I t i s p ossib le to obtain an assessment o f co m p a tib ility by putting the store concerned
on c lim a tic t r i a l .
In co m p a tib ility may lead to dangerous conditions, or to changes in explosive o r b a l l i s t i c
performance. Thus, lead azide in copper, in the presence o f moisture, may decompose w ith the
formation o f a very s e n s itiv e copper a zid e. N itro g ly ce rin e vapour from a prop ellant i s absorbed by
c e llu lo id . Thus i f a p rop ella n t which contains n itro g ly c e rin e i s f i l l e d in to c e llu lo id containers
(e . g . mortar secondary c a rtrid g e s ) the n itro g ly c e rin e m igrates from the prop ellan t to the c e llu lo id ,
and a f a l l in b a llis t ic s r e s u lts . This also happened in the case o f the c e llu lo id cups which were,
form erly, used fo r se a lin g tra c e r c a v itie s in the bases o f s h e lls . The c e llu lo id cups softened and
dropped out. P ic r ic a cid , fo r example, rea cts with ce rta in metals, e s p e c ia lly lead, to g ive
se n sitive s a lts . S trin gen t precautions, th e re fo re , have to be taken by sp ec ify in g "lead freedom"
(n ot more than 0.03 per cent lead) in any store or in gred ien t which may p o ssib ly be used w ith p ic r ic
acid o r s h e llit e .
Since i t i s e s s e n tia l, in the B r itis h s e rv ic e s , that stores should remain safe and e f f i c i e n t
fo r a t le a s t 25 years, co m p a tib ility mast always be borne in mind when considering the design o r
storage o f ainrrunition. The fo llo w in g are examples o f in c o m p a tib ility : -
(a ) Carbamite soften s pain t. The in t e r io r s o f wooden boxes in which bulk c o rd ite i s stored
a re, th erefo re, l e f t " in the w hite".
(b ) Nitrous gases from the decomposition o f p rop ellan ts, and ammonia from p ic r it e propellants
both cause "season cracking" o f c a rtrid g e brass. I t i s necessary, th erefo re, to p rotect
the in t e r io r s o f ca rtrid ge cases b y sh ellackin g b e fo re in s e rtio n o f the prop ellant
charge in the f i l l i n g fa ctory .
(c ) Ammonium n it r a t e , e s p e c ia lly when damp, i s lia b le to attack metals. The in t e r io r s o f
s h e ll, mortar bombs, e tc . th erefo re, which are to be f i l l e d amatol o r other ammonium
n itr a te m ixtures, must be protected, before f i l l i n g , by means o f copal varnish.
(d ) T.N .T. i s incompatible with a lk a li.
(e ) Ordinary vulcanised rubber contains sulphur, which r e a d ily attacks brass (c a r tr id g e brass
and primer bodies) to g ive black copper sulphide, CuS.
( f ) P.E.T.N. i s incompatible w ith amatol.
(g ) T e tr y l (C .E .) i s incompatible w ith gunpowder.
(h ) Lead azide i s incompatible w ith copper and w ith sh ella c varnish.
( j ) P ic r ic a cid i s incompatible with bleaching powder.
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52. Compositions - In addition to the p rop ellan ts and high ex p lo s ives , there i s a v a r ie ty o f
compositions, c h ie f among them being gunpowder. This i s the o ld est known e x p lo s ive, and although no
lon ger used as a p rop ella n t or le t h a l bursting charge, i s used, ex te n siv ely and forms v i t a l lin k s in
almost every ammunition component. Other compositions include ig n ife ro u s in i t i a t o r s , illu m inants fo r
s ta r s h ell and tra cers and smoke producers.
USES
53 • A diagrammatic representation o f the various types and uses o f explosives i s at Appendix A.
Chapter 2
Explosives
Section 2. Propellants
GENERAL
54. These are m aterials which when ig n ite d in the gun chamber, burn smoothly, exert pressure on the
base o f the p r o je c t ile thereby causing i t to move up the bore o f the gun. The pressure developed
depends upon the ra te a t •which the p rop ella n t burns. This can be co n tro lle d by the s e le c tio n o f the
s iz e and shape o f the pieces o f which the p rop ella n t charge i s made up, by the composition o f the
propellant and by the amount used.
These fa c to rs have to be considered in r e la tio n to the s iz e o f the gun chamber, the dimensions
o f the bore and the weight o f the p r o je c t i l e . Thus, when estim ating a charge to g iv e a ce rta in
muzzle v e lo c it y without exceeding a s p e c ifie d pressure, the sm allest p o ssib le s iz e o f p rop ella n t i s
s e lec te d , in order to g e t the fo llo w in g advantages:-
(a ) G reatest possib le e ffic ie n c y , i . e . , the sm allest p ossib le charge w eigh t, in order to

a s s is t loading and packaging.
(b ) P o s itio n o f " a l l burnt" as fa r back as p o ssib le.
Prop ella n ts are made in various shapes e . g . cord, ribbon, tubular and s lo tte d tubular. They
are also made in granular form, in th is form they may be tubular o r m ulti tubular. (See P ig . 2)
Id e a lly only one nature o f prop ellant should be used in one equipment, but t h is i s not p o s s ib le
a t present.
HISTORICAL
55« The o r ig in o f prop ella n ts and explosives i s rath er obscure and i s bound up w ith the discovery
o f methods o f p u rify in g s a ltp e tr e . The f i r s t p rop ella n t discovered, in the 13th century, was
gunpowder which i s a mixture o f s a ltp e tr e , sulphur and charcoal. Gunpowder was used as a p rop ella n t
u n til the la t e 19 th century and the development o f modem p rop ellan ts can be said to date from
attempts in 1845 by Schonbein to use n itr o c e llu lo s e (guncotton) in pla ce o f gunpowder. The
n itr o c e llu lo s e was manufactured by the a ction o f n i t r i c acid and sulphuric a cid on co tton . In 1884
V i e l l e produced a p rop ella n t using only n it r o c e llu lo s e , hot r o lle d in to sheets and cut in to squares
which was c a lle d "Poudre B ". Nobel produced a s im ila r produce by mixing n itr o c e llu lo s e and n it r o
g ly c e rin e under w ater, hot r o llin g the resu ltan t paste and cu ttin g i t in to small squares, th is was
c a lle d B a l l i s t i t e . In 1888 A vel used a mixture o f n it r o c e llu lo s e , n itro g ly c e rin e and mineral j e l l y
g e la tin iz e d by acetone. This was pressed in to cords and dried to remove the acetone used in the
process. Being in cord form i t was c a lle d c o rd ite and was adopted f o r use by the Services in 1891
in place o f gunpowder. Since th is date e ffo r t s have been concentrated on producing improvements
such as the production o f more power in a sm aller space, the use o f s t a b ilis e r s to increase storage
l i f e and the in c lu s io n o f ingred ien ts to decrease the smoke, fla s h and heat produced.
BURNING OF A PROPELLANT
5&« The main c h a ra c te ris tic s o f the burning o f a prop ellan t a r e :-
(a ) burning i s pu rely on the surface and normal t o the surface;
(b ) the ra te o f burning, increases w ith pressure on the su rface. I t i s p r a c t ic a lly

p rop ortion al t o pressure, though i t departs from l i n e a l i t y at high pressures.
As the p rop ella n t s ta rts to burn, gas i s generated and the pressure in the chamber o f the gun
r is e s u n til the p r o je c t ile s ta rts to move. The pressure a t which movement commences i s known as
'"shot s ta rt pressu re".
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A ft e r th is pressure continues t o r is e u n t il the increase o f volume behind the p r o je c t ile counter

balances the r is e o f pressure caused by the ev olu tion o f gas. At th is p o in t we get the poin t o f
"maximum pressu re", a ft e r which the pressure f a l l s o f f slow ly u n til a l l the p rop ellan t has been
consumed. The pressure w i l l then f a l l more ra p id ly because o f the expansion and heat losses,
nevertheless the v e lo c it y w i l l continue to increase u n til the pressure o f the gases has ceased t o act
on the base o f the p r o je c t ile , i . e . sh ortly a ft e r i t has l e f t the nuzzle o f the gun.
The point o f maximum pressure i s reached very q u ick ly, and the maximum a ccelera tion o f the
p r o je c t ile res u lts in ve ry great "set-back" e f fe c t on the p r o je c t ile . This e f f e c t i s important in
the design o f s h e ll and fuzes.
57• A l l burnt p o s itio n - The p o s itio n reached in the bore o f a gun by the p r o je c t ile a t the moment
when a l l the prop ellan t charge has been consumed i s known as the " a l l burnt" poin t.
The gun i s capable o f producing i t s maximum muzzle v e lo c it y when the optimum power i s used and
th is u sually means a la rg e s iz e o f p ro p ella n t, la rg e charge w eight, a forward p o s itio n o f " a l l bu rnt",
and higher muzzle pressures. The prop ellan t however, i s used most e f f i c i e n t l y when " a l l burnt" i s
w e ll back, and t h is i s the usual p o s itio n . I f the " a l l burnt" point i s too near the muzzle,
ir r e g u la r b a llis t ic s are caused. While i f i t i s outside the muzzle we not only waste p rop ella n ts,
but also increase the r is k o f burning p a r tic le s ig n itin g m aterial near the gun.
PROPERTIES OF THE IDEAL PROPELLAflT

58" Rate o f burning - I t must be regu lar and r e a d ily c o n tr o lla b le , thus in order that the muzzle
v e lo c it y s h a ll be uniform from p r o je c t ile to p r o je c t ile and so enable the gunner to h it a selected
ta r g e t, the ra te o f burning and the amount o f heat and gas produced by a p rop ella n t mist be as
uniform as p o ssib le. This i s u su ally a ttain ed by using a c o llo id a l ( i . e . g e la tin iz e d ) explosive o f
a uniform conposition which can only bum from the surface, la y e r t o la y e r. The amount o f surface
exposed governs the rate a t which i t can bum e .g . when in cord form the size o f cord w i l l determine
the rate o f burning sin ce, f o r a given charge w eight, a la rge number o f small cords w i l l o f f e r more
burning surface than a few la rge cords. The area o f the burning surface can be fu rth er increased
by changing the shape o f the p ro p ella n t, e .g . ribbon, tubular, s lo tte d tubular and granular. By
th is method i t i s p ossib le f o r a prop ellant o f id e n tic a l conposition but o f d iffe r e n t shape and size
to be used in weapons varying from re v o lv e rs t o heavy guns. D iffe re n t burning c h a ra c te ris tic s can
a ls o be obtained by changing the in gred ien ts or the proportions used in the manufacture o f the
propellanto
59. I t must not detonate - P rop ellan ts are made from ingred ien ts some or a l l o f which are capable
o f being detonated. I t i s e s s e n tia l that there should be no tendency fo r the resu ltan t propellant
to detonate when used under the conditions f o r which i t i s introduced.
60o I t should be fr e e from fla s h - This i s inport ant from a t a c t ic a l poin t o f view as muzzle fla sh
w i l l divulge the p o s itio n o f an a c tiv e gun e s p e c ia lly at night. Freedom from backflash i s also
inportant as there would be danger t o the guns crew and a lso the r is k o f ig n itin g ca rtrid ge s or
oth er inflammable m aterial in the v ic i n i t y o f the breech.
The cause o f muzzle and backflash i s the formation o f incom pletely burnt gases which are a t a
high tenperature. These gases ig n it e on coming in to contact w ith the outside a i r a ft e r the
p r o je c t ile has l e f t the muzzle or when the breech i s opened.
61. I t should be smokeless - This i s as important as freedom from fla s h from a t a c t ic a l p o in t o f

view. In ad d ition excessive smoke i s inconvenient when a gun i s being layed on a v is u a l ta r g e t,
the smoke may obscure the view o f the gun crew and make observation d i f f i c u l t .
62. I t should not lea ve residue - Hot smouldering fragments o f incom pletely burnt prop ellan t or
charge bags are obviously dangerous i f they remain in the chamber or bore o f a gun. S o lid residue
fo u ls the bore and increases erosion.
63. I t should not cause erosion - Erosion o f the chamber and the bore o f a gun i s due t o the
washing a ction o f the hot gases; i t i s p a r t ly caused by t h e ir high v e lo c it y but mainly b y t h e ir
high tenperature. The rapid heating and co o lin g to which the bore o f a gun i s subjected fu rth er
tends t o d is in teg ra te the surface metal. Therefore the prop ellant should burn as c o o lly as
possible consistent w ith obtaining the required b a l l i s t i c s .
64. I t must not break up - The stick s or granules o f p ro p ella n t, which make up a charge, must not
break up during burning as t h is would cause a change in area o f the burning surface and hence
ir r e g u la r b a llis t ic s .
65. I t should be easy t o ig n it e - Most prop ella n ts are not easy t o ig n it e and the use o f gunpowder
ig n ite r s i s almost u n iversal. The ig n it io n o f the prop ellant must not be so d i f f i c u l t that the
ig n it e r has to be la rg e in s iz e .
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66 . I t should be sta b le in storage and transport - The explosives used in p rop ella n ts undergo a
continuous process o f decomposition. With modern propellants the ra te o f th is decorrposition i s very
slow indeed and the progress o f decomposition i s determined by the p e rio d ic a l examination o f a l l
p rop ellan ts stored in bulk together w ith that made up in to charges.
Decomposition i s accompanied by an evolu tion o f heat and the formation o f fr e e a cid s. I f the
heat i s not d issip ated and the fr e e acids are not n eu tralised decomposition i s a ccelerated and may
even tu ally lead to spontaneous ig n it io n . Cool dry storage and the addition o f s t a b iliz e r s , which
n e u tra lise the fr e e a cid s, are the best means o f prolonging the l i f e o f the p ro p e lla n t.
67. I t should be in s e n s itiv e to shock and f r i c t i o n - The prop ellan t should be a b le to be handled
and transported w ith s a fe ty both in bulk and when made up in to charges.
68. I t should be u naffected by moisture and temperature - The general e ffe c t o f moisture , i f
absorbed by the p ro p ella n t, i s to a lt e r the d en sity o f loading which w i l l cause e r r a t ic shooting.
In ad d ition damp may cause in te ra c tio n between the exp losive and i t s surroundings leadin g to
in s t a b ilit y .
Exposure, f o r short p eriod s, to extreme temperatures may lea d to physical changes in the
p rop ella n t which are usually o f a temporary nature.
69. I t should not be too bulky - The prop ellan t must be powerful so that the requ ired charge and
the chamber o f the gun do not need t o be ex ces siv ely la rg e .
COMPOSITION
70. P a rtic u la rs o f the basic p rop ellan ts in current use f o r airmunition are g iven in Appendix B.
A l l modern propellants used in the B r itis h S ervice contain n itr o c e llu lo s e , and when based on
th is alone, are known as "sin g le-b a se” types o r "n itr o c e llu lo s e cannon powders” . (The American term
"cannon powder” , which i s synonymous w ith "p rop ellan t” i s misleading in that these p rop ella n ts are
not powders as normally understood).
B r itis h "double-base” type p rop ellan ts contain n itro g ly c e rin e in addition to n itr o c e llu lo s e and
are known as " c o r d it e s ". The co rd ites are o fte n fu rth er described as "mineral j e l l y " o r "carbamite"
according to the s t a b iliz e r used.
P ic r it e p rop ella n t o r "fla s h le s s co rd ite s" as they are sometimes c a lle d ( e . g . c o rd ite N & NQ)
are a "double-base" type o f prop ellant containing in addition to the normal in gred ien ts a high
proportion o f nitroguanidine (p i c r i t e ) •
The c e llu lo s e employed in manufacture may be d erived from co tton , wood, g rass, o r oth er pulp.
This i s n itra te d and g e la tin iz e d . A s t a b iliz e r i s added to reduce the natural decay o f such
m ixtures, and a fla sh in h ib ito r incorporated (w ith or without a moderant) where flash lessn ess i s
required. During manufacture, the p rop ella n t in the form o f a dough i s g e n e ra lly pressed through
dies which determine the shape o f the cro s s-s ectio n . This dough emerges s im ila r in form to macaroni
and i s afterwards cut in to long "s tic k s " o r ve ry short len gths c a lle d "gra n u les".
CHARACTERISTICS
71 • The temperature o f the propellant charge before ig n it io n a ffe c t s the b a l l i s t i c s obtained.
The range ta b les, which are compiled fo r the Service p r o je c t ile at a standard muzzle v e lo c it y ,
include data to show the v a ria tio n in shooting which may be expected due to va ria tio n in charge
temperature.
High charge temperatures lead to h igh er chamber pressures which may be excessive in extreme
con d ition s. Accordingly i t i s correct d r i l l to keep charges as reasonably co ol as p o ssib le and
p a r tic u la r ly to keep ready-use ammunition a t as uniform a temperature as p o ssib le to ensure
consistent shooting.
72. The heat con d u ctivity o f propellants i s low, w ith the consequences that charges tend to la g
behind t h e ir surroundings in regard to change o f terrroerat ur e . This presents some problems in the
determination o f the e f f e c t iv e chaige temperature, p a r tic u la r ly with Q.F. anraunition and i s one o f
the main reasons why Q.F. ammunition should not be subjected to d ire c t su n ligh t. Apart from th is
consideration, d ire c t su nlight may also in extreme cases produce changes o f b a l l i s t i c s , although
th is i s u n lik e ly with modem propellants as compared w ith the old er ones. The method o f measuring
charge temperature i s d e a lt w ith in tra in in g manuals.
73. L o ttin g - P rop ella n ts are produced in " lo t s " which are checked f o r homogeneity and performance.
C artridges made up from one l o t (a s i s in d ica ted by the l o t o r batch marking) should th erefo re be
id e n tic a l in character and performance in a g iven gun.
With modem p ro p ella n ts, reasonable age does not m a te ria lly a ffe c t b a l l i s t i c s .
7k» Colour - The colour o f most p rop ellan ts va ries from a lig h t amber and various shades o f blue
and green to black . In the case o f c o rd ite , the colour deepens w ith age.
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75. Shape aid size - The shape and s iz e o r form o f the p rop ella n t determines the ra te o f burning and
provides the necessary c o n tro l t o su it d iffe r e n t c a lib re s and b a r r e l lengths as w e ll as varying
charges. G en erally, the sm aller the surface area exposed the slower the rate o f burning. The cross
sections most comnonly used are shown in P ig . 2.
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(a ) S tick o r cord prop ellan t - With t h is , as with tube (b ) below, the length i s g re a t in
conroarison w ith the diameter and 'end e f f e c t ' i . e . , burning from the ends, i s ignored.
Burning may be considered, th e r e fo r e , as the continued diminution o f a c ir c u la r cross
se ctio n , hence, oth er things being equ al, the ra te o f ev olu tion o f gas i s g rea te st a t
f i r s t and f a l l s b f f during burning,, Such a p rop ella n t i s c a lle d d egressive, and tends to
g iv e a rath er "peaky" pressure-space curve. In order t o overcome t h i s , there were
introduced:-
(b ) Tubular p rop ellan t - Here the cross se ctio n i s a rin g . In theory, t h is form i s n eu tral,
fo r the combined perim eters o f the ex te rn a l and in te rn a l surfaces should remain constant
during burning. In p r a c tic e , t h is form i s s lig h t ly d egressive, owing t o slower and
ir r e g u la r burning o f the interior® Further, pressure b u ild s up in side the tubes, which
may b u rst, p a r tic u la r ly i f th ey are i n i t i a l l y in a sta te o f stres s. To overcome these
d e fe c ts , which are p a r tic u la r ly n oticeab le w ith the more b r i t t l e p ic r it e p ro p e lla n ts , the
s lo tte d tube form was introduced® This i s a tube which i s s l i t a l l the way down. The
s tic k s , t h e r e fo r e , are le s s l i k e l y t o be in a state o f mechanical stress b e fo re firin g ®
As soon as the p rop ella n t s ta rts t o bum i t opens up and r e lie v e s in te rn a l pressure in the
sticks®
( c ) Multitube p rop ellan t - Th is con sists o f short c y lin d r ic a l g ra in s , whose len gth i s about
2.1/2 times t h e ir diameter. The cross section shows a cen tra l h o le , which i s surrounded
sym m etrically by s ix equal h oles. Each hole i s approx, 1/lOth the t o t a l diameter o f the
grain® As the g ra in burns, i t s t o t a l surface increases (seven h oles in creasin g as one
extern al circumference decreases) so th at t h is shape i s ' p ro g res siv e*. For a given maxinum
pressu re, the maximum i s reached ra th e r l a t e r in shot t r a v e l than w ith cord o r tube and the
pressure i s more sustained, thus g iv in g a higher muzzle v e lo c it y . But a f t e r t te webs have
burnt through, the g ra in breaks up in to s ix in te rn a l and s ix ex tern al 's l i v e r s ' which are
h ig h ly degressive so that " a l l burnt" i s ra th e r e a r l i e r than fo r cord o r tube.
FLASH AND SMOKE

76. The" gases released a t the muzzle on f i r i n g a gun may cause fla s h or smoke. Since they are
released w ith considerable fo rc e (muzzle b l a s t ) , they may disturb dust on the ground g iv in g r is e t o
a dust cloud. Smoke, fla s h and dust are u ndesirable, since they re s u lt in the loss o f concealment
and, p a r tic u la r ly in d ir e c t shooting, in te r fe r e w ith la y in g and the observation o f tra c e r.
Flash i s the ig n it io n o f hot gases in contact w ith the oxygen o f the atmosphere.
77. Flash may be prevented b y :-
(a ) Making the p rop ella n t co o ler burning so th at the lib e r a te d gases are not hot enough to
combine w ith the atmospheric oxygen.
(b ) Inclu ding p ic r it e in the p rop ella n t. When burnt t h is substance g iv e s o f f a la rg e amount

o f n itrogen which d ilu te s the concentration o f carbon monoxide and hydrogen and prevents
i t s form ing an ig n ita b le mixture w ith the atmospheric oxygen.
( c ) Adding c e rta in m e ta llic s a lts (e . g . o f potassium) to the p rop ella n t. This slows down
the process o f rea ction o f the carbon monoxide and hydrogen w ith the atmospheric oxygen.
78. The eq u ally undesirable featu res o f fla s h and smoke, although governed to a major ex ten t by
the actual conposition o f the p rop ella n t, are a lso a ffe c te d b y the ig n it io n and the p e c u lia r it ie s
o f the gun and charge. U nfortunately, a decrease in fla s h can sometimes on ly be achieved a t the
expense o f an increase in smoke, and v ic e versa. In fa c t , the term " fla s h le s s " (o r "sm okeless")
as applied t o a p a r tic u la r nature o f p rop ella n t expresses the in ten tio n but not n e ces sa rily the
r e s u lt, i . e . , a charge described as fla s h le s s may in some guns and some conditions g ive a f u l l fla s h .
The products o f combustion o f a fla s h le s s charge contain carbon monoxide and are th erefo re
poisonous.
79. Although considerable progress has been made, ca rtrid ges have not y e t been produced which are
both smokeless and fla s h le s s . The problem i s grea test w ith the high performance guns, i . e . , those
g iv in g a high MV and working a t a high chamber pressure.
The present p o lic y i s : -
(a ) For in d ir e c t f i r e weapons (F ie ld Branch and H.A.A. in th e ground r o le ) fla s h i s not

acceptable because o f enemy fla s h sp ottin g a t night0 Smoke i s th erefo re accepted as the
le s s e r e v i l .
(b ) For d ir e c t f i r e weapons i . e . a n ti-ta n k , e t c . , smoke i s unacceptable f o r reasons o f 103 s o f

concealment and in terferen ce w ith la y in g and the observation o f tra c e r. Flash i s accepted
as the le s s e r e v i l , although every attenpt i s being made t o reduce i t .
- 15 -
PKOPERTIES OF THE COMMONER PIUPELLANTS

80. The c h ie f c h a ra c te ris tic s and poin ts o f d iffe re n c e o f the main types o f p rop ellan ts are shown in
the fo llo w in g t a b le :-
Modem double-base P i c r i t e (fla s h Early sin g le Modem single-base

Type (fla s h in g ) co rd ites le s s ) propellants base propellant (fla s h le s s ) propellant
e .g . e .g . e .g . e .g .
Prop ellant w, m SC, HSC N* NQ NOT NH FNH
Form Completely c o llo id a l or Not e n t ir e ly c o ll o id a l and s lig h t ly b r i t t l e . Used in v e iy

gelantinou s. Used in short lengths or "grains'*. F ille d lo o s e .
" sticks'* and bundled. (N, may a lso be
used in s t ic k s ).
Ig n itio n F a ir ly easy with moderate D iffic u lt. F a ir ly d i f f i c u l t . D iffic u lt.
quantity o f gunpowder. Requires more
gunpowder than
W or WM.
Smoke L ittle Considerable, Moderate Considerable, but
but p a r tly due p a r tly due to
to more powder more powder f o r
f o r ig n it io n . ig n it io n .
Flash Considerable, p a r tic u la r ly P r a c t ic a lly none Considerable P r a c t ic a lly none
in high pressure guns. in many guns, in many guns,
but may be but may be
considerable in considerable in
high pressure high pressure
guns. guns.
Erosion Moderate SC moderate L ittle Moderate Moderate L ittle

HSC con sid er but le s s
a b le. NUT
Power Good SC Good Low Moderate Moderate Low
(in verse o f HSC B ette r but le s s
bulk) NOT
R egu larity Good Should be good Moderate Good
o f burning
Fouling L ittle Rather bad. F a ir Rather bad.

Frequent Frequent
cleaning o f cleaning o f
mechanisms i s mechanism i s
d esira b le. d esira b le.
Resistance Good Bad Good
to ageing
E ffe c t o f S ligh t Very s lig h t Bad Poor
moisture
E ffe c t o f Very s lig h t except a t Bad Promotes lo s s o f residual

heat extreme high tearperature. v o l a t i l e solven t g ivin g
change in b a l l i s t i c s .
Storage in herm atically
sealed containers desirable,
E ffe c t o f Exudation o f n itr o P r a c t ic a lly n i l None

cold g ly c e rin e may take place
at low temperatures.
Not l i k e l y normally.
NOMENCLATURE
61 . Nature - The nature o f the propellant i s in d ica te d by a l e t t e r o r combination o f le t t e r s , but
the sig n ifica n ce o f a p a r tic u la r l e t t e r may vary according to i t s p o s itio n in the combination.
The various le t t e r s used are shown in the fo llo w in g paragraph. Some o f the le t t e r s describe
propellants not in use with F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y ammunition, but a complete l i s t i s given in order
to complete the p ic tu re and provide f o r any fu ture developments.
-16-
The use o f three fig u r e s iz in g g iv in g dimensions to one-thousandth o f an inch or two fig u re

s iz in g g iv in g dimensions to one-hundredth o f an inch i s re la te d t o the composition and production
process o f t i e p rop ella n t.
The fo llo w in g are examples o f p rop ella n t id e n t ific a tio n code le t t e r s combined w ith shape le t t e r s
and s iz e fig u r e s :-
C ordite Granular
Id Powders
Cord (s t ic k ) Ribbon Tubular S lo tte d Tubular
AN .048 NQ/R 014 x 048 SC/T 198-100 V s 164-048 FNH 057

N .048 W/T 206-100 NO/S 164-048 FNHP 038
NQ .030 Wfc/T 211-100 NH 030
sc .048
w .057
WM .017
82. Id e n tific a tio n code in d ic a tio n nature o f prop ellan t - The follov/ing code i s used in the marking
o f gun and mortar c a rtrid g e s .
DESIGNATION OF PROPELLANT IDENTIFICATION

LETTERS, ETC.
(N itr o c e llu lo s e powders)
N itr o c e llu lo s e r i f l e powder Mk. 8Z. NCEP ( 8Z)

Neonite No. 9 NRN9
Neonite No. 12 NRN12
NOT powder (U.S. NC(pyro) i.e.1914-18 production) 1CT
NH powder (U.S. Hercules NH) NH
NH powder (U.S. Dupont NH - l a t e r M.6 ) NH
FI® Powder (U.S.Dupont FNH - la t e r M.1) FI®
FNH powder (U.S. Hercules FNH - l a t e r M.4) FNH
FNHP powder (U.S. Dupont production f o r U.K.) FNHP
FNHP powder (U.S.Hercules production f o r U .K .) FNHP
(N itr o c e llu lo s e - n itro g ly c e rin e compositions)
B a llis tit e B BAL.B

Cordite A
C ordite AN AN
C ordite ASN ASN
C ordite CD CD
C ordite HSC HSC
C ord ite KSCK HSCK
C ord ite 153 m
C ordite MD md
C ordite MDC MDC
C ord ite RDB RDB
C ordite SC SC
C ordite W w
C ordite WM WM
M4X (U.S. Dupont) M2+X
81 mm. mortar powder (U.S. H ercules) KERC81 rrrn.
FNHDB (U .S. Hercules FNH - l a t e r M.2) FNHDB
FNHDB (U.S. Hercules FNH - l a t e r M.5) FNHDB
(N itr o c e llu lo s e - n itro g ly c e rin e - p i c r i t e compositions)
C ord ite NF NF
C ordite N N
C ordite NQF NQF
C ordite NQ NQ
C ord ite NP NP
-1 7 -
UN E
(N itr o c e llu lo s e - n itro g ly c e rin e - p ic r lt e compositions)
Cordite NQFP NQFP

Cordite N2P N2P
Cordite MNF MNF
C ordite MNQF MNQF
Ctordite MNF2P MNF2P
83. American p rop ellan ts - The B r itis h nomenclature and id e n t ific a t io n le t t e r s fo r U.S. gun
propellants are not the same as those now used by the Americans. In a m p lifica tion o f the
corresponding U.S. designations given in para. 82 the fo llo w in g i s a b r i e f surnnary o f the p o s itio n s :-
NCT These le t t e r s adopted b y us in the 1914-18 war was to in d ic a te "n itr o c e llu lo s e tubular", have
not been used in the U.S. where the p rop ella n t was designated "powder p rop ella n t
n itr o c e llu lo s e (p y r o )" and i s now ob solete.
NH These le t t e r s were in use in the U.S. to mean "non-hygroscopic* in the designation o f both
Hercules and Dupont smokeless cannon powders when we began to import these propellants in
1940. We used the le t t e r s in the designation "NH powder" which we adopted f o r both.
Later only the Dupont powder was produced and in time became known in the U.S. as "powder
p rop ellan t M.6 " . We have continued to use the designation '1® powder".
FNH These le t t e r s were in use in the U.S. to mean " fla s h le s s , non-hygroscopic" in the
designation o f both Hercules and Dupont fla s h le s s cannon powders when we began to import
these propellants in 1940. We used the le t t e r s in the designation "FNH powder" which we
adopted fo r both. L a te r, tinder American nomenclature, the Hercules powder became
"powder p rop ella n t M.4" and the Dupont, "powder p rop ellan t M.1" and the le t t e r s FNH were
used only as marking to in d ica te a fla s h le s s performance in a given gun ir r e s p e c tiv e o f
the composition. In time only the M.1 was produced and th is we have continued to c a l l
"FNH powder".
FNHP These le t t e r s have not been used in the U.S. nomenclature but were adopted in B r itis h
nomenclature fo r Hercules and Dupont fla s h le s s cannon powders s p e c ia lly produced to meet
a B r itis h requirement in 1940. L a ter only the Dupont powder was produced.
FNHDB These le t t e r s have not been used in the U.S. nomenclature but were introduced in the
B r itis h designation o f the two Hercules double base fla s h le s s cannon powders imported
during the 1939-45 war. Under American nomenclature these propellants were la t e r
designated "powders prop ellan t M.2 and M.5". N eith er i s used in B r itis h ammunition
and the le t t e r s have remain unchanged.
84. Prop ellant shape le t t e r s and s iz e fig u res - With certa in exceptions, the designation o f a
prop ellant includes also the shape and the s iz e dimensions in which the p rop ellan t i s produced.
The exceptions are the p rop ellan ts which are normally in the fin e r granular forms and comprise: -
N itrocellu lose r i f l e powder Mk. 8Z

Neonites No. 9 and No. 12
B a llis tit e
MWC
81 mm. mortar powder
The shape ( i . e . ph ysical form) (F ig . 2) in which the prop ellan t has been produced i s normally
in d icated by the use o f a sin g le code l e t t e r as a s u ff ix to the id e n t ific a t io n code given above.
The shape code le t t e r i s always preceded by an oblique stroke to separate i t from the
prop ellant id e n t ific a tio n le t t e r s . The shape le t t e r s used a r e :-
M M u lti-tu bu lar (m u ltip le p erfo ra tio n s) granules

R Ribbon ( s t r ip )
S S lotted tubular cord
T Tubular cord
Z S c ro ll
No shape l e t t e r i 3 used to in d ica te prop ellant in cord (s t ic k ) form because th is i s the

normal.
Likewise, the s u ffix l e t t e r M i s not used in connection with U.S. propellants because
"m u lti-p erforated" i s the American normal.
-18 -
The nominal s iz e dimensions corresponding to the shape in which the p rop ellan t has been produced
fo llo w the shape le t t e r , where used, and are given by the appropriate numerals and signs as fo llo w s :-
Cord or s tic k Diameter, e .g . 16 o r 182

M ulti-tubular Mean thickness o f webs between p e rfo ra tio n s, e .g . 055
Ribbon or s t r ip Thickness and width o f s t r ip separated by m u ltip lic a tio n sign,
e .g . 014 x 048
S c ro ll Thickness o f sheet, e .g . 008
S lo tted tubular cord External and in te rn a l diameters o f tube separated by minus sign,
e .g . 206-100
Tubular cord As fo r s lo tte d tubular cord.
MULTIPLICITY OF PROPELLANTS
85. M u lt ip lic it y o f prop ella n ts in the same equipment i s undesirable fo r the fo llo w in g reasons: -
(a ) Charge temperature correction s d i f f e r from p rop ellan t to prop ellan t.
(b ) The wear/MV rela tio n sh ip s are d iffe r e n t , so that charges o f d iffe r e n t natures o f p rop ellan t
w i l l not match b a l l i s t i c a l l y in the same gun.
(c ) EPC values vary from nature to nature.
These fa c to rs a l l e n t a il unnecessary complications and extra time and trouble fo r the user,
e s p e c ia lly a t c a lib ra tio n and in predictated shooting.
Owing to lim ita tio n o f production capacity in the country, m u lt ip lic ity o f propellants i s , at
the moment, unavoidable.
Chapter 2
Explosives
Section 3. High Explosives
DEFINITION
86. A high exp losive may be defined as a m aterial which can be detonated and i s normally used to
g ive detonation.
87. P ro p erties o f the id e a l high exp losive bu rsting charge; -
(a ) I t should possess power and v io le n c e .

Power i s -the a b i l i t y o f the e x p lo s iv e to do work and i s obviously dependent on the volume
o f gases formed a t the temperature o f explosion.
The time required fo r the explosive to develop i t s maximum pressure i s not taken in to
account when determining the power, but i s o f the ve ry grea test importance where v io le n t
b la s t an! d isru p tive e f f e c t are requ ired. The v io le n c e o f a high exp losive w i l l th erefore
depend ve ry la r g e ly on the ra te o f detonation.
(b ) I t should be in s e n s itiv e to ordinary shocks.

I t has to withstand handling, transport, shock o f discharge and, with armour-piercing
s h e ll, the shock o f impact.
Sensitiveness to impact and to f r i c t i o n i s not always sim ila r in the same ex p losive,
although exp losives which are ve ry se n s itiv e to the one are u su ally se n s itiv e to the other.
A r is e in temperature o f an exp losive g e n e r a l^ increases i t s sen sitiven ess, as does a
decrease in i t s density.
-19-
F IG .3 !
USE OF INITIATORS, INTERMEDIARIES & BURSTING CHARGES
— DETO NATO R — -
F U Z E - IG N IFER O U S D ISRUPTIVE
FU ZE IN IT IA TO R S
P O W D ER - (C.E.)
— M A G A Z IN E -
C.E. EX P LO D ER
IN TER M EDIAR IES
B U R S TIN G
CHARGES
IGNIFEROUS TRAIN
DETONATING TRAIN
—20—
(c ) I t should be fr e e from a tendency to detonate sym pathetically.
(d ) I t should be stable in storage.
(e ) I t should be u naffected by damp and extremes o f temperature.
( f ) I t should not form unstable o r se n s itiv e compounds w ith metals.
(g ) I t should be e a s ily loaded to a high density.
(h ) I t should provide smoke fo r observation.
COMPOSITION •
86. The ba sic high explosives are e it h e r obtained by the n itr a tio n o f g ly cerin e (dynamite and
g e lig n it e ), c e llu lo s e (guncotton) o r d e riva tio n o f c o a l t a r (ly d d ite and T .N .T .) o r are compounds o f
nitrogen with mercury (fulm inate o f mercury) o r lead (le a d azide and styphnate) obtained by more
complex methods. P. D.X. i s formed by the action o f n i t r i c a cid on hexamethylene tetram ine, the
process being known as " n it r o ly s is " . P.E.T.N . i s a preparation o f p e n ta e ry th rito l tetram ine.
89. The power and sen sitiven ess o f these ex p losives vary w ith in wide lim it s , and f o r t h is reason,
various mixtures are employed in order to balance the main requirements o f high power, low s e n s it iv it y
to ordinary shocks and s u ffic ie n t response to in it ia t io n . (For example, a t one end o f the s c a le ,
R.D.X. i s too s e n s itiv e to be used alone as a bu rsting charge, whereas a t th e other end, ammonium
n itr a te i s too in s e n s itiv e . The one requ ires a deadening and the other an e x c itin g a g e n t). In the
case o f bursting charges, the proportion o f the components are sometimes in d icated as percentage
fo llo w in g the nomenclature (e.go "amatol 80/20" in d icated a mixture o f 80 p er cent ammonium n itra te
and 20 p er cent T.N.T. ).
90. There are a lso compositions which, though not n ecessa rily exp losive in themselves, become so
when mixed. Examples o f these are potassium ch lorate and antimony su lp h ite, in which the fo r c e r
i s the " fu e l" and the l a t t e r the " agent" 0 Small amounts o f aluminium powder, mealed powder and
sulphur are a lso used t o increase the amount o f heat and/or flame f o r i n it ia t o r s , and powdered glass
to increase f r ic t io n and promote in it ia t io n . Beeswax and p a r a ffin wax are used mainly as
d e se n sitizin g agents.
CATEGORIES
91. The high ex p losives used in gun s h e ll are conveniently d ivided in to the fo llo w in g groups o r
c a te g o r ie s :-
Birrsting charges i . e . H.E. s h e ll f i l l i n g s

In it ia t o r s (d is ru p tiv e )
Interm ediates
92. The bu rsting charge (F ig . 3) i s normally chosen f o r i t s r e la t iv e in sen sitiven ess and f o r i t s
power and vio len ce which determines b la s t and fragmentation re s p e c tiv e ly .
93. The in it ia t o r (P ig . 3) is chosen f o r i t s a b i l i t y to be brought to i t s f u l l r a te o f detonation

in a very short space o f time e it h e r as the u ltim ate re s u lt o f contact w ith fla s h or as a re s u lt o f
a r e la t iv e ly lig h t blow 0 When detonated as the re s u lt o f contact w ith fla s h i t i s said t o "bum to
detonation", a phenomenon in which, in e f f e c t , a part o f the H.E. bums w ith ex p losive vio len ce so
producing a " s e l f detonating" shock f o r the remainder.
As the H.E. in it ia t o r s are thus n e ces sa rily very s e n s itiv e , the amount which can be s a fe ly used
in a gun p r o je c t ile are sm all, and i t must be c a r e fu lly supported. U sually the i ni t i a t o r i s c a rrie d
in a sn a il copper detonator s h e ll.
94. The interm ediary (P ig . 3) has to p ic k up the sm all inpulse from the H.E. i n i t i a t o r , a n p lify
i t and pass i t on as a detonation impulse adequate t o secure the e f f i c ie n t detonation o f the bu rster.
As they are n e ces sa rily required in somewhat g re a te r quantity than the H.E. in i t i a t o r s , the
interm ediaries are le s s se n s itiv e than the in it ia t o r s . When used between the magazine o f a fuze
and the b u rster in the s h e ll, the interm ediary i s u su ally c a lle d the "exploder" which in fa c t i s a
rath er m isleading term. The American term "booster" i s more d e s c rip tiv e .
The H.E. ex p losive system in a s h e ll, o r in any ammunition store must conform t o the p r in c ip le
o f con tin u ity o f detonating t r a in , i . e . , once the detonation has been in it ia t e d , there must be no
gap in the t r a in o f H.E. s u ffic ie n t t o re s u lt in the d is s ip a tio n o f the detonating inpulse*
The "one-way t r a f f i c " diagram (P ig . 3) illu s t r a t e s the use o f i n it ia t o r s , interm ed iaries and
bursters. The ig n iferou s in it ia t o r and powder bursting charge i s included t o conplete the p ic tu re .
-2 1 -
The c h a ra c te ris tic s o f the various high explosives met with in F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y ammunition
w i l l now he considered in d iv id u a lly .
BURSTING CHARGES i . e . H.E. SHELL FILLINGS

95. T .N .T . (tr in itr o to lu e n e ) - This i s a pale y e llo w substance w ith a m elting poin t somewhat below
the b o ilin g poin t o f water. I t has a low s e n s it iv it y (a s have a l l bu rsters) and i s normally f i l l e d
in to the s h e ll c a v ity in molten condition and allowed to set.
I t i s chem ically in e r t and i s u n affected by moisture. Modem T.N .T. which i s pure i s u naffected
by ordinary va ria tio n s in temperature, although extremes o f heat can cause an o i l y and ex p losive
exudation which may g e t nipped in the threads and thus cause a premature.
I t has l i t t l e or no e f f e c t on metals.
T.N .T. may be used alone as a bu rstin g charge and a lso as an in g red ien t in a considerable number
o f mixed high exp losives, such as the amatols, R.D.X./T.N.T. and p e n to lite .
As very l i t t l e smoke i s given o f f on detonation, e ith e r a sm oke-pellet may be in s erte d , or a
smoke mixture incorporated in the main f i l l i n g to a s s is t observation.
96. Ammonium, n itr a te - As with T .N .T ., only the purest i s used, as the lower grades contain
im pu rities that a ffe c t the s t a b ilit y o f the mixture in the case o f amatol, should the T.N .T. a ls o be
o f low grade.
Arnnonium n itr a te i s a white c r y s t a llin e s o lid , i s v e ry hygroscopic and when wet attacks m etals,
some o f the corrosive products being ve ry s e n s itiv e .
I t i s too in s e n s itiv e to be used alone.
97. Amatol - The name "an atol" 00vers a range o f mixtures o f ammonium n itr a te w ith T .N .T ., the
percentage composition o f the mixture, being shown thus - amatol 80/20. The f i r s t fig u r e r e fe r s to
the percentage o f ammonium n itr a te in the mixture, the other to the percentage o f T.N .T.
This intim ate mixture o f T.N .T. and ammonium n itr a te i s more powerful but le s s v io le n t than
T.N.T. Broadly speaking, in. the amatols, increase o f ammonium n itr a te content corresponds to
decrease o f s e n s it iv it y and vio len ce but increase in powder.
Ammonium n itr a te being hygroscopic and water so lu b le, amatols must be kept dry, in which l a t t e r
condition they are stable and in e rt.
Because o f the b ygroscop icity o f the n itr a te the in t e r io r o f s h e lls are protected by copal
varnish and oth er metal parts b y R.D. cement, in a d d ition to s p e c ia l sealin g arrangements.
Amatol i s made by s t ir r in g the n it r a t e In to molten T.N .T. and th is mixture i s e ith e r poured
in to the s h e ll as w ith T 0N .T ., o r forced in b y screw a ctio n i f the mixture i s too "stodgy" as i t i s
with 80/20.
Amatol was used as a bursting charge mainly in order to economise w ith T .N .T ., the n it r a t e being
cheap and easy to produce. This type o f f i l l i n g i s now obsolescent.
In view o f t h e ir low er v io le n c e , the l e t h a l i t y o f amatol s h e ll from the poin t o f view o f
fragmentation i s not as good as that o f the same s h e ll f i l l e d w ith T.N.T.
98. EBN/D.1 - This consists o f p e n to lite d esen sitized by the incorporation o f wax, u su ally to
about nine per cent o f the weight o f the mixture. Th is desen sitized p e n to lite i s used as a main
f i l l i n g in small c a lib r e s h e ll only.
99. R.D.%. - This i s a white c r y s ta llin e s o lid and another very powerful and ve ry v io le n t high
exp losive o f too grea t a s e n s it iv it y to be used alone as a bu rster. Mixed with 40 to 50 per cent
T .N .T ., the mixture i s su itab le fo r use as a bu rster in sh e'll, as a ls o are some mixtures o f R.D.X.
and beeswax. R.D.X. i s not a ffe c te d by moisture o r temperature va ria tio n s and has no e f f e c t on
metals.
CONSTITUENTS
100. The constituents and t h e ir percentages vised i n the p rin c ip a l bu rstin g charges are given in
Appendix D.
POPE FOR HIGH EXPLOSIVE FILLINGS

101. D eta ils o f the abbreviated code le t t e r s and numbers s t e n c ille d on the shoulder o r body o f
p r o je c t ile s to denote the p a rtic u la r nature o f H.E. f i l l i n g are given i n Appendix D.
INITIATORS (DISRUPTIVE)
102. Fulminate o f mercury - This consists o f small grey o r brownish-grey c ry s ta ls resembling fin e
sand. I t i s very s e n s itiv e to shock, flame and f r i c t i o n . When ig n ite d i t burns to detonation
very quickly. I t tends to become rath er le s s sen sitive when compressed and in -this condition i t
i s said to be "dead pressed".
Warm damp storage has a harmful e f fe o t on fulm inate, decomposing i t and causing In te ra c tio n
w ith the m e ta llic envelope. Hot d ry storage also renders fulminate u nserviceable, e s p e c ia lly when
in the small q u a n tities, fou r to s ix g ra in s , used in fu zes. Consequently, fuzes f i t t e d w ith
fulminate detonators most be protected from heat as raioh as p o ssib le, p a r tic u la r ly from d ir e c t
sunlight.
—22 —
I t i s ra r e ly used alone, i t s commonest application being as a sen s itize r in igniferous in itia tin g
mixtures.
103. Lead azide - In appearance i t i s in the form o f very small crystals, lik e fine white sand. It
tends to become greyish brown on exposure to lig h t owing tc* s lig h t decomposition. I t i s not as
sensitive to blows as fulminate but somewhat more sensitive to fric tio n .
Owing to changes in the crystals which take place when the substance is wet and which render i t
progressively more sen sitive, lead azide must be kept dry, and warm danp storage avoided.
I t is w idely used in disruptive detonators, and i f required to be in itia te d by a blow, such
detonators are frequently sensitized by a layer o f sensitive igniferous in itia to r .
102fo Lead styphnate - This is a lig h t yellowish brown crystallin e powder. I t is rather less
sensitive to fr ic t io n and inpact than fulminate but bums rapidly to detonation and is unaffected by
moisture o r temperature. I t is not used alone0
105. A.S.A. - This is a mixture o f lead azide, lead styphnate and a small proportion o f aluminium
powder. I t i s bright orange in colour and is very sensitive both to flash and to blows. I t is stable
in dry storage.
I t is enployed widely in disruptive detonators and does not require sen sitization as does lead
azide. I t is used in the lower disruptive detonator in graze action percussion fuzes under an
igniferous detonator.
106. AZY - This i s a conposite f i l l i n g used in detonators o f fUzes and consists o f increments o f
in itia tin g "A" mixture, lead azide and conposition exploding (GE) in varying proportions pressed in
layers one above the other.
107. ZY - This i s a composite f i l l i n g used in detonators o f fuzes and consists o f increments o f

lead azide and conposition exploding (GE) in varying proportions pressed one on top o f the other.
108. AZ - This i s also a conposite f i l l i n g used in detonators o f fuzes and consists o f increments
o f in itia tin g *A* mixture and lead azide in stated proportions pressed one on top of^the other.
CONSTITUENTS
10 9. The constituents and th e ir percentages used in the p rin cip al disruptive in itia to rs are given in
Appendix C.
INTRPMRniATES
110. C.E, (composition exploding) or t e t r y l - This i s a pale yellow c rysta llin e powder which is
stable under ordinary conditions o f temperature and moisture.
I t i s a powerful and violen t high explosive o f intermediate s e n s itiv ity , such that i t can be
caused to detonate c o rre c tly by the detonation in contact with i t o f an acceptably small quantity o f
disruptive in itia to r .
I t i s widely used as a f i l l i n g in fuze magazines and in small quantities to complete the
detonating train between successive parts o f & high explosive train . In powder or in pressed form
i t i s also used as the "exploder" in H.E. s h e ll.
With e f f e c t from August, 1956, t o f a c i l i t a t e production and inprove processin g, approval was
accorded f o r the use o f O.gjS zin c stearate and 0.2506 graphite as a d d itive s t o C.E. p e lle t s f o r s h e ll
exploders and fuzed magazines, and with e f f e c t from February, 1957, conposition HD. 1212A was approved
as an a lte rn a tiv e to sh ella c o r copal varnish f o r co a tin g such p e lle t s .
111. R. D. X. /beeswax - R.D.X. is an extremely powerful and vio len t high explosive o f s e n s itiv ity
rather greater than C.E. When mixed with beeswax i t s s e n s itiv ity is greatly reduced and, in this
form i t can be formed in to p e lle ts . Such p e lle ts are used in the exploder system o f some H.E.
s h e ll, but owing to th e ir low s e n s itiv ity they must be used to follow a reasonable quantity o f
intermediary o f greater s e n s itiv ity , such as C.E.
The advantage o f using R.D.X./feWI as an intermediate lie s in the fa ct that i t builds up to it s
f u l l rate o f detonation very quickly so that the burster in the sh ell i s thoroughly in itia te d a t it s
upper end as w e ll as lower in the sh ell cavity.
112. P.E.T.N. or penthrite - This is a colourless crystallin e solid and is an extremely violen t
and powerful explosive. I t i s too sensitive to be used alone as a burster, although th is d iff ic u lt y
can be overcome by admixture with T.N.T. e tc . I t is unaffected by heat and moisture and has a
s ta b ility approaching that o f C.E. I t s s ta b ility , however, i s lowered by exposure to strong
sunlight.
113. P en to lite - This i s a mixture o f T.N.T. with P.E.T.N., forming a pale yellow crystallin e mass.
The T.N.T. serves to desensitize the P.E.T.N. Various mixtures are used, but the commonest contains
30 per cent by weight o f each ingredient and is known as p en to lite 50/50 and is used as an
alternative to C.E. in the magazine o f fuzes, and as a burster fo r small calib re H.E. sh ell.
23-
114. T .N .T . ( trin itro to lu e n e ) - As an interm ediary, T.N .T. i n c r y s t a llin e fla k e form (T .N .T . grade 1
exploder fla k e ) can be used e it h e r loose o r in the form o f prepressed p e lle t s .
I t i s more sen sitive than cast T .N .T ., but le s s so than C .E ., and o fte n an exploder system w i l l ,
f o r th is reason, have a T.N .T. interm ediary a t the low er end o f the s h e ll c a v ity on ly. Owing to
t h e ir s u s o e p tib ility to T.N .T. exudation from the s h e ll f i l l i n g , however, the use o f T.N .T. c r y s ta ls
i s gradually g iv in g place to C.E.
T.N .T. i s also sometimes used in the form o f a cast tube surrounding the exploder c a v it y when
the bu rster i s amatol f o r example. This "T.N .T . surround", as i t i s c a lle d , i s used fo r a number o f
reasons, but when used w ith amatol i t can a ls o be regarded as p a rt o f the interm ediary system since
T .N .T . i s more s e n s itiv e and more v io le n t than amatol and. can thus be regarded as helping the exploder
system to secure co rre ct detonation o f the amatol.
CONSTITUENTS
115. The constitu ents and percentages used in the p rin c ip a l interm ediaries are given in Appendix C.
Chapter 2
Explosives
Section 4. Miscellaneous Compositions
GENERAL
116. This group o f explosives broadly speaking includes the mixtures which burn, but are not employed
as prop ella n ts and which, under normal conditions o f vise, do not undergo detona'fcian.
These compositions used in ammunition w i l l be considered in d iv id u a lly .
117. Gunpowier - This i s e a s ily ig n ite d and fo r t h is reason i s o fte n used to ig n it e oth er ex p losives.
I t i s , however, extrem ely vulnerable to moisture and produces la rg e qu an tities o f smoke. In the
Service i t i s used in : -
Ig n ite r s fo r ca rtrid g e s
Magazines o f tubes, primers and Ig n ife ro u s fuzes
Blank charges
Delay compositions
Time rings in combustion time fuzes
Bursters (e x p e llin g charges) in c e r ta in p r o je c t ile s , e .g . base e je c tio n p r o je c t ile s .
I t consists o f a mixture o f potassium n it r a t e , charcoal and sulphur in the proportions o f 75.5

p er cent, 14.5 per cent and 10 per cent, r e s p e c tiv e ly . These ingred ien ts are ground, mixed in the wet
con dition , d rie d and granulated. The granular m aterial r e s u ltin g i s sieved to g iv e products o f
regu lar grain sizes .
Gunpowder i s v e ry s e n s itiv e to fla s h and when ig n ite d bums w ith g rea t r a p id ity . I t i s s e n s itiv e
to moisture (s in c e potassium n itr a te i s water soluble) and i f allowed to become damp, cakes on subsequent
drying.
"Sulphurless gunpowder i s a mixture o f 70.5 p er cent o f potassium n it r a t e and 29.5 per cent o f
charcoal. I t i s employed as a priming.
The ra te o f burning o f gunpowder depends upon i t s grain s iz e and i s fa s t e r the sm aller the grain.
118. Fuze powder - general - Fuze powders as a whole are v e ry s e n s itiv e to moisture, which in quite
small qu an tities a lte r s t h e ir ra te o f burning ve ry considerably.
(&) 22 sec, and 30 zee, powders - These consist o f 75 per cent potassium n it r a t e , 16 per cent
charcoal and nine per cent sulphur. They are made w ith s p e c ia lly se lected charcoal and under
ve ry c a r e fu lly co n tro lle d conditions so as to produce powders which burn reg u larl y and a t the
desired speed.
- 2 6 -
FIARE PRODUCING SUBSTANCES

127. These are sim ilar to the smoke compositions, except that instead o f producing smoke, the
conposition on burning produces a flame. Various agents are used and salts o r dyes are incorporated
to give a d istin c tiv e colour to the flame. Common colours are yellow, green and red.
The p ro je c tile s are sim ilar in design, f i l l i n g , fuzing and functioning to solid composition
charged smoke p ro je c tile s . Whereas smoke f i l l e d p ro je c tile s are used mainly in d ayligh t, colour
fla r e p ro jec tile s are used mainly a t night o r under conditions which are adverse to the observation
o f coloured smoke burst.
CONCLUSION
128. This b r ie f survey o f the characteristics o f explosives should make clea r the extent to which
they are a ffected by temperature, moisture, and d ire c tly o r in d irec tly , by the metals with which
they are in contact. The metals themselves are also adversely affected by moisture, the rusting o f
s te e l and the corrosion o f aluminium components can be serious i f they are not adequately protected.
As gunpowder i s used in almost every component, the f i r s t thing to do i s to keep amnunition
dry, and as propellants, detonators and caps, as w e ll as metals, are adversely affected by heat,
ammunition must be kept cool and on no account exposed to d irec t sunshine fo r any time.
I t must be emphasized that the atmosphere always contains some moisture and i t i s from this
insidious moisture that ammunition must be protected, although, o f course, the more obvious forms o f
water such as rain, dew or condensation w i l l soon render gunpowler useless.
To sum up, th erefore, ammunition must be kept:
DRY
COOL AND
AW AY FROM DIRECT SUNSHINE
-2 7 -
Chapter 3
Cartridges
CLASSIFICATION AND CCMPARISON

129. C artridges may be c la s s ifie d as Q. F. o r B. L.
130. Q.F. ca rtrid ges - The p rop ellan t charge i s contained in a c a rtrid g e case, u su ally made o f brass
(although s t e e l cases can a lso be used) and carryin g the means o f ig n itio n * Obturation i s e ffe c te d
by the c a rtrid ge case, which expands against the w a lls o f the chamber on f i r i n g . Ig n itio n is
achieved by means o f a percussion prim er screwed in to the base o f the case0
Q.F. ca rtrid ges are d ivid ed in to two sub-groups:-
(a ) Fixed rounds - where the ca rtrid ge and p r o je c t ile are secured to g eth er and loaded as one
u n it.
(b ) Separate loading ammunit i o n - where the c a rtrid ge and p r o je c t ile are loaded separately.
In F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y on ly one system i s in use, i . e . , separate Q.F.
131. B„ L, ca rtrid g e s - The p rop ella n t charge i s contained in a fa b r ic (u su a lly s ilk - c lo t h ) bag, to
which i s attached an ig n it e r containing gunpowder, t h is being norm ally sewn on t o one o r both ends.
Obturation i s provided by the breech mechanism. C artridges o f t h is type are normally ig n ite d by
means o f an e le c t r ic o r percussion tube in serted in the rea r end o f the vent o f the breech mechanism.
The fla s h from the tube ig n it e s the gunpowder in the ig n it e r , which in turn ig n ite s the p rop ella n t in
the ca rtrid ge bag. In F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y percussion tubes on ly are used.
The p r o je c t ile and c a rtrid g e are loaded separately*
COMPARISONS OF Q.F. (Separate loading) a id B.L. CARTRIDGE SISTBt

132. The fo llo w in g g iv e s b r i e f l y the advantages and disadvantages; -
Q.F. CARTRIDGE B.L, CARTRIDGE
The charge i s b ette r protected from flash , I t i s lig h t in weight.

spray and moisture*
Quicker loading, no sponging out and no I t i s cheaper and e a s ie r t o manufacture.

tube to in sert.
No ris k o f premature f ir in g owing to No l i t t e r o f enpty cases a fte r fir in g .

smouldering debris from previous rounds.
In the case o f a m isfire the tube can
be changed without opening the breech.
More care required, under adverse weather

conditions', to ensure ig n ite r is kept dry.
In general i t may be said that the advantage o f the Q.F. system decreases as weight and tiz e
o f ammunition increase* But where bursts o f very rapid f ir e may be required, Q.F. ammunition is
essen tial.
THE CARTRIDGE CASE (F ig. k)

133. C artridge cases fo llo w a oonmon design in the B r itis h S e rv ice . The brass types are i n one
p ie c e , s o lid drawn from a f l a t metal disc by a s e rie s o f drawing and annealing operations. B r it is h
s t e e l cases are g e n e ra lly b u ilt up, the main components being the base and body.
The base o f the cartridge case is enlarged to form a flange to p osition the case in loading
and to provide a means o f extraction a fte r fir in g ; i t is bored c en tra lly and usually threaded to
take the primer. The body i s tapered s lig h tly to f a c ilit a t e loading and extraction whilst the
mouth is reduced in thickness to assist expansion and prevent gas escape when the propellant i s
ignited*
- 2 8 -
Section thro’ TYPICAL CARTRIDGE CASE F IG .4
Threaded hole for PRIMER
FLA N G E (for positioning and extraction) /
Cartridge cases f o r separate loading may d i f f e r somewhat a t the mouth according t o the method
used fo r the re te n tio n and p ro te c tio n o f the prop ellant*
Brass cases occa sion a lly develop cracks spontaneously during prolonged storage. A crack near
the base may be the means o f p u ttin g the gun out o f a ctio n and the d a ily check o f ready-use cases i s
th erefo re most in p ort ant and necessary. Short cracks near the mouth can be accepted as they cause
l i t t l e harm, but cracks elsewhere in the case should e n t a il r e je c t io n . I f a cracked case i s loaded
arkL fir e d , the p rop ella n t gases surge through the crack and erode the gun so s e v e re ly that i f a good
case i s subsequently loaded and fir e d i t may co llap se a t the eroded spot through lack o f support<>
THE CARTRIDGE BAG

134* These sire o f d iffe r e n t shapes and made o f d iffe r e n t m aterial depending upon the nature and r o le
o f the equipment and the w eight, type and s iz e o f the p rop ella n t used in the assembly o f the charge.
S ilk c lo th i s the approved m aterial f o r the bags o f B. L» c a rtrid g e s , although regenerated
c e llu lo s e rayon c lo th cla s s "A” and "B" i s a lso approved as sin a lte rn a tiv e .
Normal (vs iria b le ) charges f o r Q.F. separate loading csirtridges are u su ally f i l l e d i n cambric
bags.
Blank c a rtrid g e s , both B.L. and Q.F. when co n sistin g o f a charge o f gunpowder are contained in
s ilk c lo th bags.
THE PROPELLANT CHARGE (F ig . 5)

135. This may be made up o f cords or stic k s o r i t may be in granulated form as grain s,
136. When cords o r stic k s are used they are formed in to bundles and t ie d w ith sewing s i l k o r co tton ,
o r in the case o f h ea vier and b u lk ie r charges w ith s i l k o r shalloon braid to f a c i l i t a t e assembly
in to the c lo th bag used f o r B. L. ca rtrid ges o r in to the brass case o f Q. F. fix e d ammunition
ca rtrid ges.
In the case o f th e 25 p r. (separate loa d in g) ca rtrid g e s the p rop ellan t used f o r the normal and
incremental charges i s f i l l e d in to cambric bags t o perm it adjustment.
In the case o f Q.F. fix e d and separate loading ammunition made up o f cord o r stick s the base
o f the bundle i s u su ally arranged to f i t over and around the magazine o f the prim er.
137. With granular prop ella n ts the charge i s f i l l e d loose in to the c lo th bag in the case o f B.L.
ca rtrid ge s ard in to the brass case o f Q.F. fix e d ammunition c a rtrid g e s . I f th ere i s considerable
fr e e space in the brass case o f a Q.F. fix e d ammunition round, the prop ellant may be confined t o the
r e a r o f the case by means o f a leatherboard cup shellacked in to p o s itio n and supported by a distance
p iece ( e . g . , a cardboard tube) between the cup and the base o f the p r o je c t ile .
Again in the case o f the Q.F. 25 p r. (separate loadin g) normal and incremental charge p o rtio n s ,
the p rop ella n t i s f i l l e d in to cambric bags.
138. T in o r lea d f o i l may be included as a decoppering agent. This may be in the form o f a s t r ip
wrapped around the cord o r s tic k s and secured by sewing s i l k o r in the form o f sheet which i s lo o s e ly
crumpled and in serted a ft e r the charge i s f i l l e d in to the c a rtrid g e bag o r brass case.
-29'
TYPICAL PROPELLANT CHARGES
For Q. F. (Separate loading) Cartridges
S T IC K C O R D IT E GRA N U LA R N C Bundled S T IC K C O R D IT E
in C A M B R IC BAG in C A M B R IC BAG in C A R T R ID G E C A S E
for Normal charge portions for Norm al charge portions for Super charge
For B. L. Cartridges
S TIC K C O R D IT E in FA B R IC BAG
for Super charge
- 5D -
CI^lR(2 ^ 1fX±ÊS
139. The fo llo w in g type o f charge are used w ith F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y Equipments: -
( a ) S ervice - The normal charge. I t does not u su ally give the maximum p erm issib le b a l l i s t i c
performance obtainable w ith the equipment.
(b ) Super (fo rm e rly known as f u l l ) - The charge which g ive s maximum perm issible reg u la r
b a l l i s t i c s w ith the s e rv ic e weight o f p r o je c t ile .
( c ) Reduced - A charge which g iv e s low er pressures ard hence low er v e lo c it ie s than the normal
S ervice charge. Wear i s g r e a tly reduced. The charge i 3 o fte n used f o r p ra c tic e .
(d ) F ra c tio n a l charge - With la r g e r B. L, equipments the S ervice charge i s sub-divided t o

f a c i l i t a t e tra n sp ort, handling and loading.
( e ) Incremental charge - With how itzers and c e r ta in separate Q. F. gun equipments the charge i s
made up in increments to permit v a ria tio n o f the b a l l i s t i c performance.
( f ) Paper shot charge - Used w ith paper shot t o t e s t the mounting o r ca rria ge when Service
rounds cannot be fir e d .
(g ) Blank charge - A charge o f gunpowder o r o f sm all sized p rop ella n t s u ff ic ie n t ly confined to

g iv e a re p o rt. Used f o r salu tin g and tra in in g purposes. I t must not be f i r e d w ith any
form o f p r o je c t ile .
(h ) Decqppering charge - T i n f o i l or l e a d f o i l i s incorporated in the charge, when necessary, to

counteract coppering o f the bore. S p ecia l decoppering charges, containing an ex tra amount
o f f o i l may be used f o r cleaning a badly coppered gun, although such charges are not a
normal S ervice issue.
140. P ortion s o f c a rtrid g e which are removed during the preparation o f the charge w i l l be set a sid e,
e .g . in an empty c a rtrid g e box f o r eventual return t o the R.A.O.C. f o r destru ction or f o r use should
the ca rtrid ges have t o be made up to a higher charge. In making up ca rtrid ges by rep la cin g p ortion s
which have been removed, care must be taken not t o mix d iffe r e n t natures o f p rop ella n t i n the same
c a rtrid ge .
PROPELLANT PROOF AND CHARGE ADJUSTMENT

141. The o b ject o f prop ellan t p ro o f and consequent charge adjustment i s t o ensure that the
b a ll i s t i c s obtained b y the u ser from each charge th at he f i r e s are as near constant as p o ssib le from
round to round and from day t o day.
A c e rta in " l o t " o f p rop ella n t i s chosen and the b a l l i s t i c s o f a given charge weight (known as
the nominal charge w eight) o f i t determined accu rately; th is i s known as the "master standard".
Other lo t s o f the same p rop ellan t are then chosen and tested by f i r i n g against th is master standard,
and are known as "cu rren t standards". A l l oth er lo t s o f the same prop ellan t are then te s te d against
one o f these current standards; as a re s u lt an a lte r a tio n i s made t o the charge weight o f any l o t to
g iv e the same b a l l i s t i c s as the current standard. T h is process i s c a lle d "charge adjustment". It
w i l l be r e a liz e d th e r e fo r e , that the weight shown in the designation and which i s a ls o marked on the
c a rtrid g e i s not n e ces sa rily the actual weight o f th e charge used.
Each nature o f prop ellan t has i t s own master standard.
B a l l i s t i c va ria tio n s between ca rtrid ges o f d iffe r e n t lo t s o f the same nature o f p rop ella n t that
have been so adjusted w i l l be very small unless the lo t s concerned have undergone w id ely d iffe r e n t
storage conditions between the fa c to ry and the user. Nature t o nature va ria tio n s may however be
la r g e , since any two natures only g ive the same b a l l i s t i c performances a t a p a rtic u la r tenperature
and a p a r tic u la r sta te o f wear o f a given gun. Since the rela tio n sh ip s "weax/kV" and "charge
tenperature/toT' are d iffe r e n t fo r d iffe r e n t natures o f p ro p ella n t, i t i s evident that mixed natures
o f prop ellan t w i l l not g iv e good r e s u lts , and should never be used in p r a c tic e , (but see para. 150).
Not a l l charges, however, are adjusted, e . g . , 25 pr„ charge 1 (W or W.M.). Such unadjusted
charges should not be used f o r unobserved shooting; and lo t s should not be mixed sin ce, w ith such
charges, la rge l o t t o l o t va ria tio n s may occur.
-3 1 -
Chapter 3
Cartridges
Section 2. Q.F. Cartridges
m E P ftT .
142. C artridges are used in two ways, .forming -
Fixed annum.tion.
Separate loading ammunition
143. With fix e d ammun it io n - The ca rtrid ge case is attached to the p r o je c t ile , by indenting or
coning the mouth o f the case on t o the rea r end o f the p r o je c t ile *
144* With separate loading ammunition - The p r o je c t ile i s not attached t o the c a rtrid ge case.
145. As a general r u le , fix e d amnunition i s used f o r a n ti- a ir c r a ft and tank and a n ti-tan k guns;
separate amnunition being used f o r how itzers and guiy'liowitzers.
For F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y how itzers and gun/howitzers, c a rtrid g e cases are f i t t e d w ith a
percussion prim er screwed c e n tr a lly in to the base; t h is g e n e ra lly contains a magazine having a
s u ffic ie n t charge o f fin e g rain gunpowder to dispense w ith the use o f an ig n ite r .
Fixed ammunition should not be used in guns or gui^/howitzers which are designed t o f i r e
separate loading amnunition. I n an ordnance which has fi r e d separate ammunition, the chamber i s
u su ally worn away a t th e p o in t where the mouth o f th e case i s situ ated , and i f a fix e d round be then
fir e d , the fro n t end o f the case w i l l expand in to t h is worn p o rtion and w i l l be lia b l e , th e r e fo r e ,
to cause a jam. Secondly, in separate loading ammunition, the p r o je c t ile must never be in serted in
the c a rtrid g e case and the two loaded as an e n tit y , as, i f t h is i s done, the d riv in g band w i l l not
c o r r e c tly engage in the r i f l i n g and, on f i r i n g , p rop ellan t gases may be forced over and i n fro n t o f
the d riv in g band and cause e r r a t ic ranging or even a premature. Thus w ith separate loading
amnunition, the p r o je c t ile must be c o r r e c tly rammed horns b efore th e c a rtrid g e i s loaded.
SUB-DIVISION OF CARTRIDGES
14^. For fix e d ammunition, ca rtrid ges may be sub-divided in to 8 ca teg ories i . e . , normal, super
v e lo c it y , super, high v e lo c it y , reduced, c le a rin g , paper shot and blank. Such charges cannot be
va ried , and can only be used f o r the s p e c ific purpose f o r which they are introduced*
For separate loading guns and gurv/howitzers, ca rtrid ges are u su ally sub-divided in to normal
(which are v a ria b le ) and super, paper shot and blank which are not v a ria b le . Incremental charges
f o r use in conjunction w ith the va ria b le sections o f the normal charge arid in c e rta in instances w ith
super charges may also be supplied.
DESIGN OF CARTRIDGES
147* Fixed ammunition charges are normally c y lin d r ic a l in shape.
In n early a l l cases th e prop ellan t used i s co rd ite in the form o f sticks* The stick s are
formed in to bundles t ie d w ith sewing s i l k and are then in serted in the ca rtrid ge case. I f granulated
powders 3uch as NH o r TNH are used these are u su ally f i l l e d loose in to the case.
Separate loading ammunition charges, oth er than the normal charge, are s im ila rly made up, but
in such instances the mouth o f the case i s closed by a leatherboar d 0151, t o prevent the charge
being e je c te d on loading and handling.
148. Q.F. 25 pr. (separate loading) ca rtrid g e s- Normal charge section s and incremental charges are
contained in cambric bags, the m aterial being dyed d iffe r e n t colours to f a c i l i t a t e ready id e n t ific a
t io n o f the 1 s t, 2nd and 3rd portion s. The mouth o f the case i s closed by a leather-board cup which
has a l i f t i n g becket t o f a c i l i t a t e removal f o r adjustment o f th e charge.
Super charges are not adju stab le, and are consequently in serted ( t i e d w ith s ilk sewing but not
enclosed in a bag) loose in the c a rtrid ge case. For th is reason the mouth o f the ca rtrid ge case i s
closed by a leatherboard cup which has no l i f t i n g becket and which i s secured by sh ella c.
-3 2 -
Chapter 3
Cartridges
Section 3. Types of Q.F. (Separate loading) Cartridges

used in Field Branch Artillery Equipments
Q.F. 25 H4 GUN
149. In t ills instance the term "c a rtrid g e " i s applied t o the brass ca rtrid ge case assembled w ith the
percussion prim er, p rop ellan t charge and reta in in g cup.
NORMAL CHARGES (F ig . 6 )
150. The normal charge con sists o f th ree portion s, each contained in a coloured cambric b a g :-
1 st p o rtion (r e d bag) 1 st charge ) }

2nd p o rtio n (w hite bag) ) 2nd charge )
3rd p o rtio n (blue bag) ) 3 rd charge
The corrplete charge i s u su ally composite, i . e . , made up w ith two s iz e s o f p rop ella n t which may
be o f d iffe r e n t natures,, The p rop ellan t may be e it h e r c o rd ite o r NC powder:-
(a ) C ordite charges (t y p ic a l)
The sm aller diameter c o r d ite , in stick s o f two len gths, i s used in the 1st (r e d ) p o rtio n ,
the lon ger stic k s being t ie d round the sh orter ones to form a recess to accomnodate the
primer. A lte r n a tiv e ly stick s o f one length may be used to form a ring-shaped charge
s im ila r t o th at fo r NC powders.
The la r g e r diameter c o rd ite i s f i l l e d loose in to the 2nd (w h ite ) and 3rd (b lu e ) bags.
F o il, when used, i s placed in the blue bag which i s a ls o f i t t e d w ith a l i f t i n g becket.
(b ) NC charges
The sm aller s iz e grain s are used in the 1st (r e d ) p o rtion which i s shaped i n the form o f a
rin g e it h e r by p u llin g the mouth o f the bag o v e r th e closed end and sewing to g eth er with
s ilk , o r b y clo sin g the mouth by sewing and s titc h in g i t t o the oth er end o f the charge.
To f a c i l i t a t e assembly, the ends, w i l l , in fu tu re, be l e f t fr e e .
The la r g e r s iz e grains are f i l l e d in to the 2nd (w h ite ) and 3rd (b lu e ) bags, f o i l , when
used, being placed in the la t t e r .
Charges were form erly held in th e case by two paper s tr ip s d ia m etrica lly opposed, secured
t o the case w ith sh ella c, the ends being turned o ver end shellacked togeth er. In current
production, se cu rity o f the charges i s achieved by the use o f t i g h t l y f i t t i n g c lo s in g cups.
( c ) NQ charges
Two types have been approved. The e a r l i e r typ e made up as described in (a ) above and a
l a t t e r type where a l l three p o rtio n s , although f i l l e d t o d iffe r e n t w eigjits, are assenbled
w ith the p rop ella n t cut to the same len gth (see F ig . 6),
151 • The mouth o f the case i s clo sed b y a leatberbo&rd cup (two cups were used i n some e a r ly
production ca rtrid g e s ) which has a l i f t i n g becket t o f a c i l i t a t e removal fo r adjustment o f the charge®
SUPER CHARGES (F ig . 6 )
152. The super charge may be f i l l e d t o d iffe r e n t charge typ es, each type co n sis tin g o f a bundle o f
co rd ite stic k s o f one size on ly, t ie d w ith sewing s i l k but not enclosed in a bag. Charges o f e a r ly
manufacture contained stic k s o f two len gths, tbs lo n g e r stic k s being t ie d around the shorter ones t o
form a recess f o r th e primer.
T in o r lead f o i l , lo o s e ly crunpled, i s placed on top o f the charge or wrapped around the charge.
Super charges are not adjustable. F or t h is reason the mouth o f the c a rtrid g e case i s clo sed
by a leatherboard cup which has no l i f t i n g becket and i s secured w ith sh ellac.
NOTE:- F or f i r i n g the 20 lb . A.P„ shot the weight o f the super charge i s increased by a super
charge incrensnt which i s placed in the mouth o f the c a rtrid g e c lo s in g cup.
153. A l l normal and super charges are based on method o f f i l l i n g design DD(L)11242 but there are a
number o f marks o f c a rtrid g e w ith in the M. o f F. and the arrangement o f p rop ella n t (and sometimes
components) may ’/ary considerably w ith in each marie. V ariation s in arrangement are known as charge
types and are d e ta ile d in Appendix E. Part 1. para. 3 and S ection 2 Table 2 R.A.O.S. Volume 4 -
Ammunition, Pamphlet No. 7 Part 20
-33-
TYPICAL EXAMPLES-SEPARATE LOADING CARTRIDGES - Q F. 25 PR.

N O R M A L (VA R IA B LE) C H A R G E S
BAGS FILLED C O R D IT E O R G R A N U L A T E D N £ PO W DER
RED BAG BLUE BAG

P O R T IO N PO R TIO N
BLUE BAG W H IT E BAG

PO R TIO N P O R T IO N
W H IT E BAG
P O R T IO N
RED BAG PRIMER screwed into

PO R TIO N CASE CASE;
SUPER C H A R G E IN C R EM EN T C H A R G E S
LE A T H ER B O A R D For NORMAL (VARIABLE) CHARGES

C L O S IN G C U P
FOIL
D EC O P P ER IN G A G E N T
PR O P ELLA N T
(Cord Cordite)
PRIMER screwed into

C A R T R ID G E CASE
-34“
INCREMENT CHARGES (P ig . 6)
154. Interm ediate charge increment - The charge, which i s contained in a white c y lin d r ic a l cambric
bag, choked a t the mouth with sewing s i l k and marked a x ia lly with red s trip e s 5/8 inch wide at
5/8 inch in te r v a ls , i s fo r use with charge 1 or 2 only.
155. Super charge increment - This charge was introduced to supplement the super charge when f i r i n g
20 lb . A.P. shot and may not be used w ith any oth er p r o je c t ile . Two types have been introduced
v iz .
5.1/2 oz. NQ/S 134-0^0 in c e llu lo id container

4 . 1/2 oz. chopped ( 0.25 inch) WM 061 in c e llu lo id container.
Only a few lo t s o f 5«'l/2 oz. NQ/S increment have been produced, since the b r ittle n e s s o f the
p rop ellan t makes s a tis fa c to r y cu ttin g in p ossib le. For t h is reason and because a fla s hi ng
prop ellant such as WM i s more su itable f o r the a n ti-tan k r o le , the 4.1/2 oz. WM 061 increment has
taken i t s p la ce.
ISSUE AND PREPARATION

15^. The charges are issued and prepared f o r fi r i n g as fo llo w s :-
(a ) Charges 1 , 2 and 3 - These charges are issued to g eth er in the c a rtrid ge case, the conplete
u nit forming charge 3 » To prepare charge 2 , the blue p o rtion must be removed, lea vin g
the red and w hite p o rtion s. To prepare charge 1, the blue and w hite p o rtion s must be
removed, lea vin g the red p o rtio n only. The p o rtion s o f ca rtrid ge s which have been removed
cannot be used t o make up other charges i . e . the w hite and blue p o rtion s togeth er w i l l not
make charge 2 nor w i l l the red and blue.
(b ) Charge super - This charge i s issued as a separate conplete unit in a c a rtrid ge case.
I t requ ires no preparation n e ith e r can i t be broken down t o form charges 1, 2 o r 3.
( c ) Charge super plus increment - Th is charge i s made by the addition o f a super charge
increment which i s placed in the mouth o f the c a rtrid g e case c lo s in g cup. Th is charge
may only be used when f ir in g 20 lb . A.P. shot*
(d ) Interm ediate charges - These are provided to enable a high t r a je c to r y t o be used a t a l l

ranges, the high tr a je c to r y being req u ire d :-
(i) To c le a r crests.
(ii) To g iv e a la rge v a r ie ty o f angles o f a r r iv a l, and hence angles o f in p act, so that

the b est use may be made o f s h e ll and fu zes.
In mountainous country the number o f charges normally issued may not be s u ffic ie n t to
enable a l l th e ground w ith in the range o f the gun t o be covered. I t may be im possible t o
h it a given ta r g e t w ith a certa in charge because the s h e ll cannot be dropped in behind the
c r e s t, due t o the shape o f the t r a je c to r y given by that charge; the next low er charge
may not have the requ ired range t o reach the ta rg e t. Interm ediate charges a re , th e r e fo r e ,
provided f o r sons equipments; in the case o f the Q.P. 25 p r. gun they a r e :-
F ir s t charge + 1 interm ediate increment
Second charge + 1 interm ediate increment
Second charge + ” 2 intwemediate increments

-35-
Chapter 3
Cartridges
Section 4. B.L. Cartridges
GENERAL
157. B.L, ca rtrid ges are normally o f c y lin d r ic a l shape.
In n early a l l cases the prop ellant used i s co rd ite in th e form o f stick s. The s tic k s are
formed in to bundles t ie d w ith sewing s ilk , o r, in the case o f h eavier c a rtrid g e s , w ith s i l k b ra id ,
in order to secure r i g i d i t y o f shape and f a c i l i t a t e in s e rtio n in to the bag, and subsequent loading
in to the chamber o f the ordnance. In those ca rtrid ge s f i l l e d w ith granulated powders such as N,
KH o r FNH, the prop ellan t i s f i l l e d loose.
The charge i s in serted in to a bag. The open end i s then closed by the ig n it e r being sewn on
to i t . Where two ig n it e r s are used the second ig n it e r i s sewn to the bottom end o f the bag before
in s e rtio n o f the charge*
L if t in g beckets o f b ra id are f i t t e d to the la r g e r ca rtrid ges t o a s s is t handling operations.
SUB-DIVISION OF CARTRIDGES
158 * For howitzers and gun hovdtzers, ca rtrid ges are n ecessa rily sub-divided in to p a rt charges,
v i z . , 1 st (lo w e s t), 2nd, 3rd , etc.
For guns, su b-division i s only resorted t o fo r two purposes:-
(a ) Excessive weight and s iz e o f the f u l l charge in the la r g e r natures.
(b ) The use o f a f u l l and reduced charge in one gun, as, f o r example, when h a lf o r tw o-thirds
charges may be required f o r p ra c tic e or oth er purposes, and i t i s found most convenient
t o make the f u l l charge up from two separate charges in the required proportion. These
are t ie d fir m ly togeth er w ith the ends butted by means o f fa ir le a d s and lashings.
MATERIALS
159. The re q u is ite q u a litie s o f m aterial f o r c lo th ca rtrid ge bags are: -
'(a ) I t mast be strong enough to withstand the wear and t e a r o f transport and handling.
(b ) I t should not d e te rio ra te in store o r be a ffe c te d by the chemicals in the p rop ella n t.
( c ) I t mast be e n t ir e ly consumed when the gun i s fir e d and mast leave no smouldering
p a r tic le s or oth er residue.
Accidents have occm red from t h is cause, g e n e ra lly when using blank ca rtrid ges o r reduced
charges, fo r which sp ecia l precautions are la id down and should be c a r e fu lly adhered t o
(see para. 311).
160. The m aterial f o r ig n it e r s (see paras. 185 t o 189 ) must, in a d d ition to possessing th e above
q u a litie s -
(a ) be so clo se in textu re that the gunpowder cannot come out
(b ) be permeable t o the fla s h from the tube.
G enerally speaking, s ilk c lo th f u l f i l s the conditions f o r ca rtrid ge bags and shalloon f o r

ig n ite r s .
In the p a st, cream serge, shalloon and c lo th mixtures "A ", WB" and "Z” have been used as
a lte rn a tiv e s to s ilk - c lo t h but the use o f these, except in an emergency, i s no lon ger perm itted.
Regenerated c e llu lo s e rayon c lo th class MA" and WB" i s , however, approved as an a lte rn a tiv e to
s ilk cloth .
DIAMETER AND IENGTH

16 1. Diameter - The c a rtrid g e should be la rg e enough to ensure th at some part o f the gunpowder in
the ig n it e r w i l l encounter the fla s h from the tube.
162. Length - The c a rtrid ge should be long enough to ensure th a t, under a l l con dition s, the i g n it e r
w i l l be clo se t o the mushroom head o f the breech mechanism o r at le a s t the distance between the tube
and ig n it e r i s not excessive.
In order to obtain the b est possib le r e g u la r it y in b a l l i s t i c s , i t i s e s s e n tia l that the length
o f the ca rtrid ge should, i f p o s s ib le , approximate t o the f u l l len gth o f the chamber.
-36-
DESIGN OF B. L. HOWITZER AND GUN/HOWITZER CARTRIDGES

163. Considerations governing design - C artridges f o r B. L. how itzers and gun/howitzers are made 15)
o f the same m ateria ls, "but in a manner e n tir e ly d iffe r e n t from that employed f o r B. L. gun c a rtrid g e s ,
fo r the fo llo w in g reasons
(a ) The ordnance i s intended f o r high-angle f i r e , hence the charge i s mach lig h t e r compared
w ith that o f a gun o f the same c a lib r e .
(b ) I t i s a com paratively short p ie ce o f ordnance, th erefo re the charge must be quick-burning

(sm all s iz e o f co n i or tubular c o r d ite ) so that the whole o f the charge may be consumed
b e fo re the p r o je c t ile leaves the muzzle,
( c ) With such equipments, la rg e angles o f descent may be required at short as w e ll as long

ranges. These are obtained by a lte r in g the weight o f the charge; th e re fo re , a c a rtrid ge
fo r a how itzer i s made up in sections in such a manner that i t s weight can be r e a d ily
reduced.
164. P r in c ip le s o f design - The main p r in c ip le s in design a r e :-
(a ) The lowest charge must be sta b le, i . e . , does not tend to f a l l over o r lose i t s shape when
loaded alone and so cause a m is fire o r delay in complete ig n itio n .
(b ) The ig n it e r , which i s always f i t t e d over the base o f the lowest charge, i s made o f the
la rg e s t possib le diameter; th is i s to ensure not only that the fla s h impinges d ir e c t ly on
to the gunpowder but also that the ig n it e r as n early as possible covers the whole o f the
c a rtrid g e and causes good and reg u la r ig n it io n o f the charge.
For t h is reason the diameter o f the r e a r end o f the charge i s not le s s than the maximum
diameter o f the complete c a rtrid g e , whenever p ossib le.
In most o f the ca rtrid g e s a mushroom-shaped lowest charge i s th erefo re used.
A number o f ca rtrid ges have also been introduced in which, w hile the mushroom-shaped core
i s reta in ed , the a u x ilia r y or incremental sections are formed not as rin gs as form erly,
but as f l a t segments which are p lia b le enough t o be f i t t e d and secured around the s ta lk .
In oth er designs the 1st charge and incremental sections are formed c y lin d r ic a l, the
p o rtio n s being butted togeth er and secured by webbing t ie s .
165 . The su bstitu tion o f segments f o r rin gs - I s rendered necessary by reason o f the la r g e r s iz e s
o f prop ellant used in the c a rtrid g e s , as i t i s a matter o f some d i f f i c u l t y to bend bundles containing
these la r g e r s iz e s o f p rop ellan t in to a form ation o f rin g s . I t i s also desira b le because in the
segments the lengths o f the stick s are arranged p a r a lle l to the core, the in te r s t ic e s forming a
number o f p a r a lle l passages proceeding from the ig n it e r ; the whole surface o f the charge i s , th ere
fo r e , in the most favourable p o s itio n to re c e iv e the in it ia t in g fla sh .
With the introdu ction o f h ig h -v e lo c ity howitzers and gur/howitzers w ith long but narrow
chambers, a very long s ta lk i s en^loyed which i s much lon ger than i s necessary fo r the s t a b i l i t y o f
the lowest charge used. The reason fo r t h is i s , that i t has been found that the f i r i n g o f-a small
charge, seated at the end o f a long chamber, i s lia b le to cause excessive pressures due t o "wave
a c tio n ", so with guns and how itzers having long chambers, where small charges are used, the charge
i s arranged to stretch the whole len gth o f the chamber, o r as n early so as p o ssib le.
The long s ta lk i s very convenient fo r accommodating the d esired number o f a u x ilia r y or
incremental section s, which can be conveniently arranged around i t in one o r more t i e r s .
ARRANGEMENT OF HOWITZER AND GUN/HOffITZER CAKTKTDfflS

166. Each section o f the c a rtrid ge i s marked w ith a number to be used when the d iffe r e n t charges
are being prepared f o r f i r in g .
The core or main se c tio n , which c a r r ie s the ig n it e r , i s always marked No. 1 ( o r one): the
a u x ilia r y section s, Nos. 2, 3, 4 ( o r two, th ree, fo u r) and so on.
D iffe re n t charges are obtained by removing one o r more o f the a u x ilia r y section s. Thus, in
the case o f a c a rtrid g e conprising a core (No. 1 section ) and th ree subsidiary sections (Nos. 2,
3 and 4 s e c tio n s ), the charges made up from t h is a r e :-
Fourth charge Nos. 1 , 2, 3 and 4 sections
Third charge Nos. 1 , 2 and 3 sections
Second charge Nos. 1 and 2 sections
F ir s t charge No. 1 section.
The weights o f the sections are selected in such a manner as to provide f o r a l l ranges.
Charges made up from other combinations are th erefo re unnecessary.
Adequate overlap in the range i s provided between consecutive charges. T h is suggests th a t,
a t the p o in t o f overlap , the lowest charge should, where p o s s ib le , be se lected , in order t o conserve
the l i f e o f the how itzer; i t a ls o has the advantage o f g iv in g a la rg e r angle o f descent.
In ce rta in equipments the " f u l l " charge c a rtrid g e i s f i l l e d and issued as a conplete
c y lin d r ic a l c a rtrid g e i . e . i t i s not adjustable.
-3 7 -
Chapter 3
Cartridges
Section 5. Types used in Field Branch Artillery Equipments
B.L, lu 5 INCH GUN (F ig . 7)

167* There are two main types o f c a rtrid g e s in the s e rv ic e : -
Charge 1
Charge 3
The charge three c a rtrid ge i s made up in two p o rtio n s , charge two and an increment t ie d
to g eth er t o provide charges o f varying weights o f p ro p ella n t, thereby enabling su itab le charges
being used where v a ria tio n s o f range and angles o f descent are required* The increment charge i s
never fir e d separately. In a d d ition , there i s a charge f o r high angle f i r e , c a lle d charge one*
A l l charges are contained in s i l k c lo th bags.
The charge two p o rtio n i s closed a t the r e a r end by an i g n it e r stitch e d on, t i n o r lead f o i l
d iscs being incorporated a t the opposite end. The bag has fo u r lengths o f s ilk o r shalloon braid
stitch e d a t one end by which the increment charge i s secured t o i t . L a te r designs may have an
ig n it e r stitch ed to both ends with t i n o r lea d f o i l sheet wrapped around th e p ro p ella n t, w ith t i n or
le a d f o i l incorporated in the ou ter end o f the increment p o rtio n .
B. L. 4•5 in. GUN CARTRIDGE ^ .7

SEPARATE LOADING
CHARGE ONE
2 lb !5oz. Cordite W.M. 06I,
Mk.2 (M of F Design D2(L)463.’GF/2)
IG N ITER , P R O P ELLA N T
lo z . G. I2 (Cord Cordite)
C H A R G E TH REE (Consists of C H A R G E T W O plus IN C R E M E N T C H A R G E )

lOlb. 9oz. Cordite N'S I64 -048, Mk.l foil (M of F Design DD(L)I5776)
C H A R G E T W O P O R T IO N (7 lb 9oz) C H A R G E TH R EE IN C R E M E N T (3 lb)
CHARGE, THREE
IG N ITER , 2oz, ‘A'

P R O P ELLA N T (Slotted Tubular Cord Cordite) \ IG N ITER , lo z . G I2 FOIL (Lead or Tin)
FO IL (Lead or Tin) D EC O P P ER IN G A G E N T ' sewn to Charge Two portion D E C O P P ER IN G AGENT
-3 8 -
168. Issue and preparation - The charges are issued and prepared f o r f i r i n g as fo llo w s
Charge 1 - A complete charge 1 i s issued as a separate cylinder* I t requ ires no preparation

and cannot be used f o r b u ild in g up charges 2 o r 3*
Charges 2 and 3 - These charges are issued to g eth er, the complete unit as issued forming
charge 3» To prepare charge 2, the p o rtio n narked three i s removed.
Charge 2 cannot be broken down t o form charge 1*
B.L. 5■ 5in. GUN CARTRIDGE

! SEPARATE LOADING
i
i
C H A R G E T W O (Consists of C H A R G E O N E plus IN C R E M E N T C H A R G E )
5lb. 5oz. FNH 023, MK.2 (M of F Design D 2 (L) 403S/GF I87)
C H A R G E O N E P O R T IO N (3 lb 3oz.) C H A R G E T W O IN C R E M E N T (2lb 2oz.)
IG N ITER , 2oz. G .I2 ^sewn to Charge One portion
C H A R G E FO U R (Consists of C H A R G E TH R EE plus IN C R E M E N T C H A R G E )
9 lb. 13 oz. Cordite NQ $ 164-048. MKT foil (M of F Design D D (L) I06I2)
T H R E E P O R T IO N (7lb 3oz.) C H A R G E FO U R IN C R E M E N T (2lb lOoz.)
IG N IT E R , lo z . C FO IL (Lead or Tin)
D E C O P P E R IN G A G E N T
PR O P ELLA N T
(Slotted Tubular Cord Cordite) 2oz. G .I2fsew n to Charge Three portion]
SUPER C H A R G E
12 lb. 9oz. Cordite N/S I64-048, MKT foil (M of F Design D D (L) 16407)
- 39-
B.L. 5.5 INCH GUN (P ig . 8 )

1^9* There are fo u r main types o f ca rtrid g e s in the S e rv ic e , these being: -
Charge 2 (sh ort range p o rtio n )

Charge 4 (lo n g range p o rtio n )
Super charge ( f o r use with 80 lb . s h e ll o n ly )
Paper shot
The ca rtrid ges in t h is instance also are enclosed in s i l k c lo th bags t o which a gunpowder
ig n it e r i s stitch ed to the end which i s loaded nearest the tube.
In order that va ria b le charges may be used, they are made up in d iffe r e n t weights o f p rop ellan t*
Charge three and an increment charge t ie d togeth er form charge fo u r. T in o r lea d f o i l d iscs are
incorporated w ith the increment charge, which i s never f i r e d separately.
There i s also a super charge marked " f o r 80 lb . s h e ll o n ly ", t h is i s a lso id e n t ifie d by a 1
inch wide black band placed 7 inches from the end o f the charge.
170. Issue and preparation - The charges are issued and prepared f o r f i r i n g as fo llo w s :-
Charges 1 and 2 - These charges are issued to g e th e r, the complete unit, as issued forming
charge 2.
To prepare charge 1, the p o rtio n marked TWO i s removed. These charges
cannot be used f o r bu ild in g up charges 3 o r 4*
Charges 3 and 4 - These charges are issued to g eth er, the couplete u nit as issued forming
charge 4. To prepare charge 3 , the p o rtion marked POUR i s removed.
Charge 3 cannot be broken down t o form charges 1 o r 2*
Super Charge - This charge i s issued as a separate conplete u n it. I t requires no
preparation and cannot be broken down to form charges 3 o r 4
33. L. 7.2 INCH HOWITZER (P ig . 9)

171. There are three main types o f ca rtrid ge s in the S e rv ice , these b e in g :-
Charge 3
Charge 4
Charge 5 increment.
The charge 3 ca rtrid ge i s made up in p o rtio n s t o provide charges o f various weights o f

p rop ella n ts, thereby enabling su itab le charges being used where steep angles o f descent and
va ria tio n s in range are required. Each p o rtio n i s enclosed in a s ilk - c lo t h bag, the No. 1 portion
has a head ard core w h ile Nos. 2 and 3 p ortion s are o f d iffe r e n t weights and are shaped to f i t around
the core o f the No. 1 p ortion .
No, 1 p o rtio n i s always fir e d . I t may be augmented by p ortion s Nos. 2 and 3, the three p ortion s
making a f u l l charge. An ig n it e r i s a ffix e d to the base o f p o rtio n No. 1 and two tapes, 1 inch wide,
are stitch ed d ia m etrica lly opposite each oth er to the sid es o f the bag t o secure Nos. 2 and 3 portion s.
No. 2 and 3 p ortion s vary in depth according to the qu antity o f p rop ellan t i n each. They Eire
secured and t ie d t ig h t ly around the core by webbing braid sewn t o the c lo th and the ends t ie d in a
bow. Two 1 inch tape fa ir le a d s are sewn t o the c lo th o f each p o rtio n fo r the tapes o f No. 1 p o rtio n
t o pass through, the la t t e r being secured by a bow t i e on top o f the No. 3 p ortion .
Other designs o f charge 3 ca rtrid ges d i f f e r from the above in th at the three p ortion s are a l l
made up c y lin d r ic a l in shape, d if fe r in g mainly in depth according t o the quantity o f prop ellant in
each. The th ree portions are secured end t o end by webbing t i e s .
The charge 4 c a rtrid ge i s issued as a conplete u n it. The p rop ellan t i s contained in a
c y lin d r ic a l s ilk - c lo t h bag. C artridges f i l l e d FNH have a gunpowder ig n it e r attached t o the base o f
the bag, w hile the mouth o f the bag i s choked w ith s i l k thread. C artridges f i l l e d N/S have an
ig n it e r a ffix e d a t each end.
A charge 5 increment, which lias an i g n it e r a ffix e d a t each end, i s provided t o form a super
charge fo r use w ith charge 4 in mark 6 howrs. only.
172. Issue and preparation - The charges are issued and prepared fo r f i r i n g as fo llo w s :-
Charges 1 , 2 and 3 - (WM, N or ENH p ro p e lla n t) - The charges are issued togeth er, the
conplete u nit as issued forming charge 3. To prepare charge 2
the p o rtion marked "3" i s removed. To prepare charge 1 the
p o rtion s marked "2" and "3" Eire removed.
Charge 4 (ENH o r N/S p ro p e lla n t) - This charge i s issued as a separate u n it. I t requires
no preparation and cannot be broken down.
Charge 5 - T h is charge i s obtained by guiding a charge 5 increment to the charge 4 u n it.
Care should be taken, where p o ssib le, to ensure th at the charge 5
increment and the charge 4 u nit are o f the same p rop ella n t nature.
-ko-
B.L. 7-2 in. HOW ITZER CARTRIDGE F|G-9

C H A R G E TH R E E (Consists of C H A R G E O N E plus IN C R E M E N T C H A R G E S )
13 lb. ! I oz. Cordite N 045 MK.I 16 lb. 3oz. 8dr. FNH 02S and 057 MK.I
(M of F Design D D (L) 16276) (M of F Design D D (L) 13658 A)
IG N IT E R . 6oz. A
CHARGE ONE CHARGE ONE

IG N ITER , 6oz. G . I 2 gunpowder PO R TIO N
PO R TIO N
(61b l l o z FN H 025)
(61b lOoz 8dr)
CHARGE TW O
CHARGE TW O
IN C R E M E N T
IN C R E M E N T
(21b 3oz 8 dr FN H 025)
(21b 2oz) PR O P ELLA N T (Cord Cordite)
I_______
P R O P ELLA N T (Granulated
N itrocellulose Powder)
C H A R G E TH R EE C H A R G E TH R EE
IN C R E M E N T IN C R E M E N T
(71b 5oz F N H 057)
(41b l4 o z 8dr)
IG N IT E R . 6oz. B
C H A R G E FOU R C H A R G E FIVE IN C R EM EN T (71b)

24!b. Cordite N/S 158-054 MK.I foil (for MK.6 How itzer only)
(M of F Design DD (L) 16485)
Cordite N/S 198-054 MK.I foil
C H A R G E FIVE (Consists of C H A R G E (M of F Design DD (L) 19907)
FO U R plus IN C R E M E N T C H A R G E )
IG N IT E R , lo z . J
FOIL (Lead or Tin)

D E C O P P E R IN G A G E N T
PR O P ELLA N T
(Slotted Tubular Cord Cordite)
P R O P ELLA N T
(Slotted Tubular IG N ITER , lo z . G . 12
IG N IT E R , 6oz. G . I 2 gunpowder Cord Cordite) gunpowder
-4 1 -
Chapter 4
Means of Ignition
IGNITION OF THE PROPELLANT CHARGE

173* The p rop ella n t charge i s ig n ite d by the f i r i n g o f an ig n ife ro u s in i t i a t o r , i . e . , by the impact
o f a s t r ik e r on to a percussion cap assembled in the base o f the prim er o r tube* The small fla s h
given by the i n i t i a t o r i . e * the percussion cap i s picked up and a m p lified by a gunpowder charge
contained in the magazine p o rtio n o f the prim er o r tube. This charge i s norm ally s u ffic ie n t to
ensure that the spaoe in the chamber o f the gun surrounding the prop ellant charge i s ra p id ly f i l l e d
w ith gases o f s u ffic ie n t temperature and heat content to ensure even and rap id ig n it io n o f the
p rop ellan t over the whole o f i t s surface.
Only w ith uniform ig n it io n w i l l r e g u la r ity o f b a l l i s t i c s be achieved.
The amount o f gunpowder used in the prim er o r tube depends upon the chamber dimensions o f the
gun, the s iz e o f the p rop ellan t charge and the ease with which i t i s ig n ite d i . e . , upon the nature
o f the p rop ella n t.
174. Q.F. ca rtrid g e s - As the fla s h from the prim er i s not s u ff ic ie n t ly pow erful to ig n it e the
charge w ith c e r ta in ty and r e g u la r ity , ce rta in charges, depending upon the nature o f the p ro p ella n t,
are assembled w ith a supplementary ig n it e r which i s position ed in the base o f the charge so th at i t
i s in d ir e c t contact and augments the gunpowder charge in the magazine o f the primer.
175. B .L. ca rtrid g e s • As the fla s h from the tube i s not s u ff ic ie n t ly powerful t o ig n it e modern
p rop ellan ts w ith c e rta in ty , smoothness and r e g u la r ity , a charge o f gunpowder enclosed in a shalloon
bag termed an ig n it e r , i s attached to the base o r breech end o f a l l B .L. c a rtrid g e s . Ih is i g n i t e r
i s o f the la rg e s t p ossib le diam eter and i s designed and position ed so that some p a rt o f the gunpowder
w i l l encounter the fla s h from the tube and thus ensure good and uniform ig n it io n o f the whole o f the
prop ellan t charge. To achieve th is requirement the distance between the tube and ig n it e r must not
be excessive.
Chapter 4
Means of Ignition
Section 2. Primers
GENERAL
176. Primers are the means employed f o r i n i t i a t i n g the p rop ellan t charge in most modern Q.F.
equipments.
The ig n ife ro u s i n i t i a t o r in the cap and the gunpowder i n the magazine o f prim ers, i f allow ed
to become a ffe c t e d by dan?), w i l l cause m is fir e s and hangfires.
With some primers and p rop ella n ts an i g n it e r i s used to re in fo r c e the fla s h from the prim er
and ensure e f f i c ie n t ig n itio n .
Primers can be repaired and used again.
Primers should in v a ria b ly be removed from the ca rtrid ge case should i t e v e r be necessary to
use fo rc e to g e t the case in to the breech o f the gun. This p a r tic u la r ly a p p lies to any form o f
hammering, as not on ly might the primer cap be struck b y accident but the shock might w e ll damage
it . The prim er can be replaced once the case i s f u l l y home.
PERCUSSION - DESCRIPTION (F ig .1 0 )
177* The percussion prim er contains th ree main elements; the cap, gas check and magazine.
178« Cap - This co n sists o f a small copper s h ell containing about 1 g rain o f cap composition,
covered w ith a t in f o i l d is c and assembled w ith a f i l l e t o f w aterproofing composition in the primer,
w ith the open end clo se to an a n v il and nearest to the magazine. E ith e r D.C.A. o r Q.F. composition
may be used. D.C.A. i s somewhat more s e n s itiv e and provides more c e r ta in ty in a c tio n , but
experience has shown that i f primers containing th is composition are rammed home by a power rammer
and subsequently unloaded there I s a serious r is k th at they w i l l fu n ction prematurely when next
rammed in to the gun. In fa c t , a prim er containing D.C.A. must not be power rammed a second time,
but should be removed when the round i s unloaded and replaced b y a new prim er. Primers containing
-2*2 _
D.C.A. (" A " composition) are not s p e c ific a lly marked, but a l l primers containing Q.F. composition
subsequent t o the end o f 1939> have the l e t t e r nQ" s t a g e d an the base. Sane o f the packages
containing ca rtrid g e s f i t t e d w ith these primes®had the l e t t e r wQn s te n c ille d on the ends, but th is
has since been discontinued.
The cap composition i s in it ia t e d by the cap being driven down onto the a n v il by the s t r ik e r o f
the f i r i n g mechanism.
179. Gas check - The obturation o r prevention o f gas escape through o r past the prim er i s o f grea t
importance as gas wash may cause serious damage t o the breech mechanism.
Rearward escape o f gas through the prim er i s prevented by a copper b a l l or cone which i s
contained in a ce n tra l recess in the a n v il and retain ed by a plug. This recess i s connected by f i r e
holes in the a n v il to the cap and by f i r e holes in the plug t o the magazine. This arrangement
permits the fla s h from the cap t o pass t o the magazine, but the b a l l or cone i s fo rced back on t o a
seating by the explosion o f the primer magazine and thus sea ls the f i r e holes in the a n v il.
180. Magazine - The compartment housing the gunpowder i s designated the magazine and may be
formed as an in te g r a l p a rt o f the body or i t may be a separate component screwed on t o the primer
body. I t s len gth may vary w ith in wide lim its in d iffe r e n t d escrip tio n s o f prim ers. I t contains
gunpowder, u su ally G.12.
In te g r a l magazines have a clo sin g d is c secu rely fix e d to the body but weakened t o p ro vid e an
easy opening without fra c tu rin g , as debris in the bore might be troublesome.
The separate magazine i s provided w ith f i r e h oles, and a lin e r prevents escape o f the powder,
the lin e r being a lso varnished w ith sh ella c varnish as a p ro te c tio n against damp. Some o f these
magazines have a f i r e hole a t the forward end and t o prevent accid en tal p e rfo ra tio n o f the lin e r by
the p rop ella n t, t h is hole i s covered by a w hite metal Mdane", the w hite metal o f which a ls o a cts as
a decoppering agent.
FIG. 10
TYPICAL PERCUSSION PRIMER
Exterior view
CO PP ER BALL PLU G (with 3 radial and I central fire holes)
PAPER D ISC M A G A Z IN E GU NPO W DER
Action of gas - check upon firing

CAP A N V IL
CO PPER BALL
ACTION (P ig . 10)
181. The s t r ik e r o f th e f i r i n g mechanism i s driven on t o the cap ( o r cap h old er) and the composition
i 3 nipped on the a n v il. The flame passes through the f i r e holes in a n v il and plu g, past the h a l l o r
cone and ig n ite s the gunpowder in the magazine. The resultan t explosion fo rc es the h a ll o r cone
hack on to i t s seating preven ting in te rn a l gas escape t o the re a r, and t r a v e llin g forwards through
the clo sin g d is c o r f i r e holes ig n it e s the propellant charge.
Means of Ignition
Section 3. Tubes
GENERAL
182. Tubes are vised in B.L, guns and how itzers to i n i t i a t e the p rop ella n t charge. The tube i s
assembled in the a x ia l vent and on being fir e d produces a fla s h t o ig n it e the c lo th i g n it e r attached
t o the base o f the prop ellan t charge. The fla s h should be a 3 strong and reg u la r as p ossib le t o
ensure rapid and c e r ta in ig n it io n o f the ca rtrid ge ig n it e r . As the distance between the rea r end o f
the cartrid ge and th e fro n t end o f the vent v a rie s w ith the type o f gun and the charge in use, the
strength o f the fla s h must be s u ffic ie n t f o r th e maximum distance th at may be met. The gas sealin g
a ctio n o f the tube in the vent i s s im ila r t o that o f a Q.P. c a rtrid g e in a gun chamber.
PERCUSSION. S.A. CARTRIDGE (F ig . 11)

183. The tube con sists o f a case, a cup above which i s an a n v il and gas seal w ith copper b a ll. The
forward p a rt o f the case being the magazine which i s f i l l e d w ith gunpowder, the mouth being close'*
b y a cork plug.
ACTION
184. When the percussion mechanism i s operated, the cap i s 3tm c k b y the poin t o f the f i r i n g p in ,
so that the detonating conposition i s pinched between the a n v il and the in t e r io r base o f th e cap,
and thus fir e d . The re s u ltin g fla s h passes through the three holes i n the plu g to ig n it e the powder
in the magazine which, in turn, ig n it e s the c lo th ig n it e r attached t o the base o f th e p rop ella n t
charge. The s o ft copper b a ll i s driven t o the r e a r by the explosion in the magazine and the w a ll o f
the case i s expanded r a d ia lly so preven ting escape o f gas to the rea r from the tube chamber in the
a x ia l vent. The a ctio n o f the gas se a l in sid e the tube i s , th e r e fo r e , sim ila r to that enployed in
percussion primers (s e e P ig . 10).
TYPICAL PERCUSSION TUBE FiG.II
Anvil shaped projection PAPER DISCS CASE C O R K D ISC
CAP
filled with
Detonating
Composition
GA S SE<
Consists
PLU G (with 3 fire holes)
- 44-
Chapter 4
Means of Ignition
Section 4. Igniters
GENER/&
185 . I g n ite r s consist o f a supplementary charge o f gunpowder and are used t o augment the fla s h
from the tube or prim er so as to ensure reg u la r and rapid ig n it io n o f the p rop ella n t charge over
the whole o f i t s surface*
There are three main types i . e : -
B*L. c a rtrid g e ig n it e r s ) ^ b fonn
Q*F. c a rtrid g e ig n ite r s )
Q.F. and R.C *1. c a rtrid g e i g n i t e r s ......... metal
The l a t t e r are not used, a t presen t, in any F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y aniaunitian.
186. QoF, c a rtrid g e ig n it e r s - Some Q.F. ca rtrid ges employ a supplementary ig n it e r t o boost the fla s h
from the prim er magazine. I t i s u sually in the form o f a shaped bag f i l l e d w ith a small qu antity o f
gunpowder and i s p o sitio n ed at the bottom o f the p rop ella n t charge so th at i t i s in d ir e c t contact
w ith the magazine or body o f the prim er. The three types o f supplementary ig n ite r s are: -
Core Ig n ite r s
Bandolier ig n it e r s
F la t or d is c shaped ig n it e r s .
187. B .L. c a rtrid g e ig n it e r s - Secured to one o r both ends o f every B .L . c a rtrid ge i s an ig n it e r

consisting o f a small charge o f G12 gunpowder enclosed between shalloon o r worsted c lo th d is c s .
The c a rtrid g e i s loaded in to the ordnance w ith the standard ig n it e r nearest to the end o f the ven t.
An ig n it e r i s requ ired as the fla s h from the tube i s not s u ffic ie n t ly powerful to ig n it e
modem p rop ella n ts w ith c e r ta in ly and r e g u la r ity . To e f f e c t th is the gunpowder must be uniform ly
d is trib u ted throughout the ig n it e r , and should com pletely f i l l the stitch e d compartments provided
i . e . , th ere must be no danger o f the gunpowder shaking down to the bottom o f the pfcokets.
To obtain c e rta in ty o f ig n it io n , i t i s most important that ig n it e r s should be p rotected from
damp. The sealed case o r cy lin d ers in which the c a rtrid g e s are packed should not be opened sooner
than necessary and, i f opened, the l id s o r covers should be replaced and resealed w ith fre s h lu tin g .
188. Standardized ig n it e r s - The old type o f ig n it e r was cro s s-s titch e d r a d ia lly in to two o r more
compartments. I t i s now obsolescent and the standardized ig n it e r i s g e n e ra lly enployed. This type
i s cro ss-stitch ed in to p a r a lle l compartments which are f i l l e d w ith G12 gunpowder.
The ig n it e r con sists o f two d iscs o f shalloon o r worsted c lo th , dyed red , between which
gunpowder i s enclosed. A s ilk c lo th disc i s sewn to the underside o f the i g n it e r to prevent the
c o rd ite from penetrating the shalloon.
Standardized ig n it e r s f o r each c a lib r e o f gun may d i f f e r in weight and dimensions. The
governing fa c to r i s the diam eter o f the charge to which they are attached. The weight o f the gun
powder charge shown on the ig n it e r (o ld typ e) i s only the minimum weight which uust be g o t in ; the
ig n it e r must be w e ll f i l l e d ir r e s p e c tiv e o f w eight.
The nomenclature o f standardized ig n it e r s i s determined as fo llo w s :-
A separate le t t e r e d s e rie s commencing w ith nAM i s used f o r each c a lib r e o f gun o r how itzer.
A change in the s iz e o f the ig n it e r o r nominal weight o f powder advances the nomenclature to the
next l e t t e r , or, i f the change i s small, a s ta r may be added to the l e t t e r in use.
189. A u x ilia r y ig n it e r s - These are issued f o r f i t t i n g o v e r standard ig n it e r s i f the standard

ig n it e r i s suspected o f being danp or has sustained damage s u ffic ie n t to cause a m is fir e . A
drawstring o f s ilk or worsted webbing i s threaded around the edge o f the i g n it e r to form a s k ir t and
to secure the ig n it e r t o the c a rtrid g e .
190. Supplementary ig n it e r s - Where one ig n it e r only i s assembled to the c a rtrid g e bag i t i s

referred to as the " standard" • Where two are used, one at each end, the second one may be referred
to as the " supplementary” ig n it e r . I t w i l l o fte n be found, however, th at both ig n it e r s are
id e n tic a l in make-up, nature and weight o f f i l l i n g .
191 • Core ig n ite r s - In addition to the standard i g n it e r sewn to the base o f the c a rtrid g e bag,
ce rta in designs o f B «L« ca rtrid ges may be made up w ith a core ig n it e r which i s assembled c e n tr a lly
in the charge. F or example, the B .L . 5 .5 inch 10 l b . 14 o z . 8 d r. N.H. 047, Mk. 1 f o i l c a rtrid ge
i s assembled with a o z . G12 gunpowder ig n i t e r in s erte d c e n t r a lly in the charge, w ith the base
th ereo f in contact w ith the standard ig n it e r sewn on the bottom o f the c a rtrid g e bag.
Chapter 5
Projectiles
Section 1 Introduction
OKNKRAT.
192, Pro ,1eot i l e s can be d ivid ed In to two main -types: -
(a ) S h a ll which carry a f i l l i n g such as H .E ., smoke,etc. They produo© e f f e c t by the energy

c f t h e ir contents.
P ie rc in g s h e ll produce e f f e c t b y v ir tu e o f t h e ir s tr ik in g energy as w e ll as by the energy o f
the H©E* content©
(b ) Shot which are non-explosive and are used fo r the attack o f armour and concrete. T h eir
e f f e c t cm armour and concrete i s produced b y v ir tu e o f s tr ik in g energy on ly, which i s
d erived from t h e ir w eight and v e lo c it y .
193. Requirements o f p r o je c t ile s - The design o f a p r o je c t ile must f u l f i l the fo llo w in g requirementss-
(a ) Ta rget e f f e c t - The p r o je c t ile must produce the d esired res u lts a t the ta rg et ( e . g .
destruction by h i$ i ex p lo s ive, armour pen etration , e t c . ) .
(b ) B a llis t ic s - The design must enable the requirements fo r range, accuracy, v e lo c it y , e tc .

to be achieved.
(o ) Strength - The p r o je c t ile must be strong enough to withstand the fo rc es exerted on i t w hile
in the gun and, in the case o f p ie rc in g s h e ll, those fo rc e s due to the shock o f impact.
(d ) Eoonomy - I t should be reasonably easy and cheap to produo© and should be robust and easy to
handle from a user p o in t o f view.
194* Forces a c ting on s. p r o je c t ile - For a l l p r o je c t ile s oth er than those required fo r the attack o f
armour, by fa r the grea test stresses are imposed w h ile the p r o je c t ile i s in the bore. With armour"
p ie r c in g p r o je c t ile s , the main problem i s to prevent the p r o je c t ile from breaking up on Impact w ith the
ta r g e t , thus reducing i t s penetrating performance. The stresses to which i t i s subjected in th is
process are ve ry much g re a te r than any stresses met w ith in the bore.
O f the fo rc es a c tin g on the p r o je c t ile w hile i t i s i n the bore, the most important are those
re s u ltin g from the a c c e le ra tio n o f the p r o je c t ile by the presence o f the prop ellant gases on the base.
Owing to th is a cce lera tio n o f the p r o je c t ile and i t s components, eaoh p a rt exerts a considerable
fore© on i t s supporting member. This fo rc e i s u su ally r e fe r r e d to as the se t back fo rc e .
Owing to the ro ta tio n o f the p r o je c t ile there i s a ls o a considerable c e n trifu g a l fo rc e a ctin g on
a l l p a rts.
Allowance must also be made in the design f o r the pressure exerted b y the d riv in g band on the
body o f the p r o je c t ile . With heavy s h e ll w ith a rea r d r iv in g band o n ly , the shoulder o f the s h e ll
may be subjected to a s e rie s o f heavy la t e r a l blows as i t passes up the b o re , owing to the inadequate
cen trin g o f the p r o je c t ile by the band. This i s r e fe r r e d to as side slap.
195. Factors a ffe c t in g shape - The need f o r g rea te r and g rea ter ranges and also o f g rea ter
penetration has influ enced the shape o f the p r o je c t ile .
(a ) The amount o f a ir resistan ce depends upon the s iz e , shape and "presentation” o f the
p r o je c t ile ; upon s iz e , because o f the number o f a i r molecules to be displaced b y movement
o f the p r o je c t ile ; upon shape, because o f the important e f f e c t i t ex erts on the manner in
which the molecules are shouldered a sid e. "Presentation" a ffe c t s both the lumber o f a i r
molecules displaced and the manner in which they are pushed a sid e. A p r o je c t ile o f tiro
fe e t in diameter d isp la ces fou r times as many molecules as does a p r o je c t ile o f one fb ot
diam eter, since the area o f the cross section o f a p r o je c t ile v a r ie s as the square o f the
diameter. A cone with base diameter o f two f e e t , since i t s g re a te r cross section i s the
same as a c y lin d e r o f the same diameter, disp la ces Just as many molecules, bu t, because o f
i t s pointed shape e ffe c t s the displacement more Steoothly and consequently encounters les s
resistance.
-4 6 -
( b ) Weight ex ercis es a g rea t e f f e c t acx the power t o overcome res ista n c e, since cue o f the
fa c to rs upon which the energy o f the p r o je c t ile depends i s i t s weight (t h e oth er i s i t s
v e lo c it y ). Th is two cylin d ers o f etjaal diameter and len gth composed o f d iffe r e n t m aterials,
cne tw ice as heavy as the other, would experience the same resistan ce in t r a v e l through the
a i r , but the h eavier cne would possess double the power o f the other t o overcome i t .
(c ) Again, since len gth has l i t t l e e f f e c t on res ista n c e, a cy lin d er tw ice the len gth o f the
o r ig in a l cne and composed o f the same m aterial, i f s o lid , would be tw ice as heavy and
possess double the energy. In order th at a cone possess the same energy as a c y lin d e r o f
equal diameter, i t must o f n e ces sity be lon ger (s in c e i t otherwise would be o f le s s w eigh t)
and, as the len gth o f the p r o je c t ile i s lim ite d by c e rta in other considerations, the modern
p r o je c t ile represents a conpremise, combining energy-producing e f f e c t by means o f increased
weight and resistance-reducing e f f e c t by means o f the pointed head.
(d ) The a i r resista n ce i s a ffe c te d in a marked degree by the shape o f the head. I t i s found
th a t, in a s h e ll o f the usual form, the shape o f the shoulders i s more important than that
o f the actu al p o in t. Th is i s explained by the fa c t th a t, as a ir streams outward from the
p o in t t o pass over the shoulder o f the s h e ll, i t leaves a p a r t ia l vacuum near the p o in t,
w h ile the main a i r pressure comes near the shoulders. But, when a p r o je c t ile w ith an ogive
o f f i v e or s ix c a lib r e o r la rg e r radius i s used, the shape o f the p o in t becomes im portant,
as determining the d ir e c tio n o f the a i r currents which flo w over the shoulders.
(e ) The id e a l shape f o r a p r o je c t ile intended t o t r a v e l through the a i r w ith the mriniana

resista n ce would be ceie o f stream line p r o f i l e - one having a nose w ith an o g ive curved fa r
pushing aside the a ir molecules w ith the le a s t disturbance, and a long tapered t a i l t o
elim ina te vacuum forming eddies i n i t s wake. The f l a t , sawn o f f bottom o f the type o f
p r o je c t ile s in use p r io r t o and in World War I i s i n e f f i c i e n t , because the p a r t ia l vacuum
formed behind the p r o je c t ile during f l i g h t g r e a tly retard s i t and causes unsteadiness i n
f lig h t * Far th is reason modem p r o je c t ile s are o f the boat t a i l e d typ e.
196. E x te rio r o f modem p r o je c t ile s - Modem p r o je c t ile s combine weight and fo rc e in the most
p r a c tic a l way t o secure a maximum o f s t a b i l i t y and a mini man o f a i r resistan ce in f l i g h t .
The c y lin d r ic a l surface In the rea r o f the d riv in g band i s caned s lig h t ly t o form the boat t a i l ,
with an in c lin a tio n o f from s ix t o e ig h t degrees t o the a x is o f the p r o j e c t i l e . The o g ive describes
an arc whose centre l i e s on a lin e perpendicular to the axis o f the p r o je c t ile , w ith a radius u su ally
expressed in terms o f c a lib r e . Th is radius form erly was two c a lib re s fo r a l l p r o je c t ile s , but
experiments have proved that a marked reduction i n a i r resistan ce, re s u ltin g i n g re a te r range, can be
obtained by in creasin g the radius o f the o g ive t o as much as 10 o r 11 c a lib re s .
197* Body - The bodies o f a l l p r o je c t ile s are manufactured from s t e e l o r ir e n , the type o f which
depends upon the use t o which the p r o je c t ile i s put and the stresses t o which i t i s subjected. The
c y lin d r ic a l p o rtio n i s provided w ith a circu m feren tial groove or grooves t o acocomodate the d riv in g
band o r bandso
198. Shape o f p r o je c t ile - The important fa c to r s are the len gth o f the head, the shape o f the base,
and the p o s itio n o f the d r iv in g band. With high v e lo c it y s h e ll, the base drag i s o f minor importance
compared t o the head res ista n c e. Such p r o je c t ile s are normally made w ith the base c y lin d r ic a l to
improve s t a b ilit y , t o g iv e g re a te r capacity and t o ease production.
P r o je c t ile s whose v e lo c it y may f a l l below th at o f sound, 1,100 f . s . range fu rth er i f they are
given a tapered (strea m lin e) base, as a t these v e lo c it ie s the base drag i s in p a rt ant.
199. Shape o f head (F ig .1 2 ) - The head i s o g iv a l, that i s t o say, the p a r a lle l sid es o f the
p r o je c t ile are curved inwards forward o f the shoulder t o form a p o in t. Seme p r o je c t ile s are more
pointed than others and the actual shape i s expressed according t o the radius o f the curve o r og ive
expressed in c a lib re s and r e fe r r e d t o as the " c a lib r e radius head" o r "CRH".
In general terms the la r g e r the CRH th e more painted i s the nose. "Sim ple CRH" i s measured as
the radius o f curvature ( r ) o f the nose. ’ifaen curvature o f the head i s not " s in p le " , i . e . when there
i s a d e fin it e shoulder (s e e P ig . 12) the CRH i s sa id to be "compound". In a compound CRH o f 2/3*
f o r instance, the distance from the shoulder t o the t i p i s th a t o f a simple CRH o f 2 (h i n F ig .1 2 ).
The curve jo in in g the t ip t o the shoulder i s , however, drawn w ith a radius o f th ree c a lib r e s . This
has the e f f e c t o f improving the b a l l i s t i c s o f the p r o je c t ile without a lte r in g i t s s t a b i l i t y .
Same equipments have both simple and compound CRH s h e ll. The b a l l i s t i c q u a litie s o f the
l a t t e r are assessed and these s h e ll are given an equ ivalent o r "S ervic e" CRH. So in cne equipment
a s h e ll o f Service CRH 6 w i l l range the sam e,^ one o f sin p le CRH 6 a t mean fig h t in g ranges.
“ 47-
P rio r to 1945, i f the CRH exceeded two, i t was in d ic a ted by the a d d itio n o f a le t t e r to the mark
o f the p r o je o tile according to the fo llo w in g c o d e :-
CSH Code L e tte r

From 2 to 4 A
" 4 to 6 B
" 6 to 8 , C
" 8 to 10 D
The rad iu s re fe rre d to above in cludes the fuze and/or b a ll i s t i c cap itoen fit t e d .
TYPICAL CRH (CALIBRE RADIUS HEAD) DESIGN FIG.I2
COM POUND 2/3-CRH
centre of curvature
d -d iam eter (Calibre) of Shell
h - distance from shoulder to tip
200. Bases (F ig . 13) - W ith H .E . nose fazed s h e ll in order to guard again st the p o s s ib ilit y o f fla w s
in the centre o f the base date to "p ip in g " in the in go t and as a p rotection again st p ro p ella n t gases
reach in g the H.E. f i l l i n g and causing a premature, a sh allow recess i s bored out and, a ft e r
exam ination, a r o lle d s t e e l p la te o r d is c i s In se rte d . The d is c may be p la in o r screw-threaded and
i s f in a lly secured b y riv e t in g . In curren t manufacture o f Q .F. 25 p r . H .E. s h e ll a d isc i s welded
over the centre o f the base.
Some p r o je c t ile s have reoesses formed in the b a se to take tra c e rs o r tra c e rs and Ig n it e r s , w hile
oth ers such as A .P . and H .E .S.H . s h e ll are bored and screw-threaded to accom odate a base fuze and in
seme oases a ls o a tra c e r.
P ra c tic e p r o je c t ile s may b e issu ed w ith the base s o lid i . e . , not reoessed and fit t e d w ith a
p la te o r d is c in serted .
Smoke, f la r e , In cen diary and sta r s h e ll are fit t e d w ith sep arately assembled s o lid bases which
are u su a lly retain ed in p o sitio n by a few screw -threads o r they may be p la in in which case they are
secured b y shear p in s.
201. D rivin g barai (F ig . 13) - The p o sitio n o f the d riv in g band i s governed by se v e ra l fa c to rs .
From the p o in t o f view o f s t a b ilit y both in the bore and o u tsid e, i t should be as f a r buck as p o ssib le .
I t must, however, be f a r enough forw ard to leave s u ffic ie n t m etal behind to support i t durin g
engraving and ro ta tio n and w ith stream line s h e ll, i t must be w e ll forw ard ( i . e . on the p a r a lle l
po rtio n o f the s h e ll b o d y ).
In fix e d Q .F. ammunition s u ffic ie n t space must be l e f t to the r e a r o f the band to a llo w
adequately strong attachment o f the case. The m etal used i s u su a lly copper although vario u s a llo y s
o f copper and n ic k e l as w e ll as sin tered iro n are a lso used.
The d riv in g band serves the purpose o f se a lin g the p ro p e lla n t gases behind the p r o je c t ile ,
im parting a sp in that continues throughout the f lig h t o f the s h e ll and o f cen trin g the p r o je c t ile
in the bore o f the gun.
The ro ta tio n o f spinning o f the s h e ll enables an elon gated p r o je c t ile to be used.
Accurate cen trin g i s seldom main tain ed except in the oase o f p r o je c t ile s w ith fo rward as w e ll
as r e a r d riv in g bands.
More than one d riv in g band i s o fte n used fo r high v e lo c ity guns and the fra c tio n s o f se a lin g ,
d riv in g and centrin g a re v a rio u sly shared by the bands according to the design .
In separate lo ad in g Q .F . and B .L . guns, the d riv in g band a lso serves the a d d itio n a l purpose o f
a ramming stop, whereby the p r o je c t ile i s c o rre c tly position ed in the gun. The d riv in g band engages
w ith the shot se a tin g when the p r o je c t ile i s ranned c o rre c tly , so preventing i t from slip p in g back
when the gun i s elevated . U n less the p r o je c t ile i s in the o o rre o tly loaded p o sitio n when the gun
i s fir e d , b a ll i s t i c re g u la rity w i l l be ad versely a ffe c te d .
Copper d riv in g bands tend to leave a d ep o sit o f oopper in the b o re , and in equipments where
t h is tendency i s pronounced the c a rtrid g e s may oontain "deoqpperlng f o i l " to counteract i t .
- tf-
TYPICAL DRIVING BAND and ALTERNATIVE BASEPLATES FIG. 13
Raised ribs
formed o~ l“ J" ~e - L -" D R IV IN G B A N D
S C R E W E D L. H. A N D R IV ETE D
Base of shell hammered against chamfered
edge of circular plate all round circumference
C O N T IN U O U S W E L D E D PLAIN (C H A M FER E D ) A N D R IV E TE D
Thin circular Steel plate welded to Base Base of shell hammered against chamfered
all round circumference edge of circular plate all round circum ference
202. Coppering - T h is a r is e s from the dep osit o f m etal from the d riv in g band on t o the su rface o f the
r i f li n g o f the ordnance* I t produces ir r e g u la r shooting and may le a d to copper choke; i t i s
in d icated by the roughened appearance o f the bore*
The copper can be removed from the gun by a chem ical p ro cess, o r b y u sin g t in o r le a d f o i l w ith
the p ro p ella n t charge* I t may be prevented by u sin g sm all q u a n titie s o f t in o r le a d f o i l
incorporated in each charge* The t in o r le a d f o i l carbin es w ith the copper to form a b r it t le a llo y
which i s removed by the d riv in g band o f the next p r o je c t ile fir e d * For some equipments sp e c ia l
“de coppering* rounds o r charges are provided. These u su a lly contain tw ice the amount o f t in o r le a d
f o i l incorporated in the normal Service charge and a re id e n t ifia b le by the a b b re v ia tio n "DBC"
ste n c ille d thereon*
FBOJECTIIE - DEFINITIONS (F ig . 14)

203* Ogive - T h is r e fe r s to the shape o f the p r o je c t ile from the shoulder forw ard* I t does not
include the fu z e , although i t may be prepared to accommodate one*
204. Head - The complete p o rtio n o f the p r o je c t ile forw ard o f the shoulder * In c e rta in c a r r ie r
s h e ll t h is may be manufactured a s a separate component.
205. W a lls - That p a rt o f the s h e ll that surrounds the c a v ity . U s u a lly from shoulder to
commencement o f stream lin in g, o r b a se , i f i t i s not stream lin e d .
206. Shoulder - The jun ction o f the head w ith the rem ainder o f the body, i * e . , where the ogive jo in s
the w a lls .
207. Bands - P o rtio n s o f the s h e ll w a lls formed im m ediately in re a r o f the shoulder o r ogive and
forward o f the d riv in g band which may be a c cu rate ly machined to a g re a te r e x te rn al diam eter than the
re s t o f the s h e ll body.
The fro n t band i s sometimes re fe rre d t o , e s p e c ia lly b y the Americans and French, as
"b o u rre le t".
208. Base - In p r o je c t ile s f it t e d w ith conventional d riv in g bands, that p a rt o f the p r o je c t ile in
r e a r o f the re a r main d riv in g band.
K9~
209* Body - The empty s h e ll o r sh ot, w ith d riv in g hand assem bled, b e fo re f i l l i n g w ith pay lo a d ,
t ra c e r o r any oth er components*
210. Governing section - That p a rt o f the s h e ll forw ard o f the d riv in g band at which the stre ss i s
a maximum.
211. Windage - The d iffe re n c e between the diam eter o f the bore and the diam eter o f the p r o je c t ile
(exclu d in g the d riv in g bands)*
212. Capacity - Sometimes known as charge w eight r a t io o r C.W.R. The r a t io o f the w eight o f the
explosive bu rstin g charge to the t o t a l w eight o f a f i l l e d s h e ll, expressed as a percentage.
PROJECTILE DEFINITIONS
“ 50-
Chapter 5
Projectiles
Section 2 The Shell
213, S h e ll may bo d ivid ed in to two types v i z : -
High ex p lo s ive (H „E.)

C a rrier
HIGH EmOSIVE SHELL

214« The high ex p losive s h e ll i s forged o r machined t o form & c a v ity f o r the ex p lo s ive.
To ob tain a maximum ca p a city, the w a lls may be tapered and made as th in as p ra ctica b le
con sisten t w ith adequate strength. I t must be remembered, however, th a t a s h e ll which g iv e s
e x c e lle n t mining e f f e c t b y v ir tu e o f i t s la r g e r capacity, may, owing to the la ck o f metal i n i t s
w a lls , g iv e i n f e r i o r fragmentation. The tapering o r gradual decrease i n thickness towards the head
enables the w a lls to be lengthened, and henoe the ca p a city o f tbs s h e ll to be increased, without an
in crease In the w eight o f the w a lls and consequently i n th e stress o f the governing ( o r oth er section )
as compared w ith the stres s which would be present i n a p a r a lle l w alled s h e ll. There i s a l i m i t i n
p ra c tic e , however, to the amount o f tap er than can be im parted, as, i f over-emphasised, the weakness
o f the head compared w ith the body may cause unequal and u n sa tisfa ctory fragmentation when the s h a ll
i s detonated.
The in t e r io r i s stove varnished, the ex p losive i s poured o r pressed in to p o s itio n and a ce n tra l
c a v ity l e f t to re c e iv e an exploder{ s) o r s t e e l exploder con tain er, and i f catered fa r on the r e la t iv e
method o f f i l l i n g design , a smoke producing p e l l e t , which i s positioned below the exploders. The
upper surface o f the f i l l i n g may a lso be topped w ith a w aterproofing mixture.
The p r in c ip a l requirements fo r a s a tis fa c to r y f i l l i ng are th a t:-
(a ) the ex p lo s ive can be f i l l e d in to the s h e ll i n a s u ff ic ie n t ly dense form and i n such a manner

that c a v ita tio n does n ot take place and th at the f i l l i n g does not s e t back on the shock due
t o the a c c e le ra tio n o f the s h e ll.
(b ) th a t the exploder system i s su ita b le and w i l l a m p lify the detonating wave i n i t i a t e d b y the
fu ze s u ff ic ie n t ly to detonate com pletely the mass o f exp losive i n the s h e ll.
When the fu ze fu n ction s, the exploder picks up the detonating wave from the C.E. p a l l e t i n the
fu ze magazine, a n p lifi.es i t and detonates the main f i l l i n g .
215. H.E. s h e ll may be sub-divided in to two c a te g o rie s , l . e . ,
Nose fuzed s h e ll
Base fuzed s h e ll
BHhiLh3 H.E. NOSE FU&filJ
21 £. H.E. S h ell o f conventional design (see P i g . 15) are normally designed t o g iv e the mmdirtan
fragmentation e f f e c t and are not intended to p en etrate concrete emplacements o r th ic k armcur. The
shape o f the head i s o f grea t importance and the h igh er the v e lo c it y the more poin ted i t must be.
The e x te r io r o f the head, including the fu z e , must be smooth. The b est shape has p re vio u sly been
considered to be an o g iv e , in which the ends o f the curve are ta n g e n tia l to the p a r a lle l s id e s .
Most o f the s h e ll are formed and screw-threaded a t the nose t o accept a 2 inch threaded fu ze,
although oth er s iz e s o f fu ze-holes t o take s p ec ia l types o f fuzes may be used.
I t i s o f the utmost importance that the r is k o f prematures should be minimized. H.E. nose
fuzed s h e ll sure, th e r e fo r e , u su ally made o f fo rg e d s t e e l , w ith w a lls and base (u s u a lly ) in one p ie c e .
217* S h e ll. H.E. h ollo w charge - In th is type o f s h e ll the H.E. content i s arranged round a h ollow
in the forward end which has the e f f e c t o f focu sing the energy o f detonation in to a small fi e r c e Jet
- o v ir g at » ve ry high v e lo c it y fo llo w e d by a plug from the remainder o f the metal l i n e r o f the core
which penetrates the armour. The penetration o f t i l l* Jet deperls upon the diam eter and angle o f the
cone and a lso on the m aterial o f i t s lin in g . The f i l l i n g i s requ ired to detonate a t a shox-t
distance from the armour and i s designed and fuzed a cco rd in gly. I t i s found th at the p en etra tive
e f f e c t i s reduced by the spin o f the s h e ll; fu rth e r development o f these p r o je c t ile s i s , th e r e fo r e ,
l i k e l y to be along the lin e s o f f i n s t a b iliz a t io n .
-51-
TYPICAL H E. (HIGH EXPLOSIVE) NOSE FUZED SHELL
Exterior view Sectional view
A M A TO L fillec Q.F. R D X T N T filled

(M of F Design DD (L) 9028; for 25 pr. (M of F Design D2 (L) 554/GF/229)
FU ZE H O LE PLUG
FU ZE H O LE PLU G
CLO TH DISCS
---------- PAPER DISCS
M ILLBO ARD W A S H E R
E X P LO D ER
FELT W ASH ER
IN E R T C O M P O SITIO N
EXPLO D ER PAPER TU BE
GLAZEDBO ARD DISCS T N T T O P P IN G
PAPER T U B E -------- -------- FELT D ISC
PAPER DISCS
SM OKE PELLET -
E X P LO D ER
B O X C L O T H DISC FELT D ISC
MAIN EX P LO S IV E FILLIN G MAIN EX P LO S IV E FILLIN G
A M A TO L filled R P X /T N T or
(M of F Design DD (L) 16879) T N T filled
(M of F Design D2 (L) 869/GF/235)
FU ZE H O LE PLUG
STEEL FU ZE H O LE PLU G
E X P LO D ER C O N T A IN E R
PAPER DISCS
PAPER DISCS
PAPER C O L L A R
FELT
FELT W ASH ERS
EX P LO D ER
T N T TO PPIN G
FELT DISC
EX P LO D ER
EX PLO D ER
FELT D ISC
T N T SU R R O U N D
GLAZEDBO ARD DISCS
PAPER TU BE
FELT DISCS SM OKE PELLET
SM O KE PELLET PAPER TU BE
CLO TH D ISC B O X C L O T H DISC
MAIN EX P LO S IV E FILLIN G MAIN EX P LO S IV E FILLIN G

-5 2 -
. 218. The follow ing complementary features w ill be found in F ie ld Branch A r t ille r y H.E. she11:-
(a ) Erploder_containers - A l l B.L. amatol f i l l e d sh ell are fitte d with a s te e l exploder

container. B.L. 4*5 inch and 5.5 inch H.E. sh ell f i l l e d amatol to design ED(L)19506 are
fit t e d with a container, s te e l, No. 4 or 27, while B.L. 7.2 inch howitzer H.E. sh ell f i l l e d
amatol to design BD(L) 19507 are fit t e d with a container, s te e l. No. 3* A l l other B.L. amatol
f i l l e d sh ell are f it t e d with container, s te e l, No. 1.
(b ) Smoke boxes and p e lle ts - Sh ell fit t e d with red phosphorus smoke boxes have been fbund to
su ffer from phosphoric acid exudation owing to moisture entering badly sealed ones. A ll
such smoke boxes are being replaced by a 1 oz. 8 dr. TNT/aluminium smoke p e lle t as smoke
production i s s t i l l an observation requirement o f F ield Branch A r t ille r y .
(c ) Surrounds and toppings - T.N.T. surrounds o r toppings are used with amatol f i l l e d sh ell,
waterproofing composition o r T0N.T. toppings are used with R.D.X./T.N.T. f illin g s .
SHELL H.E. BASS FUzJlD

219* Squash head •* Here the H.E., usually RDX/BWX or p la s tic explosive, is contained in a very thin
walled s h e ll. On h ittin g the armour, the s h e ll oollapsea and the H.E. f i l l i n g squashes up in to a
"p laster" on the face o f the p late. A base fuze is so designed that detonation takes place
immediately th is "plasterin g" action i s complete, causing a scab to be blown o f f the inside o f the
plate with considerable v e lo c ity . The b la s t e ffe c t on the outside i s also very great and damage to
the tracks, tu rret, rin g, e tc . is lik e ly to be caused. The plastering action i s not m aterially
affected by the angle o f incidence u n til I t becomes very large, and the performance o f th is
p r o je c tile i s , therefore, p ra c tic a lly independent o f angle o f incidence.
(TAP’RTFR SHELL (F ig . 16)

220. These contain a small bursting charge fb r the purpose o f opening the sh ell and lib era tin g i t s
contents. Such sh ell may be made to burst on impact or in the a ir . Typical f illin g s o f ca rrie r
sh ell a r e :-
Smoke (screening o r coloured) Chemical (liq u id f i l l e d )

Flare (coloured; Star (with or without parachute)
TnrMwifll a r y
Carrier sh ell are o f tro main types, v i z : -
(a ) Bursting s h e ll - These are usually made to burst on impact by means o f a percussion fuze.
The small bursting charge is s u ffic ie n t to break open the sh ell and release i t s contents.
The main disadvantage o f th is type o f sh ell i s that, even with a d ire c t action foze, the
contents are carried by remaining v e lo c ity in to the ground, thus reducing th e ir effectiven ess.
(b ) Ease ejection sh ell - The majority o f modern o a rrler s h e ll are o f th is type. At the
required point on the trajectory a time fuze ig n ite s the burster (expelling) charge which blows
out the base o f the sh ell and e je c ts the contents; i t may also, as in the case o f , e .g .,
smoke s h e ll, ig n ite the containers which i t e je c ts .
SHELL 3J0KE B.E. (F ig . 16)

221. These are base ejectio n sh ell having a s te e l body and base. The head o f the s h e ll, which nay be
fit t e d with a separate head, i s bored ani screw--threaded to receive a standard 2 inch time and
percussion or time foze or a plug, fuze-hole, 2 inch No. 1. Immediately below the fuze-hole a
diaphragm with a central hole is formed in the head, a tinned-plate disc being soldered over the hole.
A cavi-ty below the diaphragm acccunodates a gun-powder burster (exp ellin g) charge contained
in & shalloon bag. The smoke composition is contained in a number o f mild s te e l containers which have
a perforated centra), tribe. The perforations permit the ig n itio n o f the composition which on
burning i s emitted through the same holes. A b a ffle p late i s positioned between the burster charge
and the upper smoke container. A hole through the centre o f the b a ffle p late i s covered by a paper
disc secured with shellac. The sh ell i s closed by a lig h t ly screwed in base assembled over millboard
washers and, in certain designs, a oopper d isc.
On the fuze functioning, the burster in the head o f the s h e ll In ign ited . The resu ltin g flame
passes through the hole in the b a ffle p late and down the central hole in the smoke containers, then
passing through the perforations in the tik e o f the containers i t ig iit e s the priming composition;
a t the same time the pressure on the surface o f the b a ffle p late causes the base o f the shall to be
sheared-off am the containers ejected. The containers may be f i l l e d with e ith er screening smoke
compositions or sn»ke mixtures givin g a red, blue, groan o r yellow colour. Smoke sh ell f i l l e d with
coloured smoke mixtures are used mainly f o r target recognition and/or f o r signals. Containers o f
d iffe r e n t colour composition are not mixed in the earns sh ell. The s h e ll are marked, designated,
accounted fo r and issued according to the individual characteristics o f the smoke produced.
-53-
TYPICAL B.E. (BASE EJECTION) CARRIER SHELL F IG .16

Exterior view for Smoke, Flare and Incendiary shell Exterior view for Star shell
STEEL PLUGS (Not fitted for

Screening Smoke)
S C R E E N IN G OR
C O L O U R E D SM OKE
25 PR. (M of F Design
D2 (L) 1528/GF, 135)
SMOKE CONTAINERS (THREE) f.iled POWDER BURSTER

COMPOSITION S.R. 264A BAFFLE-PLATE
SCREWED BASE COMPOSITION, S.R. 252 MILLBOARD WASHER
© FLARE
D2 (L) 449/G F/193)
FLARE CONTAINERS (THREE) fdled POWDER BURSTER

FLARE COMPOSITION BAFFLE PLATE
COMPOSITION, S.R 252 PELLETS (THREE) MILLBOARD WASHERS
SCREWED BASE GUNPOWDER PRIMING SFG 2
IN C E N D IA R Y
DD (L) 1 1 182)
PINNED BASE COMPOSITION S.R. 375 MILLBOARD WASHER

■*
STAR
DD (L) 17894)
POWDER BURSTER
W O O D BLOCK
MILLBOARD WASHER
PARACHUTE GUNPOWDER PRIMING SFG 12
- 54~
CONTaINSRS smoke
222. Shell,,. _Q» EV 25 pr3 B.E® smoke - There are two variations o f s te e l container, smoke, No. 3
Mark 2 v i z . , container smoke, B.E. ( f o r use with streamline BeE. screening smoke s h e ll) the cen tral
tube o f which is not fit t e d with s te e l plugs, and container, coloured smoke (f o r use with streamline
B.E. coloured smoke sh ell) the central tube o f which is f it t e d with a d r ille d s te e l plug at each end.
223. S h ell. B.L» 3.5 inch B.B. smoke - The mark 1 screening smoke sh ell are f it t e d with 6 s te e l
containers, No. b Sark 1 whilst EKe’ nsark 2 sh ell are f it t e d with 4 s te e l containers No. 17 Mk. 1.
The central tube o f the containers used in screening smoke sh ell are not fit t e d with s te e l plugSo
The mark 1 coloured smoke sh ell are f it t e d with 6 s te el containers. No. 6 mark 1 w hilst the
mark 2 shell are fit t e d with 4 s te e l containers No. 17 mark 1. In the case o f the mark 1 green, red,
and yellow smoke sh ell the contra! tub© o f the container i s f it t e d with a d r ille d s te e l plug at each
end. S im ilarly s te e l plugs are also f it t e d in each end o f the central tube o f the containers
assembled in the mark 2 red coloured smoke sh ell.
STEEL PLUGS IN COLOURED SMOKE CONTAINERS

224. The reason f o r the use o f s te el plugs inserted in each end o f the central tube o f smoke
containers used in certain coloured smoke sh ell i s that coloured smoke compositions are based on
ingredients givin g a cooler burning than those used fo r the production o f screening smoke. This is
to avoid destruction o f the dye. The coloured smoke composition burns r e la t iv e ly slow ly in the
container and vapourises the dye which condenses in the open a ir . The s te e l bushes are inserted in
each end o f the cen tral tube o f the container in order to prevent inflaming which would otherwise
destroy the coloured smoke emission, at th e same time i t s lig h tly reduces the rate o f burning thereby
prolonging the time o f emission.
SHELL. FLARE, B.E. (P ig . 16)

223. These sh ell are sim ilar in every respect to B.E. smoke sh ell d iffe r in g only in that the
containers are f i l l e d with S.R. fla re composition which may be one o f three colours i . e , , red, green
or yellow. Containers o f d iffe re n t colour composition are not mixed in the same s h e ll. Coloured
fla r e sh ell are used f o r the same purposes -as coloured smoke s h e ll, but are more p a rticu la rly useful
fo r night id e n tific a tio n .
The s te e l containers d i f f e r from those used in snoke s h e ll, in that they have no central
ig n itio n and emission tube. Flare containers are ign ited and bum from the top surface la y er by
layer thereby producing a flame which i s emitted over the whole o f the surface area. Ig n itio n is
fa c ilit a t e d by a layer o f gunpowder S.F.G.2 underneath which is a number o f p e lle ts o f S.R.252
composition inserted in the top surface o f the coloured fla r e composition.
SHELL. INCENDIA3I B.E. (P ig . 16)

226. These are sim ilar in design and f i l l i n g t o B.E. smoke s h e ll d iffe r in g mainly in that the mild
s te e l containers are fit t e d with incendiary composition. The method o f functioning i s also id en tic a l
with B.E. smoke s h e ll.
SHtilL CHEMICAL B.E.

227. These are sim ilar in external shape to H.E, s h e ll. The burster consists o f a bag containing
G„12 gunpowder below which i s assembled one or more b akelite smoke boxes f i l l e d red phosphorus
inserted in the burster container.
1 . piston, in the form o f & cupped rin g secured to the lower end o f the burster container by &
nut, is used in the e a r lie r designs, to e je c t the chemical charging through the lig h t ly closed base
o f the s h e ll when the burster container i s fractured at the groove near i t s base by the explosion o f
the burster. In la t e r designs the diameter o f the burster container has been increased and the
piston dispensed with®
The type o f chemical with which the s h e ll i s charged i s indicated by a code le t t e r and number
sten cilled on the body o f the sh ell.
SHELL STAR. B.E. (P ig . 16)

22$T"This i s a thin wallsd sh ell sim ilar in design to the B.E. smoke s h e ll except that star s h e ll
d iff e r from smoke, fla r e and incendiary sh ell in that the base-plate is p la in , not screw-threaded, and
in being only lig h t ly secured by & number o f shearing pins. The main reason fo r th is d ifferen ce is
in order to prevent damage to the parachute at the time o f e je c tio n , a very small burster (e x p e llin g )
charge is used, and consequently the force transmitted to the b a ffle plate and hence on to the base
p late i s nairch less than that required to blow-out a screwed base plate.
Star sh ell should never, therefore, be stood on th e ir bases but should be kept booced. A drop
o f two fe e t on a hard surface i s su ffic ien t to bend or even break the shear pins which secure the base.
In cid en tally, although termed "sta r" s h e ll, such sh ell are usually fit t e d with parachutes; the
container attached thereto providing an intense and b r illia n t white lig h t. A more apt nomenclature
would, th erefore, have been to introduce them as illum inating s h e ll.
For method o f functioning see (T ig . 17)«
-55-
METHOD OF FUNCTIONING, BASE EJECTION STAR SHELL FIG.87
PRACTICE PROJECTILES
229o Practice p ro je c tile s are vised fo r practice fir in g , training in accuracy and spotting* They
are usually o f the H.E* type o f sh ell except that the f i l l i n g i s an in ert substance such as sand or
H*E* substitute (abbreviated HE.SUB) although special enpty p ro je c tile s may be approved*
Chapter 5
Projectiles
Section 3 Shot
•GENERAL
2^0. The term "shot" applies to p ro je c tile s containing no explosive as the main f i l l i n g or bursting
charge although most shot are f it t e d with tracers to assist observation o f th e ir flig h t .
Armour niercing shot are provided f o r use in anti-tank or anti-ship ro le f o r the attack o f
armour, concrete, etc*
Penetration o f amour by shot causes damage in proportion to the remaining forward and
rotation al v e lo c ity o f the shot and the confinement o f space beyond the armour o f the target*
Additional damage is also in flic t e d by the projection o f the "plug” o f armour ahead o f the shot,
occasional break-up o f the shot during penetration, flak in g o f the armour and by concussion*
Generally speaking, the thicker the armour to be penetrated, the higher mist be the remaining
* v e lo c ity . At a certain v e lo c ity , however, the head o f the s te el shot w all shatter before penetrating*
In fa c t t r ia ls have shown that a given shot w i l l shatter say, 2,500 f . s . against a p late which i t
penetrates at, say, 2,200 f . s . Hence the r e la tiv e effectiven ess o f AP and APC shot.
ARMOUR PIERCING (A ,? .) (P ig .1 8 )
231* AoPo shot are o f forged s te e l and pointed, the radius o f the head being usually less than two
calibres as a more pointed head tends to break upon inpact* The head i s hardened to penetrate the
target but the hardness decreases progressively towards the base in order to allow increased
toughness to the body and thus reduce the incidence o f break up. I t has the highest possible
piercin g performance which is obtainable under the conditions o f manufacture.
ARMOUR PIERCING. CAPPED (A.P.C) (F ig.1 8)
232. A.P.C, shot - are A.P. shot fit t e d with a penetrative cap o f hardened a lle y s te e l whose function
i s to assist the point o f the shot at the moment o f inpact and help i t s entry in to the p late. The
cap increases the maximum penetrative performance o f the shot considerably.
— 56_
PRACTICE
233« P ractice shot are designed to give the same b a llis t ic s as A.P. shot, but are normally made o f
cast iron*
234. Practice F.H, ( fla t-h e ad) shot - These are usually s o lid , cylin d rica l in shape and f it t e d with
the standard drivin g band« Certain e a r lie r patterns may, however, be found with a truncated instead
o f a f l a t head, being ordinary A.P* or practice shot with the point o f the head machined o ff* I t i s
f o r use an short or re stric te d ranges where reduced penetration or no ricochets are desirable.
PROOF
235* This consists o f a solid cylinder o f s te e l, f it t e d with the standard driving band* I t i s used
fo r proof o f guns and mountings and is designed to withstand the high chamber pressures used at gun
proof*
23°* This visually consists o f two or mare portions. They are made o f paper cylinders, closed at
the ends with strawboard discs and plugs and f i l l e d with water to the approved weights* E a rlie r
designs were f i l l e d with diamond g r i t or iron filin g s * The rear portion has a "d rivin g band",or
step, also o f board, formed at the rear*
Paper shot are normally used at proof o f mountings to simulate fir in g stresses*
FIG.18
TYPICAL A.P. (ARMOUR PIERCING) SHOT
Exterior view A.P. Exterior view A .P.C.
P E N E T R A T IV E C A P
Hardness
y decreasing
prog ressively
BODY
T R A C E R CO M P O SITIO N
FILLIN G
D R IV IN G B A N D D R IV IN G
BAND
A.P.
J
A .P.C .
(A.P. with Cap)
-5 7 -
Chapter 6
Fuzes
Section i. Principles etc.
INTRODUCTION
237* In general, a fuze acts in conjunction with an exploding system, to ensure the correct
functioning o f the bursting charge in a p ro je c tile , bomb o r mine.
By fa r the greatest v a rie ty o f fuzes are to be found in p ro je c tile s fir e d from a r t ille r y
weapons. These may be c la s s ifie d in a number o f ways, thus: -
(a ) According to function
(i) "Time” - to function a fte r a predetermined time; these are subdivided into
"mechanical” and "combustion" according to the method o f operation.
(ii) "Proximity" - to function on nearing the target.
( i i i ) "Percussion graze" - to function on appreciable deceleration.
(iv ) "Percussion d irect action" - to function on impact.
(b ) According to position in the p ro je c tile
(i) "Nose" - shaped to conform to the sh ell contour at the nose.
(ii) "Base" - cylin d rica l in shape, fo r entry into the base o f the shell cavity.
Nose fuzes have a right-hand and base fuzes a left-hand screw thread, to avoid the
p o s s ib ility o f th e ir becoming unscrewed by rotation al acceleration in the bore. An
exception to th is rule is provided by nose fuzes in 2 inch mortars and bomb throwers. Here,
rotation al e ffe c ts are n e g lig ib le , and the use o f a left-hand thread prevents the fuze from
being unscrewed with the protecting cap (which has a right-hand thread).
(c ) According to f i l l i n g
(i) "Igniferous" fuzes have a magazine f i l l e d with gunpowder, to give a flash: these
fuzes are not usually employed in H.E. sh ell unless the f i l l i n g is provided with a
p ic ric powder exploder.
(ii) "Detonating" fuzes have a magazine f i l l e d with a p e lle t o f C.E. A small channel,
f i l l e d with lig h t ly stenmed C.E., connects from the detonator to the magazine, so
that when the detonator is fir e d , th is continuous column o f explosive builds up a
detonating impulse.
Although particu lar types o f fuzes are considered separately, one o r more types may be combined
into a single fuze, e .g . "tim e and percussion", "d ire c t action and graze", etc.
FORCES
238. A l l components o f fuzes are e ith e r fix e d r e la t iv e ly to the fuze o r are fre e to move within
certain lim its. The movement o f the fre e components, controlled o r restrained as necessary by
fr ic t io n and/or springs, depends p rin cip a lly upon the forces arisin g from acceleration, deceleration
and spin, although i t i s also a ffected by "side-slap" to an extent depending mainly upon the state o f
wear o f the guns.
Some o r a l l o f these forces are u tilis e d to ensure correct operation as w ell as in various
safety devices.
239« Nose Fuzes - The d ire c t action type are normally "aimed" b y:-
(a ) Set-back force or
(b ) Centrifugal fbree or
( c ) A combination o f both.
-5 8 -
Set back force acta on the free or movable parts o f the faze at the instant o f fir in g .
Centrifugal force is intended to be e ffe c tiv e only when deceleration occurs on the p ro je c tile
leaving the bore, when the free or moving parts are forced-outwards by spin. While passing through
the bore the moving parts are expected to remain in th eir o rigin a l positions ty fr ic tio n as a result
o f set-back.
The majority o f fuzes incorporate shutters which move into th® "armed" position by the
influence o f cen trifu gal force. Such shutters are usually designed to remain in the "unarmed" or
safe position u n til the sh ell is spinning between a sp ecific number o f revolutions per minute (r.p .m .)
the number o f revolutions varying in d iffe re n t fuzes to meet the requirements o f the equipments, for
which they are approved. Springs assembled eith er under compression or expansion may be used to
assist or restrain the centrifugal force.
Locking devices may also be incorporated to secure the movable components in the armed
position a fte r cen trifu gal force becomes e ffe c tiv e .
In certain new fuzes a delayed arming shutter actuated hy centrifu gal force is incorporated in
the design. See para. 247(c).
The "time" element o f time (combustion and mechanical) fuzes and in some instances the
"self-d estru ction " element, is in itia te d at the instant o f fir in g by set-back (th at is , the e ffe c t
o f in e r t ia ).
240. Base fuzes - The d irect action type are normally "armed" in a manner sim ilar to that
described above.
A "delay" action, which becomes e ffe c tiv e a fte r impact, may be incorporated. Later designs
may incorprate a delayed arming mechanism.
241. Acceleration and deceleration - The acceleration o f the p r o je c tile and fixed components tends
to leave the free moving components behind. I f the acceleration is moderate, the loose parts
"creep back" or i f violen t, "set-back". Conversely, deceleration causes "creep forward" or "set
forward".
Violent acceleration occurs at the instant o f fir in g the gun, and comparatively moderate
acceleration with the subsequent forcing o f the p r o je c tile along the bore o f the gun. Moderate
deceleration continues from the moment the p ro je c tile leaves the muzzle u n til i t becomes violen t on
impact. V iolent and momentary deceleration also occurs with a worn gun with appreciable free
run-up when the driving band f i r s t takes up the r if lin g .
242. Spin - Centrifugal force, resu lting from the rotation o f the s h e ll, acts in a plane at rig h t
angles to the lin e o f flig h t to force the free components outwards from the centre o f the fuze.
Centrifugal force is not normally intended to be e ffe c tiv e u n til the sh ell has l e f t the bore
o f the gun as the free components are expected to be held in th eir o rigin a l positions by fr ic tio n a l
forces proportioned to the set-back forces in the gun.
243. Side-alap - Forces acting in a plane roughly at righ t angles to the axis o f the bore are also
set up owing to inadequate centring o f the p ro je c tile . This causes the shoulder o f the p ro je c tile
to h it against the bore o f the gun.
These forces, however, are only appreciable with a w ell worn gun, and in this case the
excessive hammering, is known as "sid e-slap ". With the more modern high v elo c ity guns this
tendency is re stric te d i f not eliminated ty the fit t in g o f double driving bands to the p r o je c tile .
MECHANICAL DEVICES
244. General - A ll fuses embody devices to ensure:-
Safety in handling, both before and during loading.

Bore and muzzle safety inmediately a fte r fir in g .
Arming a fte r leaving the muzzle.
F irin g o f fuze magazine and in itia tio n o f the bursting charge in the s h e ll.
The above devices are housed in the fuze body. For time fuzes, the fuze body also contains
the time element, fo r proximity fuzes, the proximity element, and fo r self-destru ction, the s e lf-
destruction element.
24 5. Arming o f the fuze - This is a mechanical event which is designed to take place as the sh ell is
fir e d ' ( i . e . time_ fuzes) or a fte r the sh ell leaves the muzzle o f the gun ( i . e . percussion fu zes).
Before the fuze in "armed" i t should not be capable o f being put into operation by any conceivable
rough usage, or by any drop in any position which is lik e ly to occur in the Service. Generally
speaking, the moving parts o f a fuze are securely locked together by a number o f devices, and the
particular combination o f forces which the fuze undergoes when being projected from a gun is used to
unlock them. Any other combination o f forces would not have the required e ffe c t . I t i s in fact
a form o f combination lock in which fir in g from a r i f l e d weapon is the key.
The ultimate object o f the mechanical devices is to ensure that the detonator is struck at the
desired instant. Premature action is prevented by various forms o f holding and locking devices,
-5 9 -
and, as a further safety measure, masking devices can be incorporated to block the detonating tra in
to an H„E. bursting charge.
A component is said to be "armed" when i t is in such a condition that there is nothing to
prevent in itia tio n o f the bursting charge, e ith er on a disturbance o f the existin g state o f motion or
re s t (e .g . impact o f a percussion fuze o r movement o f a blind) o r on the functioning (normally or
prematurely) o f a time device.
Although freedom from premature action i s essen tial fo r both safety and operational reasons
and embraces hand lin g, loading and projection u n til w e ll clea r o f the muzzle, the p ro je c tile must be
f u l l y armed on approaching the target.
The various devices in use are described according to th e ir principal functions o f holding,
masking and fir in g , bearing in mind the forces used to operate them as previously described.
22*6. Balding devices
(a ) Shear wire (P ig . 19) “ This simple device consists o f a short length o f wire inserted in
a radial hole in the s trik er the ends registerin g in two holes in the fuze head,
a ltern a tiv ely the ends may be turned over around the stem o f the strik er. I f s u ffic ien t
force is applied the wire w i ll be sheared and the s trik er freed.
(b ) S trik er spring and spring disc (P ig . 19) - The s trik e r spring consists o f a sp ira l spring
surrounding the s trik e r to keep the s trik er separated from the detonator u n til overcome by
a superior force (e . g . , impact with the ta rg e t).
The same function is performed by a corrugated spring disc in the centre o f which is
fix e d a needle.
( c ) Centrifugal b a lls , segments, e tc , and arming sleeves (P ig . 20) - This combination depends
f o r operation on two forces operating at righ t angles.
A number o f b a lls , segments, e t c . , are retained under a flange o f the s trik er by an arming
sleeve. Movement o f the detent on fir in g and o f the arming sleeve due to creep forward,
uncovers the b a lls , etc. which are then fre e to move outwards under centrifu gal force to
fre e the strik er. In the case o f the No. 410 fuze the cen trifu gal b a lls and arming
sleeve assembly has the added advantage o f being s e lf inspecting.
HOLDING DEVICES F IG .I9
SHEAR WIRE STRIKER SPRING

H EAR W IR E STRIKER H E A D
STRIKER STR IK ER SPRIN G
SPRING DISC
N ORM AL
N EED LE SPRIN G
D ETO N ATO R
SH EA R W IR E STRIKER
O N IM PACT D ETO N ATO R

— C l
-60-
FIG.20
HOLDING DEVICES
SEGMENTS CENTRIFUGAL BALLS
STR IK ER SPRIN G C E N T R IF U G A L BALL'
DETEN T
A R M IN G SLEEVE
D E T E N T SPRIN G'
SEGM EN TS C E N T R IF U G A L B A L L
NORM AL A RM ED
STR IK ER A R M IN G SLEEVE
STR IK ER SLEEVE STRIKER
A R M IN G SPRIN G DETO NATO R
ON FIRIN G NORM AL
STIRRUP SPRING AND FERRULE DETENT
C E N T R IF U G A L
B O LT
DETEN T
STIRRUP STEM ^
SPRIN G
DETEN T
A RM IN G SLEEVE SO CKET
IN ER TIA
PELLET
DETEN T
SPR IN G
NORM AL O N FIRIN G DETEN T ENGAGED D E T E N T D IS E N G A G E D

—61 —
(d ) Stirrup spring (P ig . 20) - This consists o f a thin metal cylin der with lugs turned over
at each end and in opposite direction s. The lugs can he used to lock two concentric
sleeves together and rest at opposite ends o f each sleeve. One o f the sleeves is fixed
and the other kept against a lug by a spring. The lugs are designed to be straightened
out by one o f the forces described (paras. 258 to 242) and thus allow the moving sleeve to
be freed under action o f the spring.
(e ) Ferrule (P ig . 20) - This is simply a sleeve o r c o lla r and is usually used to denote the
outer o r holding sleeve used in conjunction with a stirrup spring to hold the moving (e .g .
arming) sleeve or ring.
( f ) Detent (P ig. 20) - This i s a form o f plunger, consisting o f a small metal cylin der o r block
working in a hole o r recess usually in the fuze body and restin g on a sp ira l spring under
part compression. The spring is used to keep the detent in a safe position in or behind
a moving component and thus lock i t * The detent spring may be designed to be overcome by
any o f the forces described (paras. 238 to 242) to permit the detent being withdrawn and
thus unlock or fre e the moving part.
247. Masking devices

(a ) General In the open or aimed position, the detonator i s connected to the magazine by
channels in the shutter and top portion o f the magazine body. In some cases, the s trik e r
and detonator are above the shutter and the shutter channels are f i l l e d with C.E. In
other cases, the s trik e r only is above the shutter, the detonator being housed in the
shutter and therefore only positioned under the s trik er in the aimed position.
Shutters are so designed that a solid part o f the shutter when in the unarmed position is
interposed between the detonator and magazine.. They are kept in the unarmed or closed
position by a spring, e ith er operating d ir e c tly or through an interlocking device. The
shutter moves to the armed or open position under centrifu gal force. During the passage
o f the sh ell up the bore o f the gun, centrifu gal force has also to overcome fr ic t io n
between the shutter and platform o f the fuze body due to set-back o f the former, and, under
id ea l conditions, th is may be su ffic ien t to prevent the shutter arming u n til the sh ell
leaves the muzzle.
MASKING DEVICES
SLIDING SHUTTER ROTATING SHUTTER

STEMMED SH U TTER D ETO N ATO R STEMMED
C.E.
M A G A Z IN E
C .E . PELLET C .E . PELLET
•SHUTTER
H IN G E PIN
SHUTTER UNARMED SHUTTER ARMED SHUTTER UNARMED SHUTTER ARMED
-62-
MASKING DEVICES F IG .22
DELAY OR N O N -D ELA Y DELAYED ARMING SHUTTER

MASKING SHUTTER
D ETO N ATO R S ELE C TO R
L O C K IN G
D ETO N ATO R
SEG M EN T
SAFETY
P LU N G ER
M EALED P O W D E R M A SK IN G SH U TTER NORM AL U N A R M ED
ESCA PE W H E E L
A N D PIN IO N
PA LLET
SEG M EN T
D U R IN G FL IG H T
SH U TTER
Flash path to magazine
Top view shows selector at SUPER Q U IC K
setting. Lower view shows masking shutter
moved outwards by centrifugal force during
flight also the flash path on impact

-6 3 -
(b ) Non-delay aiming or masking shutters (P igs. 21 and 22) - These consist essen tia lly o f slidin g
o r rotating blocks o f metal, which, in the shut o r safe position block the channel leading
to the magazine to provide safety from premature fir in g . In sows cases i t may take the
fora o f an interrupter (o r b a ffle ) which masks the flash channel and is con trolled by an
optional selector which is set p rio r to loading.
(c ) Delayed arming shutter (P ig . 22) - This consists o f a rotary type shutter containing a
detonator assembled in a circu lar shaped shutter housing. The shutter is held in the
"unarmed" position by means o f a spring-loaded safety plunger which engages in a locking
p late. On spin, the safety plunger disengages by centrifu gal force and the shutter then
rotates u n til the detonator is in a central position over the s trik er hole. The locking
p late, which f i t s into a s lo t made across the face o f the shutter, moves out and engages in
a recess made in the outer side o f the shutter housing, thus locking the shutter in the
open position. Tb.e delay is obtained by means o f a p a lle t and pinion mechanism positioned
beneath the shutter and th is o s c illa te s a segment by means o f an escape wheel and pinion
which retards the opening o f the shutter.
22*8. F irin g devices
(a ) S triker, f ir in g pin o r needle and an vil (P ig . 23) - A s trik e r, fir in g pin or needle is a
rod o f metal with a pointed end to impinge on the detonator.
The American term " f i r i n g pin" is synonymous with "s trik e r" and the d istin ction between
a s trik er and needle is that o f s ize only, the needle being smaller.
An an vil is a s te el block with a nipple or boss projecting from the centre.
In itia tio n o f a detonator is by impact with a s trik er o r an vil nipple. The s trik er may be
forced on to the detonator or the detonator (in a weighted holder o r " p e lle t " ) on to a
s trik er o r anvil.
S trik er and detonator are kept apart by a holding device. Additional and interlocking
devices can also be incorporated.
( t ) S trik er spring (P ig . 23) - The s trik e r spring consists o f a s p ira l spring surrounding the
s trik er and is used to drive the s trik er down on to the detonator when released by a
trig g e r. The spring is kept in compression u n til released and must not be confused with
the s trik er spring used as a holding device (see para. 246b ) .
FIRING DEVICES F IG .23
STRIKER ANVIL FIRING PIN OR NEEDLE
STRIKER D ETO N ATO R

SPRING H O LD E R
CAP x DETO NATO R

T R IG G E R A N V IL
SPR IN G
NORM AL
STIRRUP C A P HO LDER NORM AL

SPRING A N V IL
N O RM AL
FLASH
CH A N N ELS
STRIKER
D ETO N ATO R N EED LE
A T E N D OF
ON FIRIN G ON FIRIN G
TIME AS SET
-64-
(c ) Hammer (F ig . 24) - This is usually a rod with enlarged head and is mounted in front o f the
s trik er and used to "hammer" the strik er on to the detonator.
The hammer is often used with very sensitive fuzes designed to function on strik in g on
a irc ra ft fab ric or skin.
The s e n s itiv ity o f the fuze can be reduced by having a thin diaphragm formed in the fuze
head above the hammer. The shape o f the hammer head and thickness o f the diaphragm is
somewhat c r it ic a l. I f such a fuze is too sensitive i t may function on impact with
raindrops.
In some cases, the hammer and s trik er are combined in one piece and the combined hammer
and strik er is then termed a "hammer".
(d ) In e rtia p e lle t (F ig . 24) - This is a metal weight, usually cylin d rical in shape and can be
used to house a detonator and carry i t on to a s trik er or a n v il. A ltern a tively , i t can be
fit t e d with a s trik er, in which case the p e lle t moves forward to impinge on the fixed
detonator.
OTHER FUZE CCMPONENTS

249. P e lle ts - These are formed o f pre-pressed explosive, both C.E. and gunpowder p e lle ts being used.
Powder p e lle ts are sometimes perforated, in which case they serve to rein force flash , or they
may be solid and in th is form constitute a delay.
250. Detonators (F ig . 25) - These are eith er igniferous or disruptive according to whether they are
required to ign ite powder or detonate C.E. resp ectively.
Detonators consist o f small copper cups or shells containing the explosive, closed by a thin
metal disc and a brass washer secured usually by turning over the l ip or lugs formed on the mouth
o f the cup. In more recent designs o f fuzes, lugless detonators may be assembled therein. Certain
detonator cups are tinned whilst others may be made o f aluminium.
Detonators are normally in itia te d by the needle point o f the strik er piercing the detonator
i . e . by fr ic t io n , but occasions occur where they may be in itia te d by a flash from another source,
e .g . a powder p e lle t or another detonator. Caps (in the case o f primers and tracer ig n ite rs ) on
the other hand are in itia te d by the rounded end o f a s trik er being driven on to the base o f the cap
and causing the composition to be "nipped" between two metal surfaces, i . e . the base o f the cap and
rounded end or boss o f an a n v il.
F IG .24
FIRING DEVICES
HAMMER INERTIA PELLET
NORM AL
O N IM PA CT
-6 5 -
DETONATORS FIG .25
D ETO N A TO R S? GR A.Z.) DETO N ATO RS GR . A .Z .)
-B R A S S D IS C -—
BRASS W A SH E R
D E T O N A T IN G D E T O N A T IN G
D ETO N A TO R CUP
CO M P O SITIO N C O M P O SITIO N
( 2 - 7 GRS. ( 2 GRS.
A M IX T U R E ) A.I. M IX T U R E )
LE A D A Z ID E 3 GRS
MAGAZINE AND CHANNELS
Channels filled with Compressed powder

STEM M ED C .E. train in tim e ring
D ETO N ATO R Shutter in PO W DER

armed position PELLETS Channel
E. PELLET P O W D ER
ir*g) (Igniferous)'
M A G A Z IN E M A G A Z IN E
M A G A Z IN E CAP BODY BASE PLU G
251. Magazine (F ig . 26) - This can be fd ln sd eith er in the body o f the fuze, or can be a separate
container secured in or to the body.
I t may be eith er igniferous or detonating according to whether i t is f i l l e d with powder to
produce a flash or with CoE. to detonate an H.E. charge.
252. Channels (F ig . 26) - These connecting links may contain loose powder, compressed powder,
p e lle ts o f powder or C.E., or may be empty and merely serve the purpose o f flash d irection .
Channels f i l l e d C.E. or sim ilar high explosive are used to ensure substantial continuity o f
the detonating train .
253. CapB - These may be or two kinds, an inner one (normally known as a strik er cover) to protect
and prevent interference with the head o f the strik er, to act as a windshield and also to prevent
moisture, g r it , ete- entering the nose o f the fuze. This is not removable. The other is an outer
or "safety cap" designed to protect the nose o f the fuse in transit and handling but intended to be
removed at the time o f loading the p r o je c tile in the gun.
- 6 6 -
254. Delay systems

Delay in fuze8 nay be fix e d or optional and is attained in three ways:-
(a ) by interposing a b a ffle in a fla s h channel to force the fla s h to follo w a tortuous path*
(b ) by interposing a layer o f s o lid pyrotechnic material which must be burnt through to allow
the fla s h to proceed on i t s way.
(c ) by incorporating a delay mechanism which prevents shutter from becoming armed u n til the
p r o je c tile is clea r o f the muzzle o f the gun.
Having regard t o the characteristics o f detonation, i t w i l l be evident that delay can only be
obtained in the igniferous train o f a fuze and not in the disruptive train . Consequently a
disruptive fuze can normally only have delay incorporated i f the early part o f the explosive train
is igniferous. An exception to this rule occurs, however, in detonating fuzes f it t e d with a
delayed arming shutter0 ( i „ e „ , fu ze, perc. base medium L. 15)* Systems (a ) and (b ) above may also
be employed together.
6
Fuzes
Section 2. Types
TTMF, RJZTCS
255. General - Time fuzes are set f o r time before loading by rotation o f a moving portion o f the
fuze against the fix e d fuze body by means o f a fuze key, fuze s e tte r or fuze settin g machine.
Graduations are provided to enable the settin g to be set by hand. In some la t t e r designs, however,
the graduations are omitted because the fuzes are always set by mechanical fuze setter.
The time element may be e ith e r o f the combustion or mechanical type.
The bottom portion o f the fuze body gen erally forms a platform upon which the moving part
rotates fo r setting the time o f functioning., With B ritis h fuzes, the fix e d part is e ith e r
graduated in arbitrary fuze lengths fo r reading against an indicator on the moving p art, or else the
moving portion is made t o operate a fuze length indicator on the fixed part. In addition, both
fixed aid moving parts have slots fo r the engagement by the pawls o f fuze keys or the older fuze
settin g machines. These s lo ts are also used fo r setting the fuze at "SAPS". The la te s t fuze
settin g machines grip the fuze by means o f knife rings.
The moving portion must be tig h t enough to prevent movement in handling, transport, loading and
fir in g , and yet s u ffic ie n tly loose to permit settin g by the fuze key, fuze s e tte r or fuze settin g
machine. The maintenance o f the correct s tiffn e s s or tension i s important*
"Time” re fe rs to the length o f time from the instant o f f ir in g the weapon to the instant o f
functioning o f the fuze.
(a ) Mechanical - This type o f fuze normally has a fu lly wound-up clock-work mechanism retained
by a tr ig g e r , which is released by the "set-back" on acceleration, a fte r which the
mechanism works u n til the movement o f i t s parts releases a s trik e r which is driven on to
the detonator by a spring. The time between the startin g o f the mechanism and the release
o f the s trik er can be varied by the "s ettin g" o f the fuze. In modern designs a d irect
action percussion head may also be fitte d o In certain fuzes, however, the time mechanism
may be functioned by centrifu gal force.
(b ) Combustion - In the combustion type o f fuze the detonator, in a suitable holder, is

supported on a stirrup or coiled spring s u ffic ie n tly weak to allow the holder to "set-back*
on acceleration, bringing the detonator on to a needle. The resultant flash ig n ite s a
gunpowder p e lle t which, in turn,igjoites the composition in the time r in g (s )»
These fuzes embody a tra in o f compressed powder which bums through u n til the time as set
has expired. The flash then fir e s a magazine.
The powder is generally contained in circum ferential grooves in adjacent time rin gs, the
powder burning in one rin g u n til i t can ig n ite the powder in the other, depending upon the
re la tiv e p osition o f the two rin gs as determined by the setting.
Two rings are usually employed, the upper rin g being fix e d by pinning to the stem o f the
fuze body, and the other movable, or "fr e e " to rotate on the stem. The under surface o f
both rings i s grooved fo r almost the en tire circumference, the grooves being charged with
fuze powder tinder compression.
- 67“
The upper r in g has a ra d ia l channel from one end o f the powder groove to p ic k up the fla s h
from the detonator, the channel containing a p erfora ted powder p e l l e t t o f a c i l i t a t e t h is
function* A second channel to the outside o f the rin g forms a gas escape, being f i t t e d
w ith a small c lo s in g d is c to provide a w atertigh t cover, and a p erfo ra te d powder p e lle t t o
blow the disc c le a r when ign ited *
The low er rin g d if f e r s only in having a v e r t ic a l channel (in s te a d o f a r a d ia l channel) to
p ick tip the flame from the powder grooves in the tipper ring*
The cen tra l stem o r body contains the detonator, needle and magazine*
Cloth washers are placed below the two rings t o ensure a t ig h t jo in t.
Both rin gs are secured by a cap which i s screwed on t o the stem o f th e fuze and bears down
on to the rin gs to secure the necessary tension*
TIME AND PERCUSSION FUZES

"256. These are time fuzes in which a percussion mechanism i s embodied*
PERCUSSION FUZES
257« General - Percussion fu zes are o f various types according t o the speed o f a ctio n required*
Generally speaking, the d ir e c t a ctio n fuze has the fa s te s t a c tio n , fo llow ed c lo s e ly by the graze fuze
and f i n a lly by the d elay a ction graze fuze.
The e s s e n tia l elements o f percussion fuzes are the f i r i n g mechanism accompanied by the holding
and sa fe ty devices* These have already been described in d e t a il in para. 246.
A s e lf-d e s tru c tio n device i s necessary f o r s h e ll f i t t e d w ith percussion fu zes, when used in the
A*A* r o le , to prevent functioning o f the fuze on impact with the ground should the ta r g e t be missed*
Such a device may be embodied in the fuze as a time element.
The term "delay" when used in conjunction w ith percussion fuzes r e fe r s t o the a ctio n at the
instant o f inpact.
(a ) D irect a ctio n (D .A*) fuzes - These fu zes may be o f the ig n ife rcu s o r detonating typ es, the
mechanism co n sistin g o f a needle supported on a th in m etal d is c , o r a hammer o r s tr ik e r
supported on a shearing w ire o r c o ile d spring, exposed to a d ir e c t blow on inpact w ith the
ta r g e t; i t s s e n s it iv it y depending on the strength o f d is c , shearing w ire o r c o ile d spring*
I t may be provided w ith a s a fe ty p in o r ta p e, arming sleeve and segments re ta in in g the
s tr ik e r in a safe p o s itio n , and a lso u sually a shutter.
D.A. fuzes f i l l e d C.E. are instantaneous in t h e ir a ctio n w h ile D.A* fuzes f i l l e d gunpowder
have a s lig h t delayed action*
(b ) D irect a ctio n inpact (D, A. L ) fu zes - These fuzes may be o f the ig n ife ro u s o r detonating
types, they d i f f e r mainly from the D.A* in being le s s s e n s itiv e . The mechanism u sually
consists o f a s t e e l hammer supported on a stout shearing p in ; a shutter i s a ls o u su ally
enfcodied.
(c ) Graze fuzes - The in t e r io r mechanism o f graze fuzes i s so arranged that when the s h e ll is
checked in f l i g h t o r rec eive s an appreciable d e ce lera tio n , a movable p a r t, u su ally ca lled
the g ra ze, or in e r t ia p e l l e t can move forward t o carry the detonator on t o the needle (o r
v ic e ve rsa ).
A creep spring keeps the two apart u n t il t h is d ece lera tio n i s experienced*
As the movement o f the in e r t ia p e l l e t o r weighted needle g ive s r is e t o an " a i r gap" the
fuze detonator i s o f the fla s h type*
Graze fuzes have a small inherent delay.
BASE HJZES
25b. Wiese fuzes u su ally depend on a detonator in an in e r t ia p e l l e t being driven on t o a fix e d
needle ( o r v ic e versa) by the sudden retard in g o f the p r o je c t ile a t the moment o f inpact * A delay
may be incorporated. L a te r designs may incorporate a delayed arming mechanism.
PROXIMITY OR VARIABLE TIME (V* T* ) RJZES

259* These are automatic tim e fuzes that require no accurate time s e ttin g . They are designed t o
detonate the s h e ll a t the optimum le t h a l distance from the t a r g e t , provided th at, in the case o f A.A*
ta r g e ts , the t r a je c to r y passes s u ff ic ie n t ly close* The present day a r t i l l e r y V.T. fuze in Service
use i s e s s e n tia lly a combined self-powered radio transm ittin g and r e c e iv in g unit* In f l i g h t , the
armed fuze transm its radio waves. Unlike radar d evices, the waves are sent continuously and a re
non-directional* The rad io wave fro n ts which are r e fle c t e d back t o the fu z e , from any su itable
r e fle c t in g surface ( e . g . , the ground or a i r t a r g e t s ), in te ra c t w ith the transm itted waves* When
th is in terse ctio n o f transm itted and r e fle c t e d waves, r e s u ltin g in r ip p le s o r beats, reaches a
predetermined in te n s ity , an ele ctro n ic switch i s trip p ed which then perm its an e le c t r ic charge in the
f i r i n g capacitor (condenser) t o flo w through an e l e c t r i c f i r i n g squib, detonating the f i l l i n g in the
p r o je c t ile .
68-
The major d iffe re n c e s between the d iffe r e n t tppes o f V .T. fu zes are in the matching o f the
radio to the s h e ll, in optim ising the s e n s it iv it y to the target (ground or a i r ) , in the arming delay
and the s e l f destru ction fea tu res.
S a fety devices are included as fo r other types o f fu zes, These may be e ith e r e l e c t r ic a l or
mechanical. The fuzes are com pletely bore and muzzle sa fe.
CTJTUKE DESIGNATION AND MARKING

26q0 Fuzes o f new design w i l l , in future ir r e s p e c tiv e o f t h e ir s iz e or c la s s ific a t io n , be marked
and introduced by a model number, e .g . L1, follow ed by the l e t t e r A and a number, i . e . , I.3A1, instead
o f a s e r ia l number and mark as form erly used fo r id e n t ific a tio n . New patterns o f e x is tin g fu zes,
w i l l , however, continue to be introduced and id e n t ifie d by an advance o f the mark.
Chapter 6
Fuzes
Section 3. Fuzing Procedure

GENERAL
261. The operation o f fu zin g and re -fu zin g p r o je c t ile s requires c a re fu l supervision and should be
undertaken ■under conditions approaching as c lo s e ly as p ossib le t o " f i e l d lab ora tory conditions" as
defined by Regulations fo r the Amy Ordnance S ervices, Part 6 , Supply o f Ammunition in the F ie ld ,
paraso 120 to 139 in c lu s iv e . In p a r tic u la r , the operation w i l l be ca rried out under cover, no
f i r e s , naked lig h t s , lig h t e r s , matches or smoking m aterials being allowed in the v ic i n i t y . o -
The atmospheric conditions o f the hut or ten t in w.dchthe operations o f opening up and clo sin g
the s h e ll are ca rried out must be quite dry to prevent moisture en terin g the s h e ll when opened up.
A l l components must be p e r fe c tly dry before in s e rtio n , and only one s h ell at a time must be
worked upon during breaking down and assembly. A ll operations must be ca rried out "under
precautions".
In a l l s h e ll operations, clean lin ess and ca refu l handling are must important and i t is
es s e n tia l that no d ir t , dust, g r it or extraneous matter be allowed to en ter the s h e ll, or come in
contact with any components. Before the removal o f any components, th e re fo re ,th e e x te r io r o f the
s h e ll must be thoroughly cleaned and the components stored in p e r fe c tly clean packages u n til
required again.
To sum up, th e re fo re , although fu zin g i s normally a laboratory jo b , i f the three basic
p rin c ip le s o f
DRYNESS CLEANLINESS CARE
are observed, i t can be ca rried out by b a tte ry personnel in a s a tis fa c to r y manner.
262. Tools required - The co rre ct implements should in v a ria b ly be used in order to minimize damage
to arrmunition and danger to personnel. The fo llo w in g to o ls should be a v a ila b le :-
TOOL USE
Key, ammunition -
No. 33 or 121 fo r in s e rtin g or removing 2 inch p erc. fuzes fo r H .E ., smoke
and powder f i l l e d s h e ll.
No. 119 fo r in s e rtin g o r removing fu zes, perc. D.A. No. 162
fu ze, T. & P . graze No. 221B.
No. 222 fo r in s e rtin g o r removing plu g, fu ze-h ole, No. 29
No. 224 fo r in s e rtin g or removing fu ze, tim e, No. 213.
EXAMINATION OF FUZES
263. Any fuze which appears to have been damaged in any way w i l l be set asid e, reported and w i l l
not be used f o r fu zin g s h e ll. (See section 4 ).
B efore fu zin g s h e ll w ith fuzes Nos. 117 > 119 and 213 the black sa fe ty caps o f the fu zes w i l l
be removed and the s tr ik e r covers and s t r ik e r d is c , as a p p lic a b le, examined.
I f the s t r ik e r cover or disc i s damaged, p erfora ted , missing o r i s e x ces siv ely lo o s e , the fuze
w i l l be set aside and reported. R otation , or s lig h t up and down movement o f s tr ik e r covers is
acceptable, but marked up and down movement should not be accepted. A d e fe c tiv e s tr ik e r cover may
cause a premature. A fte r examination the s a fe ty cap should be replaced.
-69'
H.E. SHELL F U Z E -H O L E PLUGS FIG27

NOTE:- All plugs are 2 inch I4T.P.I. and are assembled with leather washers (See inset A)
YEAR OF MANUFACTURE INDICATES CAST IRON ABBREVIATED _ - MK I - CAST IRON

S - STEEL NOMENCLATURE MK l / l - STEEL
M - METAL OF PLUG MK 1/2 - ZIN C
BASE ALLOY
CONTRACTORS INITIALS YEAR OF MANUFACTURE

OR RECOGNIZED ^
TRADE MARK
PART NUMBER
MK4 - SX 13 CAST IRON
MK 4 I - SX 222 STEEL CONTRACTORS INITIALS
MK 4/2 - S X 223 METAL OR RECOGNIZED
\ TRADE MARK
LEATHER WASHER
(USED ON ALL PLUGS)
M ARK 4 No. I 2 IN C H FU Z E - H O LE PLUG MODEL NUMBER (STEEL)
CONTRACTORS INITIALS YEAR OF MANUFACTURE

OR RECOGNIZED
ABBREVIATED TRADE MARK
NOMENCLATURE CONTRACTORS INITIALS
OR RECOGNIZED
OF PLUG TRADE MARK
M ARK SF N o .3 2 IN C H FU Z E - H O L E PLU G M ARK I No.29 & L4A I 2 IN C H F U Z E - H O L E PLUGS
ABBREVIATED MK 5 - CAST IRON CONTRACTORS INITIALS

NOMENCLATURE MK 5/1 - METAL OR RECOGNIZED MODEL NUMBER (STEEL)
OF PLUG MK 5 2 - STEEL TRADE MARK \
CONTRACTORS INITIALS OR YEAR OF MANUFACTURE YEAR OF MANUFACTURE

RECOGNIZED TRADE MARK
M ARK 5 No. 13 & L2A I 2 IN C H FU Z E • H O LE PLUGS

-70-
The fuze covers o f combustion time fuzes should be kept on u n til immediately b efore use and not
removed when preparing fo r ready-use. Fuzes w ith t ig h t covers should p re fe ra b ly be used fo r ready-
use, the covers being tested fo r looseness by a stra ig h t p u ll only and never by a tw is tin g motion
that might disturb the s e ttin g .
NATURES OF SI*ELL NORMALLY ISSUED HJZED OR PLUGGED

2^4. Base fuzed, s h e ll are issued w ith fuzes assembled, and fla r e and sta r s h ell are normally issued
with fuzes assembled. Smoke s h ell previous to October 195& were issued w ith fuzes assembled, but
a ft e r th is date they are issued plugged.
■Q.F. 25 p r . H.E. s h e ll are normally issued fuzed, except H.E. s h e ll f i l l e d to code L7
(DD(L)18851 end D2(L)55A/GF/229) and those issued s p e c ific a lly fo r use w ith fuze No. 213.
M.L. 4.2 inch mortar bombs are normally issued fuzed.
B .L. 4.5 inch and 5*5 inch gun and 7*2 inch howr. H.E. s h e ll are issued plugged.
265. Types o f plugs used fo r H.E. s h e ll - H.E. s h e ll may be issued plugged w ith one o f three
d iffe r e n t types o f plu g which vary according to the type o f f i l l i n g and method o f explodering i . e . : -
(a ) Plug No. 3 (F ig . 27B)

A plu g w ith a long shank. The head may be painted o r otherwise coloured black or i t may
be painted the same colour as the ba sic body colour o f the s h e ll.
(b ) Plug No. 13 o r L2A1 (F ig . 27D)

A plug without a shank. The head is painted o r lacquered blue to denote that the top
exploder i s assembled in p o s itio n . The No. 13 may be manufactured o f s t e e l, case iro n or
metal and must not be fir e d . The L2A1 i s o f s te e l and may be used in l i e u o f a fuze when
the gun i s required to be zeroed.
( c ) Plug No. 29 o r L4A1 (F ig . 27C)

S h ell f i t t e d w ith th is plu g have no top exploder and are fo r use with VT fuzes only.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RJZING

2 6 6 . To fuze H.E. s h e ll plugged w ith No. 13 o r L2A1 plugs (F ig . 26,
(a ) Remove the plug and lea th er washer. S h ell with plugs set fa s t should be set a s id e , no
leverage oth er than the key provided must be used.
(b ) Remove the tra cin g c lo th d iscs and examine the exposed p ortion o f the top exploder bag to
ensure that i t i s in good condition. I f no top exploder i s presen t, in s e rt one as
described in para 267 ( c ) and (d )o Replace the tra cin g c lo th d is c s , w ith the glazed sides
to g eth er, on top o f the exploder. I f only one tra c in g c lo th d is c i s a v a ila b le , pla ce i t
w ith i t s glazed side next t o the exploder.
(c ) Inspect the fuze hole threads and the fuze c a v ity t o ensure that there are no p a r tic le s
o f C.E. presen t. I f any p a r tic le s are found no attempt should be made to fuze the s h e ll,
which should be set aside fo r disposal as described fo r d e fe c tiv e ammunition in para. 286.
(d ) See that the base and screw-threads o f the fuze are clean and that the threads are
undamaged. The lower threads, except the innermost th ree, should then be l i g h t l y smeared
w ith th in lu tin g , and the upper threads w ith lu tin g , th ic k , Mk. 8 , a f i l l e t o f the l a t t e r
being placed around the underside o f the fla n g e .
(e ) Screw the fuze in to the s h e ll, using the co rrect key. Make ce rta in that the fuze goes
r ig h t home, no fo rc in g should be necessary. I f the fuze body binds againsc the c a v ity
w a ll, r e je c t the s h e ll o r the fuze according to which i s at fa u lt . Do not hammer on the
fuze key handle to tigh ten the fu z e . Use only such pressure as can be applied by hand to
the fuze key handle. I f the fuze cannot be tigh ten ed so that a good seating i s obtained
between the l i p o f the s h ell and the flan ge o f the fu ze, r e je c t e ith e r the s h e ll o r the
fu ze. Wipe o f f any excess o f lu tin g which may exude at the sh ell/fu ze jo in t .
267. To fuze H.E. s h e ll plugged with No. 3 plugs, fo r use w ith percussion or time fuzes (F ig . 28)
(a ) Remove the plug and lea th er washer. S h ell w ith plugs set fa s t should.be set a sid e, no
levera ge other than the key provided must be used.
(b ) Inspect the fu ze-h ole threads and the fuze c a v ity to ensure that there are no p a r tic le s o f
C.E. or H.E. f i l l i n g present. I f any p a r tic le s are found no attempt should be made to
fuze the s h e ll, which should be set aside fo r disposal as described fo r d e fe c tiv e
ammunition in p a r a .286.
-7 1 -
-H.E. SHELL SUITABLE FOR STANDARD FUZES, PLUGGED W ITH f ig .28

No. 13 (OR L2AI) & No.3 FUZE HOLE PLUGS
Remove No. !3 plug, leather If exploder present replace Apply luting and screw in fuze
washer, and tracing cloth discs tracing cloth discs (see para. 271 for use of washer)
Insert ‘B’ exploder and tracing cloth

Remove No.3 plug and leather
discs. Apply luting and screw in fuze
washer
(see para. 271 for use of washer)
( c ) S often a "B" exploder by r o ll i n g i t between the hands and tuck the choke out o f the way.
(The choke i s u su ally to blame i f the exploder w i l l not f i t c o r r e c tly in to i t s c a v ity ) 0
(d ) In s e rt the "B" explod er, choked end downwards, c a r e fu lly and squarely in to the exploder
c a v ity 0 Press the exploder w e ll home in to the c a v ity by hand and compress i t , without any
ro ta ry movement, using the thumbs o r a smooth headed wooden "p e s tle ” made up lo c a lly .
Place two tra c in g c lo th d is cs , w ith the glazed sides to g eth er, on top o f the exploder.
( e ) See th at the base and screw-threads o f the fa z e are clean and that the threads are undamaged.
The low er threads except the innermost th ree, should then be l i ^ i t l y smeared with th in
lu tin g , and the upper threads w ith lu tin g th ic k Mk. 8 , a f i l l e t o f the l a t t e r being placed
around the underside o f the fla n ge.
( f ) Screw the fuze in to the s h e ll, using the correct key. Make c e rta in that the fa z e goes
r ig h t home, no fo r c in g should be necessary. I f d i f f i c u l t y is experienced in screwing the
fuze co n p le te ly home t h is imp lie s that the exploder has not been s u ffic ie n t ly compressed
in to i t s c a v ity and i f the exploder i s found t o have b u rst, no attenpt should be m«fte to
fuze the s h e ll, which should be se t aside f o r disposal as described fo r d e fe c tiv e amnunition
in para. 286. I f the fuse cannot be tigh tened so th at good seatin g i s obtained between the
l i p o f the s h e ll and flan ge o f the fu ze, r e je c t e ith e r the s h e ll o r fu ze. Wipe o f f any
excess o f lu tin g which may exude at the sh ell/fu ze jo in t .
268. H.E. s h e ll su itable f o r use w ith VT fuzes

The two types o f s h e ll su itab le f o r use w ith "VT fuzes are marked as fo llo w s : -
(a ) Those su itab le fo r use with VT fuzes only - S h ell o f th is type w i l l be s te n c ille d w ith the
number o f the fuze f o r which th ey are designed e . g . , "USE FUZE T 100".
(b ) Those su itab le f o r use w ith VT o r w ith standard fuzes - S h e ll o f t h is type w i l l be marked

w ith two v e r t ic a l black s trip e s , d ia m etrica lly opposed on the nose, the strip e s extending
down over the red f i l l i n g rin g . To avoid oveip a in tin g the red f i l l i n g rin g may be
position ed approx. 1 . 1/2 inches below the l i p o f the s h e ll so th at the strip e s terminate
ju st above them.
Each VI i . e . T97 or T100 fuze i s issued sealed in a metal container. There are twelve
containers to a box and in each box i s a s p ec ia l fuze key. Some fu zes may be issued w ith a b a k e lite
cover f i t t e d t o the base o f the fuze in place o f the a u x ilia r y detonator, which i s then issued
separately. This cover must be removed and an a u x ilia ry detonator f i t t e d b efore the fuze i s
in serted in the s h e ll. Both cover and a u x ilia r y detonator have left-h anded threads.
S h e ll should not be fuzed w ith VT fuzes u n t il inroediately b efore they are required to be fir e d .
S h e ll fuzed w ith VT fuzes should not be loaded in to v e h ic le s . The fu ze mist be removed aixl the s h e ll
-7 2 “
plugged w ith plug fu ze-hole No, 29 o r Li+A1 fo r t r a v e llin g , VT fuzes must be handled w ith care.
No fuze which has been subjected to e x ces siv ely rough hand lin g should be fir e d , as i t may res u lt in
a b lin d .
269, To fuze H.E. s h e ll su itable fo r use w ith ~VT fuzes on ly (F ig , 29)
(a ) Remove plug and le a th e r washer,
(b ) Examine the c a v it y and screw-threads and remove any loose p a r tic le s o f f i l l i n g .
( c ) Remove the fuas from i t s container and make sure that an a u x ilia r y detonator i s f i t t e d .
(d ) See that the base and screw-threads o f the fuze are clean and the threads uiklamaged, and
l i g h t l y smear the low er threads w ith th in lu tin g , and assemble a washer, copper and
asbestos, 2.3 inch under the flan ge o f the fuzes.
(e ) Screw the fuze in to the s h e ll, and tigh ten i t w ith the sp ecial key provided. I f the fuze
cannot be screwed f u l l y home i t must be removed and the fuze and fu ze-h ole in the s h e ll
examined f o r damaged threads. Any atteupt t o fo rc e home the fuze by hammering the fuze
key may damage the fuze and re s u lt in a b lin d ,
270. To fuze H.B. s h e ll su itab le f o r use w ith VT o r w ith standard fuzes (F ig . 30)
(a ) Remove the standard fuze o r the plu g and washer. S h e ll w ith plugs set fa s t should be
set a s id e , no leverage oth er than the key provided must be used.
H.E. SHELL SUITABLE FOR V.T. FUZES ONLY, PLUGGED W ITH f ig .29
No. 29 (O R L4AI) FUZE HOLE PLUGS
Apply luting (assemble washer, copper

Remove No.29 plug and leather
and asbestos, 2-3 inch MK. I on T.97
washer and T.I00 fuzes only) and screw in fuze
H.E. SHELL SUITABLE FOR V.T. OR STANDARD FUZES, PLUGGED fig.30

W ITH No. 13 ( o r L2AI) FUZE HOLE PLUGS
Remove No. i3 plug, leather Apply luting (assemble washer, copper

washer, tracing cloth discs, and asbestos, 2-3 inch MK. I on T.97
and exploder and T. 100 fuzes only) and screw in fuze
Remove No. 13 plug, leather Examine exploder and replace Apply luting and screw in standard
washer, and tracing cloth discs tracing cloth discs fuze (see para. 271 for use of washer)
-73-
(b ) in the case o f assembly o f VT fuzes remove the tra cin g c lo th d iscs and in s e rt the hook o f
the s p ec ia l fuze key in to the loop on top o f the exploder and withdraw the ex p Icie r.
(c ) Proceed as in paras. 269 (b ) to ( e ) above in the case o f assembly o f VT fuzes and paras.
266 (b ) to ( e ) in the case o f standard fu zes.
271. To fuze s h e ll with time or time and percussion fuzes (F ig . 31) - Such fuzes are used with 3.E.
smoke, fla r e , sta r and chemical s h e ll. These natures o f s h e ll may be issued fuzed or may be issued
plugged w ith 2 inch No. 1 plugs (se e F ig . 27.A ).
(a ) Remove the plug and lea th er washer.

Inspect the c a v ity and fu ze-hole threads to see that they are clean, fr e e from loose
explosive and undamaged.
(b ) See that the base and screw-threads o f the fuze are clean and the threads undamaged, and
lig h t l y smear the low er threads with thin lu tin g , apply lu tin g , th ick , Mk. 8 to the upper
threads and also a f i l l e t around the underside o f the fla n ge.
(c ) Screw the fuse com pletely home U 3ing the fuze key provided, taking care not to damage the
fuze cover.
SHELL, B E. (SMOKE ETC.) PLUGGED W ITH No. I FUZE HOLE PLUG fig .3 i
Remove No.I plug and leather Apply luting and screw in fuze
washer (see para. 271 for use of washer)
272. Washers - use o f between l i p o f s h e ll and fla n ge o f fuze - In the case o f No.221B marks 1 , 2 and
3 fuzes a s te e l "washer, s e lf-c e n tr in g , 2.3 inch Mk.1" o r a "washer, copper and asbestos, 2.3 inch
luk. 1" must be f i t t e d under the flange o f the fuze at the time o f in s e rtio n in to the s h e ll. This is
t o prevent the band securing the fu ze cover being pinched between the l i p o f the s h ell and fla n g e o f
the fu ze body thus making the leraoval o f the fu ze cover d i f f i c u l t .
'Washers are not required f o r use w ith fu zes manufactured w ith a stepped shoulder on the body.
Washers are not used under the fla n ge o f fuzes approved f o r use in H.S. fille d , s h e ll, except in
the case o f VT T97 and T100 fu ze 3 where a washer, copper and asbestos, 2.3 inch i s required to be
assembled.
On no account w i ll le a th e r washers be used nor w i l l any washer -which i s assembled under the
head o f a plug be removed and re-used under the fla n ge o f a fu ze.
PREPARATION FOR FIRING-

273* The black s a fe ty caps o f fuzes Nos. 117 and 213 must always be removed before f i l i n g . The
black s a fe ty cap o f fuze No. 119 must be removed before fi r i n g unless the ammunition i s ordered to be
fir e d "HE 119 cap on".
In the case o f B .L. ammunition the s a fe ty caps o f fu zes w i l l not be removed u n til the s h e ll i s
on the loading tra y and in the case o f Q.F. separate loading ammunition only ju st p r io r to the s h ell
being loaded.
The fuze covers o f combustion time fuzes should not be removed u n til immediately before they
are required fo r use.
274. VT fuzes - Sane VT fu zes are issued with a p iece o f waxed paper f i t t e d over the nose. This
paper must be removed b e fo re f i r i n g . No attenqrt must be made to remove the normal wax coating o f
the upper portion o f the fu z e . Apart from the above, VT fu zes require no other preparation fo r
fir in g .
275• Time and time and percussion fu zes - Fuze No. 221B w i l l function as a time fuze at any s e ttin g
between "0" and the highest s e ttin g . The se ttin g "0" w i l l burst the fu ze at o r clo se to the muzzle.
E.E. smoke 3h e ll may be fir e d at fu ze set " 0 " .
— 1 L—
METHOD OF SETTING TIME OR TIME-AND-PERCUSSION FUZES
Direction of
rotation of
time setting
ring
BO DY OF FUZE
(Screwed into
SAFE TIM E AS O R D E R E D
Fuze No. 213 incorporates a sa fe ty device which prevents the fuze functioning as a time fuze a t
se ttin g s lower than 1 . 6 .
In s e ttin g fuzes Nos. 213 and. 221B, the movement w i l l he one o f decreasing the fuze s e ttin g i . e .
a clockwise movement tending to tigh ten the fuze in the s h e ll. The only exception to th is rule i s
that a small increase in s e ttin g may be made when required, provided the f i n a l movement i s a clockwise
one o f decreasing the s e ttin g . (See F ig . 32).
With fuze No. 221B the time rin g i s rotated using a fu ze key u n til the in d ic a tin g lin e o f the
time rin g i s opposite the fuze s e ttin g ordered.
276. With fuzes No. 213 a fuze s e tt e r i s used - To s e t the fuze s e t t e r , the micrometer i s used fo r
a lte ra tio n s le s s than 5 u n its. For la rg e a lte ra tio n s , the main scale i s rotated , using the quick-
re le a s e , to a p o sitio n w ith in one or two u n its o f the s e ttin g ordered. The gears are then r e
engaged, and the micrometer i s turned through a t le a s t one complete turn u n t il the main scale i s
reading the number o f u n its ordered and the micrometer i s reading the number o f decimal poin ts.
The fuze s e tte r , having been set as ordered i s placed over the fuze and turned clockwise u n til
i t engages. I t i s then turned an ti-clock w ise fo r about one eighth o f a turn i . e . u n t il i t s motion i s
stopped by the plunger engaging in the fix e d s lo t and f i n a l l y turned clockwise u n t il no fu rth er
turning i s p o s s ib le . The fu ze i s now s e t, and the s e tte r should be removed, care being taken to
ensure that the s e ttin g i s not disturbed in so doing.
TO PREPARE SHELL FOR RETURN TO VEHICLE

277. Fuzed s h e ll - I f boxes carryin g fuzed s h e ll are a v a ila b le . Fuzed s h e ll w i l l be replaced in the
boxes a ft e r the fuzes have been re-capped o r se t to "SAFE" as a p plicab le.
I f boxes carryin g fuzed s h e ll are not a v a ila b le . Fuzes w i l l be re-capped o r se t to "SAFE"
as applicable and then removed. The "B" exploder w i ll be l e f t in p o s itio n and the s h e ll w i l l be
plugged using No. 13 plugs. The grummets w i l l be replaced. Any s h e ll in which the "B" exploder
bag i s found to be burst w i l l be set aside f o r disposal as described fo r d e fe c tiv e ammunition in
para. 286.
Chapter 6
Fuzes
Section 4. Care, Preservation, faulty Ammunition and Prematures
CARE OF FUZES
278, The fuze i s the most d e lic a te component o f a complete round o f ammunition and rough treatment
and prolonged exposure under adverse weather conditions may cause damage and rapid d e te rio ra tio n ,
w ith the consequent r is k o f a blin d o r premature. The r is k o f damage to the fuze i s g rea te r when
s h e ll are c a rrie d fuzed and, th erefore, unless "boxes carryin g fuzed s h e ll" are a v a ila b le , medium
and heavy s h e ll should not be transported fuzed. Any such s h e ll prepared ready f o r f i r i n g must be
unfuzed and plugged b efore being returned to v e h ic le s . With a l l natures o f equipment, every care
r
— 75 —
should be taken t o p ro tec t fuzed s h e ll from ja rr in g o r from being knocked o r jo lt e d against any hard
ob ject.
The d r i l l fo r uncapping fuzes as la id down in the gun d r i l l s concerned must be adhered to
s t r ic t ly . When s h e ll are prepared in advance f o r a programme shoot, the s a fe ty caps o f fuzes such
as Nos. 117, 119 and 213 must be replaced and the s h e ll stacked or re-boxed w ith the caps on.
Fuzing o f medium and heavy s h e ll Lack o f care in fu zin g s h e ll has been suspected o f being at lea st
a contributory cause o f prematures in th e 5« 5 inch gun, the fo llo w in g two possib le causes o f
prematures are the resu lt o f th is care le s s fu zing.
Broken exploder bags, w ith the r is k o f loose p a r tic le s o f C.E. being trapped between the
screw-threads o f the s h e ll and th e fu ze.
Fuzes not screwed f u l l y home w ith the consequent r is k o f movement between fuze and s h e ll or
o f the s h ell f i l l i n g a t "shot s t a r t " .
F u ll d e ta ils o f the precautions t o be observed in fu zin g s h e ll are given in Section 3 and are
also incorporated in the relevant gun d r i l l s .
PRESERVATION
279* Fuzes d e te rio ra te qu ickly when exposed to the atmosphere; i t i s inportant, th e r e fo r e , that
only such as are required f o r immediate use should be uncovered or removed from t h e ir h erm etically
* sealed cylin d ers.
A l l openings in fiz e s are tre a ted w ith conposition to prevent the en try o f moisture and under
normal condition, fu zes should remain w aterproof.
Time, and time and percussion fu zes o f the combustion type are tre a te d w ith w aterproofing
conposition over the escape holes in the time r in g s , set screw recesses and also in the space between
the cap, time r in g 3 and body. The threads o f the base plug are tre a te d w ith cement.
These fu zes are fu rth er p rotected by metal o r tin n ed -p la te covers which form an in te g r a l part
o f the fuze and are secured in p o s itio n by a band secured by w ire o r s im ila r means. The covers
should never be tw isted by hand t o ascerta in i f they are t ig h t , they should only be tested by
p u llin g . When issued sep a rately, fu zes are packed in containers o r cy lin d ers which are h erm etically
sealed. From the fbregoing i t w i l l be seen that fu zes are adequately protected and should remain
serviceab le sc long as the fuze s e a l remains unbroken and the container o r c y lin d e r in good condition.
The w aterproofing o f the time rin g i s broken when a fuze i s s e t, or b y loss o f tension and
unless i t is restored at once the fuze may r a p id ly become unserviceable. The time rin g may be
moved a ccid en ta lly b y the turning o f a loose fu ze co ver, o r b y v ib r a tio n when tr a v e llin g o r the tit®
rin g s have become loose owing t o lo s s o f tension.
W hilst the fu ze cover i s in p o s itio n on the s h e ll, i t must be assumed that the fuze i s
serviceab le and u su ally the fu ze w i l l be found t o be set a t SAFE when the cover i s removed#
Tensioning i s the means b y which r e la t iv e movement between the time rin gs and the fuze body is
prevented and the flame from the conposition in the time rin gs o f powder f i l l e d fu zes i s confined.
I t a ls o provides a seal against the en try o f the fla s h o f any p rop ella n t gases that may pass over
the s h e ll. Loss o f tension may th erefore lead to a "fla s h -o v e r " or a premature in powder tr a in
fuzes. Further, i f the tin e lin g s are loose in powder f i l l e d fuzes they may move r e la t iv e t o one
another and so a lt e r the s e ttin g ; thus leadin g t o a b lin d , a burst out o f the calcu lated p o s itio n
o r p o s s ib ly a premature. Fuzes that have lo s t t h e ir tension, or have loose time rin g s , must not
th erefo re be used.
Loss o f tension w ith consequent movement o f time rin gs i s a d efect seldom found, but every
e f f o r t should be made t o d etect such d e fe c ts when fazes are uncovered. When a f\ize i s uncovered
and found to be set a t oth er than the SAFE p o s itio n i t i s a c le a r in d ica tio n o f loss o f tension and
i t should be replaced as soon as p o ssib le. I f t h is cannot be done, i t should be set aside fo r
examination by an 1 .0.0. a ft e r i t lias been re -s e t a t SAFE and had the w aterproofing restored.
Except in great emergency, fuzes should not be p re -set unless some means o f w aterproofing is
in s ta n tly a v a ila b le . When fuzes have t o be p re -set i t is im perative that the w aterproofing s e a l,
broken by the operation o f s e ttin g , should be restored inm ediately the s e ttin g o f each in d ivid u a l
fuze i s completed.
A l l uncovered fu zes, whether set at SAFE or not, should be treated w ith ED 1134 conposition.
The conposition should be worked by hand in to the grooves above and below the movable time rin g .
Surplus conposition must be scraped o f f w ith a su itable chisel-shaped t o o l o f wood or non-ferrous
metal. None should be l e f t in the settin g s lo t s , n eith er should there be a heavy deposit on the
escape-hole d iscs o f the tin® rin gs 0 The surface o f the fuze must be l e f t clean w ith the
graduations c le a r ly v is ib le . Th is operation must be repeated every tin® the time rin g is moved
and w i l l be fa c ilit a t e d i f the conposition i s s lig h t ly warmed.
This w aterproofing procedure w i l l not r e p a ir a damp fu ze, but i t w i l l ensure th at a dry fuze
remains serviceab le.
FAULTY AMMUNITION
280. There i s evidence to show th a t, where prematures have occured by reason o f fa u lty ammunition
design o r manufacture, c e rta in fuzes have been more prone t o prematures than others. C ertain types
-7 6 -
and marks o f fuzes are th erefo re r e s tr ic t e d in t h e ir use both fo r tra in in g and op eration s. This
m atter i s under constant review and Array Council In stru ction s are issued and amended from time to
time to g iv e the la t e s t p o s itio n . The provision s o f these A .C . I 's must be s t r i c t l y observed.
PREMATURES
281 . Most o f the evidence i s destroyed although circum stantial evidence w i ll be a v a ila b le by taking
d e t a ils o f the next round that would have been fir e d but fo r the premature. P a rtic u la rs o f the
s h e ll burst are most va lu ab le. The nature o f the bu rst, including p o s itio n , n oise, appearance and
the colou r o f the smoke and the presence or absence o f s tr ik e marks on the ground should be noted.
An immediate search should also be made fo r a l l s h e ll and fu ze fragments. Fragments should be
retain ed f o r subsequent expert examination and a sketch made to show where they were recovered in
r e la tio n to the gun.
Evidence o f actual fuze s e ttin g , bearing and Q .E ., are a lso most valuable and e v e iy e f fo r t
should be made to record even approximate d e t a ils .
Equipment damaged as a r e s u lt o f a premature, which in the opinion o f R.E.M .E., warrants
fu rth er examination, w i l l be despatched t o D .I. Arm. under arrangements to be made by D.D.O.S.
Command.
282. Rates o f f i r e - The r is k o f prematures from a l l causes w i l l r is e when a high ra te o f f i r e i s

maintained f o r any considerable tim e. Except f o r ve ry short bursts o f f i r e , a ra te fa s t e r than
that la id down as "in ten se" fo r the equipment concerned should not be orderedo
283. Records o f prematures - Many t r i a l s have been ca rried out in order to prove o r disprove
suggested causes f o r prematures. In ve stig a tio n s are s t i l l continuing and in p ort ant inform ation on
the causes o f prematures can be provided i f U nits render d e ta ile d rep orts regarding any prematures
su ffered by then.
F u ll in s tru ctio n s as to the procedure to be adopted on the occurrence o f a premature and a
specimen o f the form on which the relevan t fa c ts should be entered are contained i n R.A.O.S.
Volume I I I , Pamphlet No. 5> which i s issued on the sca le o f one f o r each regiment.
DEFECTIVE FUZES
284. D efec tive fu zes (a s defined in the gun d r i l l s ) may cause b lin ds or prematures, th e r e fo r e :-
B efore medium o r heavy s h e ll are fuzed, the fu zes should be inspected as described in the gun
d r i l l s and any fu ze which i s d e fe c tiv e o r which appears to have been damaged in any way w i l l be set
a s id e , reported and must not be used f o r fu zing any s h e ll. With aramunition supplied fuzed, the
fu zes should be inspected when preparing the ammunition and any s h e ll w ith a d e fe c tiv e fuze o r one
which appears to have been damaged must be set a s id e , reported and not fi r e d .
The fu ze covers o f combustion time fuzes should be kept on u n til immediately b efore use and
should not be removed when preparing f o r ready-use. Any fuzes which are found to be se t a t anything
Other than "SAFE" when the cover i s removed must be set aside and not fi r e d . I t i s a ls o important
that fuzes should be screwed f u l l y home in the s h e ll and where fuzes such as combustion time fuzes
are required to be secured by a fix in g screw, that the head o f the fix in g screw i s screwed home below
the surface o f the s h e ll w a ll. S im ila rly , washers i f f i t t e d beneath the fla n ge o f the fuze must be
p rop erly centred as any protrusion w i l l se rio u s ly a ffe c t b a l l i s t i c s .
UNSERVICEABLE FUZES
285. The fo llo w in g ammunition should be trea ted as unserviceable and on no account should i t be
f i r e d , o r replaced in ve h icle s
(a ) Fuzes Nos. 117* 119 and 213 w ith damaged o r d e fic ie n t s t r ik e r covers o r d is c s .
(b ) S h ell fuzed w ith time o r time and percussion fuzes which cannot be res et t o "SAFE".
( c ) S h ell fuzed VT fu zes which cannot be defuzod and plugged.
286. Disposal o f d e fe c tiv e amnunition - A t p r a c t ic e , d e fe c tiv e ammunition w i l l be s e t aside f o r

examination by an 1 ,0 .0 . (R .A .O .C .).
During operations, d e fe c tiv e ammunition w i l l be dumped and c le a r ly marked.
-77-
Chapter 7
Tracers and Tracer - and - Igniters
Section i. General
INTRODUCTION
287* The p o lic y o f providing p r o je c t ile s w ith some v is ib le in d ica tio n o f t h e ir f l i g h t through the
a i r to a s s is t observation by the gunner has developed considerably, and th is chapter g iv e s the
o s itio n to-d a te. I t consists o f a device assembled in the base o f the p r o je c t ile to emit lig h t
f and u su ally smoke) t o form a tra ce fo r a s p e c ifie d time t o a s s is t night and day observation.
288. Dark ig n it io n - To obtain a delay in the lig h t in g up o f a tra c e r system so th at the path o f
the "tracer*' i s not v is ib le u n t il the p r o je c t ile i s some distance frem the nu zzle, a priming la y e r
o f S.F.G.12 powder may be pressed in on torn o f the ig n ito r y f i l l i n g (s e e pa ra.295;* This i s termed
"dark ig n itio n " 0 The ob ject o f the "dark ig n itio n " i s s -
(a ) t o prevent the f i r e r being dazzled by the b r i l l i a n t flame em itted.
(b ) to reduce the p o s s ib ilit y o f the p o s itio n o f the gun being pin-pointed by eneiry
observation from a flan k .
P r o je c t ile s f i t t e d w ith "dark ig n itio n " tra cers or t r a c e r - ig n ite r s are id e n t ifia b le by sp ec ia l
symbols s t e n c ille d on the body (s e e para. 335)o
CLASSIKECATICN
289* Current tra cers may be c la s s ifie d under th ree main heads, v i z . ,
(a ) Tracers, s h e ll
(b ) Tracer and ig n it e r s , s h e ll
(c ) In te g r a l tracers
290. Tracers, s h e ll are separate components in tlia t they are not in te g r a l with the p r o je c t ile ;
they are, however, in v a ria b ly issued assembled w ith the p r o je c t ile .
291. Tracer and ig n it e r s , s h e ll are a lso separate components issued assembled w ith the p r o je c t ile ,
but they have the dual function o f tracin g the tr a je c to r y o f the p r o je c t ile and o f i t s destruction
a t a given time a ft e r f i r in g .
292. In te g ra l tra cers consist o f compositions pressed d ir e c t ly in to a c a v ity ( o r c a v it ie s ) formed

in the base o f the p r o je c t ile .
Chapter 7
Section 2. Tracers, Shell

DESCRIPTION
293* General assembly - Tracers, s h e ll are normally made o f s t e e l or metal rod bored out to take a
composite f i l l i n g o f tra cin g and priming compositions. They may be designed fo r assembly in sid e or
protrusion outside the base o f the p r o je c t ile and are accordingly knorn as in tern a l or extern al
tra cers. (See KLg«33) •
294* Method o f securing tra c e r to p r o je c t ile ( F i g . 33) - The extern al contour o f d iffe r e n t tra cers
va ries considerably according to the type o f p r o je c t ile fo r which they are designed and th is
determines to a great extent the method o f securing tra c e r to p r o je c t ile . Current methods o f
securing a r e :-
(a ) Tracer threaded e x te rn a lly t o screw in to the base o f the p r o je c t ile . This method
o f securing i s employed in t r a c e r ,s h e ll, Nos.1, i 6 and 36.
- 78 -
(b ) T racer threaded in te r n a lly f o r attachment to a screw-threaded spigot on the base o f the

p r o je c t ile . To prevent independent ro ta tio n , the tr a c e r ia secured t o the sp igot b y a grub
screw. This method o f securing i s enployed in tr a c e r , s h e ll, Nos. 30 and 32o
( c ) Tracer secured by a screwed r in g o r screws - Tracers secured by means o f a screwed r in g

are designed f o r use w ith base fuzed s h e ll and normally consist o f a disc-shaped s te e l body
in which the tra c e r channels run at r ig h t angles t o the axis o f the p r o je c t ile . The tra c e r
and screwed r in g are secured a ft e r in s e rtio n o f the base fuze and gascheck p la te . This
method o f securing i s employed in tr a c e r , s h e ll, No. 9. Disc type tra ce rs may also be
secured by d ir e c t screw-threading as in No. 36 o r by means o f separate screws passing
through the tr a c e r body and in to the base o f the p r o je c t ile as in No. 37.
295» Priming and tra c in g compositions - A range o f mixtures f o r tra c e r f i l l i n g has been developed,
as a res u lt o f Service requirements f o r day and night tra c e rs , g iv in g varied times o f burning.
Mixtures in general use are priming composition (SR 399) and tra cin g composition (SR 372 AB) which
produce a red tra c e . Prim ing conpositions are used only t o a ssis t ig n it io n o f the tre e in g
conposition; they g iv e n e g lig ib le l ig h t , whereas tra cin g conpositions g ive lig h t and luminous
smoke fo r day and night observation. F illin g s were form erly pressed in by using a f l a t serrated
punch, but current f i l l i n g s are pressed w ith a stepped d r i f t which has proved t o g ive a more
s a tis fa c to r y "take over” from one pressin g to the next. The la s t pressings may be loaded w ith a
hard paper tube impregnated w ith wax<> This i s designed to prevent prop ellan t gases from blowing up
the side o f the f i l l i n g between i t s ou ter surface and the in te rn a l w a ll o f the tr a c e r thereby
causing short tim es o f burning and, in tra ce rs and ig n it e r s , premature detonation o f the p r o je c t ile .
296. Method o f sealin g tra ce rs - Tracers are sealed by means o f brass o r c e llu lo id d is cs o r cups, to
p ro tec t the f i l l i n g s from moisture and from p rop ella n t gases generated during storage. The d e ta ile d
methods o f sealin g va ry considerably. Because c e llu lo id i s lia b le t o so ften and become d is to rte d
when in contact w ith n itro g ly c e rin e and carbamite, c e llu lo id d is cs and cups are p rotected by
TYPES OF SHELL TRACERS

Exterior views
EXTERN AL types IN TERNAL types
PRIMING COM POSITION

TRACER COMPOSITION
PELLETS ----
OF TRACER
COMPOSITION
1 PRIMING
COM POSITION
CLO SIN G ASSEMBLY SEALING PLUG
BRASS CLO SIN G CUP
A N D 2 STEEL W ASHERS
CARNAUBA W A X
No. 16
-7 9 -
bakelised d iscs when assembled in fix e d ammunition rounds. This prevents the c e llu lo id d is c o r cup
from f a llin g in to the c a rtrid g e case.
ACTION
297« On f i r i n g , the tr a c e r sealin g arrangements, such as clo sin g cups and d iscs, are blown in o r
consumed by the p rop ellan t gases and the primary composition ig n ite d . This ig n ite s the tra c e r
conposition, the flame from which escapes through the emission h o le (s ) and enables the t r a je c to r y o f
the p r o je c t ile to be observed.
Chapter 7
Section 3. Tracer-and-Igniters, Shell

DESCRIPTION
296. General assembly - tra ce rs-a n d -ig n iters. s h e ll. (F ig . 34) are normally made o f s t e e l o r brass
rod, bored out c e n tr a lly t o take the separate component p a rts; the in it ia t in g and clo sin g
arrangements at the r e a r end, the priming and tra cin g compositions in the centre and the i g n it e r at
the forward end.
299. I n it ia t in g and olosiry; arrangements - The in it ia t in g and base c lo s in g arrangements are sim ila r
to those o f tra ce rs, s h e ll (see para. 29^)except that tra c e r and ig n it e r , s h e ll Nos. 7 and 12
incorporate a cap and a n v il fir in g mechanism f o r i n it ia t in g the priming and tra cin g compositions.
The a n v il i s a push f i t in the r e a r end o f the tra c e r and ig n it e r and i s recessed to take a cap and
a cap h old er supported by a stirru p spring, the complete mechanism being closed at the base by a
le a d se a lin g d is c .
TYPICAL SHELL TR A C ER -A N D -IG N ITER S

COM POSITION
TRACER COMPOSITION
./
Exterior view No. I2
TRACER INITIATING ASSEMBLY (ANVIL A N D CAP)

SHELL IGNITER ASSEMBLY (G U N PO W D ER IN PLUG)
PRIMING COM POSITIO N TRACER COMPOSITION
S.D. (SHORT DELAY) FILLING
Exterior view No. 14

f KW W W W
HEAT RELAY C O N T A IN IN G G U N PO W D ER
— 80—
300. Priming and tra c in g corrpositions - These are the same conpositions as used f o r tra c e rs , s h e ll
(see para 0 295)• In May, 1951, humidity co n tro lle d conditions were introduced in tra c e r f i l l i n g
shops. E x is tin g marks o f tra ce rs and ig n it e r s f i l l e d under the new conditions were a llo t t e d "/1"
a ft e r the mark, e . g : -
T racer and ig n it e r , No. 11, Mk. 3/1

Tracer and ig n it e r , No. 14, Mk. 2/1
301. The ig n it e r - The ig n it e r con sists o f a quantity o f gunpowder or S. R. composition lig h tly-
pressed in to the forward c a v ity o f the body o r in to a screw-threaded plug (o r heat r e la y ). The
d iffe re n c e between a p lu g, as in tra c e r and ig n it e r , s h e ll, No. 12 and a heat r e la y , as in tra c e r
and ig n it e r , s h e ll, No. 14 i s that th e plug f i l l i n g i s ig n ite d by d ire c t contact w ith the tra cin g
composition, whereas the heat re la y f i l l i n g i s ig n ite d by conducted heat.
ACTION
302. The a ctio n i s s im ila r to that o f tr a c e r , s h e ll described in para. 297 except f o r tra c e r and
ig n it e r , s h e ll, Nos. 7 and 12 in which an a n v il and cap mechanism i s usedo On f i r i n g o f the
l a t t e r the in e r t ia o f the cap and cap holder overcomes the resistan ce o f the s tirru p spring and the
cap i s fir e d by the a n v il. The fla sh from the cap ig n ite s the priming conposition which in turn
ig n ite s the tra c in g composition. The resultan t gases blow out the f i r i n g mechanism and sealin g
d is c , thus p erm ittin g the flame from the tra cin g conposition t o be observed. A ft e r a g iven time o f
burning the tra c in g conposition ig n ite s the i n it ia t in g conposition in the plug or heat r e la y to
brin g about detonation o f the p r o je c t ile .
Section 4. Integral Tracers
DESCRIPTION
303. Method o f f i l l i n g tra c e r c a v it ie s - In te g r a l tra ce rs are normally used only in s o lid shot and
consist o f a number o f pressings o f tra c in g and priming conpositions f i l l e d d ir e c t ly in to one o r
more c a v it ie s in the base o f the p r o je c t ile . (See P ig . 35)« Unlike oth er typ es o f tra ce rs they are
not a llo t t e d numbers and marks but may be id e n t ifie d by design, typ e, model o r p a rt number,
s te n c ille d on the body o f the p ro je c tile ,,
304. Tracing compositions and s iz e o f c a v ity - In February, 1943 i t was decided to adopt tracin g
conposition S.R.372 (red tra c e ) fo r a l l armour p ie rc in g and p ra c tic e shot. I t was a ls o decided to
adopt a standard c a v ity diameter o f 0.435 inch f o r a l l shot o f 6 p r. to 3*7 inch c a lib r e (both
in c lu s iv e ). The current approved tra cin g conposition i s now S.R.372 AB.
305. Method o f c lo s in g *- The method o f c lo s in g i s s i mi l a r t o th at used f o r t r a c e r , s h e ll.
TYPICAL INTEGRAL TRACER FILLINGS FOR SHOT FIG.3 5
TRACER COMPOSITION
PRIMING COM POSITIO N
CLO SIN G ASSEMBLY-------------- CLO SIN G A S S E f .

CELLULO ID CLO SIN G CUP A N D PAPER DISC BRASS CLO SIN G CUP A N D 2 STEEL W ASHERS
_ 81-
Chapter 8
Cartridges, Blank and Paper Shot
Section I. Introduction
GENERAL
306. Blank ammunition - Blank ca rtrid ges consist o f a ca rtrid ge case and/or a clo th bag containing
only a charge, u su ally o f gunpowder although charges o f co rd ite have been approved f o r some
equipments. They must not be fir e d with any form o f p r o je c t ile , and are provided s o le ly fo r
tra in in g , demonstration and salu ting purposes.
A l l Q.F. blank ca rtrid ges have a red worsted c lo th disc with the word "BLANK" p rin ted thereon
f i t t e d in the mouth o f the c a rtrid g e case. I t i s shellacked to the ou ter surface o f the reta in in g
cup, i f such i3 position ed in the mouth o f the case o r, where the cup i s positioned w e ll down inside
the case, the red disc i s a ffix e d to the in side edge o f the mouth o f the case. The o b ject o f th is
disc i s to g ive a quick v is u a l means o f ascertain in g that the charge i s a c tu a lly present in the case
and that i t has not been f ir e d and has not fa lle n out in handling etc,
307, Paper shot ca rtrid ges - Special cartrid ges may be provided f o r use with paper shot. Such
ca rtrid ge s must not be fir e d with any other fo m o f p r o je c t ile . Paper shot ca rtrid g e s and paper
shot are normally provided fo r p ro o f o f carriages and mountings to simulate f i r i n g stresses.
To fu rth er a s s is t id e n t ific a tio n , Q.F. paper shot ca rtrid ges w i l l have in addition to the
normal markings s t e n c ille d on the base and side o f the ca rtrid ge case, a green paper d is c shellacked
to the outer surface o f the reta in in g cup p osition ed in the mouth o f the case, or a lte r n a t iv e ly the
ou ter surface o f the retain in g cup may be painted lig h t green. The word "PAPER" i s also c le a r ly
p rin ted on the disc or cup.
Chapter 8
Cartridges, Blank and Paper Shot
Section 2. Types authorised for Field Branch Artillery Equipments
CARTRIDGE BLANK (F ig . 36)

308. Q.F, 23 pr,
Mark 1
This i s the normal charge and consists o f a marie 2 o r ^/1 brass c a rtrid ge case f i t t e d w ith a
No. 1 percussion primer. The charge consists o f 1 lb . o f G. 12 gunpowder contained in a s ilk clo th
bag. A leatherboard cup i s in serted in the mouth o f the case, base downwards, and i s wedged
against the charge and secured with sh ella c.
Mark 2
This i s sp ecial f o r G ib ra lta r f o r salu ting purposes only.
I t d if fe r s from the marie 1 in that the charge con sists o f 8 oz. o f G. 12 gunpowder contained in
a worsted c lo th bag.
These ca rtrid ges must never be used a t a rapid ra te o f f i r e .
Mark 3
This i s sp ec ia l f o r Dover (except w ith Carriage Q.F. 25 pr*. sa lu tin g mark 1).
I t d if fe r s from the marks 1 and 2 in that the charge consists o f 2 lb . o f G.12 gunpowder
contained in a s ilk c lo th bag which i s retain ed in the ca rtrid ge case by 3 leatherboard cups.
These ca rtrid ges must never be used a t a rapid rate o f f i r e .
Mark 4
This i s the normal equivalent to the mark 1 c a rtrid g e .
I t d iffe r s from the previous marks in having a charge o f 1 lb . 4 ozs. o f co rd ite W.M. 017
which i s retained in the ca rtrid ge case by one leatherboard cup. A No. 9 percussion primer is
assembled in place o f the No. 1 primer.
309. B .L. 5«5 inch. 4.5 inch and 155 mm. gun.
Mark 1
This consists o f a charge o f 3 lb . o f G.12 gunpowder enclosed in a s ilk clo th bag, the
mouth o f the bag being choked and secured by s ilk thread,,
_82
310* B ,L, 7 .2 inch

Mark 1
This con sists o f a charge o f 7 l b , o f G.12 gunpowder enclosed in a s ilk c lo th bag, the
mouth o f the bag being choked and secured by s ilk thread.
PRECAUTIONS TO BE OBSERVED WHEN FIRING BLANK AICIUNITION

311, When fir in g B ,L, blank ca rtrid ges - No gun must be reloaded w ithin 30 seconds a ft e r f i r i n g .
Even a ft e r t h is in t e r v a l, no gun must be reloaded u n til the chamber and bore have been sponged out,
examined and a l l debris removed. In the event o f a m is fir e the normal m is fir e d r i l l must be ca rried
out except th a t, i f the tube has fir e d , a second tube must not be loaded but the detachment should
immediately be ordered t o stand c le a r , care being taken that no one i s in the rea r o f the breech and
a pause o f not le s s than 30 minutes be allowed to elapse b e fo re the breech i s opened.
When f i r i n g Q,F, separate loading blank c a rtrid g e s - In the event o f a m is fir e the breech must
not be opened f o r at le a s t 30 minutes and no one must be in the rea r o f the breech when i t i s opened.
CARTRIDGE PAPER SHOT

312. B ,L, 5.5 inch Gun
There i s only one design i . e . , mark 1 con sistin g o f a charge o f 9 l b , A o z . c o rd ite WM, 109
f i l l e d to M, o f P , design DD(L)20296. This i s in one p o rtion which i s f i t t e d w ith a s in g le 1 o z , "C"
gunpowder ig n it e r .
TYPES OF BLANK CARTRIDGES f ig .36
25 PR C A R T R ID G E Q.F. B L A N K MK.I 25 PR. C A R T R ID G E Q .F. B LA N K MK 4

lib . Gunpowder G .I2 (M of F Design DD(L)9I96) lib. 4oz. Cordite WM 0I7 (M of F Design D2(L)83I6 GF 246)
LEATHERBO ARD
C L O S IN G C U P
GU NPOW DER
G .I2
PRIMER RED
G U N P O W D E R IN FA B R IC BAG B U N D LE D C O R D IT E
IN C A R T R ID G E CASE IN C A R T R ID G E CASE
5 15 and 4 - 5 in. CARTRiDGE B.L, BLA N K MK.I 7 -2 in. C A R T R ID G E B.L. B LA N K M K.I

....... 3lb. Gunpowder G .I2 (M of F Design RL 404KI>) 7 lb. Gunpowder G.I2 (M of F Design D2(L)306 GF I40)
-G U N P O W D E R G .I2
GUNPO W DER IN FA B R IC BAG GU NPO W DER IN FA B R IC BAG

-8 3 -
Chapter 9
Drill Ammunition
GENERAL
313* D r ill stores are provided f o r p ra ctisin g lo a d in g , handling and oth er d r i l l purposes. They
approximate to the shape and weight o f the S ervice sto re they represent and contain no explosive
whatsoever.
Where d r i l l ammunition i s made from the m aterial used f o r the operational s to r e , i t i s painted
b la ck . Exceptions to th is ru le a r e :-
(a ) Brass cases used in the assembly o f Q.F. d r i l l ca rtrid ges - such cases are not painted or
otherwise coloured black ; instead, they are l e f t in t h e ir natural colou r but the word DRILL
i s stamped on the base o f the case,
(b ) D r i l l ca rtrid ges or charges made up in the same colou r and clo th m aterial as the operational
s to r e . These have the word DRILL s t e n c ille d in black in a prominent p o s itio n on each
p o rtio n ,
( c ) D r i l l stores made from m aterial other than that used f o r the operational s to re , e . g . , wood,
rubber, le a th e r, e t c . , which are l e f t in th e ir natural s ta te .
Any item o f d r i l l ammunition not marked or painted as described in the fo llo w in g paragraphs
must be returned t o the R.A.O.C. and not used.
L iv e ammunition, p ra c tic e as w e ll as op eration al, must n ot, i n any circumstances, be used f o r
d r i l l purposes.
A l l prelim inary tra in in g i s ca rried out w ith d r i l l ammunition and in peace-time no oth er nature
o f ammunition should be on the gun p o sitio n a t the same tim e. In war, however, although d r i l l
ammunition i s used fo r tra in in g , operational ammunition may a lso be on the gun p o s itio n . This
introduces a r is k o f e r r o r and accident which can only be avoided by very ca refu l a tten tion on the
part o f a l l concerned. The broad general ru le to fo llo w a t operational p o sition s o r elsewhere when
operational ammunition i s present i s to s to re the d r i l l ammunition in some cen tra l pla ce c le a r o f
the guns. I t should be brought to the gun p o s itio n f o r tra in in g only, a l l l i v e ammunition being
segregated and steps taken to ensure that the two types do not g e t mixed up during d r i l l . On com
p le tio n o f the train in g p eriod , the d r i l l ammunition should be returned to the c e n tra l s to re , a l l
items c a r e fu lly checked and l i v e ammunition excluded.
Chapter 9
Drill Ammunition
Section 2. Components
DRILL CARTRIDGES
314. Q.F. 25 p r.
Mark 1
This con sists o f a mark 1 s te e l d r i l l c a rtrid g e case. The charge represents the 1 l b . 11 oz.
4 d r. s e rv ic e charge. Shellacked twine represents the c o rd ite which i s enclosed in le a th e r bags
coloured red , w hite and blue and weighing 6 o z . 5 d r., 7 oz. 12 d r . and 13 o z . 3 d r . re s p e c tiv e ly .
The portions are retained in p o s itio n by a l i d , lea th er, mark 1 ,
Mark 3 (use extended t o apparatus, p ra c tis in g , loading)

This d iffe r s from th e Mark 1 in using a s e rv ic e mark 2 brass c a r tr id g e case and in the charge
being enclosed in coloured clo th bags in lie u o f le a th e r a lso the rim o f the case i s m ille d .
The words 25 p r . Mk. 3 DRILL are stanped on the base.
8k~
IJark 3/1 (a ls o f o r use with apparatus, p ra c tis in g , loading)

This d if f e r s from the mark 3 in the use o f a mark 5 s t e e l c a rtrid g e cs.se, the rim o f which i s
m ille d .
The v.-oris 25 PR. MK.3/1 DRILL are stamped on the base.
315* B .L. 4.5 inch

9 lb , 2 o z. mark 1
9 lb . 2 o z . mark 2
Cloth; th ird charge; representating a second charge o f 6 l b . 7 02. and a d d ition a l 2 l b . 11 oz.
p o rtion tie d to g eth er.
2 lb . 15 o z . mark 1
2 lb . 15 02 . mark 2
Cloth; f i r s t charge.
These are made up to represent the S ervice c a rtrid g e s . Each portion con sists o f a r o lle d paper
c y lin d e r, closed a t each end with a wood plug and contained in a clo th bag provided w ith four lengths
o f braid sewn to a c lo th strengthening band at the base.
The 6 l b . 7 o z. bag i s closed at the mouth w ith a dummy ig n it e r , the 2 l b . 11 oz. being closed
at the mouth by a c lo th d is c .
The c a rtrid g e i s brought to weight by being f i l l e d w ith sawdust and lead o r iro n scrap.
The word DRILL i s s te n c ille d on the sid e o f each portion a lso on the i g n it e r and clo sin g d is c .
The words "CHARGE THREE” sire marked on the sid e o f the assembled ca rtrid g e .
The base o f the 6 lb . 7 o z. p o rtion bag i s also marked ” W 0” and that o f the 2 l b . 11 oz.
p o rtion "NOT TO BE FIRED SEPARATELY” .
The 2 lb . 15 o z . c a rtrid g e con sists o f a r o lle d paper c y lin d e r, closed a t each end with a wood
plug, surrounded at the ig n it e r end w ith a short r o lle d paper cy lin d er and contained in a c lo th bag
closed a t the mouth by a dummy ig n it e r .
The c a rtrid g e i s brought to weight by being f i l l e d w ith sawdust and lead o r iro n scrap.
The word "DRILL" i s s t e n c ille d on the sid e o f the c a rtrid g e head and on the ig n it e r , the words
"CHARGE ONE" being marked on the stem.
The mark 2 ca rtrid ges d i f f e r from the mark 1 in the bags being made o f cotton in lie u o f s ilk
c lo th .
10 l b . 9 QZo mark 1
Cotton c lo th ; th ir d charge; representing a second charge o f 7 l b . 9 o z. and an a d d ition a l
3 lb . 0 o z . portion t ie d togeth er.
3 lb . 1 oz. mark 1
Cotton c lo th ; f i r s t charge.
These con sist o f cotton clo th bags, loaded to weight w ith rope and lead or iro n scrap. The
dunrny ig n it e r s consist o f two cotton clo th d is c s , sewn togeth er and f i l l e d with scrap t e x t i l e
m aterial. The ends o f the ca rtrid ges are s tiffe n e d with m illboard d iscs.
The 10 lb . 9 oz. c a rtrid ge i s in two p o rtion s, one 7 l b . 9 oz. and an increment o f 3 l b . .
The 7 lb . 9 oz. p ortion has a dummy ig n it e r sewn to each end. The ends o f the 3 lb . p o rtion are
closed w ith cotton c lo th d is cs .
The 3 lb . 1 oz. c a rtrid g e consists o f one bag with a dummy ig n it e r sewn t o each end.
The 10 lb . 9 oz. c a rtrid ge has the la rg e portion marked "CHARGE" on the side and "TWO" on the
end. The small portion has "THREE" on the sid e and the in stru ctio n "NOT TO BE FIRED SEPARATELY"
on the end. When the two portions are t ie d togeth er the ends are hidden and "CHARGE THREE" i s
shown.
The 3 lb . 1 o z. ca rtrid ge i s marked "CHARGE ONE".
316 . B .L. 5.5 inch

9 lb . 2 o z . mark 1
Cotton c lo th ; charge fou r; representing charge three o f 6 l b . 10 o z. 8 dr and an increment
o f 2 lb . 7 o z. 8 d r . t ie d together.
4 lb . k o z , mark 1
Cotton c lo th ; charge two; representing charge one o f 2 l b . 10 oz. 8 d r. and an increment o f
1 lb . 9 o z . 8 d r. tie d togeth er.
These are made up to represent the Service c a rtrid g e s . The 9 l b . 2 oz. c a rtrid g e con sists
o f two p o rtio n s. Each portion con sists o f a r o lle d paper cy lin d er, closed at each end w ith a wood
plug and contained in a cotton clo th bag provided w ith fou r lengths o f webbing sewn to strengthening
bands at the base
-8 5 -
The 6 In . 10 oh. 3 d r . bag i s closed at the mouth with a dummy ig n it e r and the 2 l b . 7 02. 8 dr.
bag is closed at the mouth by a cotton clo th clo sin g d is c.
The portions are brought to weight by being f i l l e d com pletely with sawdust and lead o r iro n
scrap.
The v/ord DRILL i s s t e n c ille d on the side o f each portion , a ls o on the i g n it e r and closin g d is c .
The words "CHARGE FOUR" are marked on the sid e o f the assembled c a rtrid g e , the la r g e r portion bearing
the word "CHARGE" and the sm aller portion the word "FOUR". The base o f the la r g e r bag i s marked
"THREE" and that o f the sm aller bag "NOT TO 3E FIRED SEPARATELY", these base markings are hidden when
the two portions are assembled.
The 4 lb . 4 oz. ca rtrid ge consists o f the two p o rtion s. The 2 l b . 10 oz. 8 d r. p ortion
consists o f a r o lle d paper c y lin d e r, closed at each end by a wood plu g, surrounded at the i g n it e r end
with a short r o lle d paper c y lin d e r and contained in a cotton c lo th bag closed a t the mouth by a dunmy
ig n it e r . I t i s brought to weight by being f i l l e d com pletely w ith sawdust and lead or iro n scrap.
The 1 lb . 9 os. 8 d r. increment consists o f a bundle o f 7.1/4 inch lengths o f 1 inch rope
weighted v/ith lead stick s and enclosed in a cotton clo th bag closed a t the mouth by thread s titc h in g .
The increment i s secured to the sta lk o f the la rg e p ortion by two webbing tapes. The words "CHARGE
TWO" are s t e n c ille d on the sid e o f the assembled c a rtrid g e , the la r g e r portion bearing the word
"CHARGE" and the sm aller portion the word "T 0 ". The stalk o f the la r g e r bag i s marked "ONE", th is
marking being hidden when the portions are assembled.
4 lb . 12 o z, mark 1
Cotton c lo th ; charge two; representing charge one o f 2 l b . 15 oz. and an increment o f 1 lb .
13 oz. t ie d togeth er.
9 lb . 13 o z . mark 1
Cotton c lo th ; charge fou r; representing charge three o f 7 l b . 3 o z. and an increment o f 2 lb .
10 oz. t ie d togeth er.
12 lb . 9 o z. mark 1
Cotton c lo th ; f u l l charge; f o r 80 l b . s h e ll.
These are made up t o represent the S ervice c a rtrid g e s .
They consist o f cotton c lo th bags, loaded to weight with rope and lead or ii'on scrap . The
dummy ig n ite r s con sist o f two cotton clo th discs sewn together and f i l l e d with scrap t e x t i l e m a teria l.
The ends o f the ca rtrid ges are s t iffe n e d with m illboard d iscs.
The 4 lb . 12 o~. c a rtrid g e i s in two p o rtio n s , one 2 l b . 15 o z . and an increment o f 1 l b . 13 oz.
The former has an ig n it e r sewn t o each end w h ile the ends o f the l a t t e r are closed w ith cotton c lo th
d is cs .
The 9 lb . 13 o z. c a rtrid g e i s a lso in two p o rtion s, one 7 l b . 3 oz. and an increment o f 2 lb .
10 o z . The former has an ig n it e r sewn to each end vdiile the ends o f the l a t t e r are closed with
cotton clo th d is c s .
The 12 lb . 9 o z . c a rtrid g e con sists o f a bag w ith a duimy i g n i t e r sewn to each end.
The 4 lb . 12 o z. c a rtrid g e has the la rg e p o rtion marked "CHARGE" on the sid e and "ONE" on the
end. The small p o rtion has "TWO" on the sid e and the in stru ctio n "NOT TO BE FIRED SEPARATELY" on
the end. When the two portions are t ie d togeth er the ends are hidden and "CHARGE TWO" i s shown.
When the 9 lb . 13 o z . c a rtrid ge , which i s s im ila rly marked, i s assembled the "THREE" i s
hidden and"CHARGE FOUR" i s shown.
The 12 lb . 9 o z . c a rtrid g e i s maxked with a black band and the words "FOR 80 l b . SHELL ONLY".
317. B .L. 7.2 inch

lb , 3 02. 8 d r. mark 1
Cotton c lo th ; charge th ree, core and two section s.
25 lb . mark 1
Cotton c lo th ; charge fou r.
These are made up to represent the S ervice ca rtrid g e s.
The 16 lb . 2 o z. 8 d r . c a rtrid g e con sists o f a core and three sections o f the fo llo w in g w eigh ts:-
core (s e c tio n No.1) 6 l b . 11 o z ., section No. 2, 2 l b . 3 oz. 8d r. section No. 3* 7 l b . 5 o z.
The core and section s, which are b u ilt up o f sawdust with lead or iro n scrap, are each enclosed
in a cotton cloth bag being f i t t e d with a d r i l l i g n it e r consisting o f a f e l t disc and red cotton c lo th
d iscs w ith rows o f s titc h in g .
The sections are assembled and t ie d w ith t h e ir tapes around the stalk o f the core, section No.2
at the base end. Tapes from the core are threaded through fa ir le a d s on the sections and t ie d on top
o f No.3 section s.
The 25 lb . c a rtrid g e consists o f sawdust brought t o weight w ith lead or iro n scrap, contained
in a cotton clo th bag choked at the mouth w ith thread and having a d r i l l ig n it e r incorporated at the
opposite end.
7 lb . mark 1
Cotton c lo th ; charge f i v e increment; f o r use w ith charge fou r in mark 6 howr. on ly.
13 lb . 11 o z. mark 1
Cotton clo th ; charge three; co n sistin g o f charge one and two increments t ie d to g eth er.
24 lb . mark 1
Cotton c lo th ; charge four.
These consist o f cotton clo th bags loaded w ith rope and lead o r iro n scrap. The dumny ig n ite r s
consist o f two cotton d iscs sewn togeth er and f i l l e d w ith scrap t e x t i l e m a teria l. The ends o f the
ca rtrid ges are s tiffe n e d w ith m illboard d is cs .
The 7 lb . c a rtrid g e consists o f a bag with a dummy ig n it e r sewn to each end.
The 13 lb . 11 oz. c a rtrid ge con sists o f charge one o f 6 l b . 10 oz. 8 d r . with two increment
charges o f 2 lb . 2 o z . and 4 lb . 14 o z . 8 d r. tie d togeth er with s tr ip s o f webbing sewn to each
charge. The 6 lb . 10 o z. 8 d r. p o rtion has a dummy i g n it e r sewn t o the outer end.
The 24 lb . c a rtrid g e consists o f bag w ith dummy ig n it e r sewn to each end.
In addition t o the usual marking, the word DRILL and charge number i s s t e n c ille d on each
c a rtrid g e .
DRILL PROJECTILES
318. Q.F. p r.
S h ell mark 1
The s h e ll co n sists o f a hardwood body in to which i s f i t t e d a m ild s t e e l cen tra l b o lt with lead
weight cast on, a brass nose and base and a detachable s t e e l cap.
The nose i s screwed on to the top o f the cen tra l b o lt and secured to the body w ith a s te e l pin.
A s t e e l cap having a knurled band screws on to the head. The base i s screwed on to the bottom end
o f the cen tra l b o lt and secured by r iv e t in g . Weight 21 l b .
The words 25 PR DRILL I are stamped on the s id e .
S h ell mark 2
This d if fe r s from the mark 1 in having a rubber body, the rubber being vulcanised on between
the brass nose and base, to the core which consists o f 12 lea d weights held in p o s itio n a t the head
by a brass plug and at the base by a hard rubber plug secured by a brass rin g .
Weight 16 lb . 10 oz.
The word DRILL i s s te n c ille d in w hite ju st above the shoulder.
S h ell marie 3
For use w ith apparatus, p ra ctisin g loa d in g .
This consists o f a m odified s te e l mark 1 H.E. stream line s h e ll w ith the d riv in g band turned
down and f i t t e d at the nose with a s t e e l o r cast iro n plug to represent the fu ze.
Weight 16 l b . 1C oz.
The words DRILL 25 PR. MK.3 SX1A are stamped on the base. The s h e ll i s painted black and
25 PR. MK. 3 DRILL i s s t e n c ille d above the shoulder.
Shot, mark 1
This i s s o lid , o f cast iro n , and covered with w aterproof canvas except fo r the nose and base.
Weight 15 l b . 7 oz•
The words DRILL 25 PR. I are stamped on the base.
319. B .L. 4 .5 inch stream line

S h e ll marie 1
This consists o f a rubber body on which 12 lead weights are f i t t e d , a brass nose, m ild s te e l
base and detachable cap.
The rubber body i s vulcanised on between the nose and base and the weights held in p o sitio n at
the head by a brass plug and at the base by a hard rubber plug secured by a s te e l r in g .
Weight 430/4 lb .
The word DRILL i s stamped on the base and a lso s t e n c ille d on the body ju st above the shoulder.
- 87 -
Shell mark 2
The s h e ll consists o f a hardwood body, c e n t r a lly bored and recessed to accornnodate a lea d weight
cast on a cen tra l s te e l tube which i s screw-threaded e x te rn a lly at each end fo r fix in g the nose and*
base* A s te e l plug f i t t e d w ith a detachable cap i s screwed in to the nose* A brass c o lla r i s
secured round the body by s ix screws*
The words DRILL i s stamped on the base and a lso s te n c ille d in w hite above the brass c o lla r *
320. B*L* 5*3 inch streamline

Shell mark 1
This con sists o f a rubber body, lead w eights, a base and head o f mild s t e e l, and a brass nose
f i t t e d with a screwed detachable cap o f s t e e l.
The body i s vulcanised on to the head and base pieces and 11 lead weights are inserted in to the
bore o f the s h e ll. The weights are situated between the brass nose, which screws in to the head, and
a s t e e l disc w ith a hard rubber plug f i t t e d in to the base. The brass nose i s secured by a fix in g
screw and the d is c and plug by a s te e l r in g . S te e l discs may be inserted a t one end o f the bore to
prevent movement o f the w eigh ts. Weight (without s te e l cap) 68. 3/4 lb .
The words DRILL 5*5 I are stamped on the base.
Shell mark 2
This represents the 80 l b . and 100 l b . s h e ll.
I t con sists o f a hardwood body, c e n tra lly bored and recessed to accommodate a lead weight cast
on a cen tral s t e e l tube which i s screw-threaded e x te rn a lly at each end fo r fix in g the nose and base.
A s te e l plug f i t t e d w ith a detachable cap i s screwed in to the nose. A brass c o lla r i s secured
round the body by s ix screws.
The word DRILL i s stamped on the base and a lso s t e n c ille d in w hite above the brass c o lla r .
S h e ll, L4, mark 1

F or apparatus, p ra ctisin g loa d in g, B.L. 5.5 inch guns, mark 1 .
I t comprises a body and a nose p lu g . The body i s that o f the mark 3 stream line H.E. s h e ll
m odified by le v e llin g the d riv in g band to the diameter o f the s h e ll and cu ttin g a square shoulder
22.15 inches from the nose end to a diam eter o f 5 inches.
The s h e ll i s painted black a l l over and marked 5.5 G MK. I DRILL L4 Mk. I on the base and sid e.
321. B .L. 7.2 inch streamline

Shell mark 1
The s h ell consists o f a hardwood body, nose plug and fou r segments. The segments are screwed
to the body and plug and a s t e e l p la te i s screwed to the base. The whole i s covered by rawhide
stretched on to the s h e ll and la ced . Copper tacks fu rth er secure the rawhide near the top and base.
The mark and words 7.2 IN . DRILL are stamped on the sid e.
DRILL FUZES
322. Id e n tific a tio n - These may be o f new manufacture o r adapted from S ervice fuzes by emptying
or burning exit the exp losive elements.
A ll d r i l l fuzes are coloured black w ith the exception o f the graduated p o rtion and se ttin g
index o f time fu zes.
Percussion fu zes, where p ra c tic a b le , are bored rig h t through from nose to base and h o r iz o n ta lly
through the body.
Time and percussion fu zes, where p ra ctica b le , are bored h o r iz o n ta lly through the cap and
v e r t ic a lly from the base to the h orizon tal borin g.
(a ) Stampings - Fuze number and mark

The word DRILL i s normally stamped on the fu ze body in la r g e type.
The fu ze number, mark and the word DRILL are f i l l e d in w ith white p a in t.
(b ) S te n c illin g
This i s in white where used in lie u o f stamping.
DRILL PRIMERS
323* Id e n tific a tio n - These may be o f new manufacture or made from converted fir e d prim ers. A hard
rubber plug i s in serted in the percussion cap recess in the base. The body o f the nrimer i s
blackened a l l over.
Stampings
The" word DRILL in la rg e type )
Number and mark ^ are stamped on the base
Manufacturers i n i t i a l s o r trade mark )
-8 8 -
DRILL TUBES* S.A.* PERCUSSION

324. Id e n tific a tio n - Three elongated indents equ ally spaced are formed around the case and f i l l e d in
w ith red p a in t, the remainder o f the case being blackened a l l over*
The a n v il i s also removed from the cap chamber.
Stampings
Manufacturers i n i t i a l s o r trade mark are stamped on the base
Mark o f tube
-8 9 -
Chapter io
EQUIPMENT
325* Mortars are designed to throw bombs at com paratively short ranges and at steep angles o f descent.
Design i s governed by s im ila r considerations, as regards set-back, as are applicable to guns, but the
chamber pressure and muzzle v e lo c it y are fa r sm a ller. Most modern mortars are smooth bore and are
loaded from the muzzle end. They are never fi r e d a t low angles o f e le v a tio n , as an almost v e r t ic a l
angle o f descent i s required.
The ordnance M.L. 4*2 inch mortar is equipment o f F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y u nits and i s used
mainly in counter mortar bombardment r o le .
AMMUNITION
326). Modem mortar bombs are made o f cast iro n , forged or cast s te e l and are streamlined in shape and
f i t t e d with vanes on the base end, o r on a rearwardly p ro je ctin g t a i l . The a i r pressure on the vanes
during f l i g h t prevents the bomb "top p lin g " and ensures a reasonably stable head-on f l i g h t .
S.B ., MJj. 4.2 inch mortar ammunition ( F i g . 37) i s normally issued as assembled rounds
complete with fu ze, t a i l u n it, primary and augmenting ( o r secondary) ca rtrid g e s. The primary
c a rtrid ge i s assembled in the cen tra l tube formed in the t a i l u nit w h ile the augmenting ca rtrid ges are
placed between the vanes o f the t a i l unit and retain ed in p o s itio n by a s p ira l spring threaded through
holes formed in the vanes. The t a i l u n it, w ith the primary and augmenting ca rtrid ges assembled, i s
protected in tra n s it and storage by a waterproof co ver secured by tapes. Each round i s normally
packed (complete w ith ca rtrid ges and fuze assembled) in a metal con tain er. These are packed in
s in g le o r two round c a r r ie r s , two c a rrie rs being packed in a box. For overseas issue bombs may be
issued plugged, w ith fu zes, primary and augmenting ca rtrid ges each packed separately.
The ammunition i s c la s s ifie d under the fo llo w in g nomenclatures: -
Bomb, S .B ., M .L., H.E. streamline

" " ** " d r i l l , streamline
327* C artridges - A l l bombs are f i t t e d with primary ca rtrid ges complete with s t r ik e r c lip s , and s ix
450 g r . augmenting ca rtrid ges (s e e F ig . 38)*
S B. M.L. 4 2 in MORTAR BOMB F IG .37
PRIMARY
housed in centre
of TA IL U N IT
FU ZE
S IX A U G M E N T IN G
C A R TR ID G ES
450 grn. TA IL A D A PTER NO SE A D A PTER
-90-
V/ATFKPRQOFING AND RUSTPROOFING

32 b. Bomb bodies - (except the screw threads) and guide-bands were form erly coated in te r n a lly and
ex te rn a lly w ith le a d -fr e e copal varnish and then stoved. The p ra ctice was current fo r a l l bomb
bodies, including those f i l l e d w ith white phosphorus, u n til 1952. Bomb bodies o f f production from
that date are phosphated on the e x te r io r surface including the guide-bands. They are then coated
e x te rn a lly , w ith the exception o f the guide-bands and fro n t and rea r annular surfaces o f the body,
and in te r n a lly , w ith the exception o f the screw-threads, with one coat o f le a d - fr e e copal varnish.
They are then stoved. The screw-threads and guide-bands are coated with la n o lin e so lu tion .
329. Containers, nose, adapters nose, and adapters t a i l - A l l nose containers and adapters were
coated w ith le a d -fr e e copal varnish and stoved u n til 1952, when m stp roofin g by an approved
phosphating process was introduced as a p re -re q u is ite o f varnishing.
33° • T a il units - Current production, o f t a i l u nits are rustprdofed in te r n a lly and ex te rn a lly by an
approved phosphating process. They are then coated with le a d - fr e e copal v a m i 3h and stoved. The
screw-threads are coated w ith la n o lin e so lu tio n .
CLIP, SAFETY PIN, SPECIAL (F ig . 38)

331. In shape th is i s s im ila r to a commercial type sa fety p in . I t is inserted through holes in
the ca rtrid ge container o f H.E. stream line bombs and prevents the primary c a rtrid g e fa l l i n g out in
tra n s it and handling o r when being loaded in to the rnortar.
COVER, TAIL, M.L. A .2 II-iCK AD5TAR

332. The p rop ella n t cliarges are protected from wet, moisture and damage during storage and tra n s it
by a w aterproof ca rer wiiich i s placed over the t a i l unit and i s retain ed in p o s itio n by securing
tapes.
While the mark 5 , which has a hard base and a thick m illboard disc to p ro te c t the primary
c a rtrid g e from premature ig n it io n , i s the la t e s t p a ttern , the mark 3 which i s o f cotton fa b ric proofed
w ith n itr o c e llu lo s e was also used ex te n siv ely when reconditioning stocks o f bombs.
SPRING, RETAINING. CARTRIDGES. AUGMENTING

333'.' This i s made o f No. 2£> s.w .g . (0.01 8 inch) spring s te e l w ire , s p ir a lly wound w ith hooks formed
a t each end. I t i s 5*25 inches in len gth and 0.187 inch in diam eter. I t i s in serted through
holes formed in the vanes o f the t a i l unit and i s used to secure the augmenting ca rtrid g e s in t h e ir
co rre ct p o s itio n , a t the same time perm itting the quick and easy withdrawal o f ca rtrid g e s which may
be necessary to e f f e c t a lte ra tio n s in charge.
MEANS OF IGNITION
334 * The bomb, w ith t a i l cover removed, i s loaded t a i l u nit f i r s t in to the muzzle end o f the mortar.
The weight o f the bomb causes i t to s lid e quickly down the b a rrel u n til the c l i p on the base o f the
primary c a rtrid ge h its the s t r ik e r stud p osition ed c e n tra lly in the breech p iece o f the mortar.
The fo rc e o f impact causes the s t r ik e r point formed on the inner sid e o f the c l i p to be d riven on to
the cap in the base o f the primary c a rtrid ge which f i r e s and ig n it e s the charge in the c a rtrid g e case.
METHOD OF RETAINING PRIMARY CARTRIDGE IN FIG . 38

S.B. M.L. 4*2in. MORTAR BOMB
PRIM ARY C A R T R ID G E
jew showing PRIM ARY C A R T R ID G E

^'■ ‘•fetained in Tail U nit by
SA FETY PIN C U P , SPECIA L.
- 91-
The resultant explosion bursts throuî the sides o f the paper case, through the holes formed in
the ca rtrid ge container, and ig n ite s the augmenting ca rtrid ge s p osition ed between the vanes o f the bomb
t a i l unite The gases generated quickly bu ild up pressure causing the bomb to be p ro p elle d up the
muzzle at a conparatively high speedo
Chapter io
Section 2. Bombs
BOMBS. S .B .. M .L.. H.E. STREAMLINE (P ig . 39)

335» Empty designs - There are severa l marks o f streamline bombs in the S e rv ice , the body o f which
tapers towards the head and base, a t a i l unit being secured to the base adapter which conprises a
c a rtrid ge container having a number o f gas escape h oles formed th erein arxl which i s f i t t e d w ith si x
vanes. The main d iffe re n c e in the marks, a l l o f which are threaded in te r n a lly at the head t o the
1.375 inch fu ze-hole gauge, i s in the m aterial used f o r the body and in the combination o f adapters
and t a i l u nits which a r e as fo llo w s :-
Mark M aterial o f body Nose adapter T a il adapter T a il u nit
1 Cast iro n No. 1 No. 1, Mk. 2 No. 2, 3 or 9

11 11 t!
1/1 No. 3, Mk. 1 No. 4
11 ii
1/2 II
No. 4, Mk. 1 No. 7 or 9 o r TV 9 SA
2 S te e l it
No. 1, Mk. 2 No. 2 or 3
n ft
2/1 No. 3, Mk. 1 No. 4
11 tt
2 /2 No. 4, Mk<> 1 No. 7 o r 9 or TV 9 SA
3 Cast iron No. 1 Mk. 1 or 1/1 No. 4, Mk. 1 TV 10 SA
Part No. TV 8 GE Cast iro n No. 1 Mk. 1 or 1/1 TV 90 TV 9 SA

(When f i l l e d t h is bomb i s designated "Bomb, S .B ., M .L., H.E. stream line, 4.2 inch
mortar, L1 mark 1 ")
Part No. TV 10 GE Cast iro n No. 1 Mk. 1 o r 1/1 TV 100 TV 10 SA

(When f i l l e d th is bomb i s designated "Bomb, S .B ., M .L., H.E. stream line, 4.2 inch
mortar, L1 mark 2 ")
F IG .39 ;
METHOD OF FILLING S B. M.L. 4 2 in. MORTAR BOMB
H.E. Streamline L.l Mark 2
T.N.T. TOPPING
RT COMPOSITION
Main filling
AMATOL NOSE ADAPTER. No.I
FELT DISC and GLAZEDBOARD DISCS PAPER DISCS
C.E. PELLET EXPLODER PAPER TUBES (TWO}

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336. Method o f f i l l i n g designs - D e ta ils o f a l l current and obsolescent designs are given in ta b le 2
section 1 P a rt 3* Pamphlet No# 12 o f R.A.O.S. Volume 4 - Ammunition#
(a ) Main f i l l i n g s - H.E. bombs are f i l l e d w ith amatol o f various mixtures, except the marks 2,
2/^ and 2/2 which may be f i l l e d amatol or T.N.T.
(b ) Exploders - Early designs incorporated a 12 dr# C.E. p e lle t o r an exploder "R" C.E. 12 d r.
When the former i s f i t t e d a f e l t d is c 1.3/1 6 inch by 1/8 inch thick i s in serted beneath i t ;
th is d is c i s not used w ith exploder "R" C.E. 12 d r.
DRILL BOMB
337. Bombs, S .B ., M .L., Streamline# D r i l l , 4.2 inch Mortar - This i s the d r i l l equ ivalent o f the
stream line H.E. bomb. I t con sists o f an in e r t weighted S e rv ice body f i t t e d w ith a nose plug and cap,
and a t a i l u n it. The t a i l u n it, which i s attached to the body by a t a i l adapter, consists o f a
s t e e l tube, f i t t e d w ith s ix vanes w ith holes o r s lo ts formed th erein to accommodate the retain in g
springs securing the augmenting d r i l l c a rtrid g e s . The plug i s s o lid and shaped to represent the
Service fu z e . F or immediate recogn itio n purposes and as a s a fe ty precaution i t has a hole d r i l l e d
in the head. R ejected fuze bodies, togeth er w ith nose adapter No. 1 may be f i t t e d in lie u o f a
plu g.
IO
Section 3. Propellant Charges
PRIMARY CARTRIDGES (F ig . 40)

338• These co n sist o f three p a ttern s, a l l id e n t ic a l except f o r markings, in ex tern al appearance
and dimensions, and which are issued under the fo llo w in g nomenclatures -
C a rtrid g e, S .B ., M .L., 4.2 inch mortar,

smokeless, 140 g r . b a l l i s t i t e -
clipped
140 g r . b a l l i s t i t e , B.16
( a ) The mark 1 smokeless, 140 g r . b a l l i s t i t e c a rtrid g e (illu s t r a t e d ) consists o f a c y lin d r ic a l

paper body w ith a brass rimmed base f i t t e d w ith a percussion cap.
In te r n a lly , round the cap chamber,is a cup-shaped compressed paper wad, and the f i l l i n g
consists o f approximately 10 grains o f n itr o c e llu lo s e and 140 grains o f b a l l i s t i t e .
The remaining space i s taken up with a cardboard disc above the f i l l i n g fo llow ed by a wad,
another cardboard d is c , and f i n a l l y closed by the mouth o f the case being turned over on to
the top d is c .
The annulas o f the percussion cap i s lacquered v i o l e t and the words "SNOKELESS 4*2 in . S.B.
MDETAR 140 GR. BALLISTITE, MK.1 " and the f i l l i n g c o n tra c to r's i n i t i a l s o r recognised trade
mark are p rin ted on the sid e o f the case in green.
The c a r tr id g e i s supplied clipped ( i . e . w ith s t r ik e r c lip assembled). The s t r ik e r c l i p i s
f i t t e d to the base o f the c a rtrid g e , the cup-shaped guard o f which i s secured around the
flan ge o f the base by fou r crimps; the l a t t e r also secures the s tr ik e r d is c , w hile the
s t r ik e r i s secured to the d is c .
(b ) The mark 2 b a l l i s t i t e B.16 c a rtrid g e con sists o f a paper c y lin d e r f i t t e d in to an iron base
with brass c o ver. A cap chamber i s formed c e n tra lly at the base in which i s assembled the
a n v il and percussion cap, the l a t t e r being f i l l e d w ith 0,5 g rain o f "A" m ixture.
In te r n a lly a wad o f compressed paper i s placed around the cap chamber under the gunpowder
charge. A c e llu lo id cup separates the 17 grains o f G.20 gunpowder priming from the main
f i l l i n g o f 12+0 grains o f b a l l i s t i t e . The c a rtrid g e i s closed by two cardboard d iscs
interposed w ith a f e l t wad, fe lto n e o r a i r cushion, the whole being retain ed at the mouth
by the top o f t i e case being turned o ver. A s tr ik e r c l i p i s f i t t e d to the base, the
cup-shaped guard o f which i s secured around the edge o f the base by fou r crimps; the
l a t t e r a lso secures the s t r ik e r d is c , w h ile the s t r ik e r i s secured to the cen tre o f the
d is c . The mark 2 d if f e r s p r in c ip a lly from the mark 1 in having a th ick er brass cover.
-93-
PRIMARY CARTRIDGE AND AUGMENTING CARTRIDGE

for S.B. M.L 4-2m,. MORTAR BOMB
1 i •f
Note. The Prim ary cartridge is inserted Inside the

IV
central tube of the Tail U nit and the
Augmenting Cartridges are assembled outside,
between the vanes of the Tail Unit
-------.Com posite view of

PRIMARY C A R T R ID G E
with cluster of SIX
A U G M E N T IN G C A R T R ID G E S
PRIMARY C A R T R ID G E
CLIPPED TY PE C A R T R ID G E
showing initiating assembly of
STR IK ER with STR IK ER CLIP
PER CU SSIO N C A P and A N V IL .
CO M PR ESSED PAPER C A R D B O A R D D ISC
G U N P O W D E R PRIMING FELT W A D
C E L L U L O ID C U P C A R D B O A R D D ISC
PR O P ELLA N T, B A LLISTITE B. 16 (140 grn)
C E L LU LO ID C L O S IN G C U P P R O P ELLA N T N R N 9 (N E O N IT E No. 9)
-9 4 -
AUGLGNTING CARTRIDGE (F ig . Ifi)

339. This con sists o f two marks as fo llo w s :-
C artrid ge, S.E. M .L., 4.2 inch mortar, stream line, augmenting
450 grain s N.R.N. No. 9
Mk. 1 (ob solescen t)
Mk. 2
The mark 2 c a rtrid g e i s a moulded c e llu lo id container w ith a dome-shaped head and i s closed at
the open end by an in verted cup.
The mark 1 c a rtrid g e i s s im ila r in shape d if fe r in g only in that the c e llu lo id container i s not
moulded. I t i s in the form o f a c y lin d r ic a l tube w ith a cap a ffix e d over one end and an in verted
cup a ffix e d in the other end.
DRILL CARTRIDGES (PRIMARY AND AUGMENTING)

343• These are s im ila r to the S ervice equivalent except that they are f i l l e d w ith sawiust o r sand.
They have the word DRILL prominently marked on the body.
-9 5 -
Chapter 11
Records
Section i. Purpose and Application of the Lotting System
INTRODUCTION
341* With minor exceptions, empty ammunition components are produced in what are known as " lo t s ” ,
each l o t being as homogeneous as possible* Bulk H*E* and propellants are also produced in lo t s ,
each l o t normally being the produce o f one run o f production o f a p a rtic u la r mix or blend* L ots o f
empty components which are t o be f i l l e d are normally "married” to p a rtic u la r lo t s o f H*E, or
p rop ella n t, components so f i l l e d being given a f i l l e d lo t number* This system o f lo t t in g i s
designed to ensure that s p e c ific qu an tities or lo t s o f components are as homogeneous as p o ssib le
both in non-explosive and exp losive m aterial and, under sim ila r conditions, may be expected t o give
uniform performance in the Service*
The numbers o f u n its forming a l o t v a rie s , and may range from 1,000 fo r primers, or 2,000 fo r
mechanical time fuzes to 20,000 or mare fo r sm a ll-ca lib re prop ellant charges*
A l o t number i s a llo c a te d t o each l o t and wherever possible each item i s marked with the l o t
number to f a c i l i t a t e id e n tific a tio n *
The Inspectorate o f Armaments maintains extensive tech n ical records o f a l l lo t s , also o f the
ccoplete rounds, and i s in a p o sition t o in v e s tig a te any d e fe c t a ris in g l a t e r , and in most cases,
trace i t s cause.
HtoPELLANTS
342* P rop ella n t charges d e te rio ra te in store and the ra te o f d e te rio ra tio n depends mainly cn the
storage temperature* E ffo r t s are made to store a l l ca rtrid ges o f the same p rop ella n t l o t number
under sim ila r conditions and ca refu l records o f the storage temperature are kept in peace and
rep orted t o the Inspectorate o f Armaments* Prom these sources, and from the records o f p e rio d ic a l
tech n ical t e s t s , the remaining " l i f e " o f the l o t i s determined* In war, p e rio d ic chemical te s ts
are im practicable, w hile in mobile u n its the recording o f storage temperatures cannot be done
s a t is fa c t o r ily , so both requirements are suspended* This can be perm itted w ith reasonable sa fe ty
as most ca rtrid ges are made up w ith modem p rop ella n ts which should not cause any anxiety as to
s t a b ilit y f o r a t le a s t f i v e years 0
Chapter 11
Records
Section 2. Purpose and Application of the Batching System

INTRCDUCTICN
343* Rounds o f fix e d ammunition consist o f fo u r main conpcnents, v i z . , fU z e ,p r o je c tile ,p r o p e lla n t
and prim er and are normally assembled by se lected lo t s o f such conpanents* This system i s designed
t o ensure that s p e c ific groups o f complete rounds are as homogeneous as possib le and may be expected
t o g iv e a uniform performance when fir e d from the same weapon* Rounds so assembled farm what i s
known as a "hatch"*
PURPOSE OF BATCHING
344* The objects o f the batching system a r e :-
( a ) To ensure consistent performance cn f i r i n g , with mi Mm in- round-to-round va ria tion *
( b ) To s in p lify id e n t ific a tio n o f rounds when an u n sa tisfa ctory rep ort i s made cn a
p a rtic u la r l o t o f components*
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( c ) To sim p lify the tracin g am? withdrawal o f life - e x p ir e d components or those which have been
superseded by la t e r marks and types.
(d ) To id e n t ify a d e fin it e quantity in which the res u lts o f inspection, p ro o f and t e s t can be
rep re se n ta tive.
( e ) To f a c i l i t a t e the maintenance o f simple records.
( f ) To reduce the amount o f s t e n c illin g on ammunition packages.
THE BATCHING SYSTEM

345* Although the id e a l batch i s one in which each component i s o f one f i l l e d l o t , th is i s seldom
attain ab le in p ra c tic e since d iffe r e n t components are manufactured and f i l l e d in varying q u a n titie s .
P ro p ella n ts, fox' example, are blended, and manufactured in lo t s o f anything up to 100,000 l b . , fuzes
and primers are normally f i l l e d in lo t s o f 2 , 000, w h ilst p r o je c t ile s are produced in varying
q u a n tities depending on the a v a ila b ilit y o f m aterials and machining ca p a city . Assuming that 100,000
l b . o f p rop ellan t i s s u ffic ie n t to f i l l 10,000 charges, 5 l o t s o f fuzes and primers, and p o ssib ly
several lo t s o f p r o je c t ile s would be needed fo r the assembly o f 10,000 complete rounds. In such a
case the only constant i s the prop ellant and even though the lo t to l o t v a ria tio n o f oth er components
i s lim ite d by ca refu l acceptance t e s ts and in spection , complete homogeneity o f the 10,000 rounds i s
lo s t .
To o ffs e t th is disadvantage, a system o f batching and sub-batching by component lo t s has been
devised. R egu la rity in the b a l l i s t i c performance o f most natures o f ammunition i s dependent upon
one major component, the others being o f secondary o r minor importance0 Thus, fix e d Q.F. ammunition
i s in v a ria b ly batched on the major or primary component (u su ally known as the governing component),
and i s d ivid ed in to sm aller groups o r sub-batches on the next most important component (u su ally
known as the secondary component), other components being o f r e la t iv e ly le s s e r importance. R eferrin g
to the example given in para.351 and taking the prop ellan t and fuze as the governing and secondary
components re s p e c tiv e ly , the batch would contain 10,000 rounds o f one propellant l o t , d ivid ed in to
5 sub-batches each containing one fu ze l o t .
I t fo llo w s that a batch o f ammunition should contain one l o t only o f the governing component,
sub-batches being formed When more than one l o t o f the secondary components i s required to complete
the assembly o f a batch.
Other component lo t s are kept as uniform as p o ssib le during the assembly o f the complete rounds,
but f o r a l l p ra c tic a l purposes v a ria tio n in l o t numbers i s disregarded.
APPLICATION OP THE BATCHING SYSTEM

_ 3lf6. The types o f anmunition assembled under the batching system a r e :-
Ctges. Q.F. fix e d ; M.L. mortars and rockets 3.5 inch.
Within these types the governing and secondary components vary considerably and are d e ta ile d below;-
The batching and sub-batching components are: -
Batching component - propellant

Sub-batching component - fuze
347. C artridges Q.F. fix e d - plugged - Rounds assembled with one prop ellant l o t are given the same
batch number. I f fu zing i s subsequently undertaken by RAOC, sub-batching w i l l be ca rried out in
accordance with in stru ction s issued by H.Q. Ammmition O rganization, RAOC.
348. C artridges Q.F. fix e d in which fuzes and plugs are not used - Batching i s governed by the
prop ellant l o t and batches may be divided in to sub-batches, each containing one l o t only o f the
next most important component. Components used as the ba sis o f sub-batching are d e ta ile d below: -
Component Type o f Ammunition

F ille d shot Shot w ith in te g r a l tra c e r
Tracer Shot with extern al tracer
Shot Shot without tra c e r ( e . g . break-up shot)
F ille d p r o je c t ile F i l l e d p r o je c t ile without fu ze ( e . g . smoke emission)
349. Fuzed M.L. mortar bombs - are batched by f i l l e d fu ze lo t s (n ot by the prop ellan t l o t ) and
sub—batched, where necessary, by the primary c a rtrid ge lots,.
-9 7 -
IDENTIFICATIQN OF BATCHES AM) SUB-BATCHES

350* Batch numbers and p r e fix le t t e r s - Every batch i s a llo t t e d a batch number by the Inspectorate
o f Armaments at the time o f assembly. Such numbers normally run con secu tively f o r any given nature.
Each batch has a p r e fix l e t t e r which in d ica te s the nature o f p r o je c t ile and charge. P r e fix
le t t e r s in current use a r e :-
OPERATIONAL AMMUNITION
P u ll Charge Reduced Charge
B - H.E. M - H.E.
C - Smoke (screen ing)
D - Smoke (colou red)
E - P ie rcin g shot
P - Break-up shot
G - In e rt p r o je c t ile
K - P r o je c t ile , f la r e , coloured
L - P r o je c t ile illu m in ating
N - C anister
W - Shell radar echo
PRACTICE A!-2.rUNITI0N
P u ll Charge Reduced Charge
S - P ra c tic e p r o je c t ile ( f i l l e d ) U - P ra c tic e p r o je c t ile ( f i l l e d )
T - P ra c tic e p r o je c t ile (weighted) X - Shot flat-h eaded and shot p ra c tic e pointed
The le t t e r s I , 0, P and V are not used as batch p r e fix le t t e r s
351• Batch s u ffix le t t e r s - The parent batch number i s a llo t t e d a s u ff ix l e t t e r f o r each sub-batch.
Thus, i f batch B34 were d ivid e d in to three sub-batches, they would be numbered as fo llo w s : -
B34A, B34B and B3UC
B i s the batch p r e fix l e t t e r in d ica tin g a f u l l charge w ith H.E. s h e ll. 34 i s the batch number,
i . e . , the 34th batch o f B type rounds produced f o r the equipment. A, B and C are the sub-batch
le t t e r s in d ica tin g 1 s t , 2nd and 3 rd lo t s o f fu zes ( o r oth er sub-batch components) r e s p e c tiv e ly .
A l l oth er components, e . g . , tra cers, prim ers, c a rtrid g e cases e t c . i n the sub-batch are
r e s tr ic te d as fa r as p o ssib le to one l o t o f each component, but do not a ffe c t the batch number.
I and 0 are not used as batch s u ffix le t t e r s so that the number o f sub-batches o f a parent
batch cannot exceed 24* In some natures o f Q.F. fix e d airammition, e . g . , 2 p r ., the number o f
ca rtrid ges which can be f i l l e d from one p rop ella n t l o t (say 100,000 l b . ) exceeds the number which
can be included in 24 sub-batches, since the secondary component (norm ally the fu ze) i s in lo t s o f
2,000. In such cases, fu rth er batch numbers are a llo t t e d , as necessary fo r the same prop ellan t
l o t , and sub-batching i s continued as beforeo
S im ila rly , a p rop ellan t l o t may be exhausted w h ile a sub-batch i s being assembled. Under
these circumstances, the balance o f the secondary component l o t i s used in the assembly o f the
f i r s t sub-batch o f the next batch.
As there are more prop ellan t cliarges in a l o t than there are combustion time fu zes in a
l o t , i t fo llow s that the m ajority o f cartrid ges batched on the fu ze w i l l not requ ire to be
sub-batched and th e re fo re the absence o f any sub-batch l e t t e r need cause no comment.
The batching system and marking i s designed to help the gunner, the store-h older and the
c e n tra l records. The main featu res to note a r e :-
A ll propellant charges in a batch are b a l l i s t i c a l l y equal.
Cartridges should be stored according to batches where these e x is t , and a l l ready-use rounds
a t a gun should be from the same batch or sub-batch.
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352, A llo c a tio n o f new batch numbers and sub-batch le t t e r s - When, fo r any reason, o r ig in a l
components are replaced in the service by components o f another l o t , new batch numbers and le t t e r s
w i l l norm ally be a llo t t e d b y H,Q. Ammunition O rganization RAOC, as fo llo w s : -
Primary component - new batch number

Secondary component - new batch l e t t e r
NOTE When 21+ sub-batches alread y e x is t , a new secondary component may e n t a il the
a llo c a tio n o f a new batch number.
The exchange o f oth er components w ith new lo t s does not a ffe c t the batch nunber o r sub-batch
l e t t e r , though i t i s in d icated by s t e n c illin g the l e t t e r 'X ' ( i n red) a ft e r the batch number o r
sub-batch l e t t e r on packages and inner containers,
AMMUNITION AND PACKAGE MARKINGS

353* A batch la b e l in s id e the package g ives d e ta ils o f the batch and i t s components.
The batch le t t e r , number and sub-batch l e t t e r (where a p p lica b le) i s s t e n c ille d , in s ilv e r
n it r a t e , on the sid e o f the c a rtrid g e case in Q.F. fix e d aimxunition, and in white le t t e r in g on the
body o f mortar bombs. The batch le t t e r , number and sub-batch l e t t e r (where a p p lic a b le) i s
s t e n c ille d on the side and ends o f a l l packages. When batched ammunition i s packed in closed
in n er containers o r c a rrie rs which can be removed from the outer package, the inner container or
c a r r ie r w i l l norm ally be s te n c ille d with the batch number. In the case o f tinned p la te containers,
p rin tin g may be used in lie u o f s te n c illin g ,
354. Packing s e r ia l number - Every package containing B r itis h ammunition i s a ls o given a packing
s e r ia l number which i s s te n c ille d on the ends o f the package.
Whenever a fre sh batch o r sub-batch i s commenced, a new s e rie s i s taken up, numbering from
one, con secu tively. That i s to say, each batch i s contained in packages numbering from one to
whatever number i s a llo c a te d to the la s t package completing the batch.
A d e ta ile d record i s kept o f a l l sub-components forming the ca rtrid ges in the package,
consequently i f the c a rtrid ge type le t t e r , batch nunber, sub-batch l e t t e r and packing s e r ia l number
i s quoted, the Inspectorate o f Armaments can produce complete d e ta ils o f the contents o f the package.
-9 9 -
Chapter 12
Identification Colours and Markings
GENERAL
355* A system o f d is tin c t iv e basic body colours, markings and symbols, which are standardized to the
la rg e s t possib le extent, is applied to ammunition and packages fo r the fo llo w in g reasons
(a ) to f a c i l i t a t e the issue and use o f the correct nature and type and to enable the store to
be e a s ily and c le a r ly id e n t ifie d in the f i e l d .
(b ) to f a c i l i t a t e handling, transport, so rtin g and storage according to the nature o f the

explosive r is k under which c la s s ifie d .
(c ) to enable d e ta ils o f the nature and method o f f i l l i n g design, the f i l l e r and date o f f i l l i n g ,
the s p e c ific " l o t " and other manufacturing d e ta ils to be r e a d ily ascertained with the view
o f f a c ilit a t in g in v estig a tio n s in to the causes o f prematures, b lin ds or other fa ilu r e s or
d e fe cts.
(d ) to denote sp ec ia l in stru ction s, precautions or lim ita tio n s in the handling, segregation,
storage and use.
(e ) to provide p ro tec tio n against damage, ru st, corrosion, e tc .
FORMS AND APPLICATION

356. These id e n tific a tio n p a rtic u la rs may be applied as fo llow s
(a ) Stamping, embossing, engraving, etc - These normally r e la te to e.npty components and the
manufacture o f the u n fille d s to re , but in the case o f fu zes, tra c e rs , tubes, e t c . , they
also include the f i l l e d d e ta ils .
(b ) D is tin c tiv e o v e r a ll or basic body colours - Eesides p rovidin g a p ro te c tiv e co atin g, are
also adopted to in d ica te the type o f p r o je c t ile , such as, high ex p losive, smoke, chemical.,
shot, e tc .
(c ) S te n c illin g - The d e ta ils s te n c ille d on ammunition and packages r e la te to the typ e, the
nature o f the f i l l i n g , the p a rtic u la r method o f f i l l i n g design, the f i l l e d se ries " l o t "
or "batch ", the f i l l e r and date o f f i l l i n g , e tc .
(d ) Symbols - These are eiiployed fo r sp ec ia l id e n t ific a tio n purposes. They are u su ally o f
special shapes and applied in contrasting colours to the remaining d e ta ils s t e n c ille d on
the store.
Markings are inportant in that they provide a conplete h is to ry and means o f id e n t ific a tio n .
In handling and transportation care must be taken to avoid damaging or o b lite r a tin g the markings.
The fo llo w in g sections show d e ta ils o f the colours and s t e n c illin g p a rticu la rs and symbols
to be found on current ammunition and packages, together with t h e ir s ig n ific a n c e .
—100 -
Chapter 12
Section 2. Cartridges
luETHODS OF COLOUR IDENTIFICATION AND I.*AKKIHGS

357. C artridges w i l l normally be id e n t ifie d by one or more o f the fo llo w in g means:-
Colour markings.
Coloured o r dyed fa b r ic s .
S te n c illin g ,
Stamping,
Labels,
358* Colour markings - Basic body colours in v o lvin g the use o f paint are not used f o r id e n t ific a tio n ,
as paint on c a rtrid g e bag fa b ric s or on ca rtrid ge cases might introduce undesirable e f f e c t s . An
exception o f th is r u le , however, may occur in certa in id e n t ific a tio n markings on the base o f
c a rtrid g e cases f o r new equipments which r e la te to matching p r o je c t ile s .
In Land S e rv ic e , the fo llo w in g id e n t ific a tio n colou r markings are u sed:-
Charges B,L, 3 .3 inch gun

A black band, 1 inch wide and 7 inches from one end o f a B .L. 5 ,5 inch gun c a rtrid g e denotes
a super charge fo r use w ith 80 lb , s h e ll on ly.
Charges Q,F, 25 p r.
The normal charge con sists o f three p o rtio n s , each contained in a coloured cambric b a g:-
1st p o rtio n (red bag ) - 1st charge )

2nd p o rtion (w hite bag) ) 2nd charge )
3rd p o rtion (b lu e bag ) ) 3rd charge
The interm ediate charge increment ( f o r use w ith charge 1 and 2 on ly) i s contained in a white
c y lin d r ic a l cambric bag, and i s id e n t ifie d by being marked a x ia lly with red s trip e s 5/8 inch
wide at 5/8 inch in te r v a ls ,
359. D r i l l ca rtrid ges - Where d r i l l ammunition i s made from the m aterial used f o r the operational
version , i t i s painted or otherwise coloured black a l l o ver. Exceptions to th is ru le a r e :-
Brass cases are not painted o r otherwise coloured black; in stead , the Y/ord DRILL i s stamped
on the base o f the case.
D r i l l ca rtrid g e s made up in the same colour and c lo th m aterial as the equ ivalent S ervice
s to re , have the words DRILL s t e n c ille d in black in a prominent p o s itio n .
When made frcm m aterial other than that used f o r the equivalent operational s to r e , e . g . , wood,
rubber, aluminium, e t c . , i t i s l e f t in i t s natural s ta te , the Y/ord DRILL being stamped or
engraved on the base,
360, Dummy ca rtrid g e s - These have no id e n t ific a t io n basic colour markings and are l e f t in the
natural colour o f the m aterial from which they are made. The word DUMMY1 i s stamped or engraved on
the base,
361 • Coloured o r dyed fa b ric s - Eyed fa b ric s are used f o r making up ig n it e r bags and in the case
o f Land S ervice they a id id e n t ific a tio n o f the charges f o r ce rta in Q.P. separate loading c a rtrid g e s ,
362, S te n c illin g - S te n c illin g i s the only method o f in d ica tin g p a rtic u la rs r e la tin g to the f i l l i n g
on assembled c a r tr id g e s . P a rtic u la rs re la tin g to the f i l l i n g are s te n c ille d in s i l v e r n it r a t e . In
excep tion al circumstances, where delay en ta iled by the use o f s i l v e r n it r a t e cannot be accepted,
s p ec ia l paint may be used. The use o f such paint f o r marking i s r e s tr ic te d to the minimum.
-1 0 1 -
IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS FOR 25 PR CARTRIDGES F IG .4 1
M A R K IN G S O N C A R T R ID G E CASES
KEY T O S T E N C IL L E D M AR K IN GS
NQ R 014x048 ! Propellant Identification letters,
NQ 050 [ Shape letters and Size figures
j. Propellant Lot Numbers
Mark of Filled cartridge (on side and base)

Recognized Mark (or initials) of Filler
....... Date of Assembly (month and year)
M AR K IN GS O N
S E C T IO N E D C H A R G E S FOR CO M P O SITE C A R T R ID G E S IN TER M ED IA TE C H A R G E SUPER CHARGE
IN C R EM EN T IN CREM EN T
Red bag White bag Blue bag 3 2 >
MK I 4oz
p i l l 25 PR NQ/R 014x048
LOT 107
■ f i ll | MK %' INTERMEDIATE CY
7/54
INCREMENT
ip p s ll ! 25 PR ; 25 PR 1
USE
| ) z 2 d| :8 oz 8 d r ONLY
KEY T Q S T E N C ILLED M ARKIN GS
WITH CHARGES
I &2 O N S E C T IO N E D O R IN C R E M E N TA L
HOW 0l4xjg8 |NQ 050 ‘ | nq 05p|| CHARGES
MK I .............. Mark of Filled cartridge
1 $ 101;] ILOT 1021 |L0T I02:|
25 PR................. Calibre
4 0 Z or 4JiOZ )
7 O Z 2 DR
Nominal Weight of charge
1L 8 0 Z 8 DR
I 4 0 Z I0DR
ON REVERSE SIDE OF EACH BAG NQ 8 014*048 1 Propellant Identification l q j 101
Recognized Mark (or initials) of Filler NQ 050 letters Shape letters LOT 102 Propellant Lot Numbers
Date of Filling (month and year)____ WM 061 and Size figures LOT 107
-1 0 2 -
(a ) S t e n c illin g on Q.F. ca rtrid ges (separate loading) (F ig . 41) - Cases are s t e n c ille d as
fo llo w s : -
Mark o f the f i l l e d c a rtrid ge .
In new designs o f Land Service ca rtrid g e s the model number w i l l be s t e n c ille d a ft e r or

below the abbreviated le t t e r s in d ica tin g the type o f the ca rtrid ge and w i l l replace
the mark o f the assembled ca rtrid ge p reviou sly used to id e n t ify the design e .g .
FRAC L2A9-
P rop ella n t id e n t ific a tio n le t t e r s , shape le t t e r s and s iz e fig u re s .

P rop ella n t l o t number o r numbers. This may be p r e fix e d by the l e t t e r HCn f o r a
composite l o t in Naval Service or s u ffix e d by the l e t t e r "R" fo r a re-worked lo t in
both Naval and Land S e rv ice .
Recognized mark or i n i t i a l s o f the f i l l e r .
Date o f f i l l i n g (month and year ) 0
Bags containing sectioned o r incremental charges are marked as fo llo w s :- (F ig . 41)
Mark o f f i l l e d ca rtrid g e .
C a lib re•
Nominal charge w eight.
P rop ella n t id e n t ific a tio n le t t e r s , shape l e t t e r and s iz e fig u res.
L ot number o f p rop ella n t.
Recognized mark o r i n i t i a l s o f the f i l l e r .
Date o f f i l l i n g (month and y e a r).
The type l e t t e r a r le t t e r s o f the bag and the recognized i n i t i a l s o f the con tractor making
the enpty bag are p rin ted as clo se as p ossib le t o the mouth o f the bag, so that they are
hidden by the choke o r seam when the bag i s closed a ft e r f i l l i n g *
(b ) D eta ils o f the type o f charge may be s t e n c ille d on the base o f the ca rtrid ge case. On
cases where the base does not provide s u ffic ie n t room f o r s t e n c illin g , the side o f the
case i s u t iliz e d f o r a l l or p a rt o f the s t e n c illin g .
S te n c illin g on Q.F. fix e d and separate loading ca rtrid g e s t o in d icate charges designed fo r
s p ec ia l purposes (F ig * 427
SUPER in d ica tin g super charge.

SV n super v e lo c it y charge.
HV *t high v e lo c it y charge.
RED n reduced charge (Land S e rv ic e ).
PRAC. RED it
p ra c tic e reduced charge.
CLEARING ti c le a rin g charge.
BLANK if blank charge.
PAPER it charge f o r paper shot.
BREAK-UP ii charge f o r break- 15) shot.
(c ) B.L. ca rtrid g e s (F ig . 43) - The charges o f B. L» ca rtrid ges are contained in undyed fa b r ic
bags on which s t e n c illin g and p rin tin g are the usual means o f id e n t ific a tio n . Fabrics
which have been tre a te d w ith D.A.N. (d in itro-a lp h a -n a p th ol) may assume a yello w colour.
The fo llo w in g are the normal markings which are s t e n c ille d in p rin ter* s black ink.
Red ink may be used to in d icate s p e c ia l markings: -
Mark o f the f i l l e d ca rtrid ge and d e ta ils o f i g n it e r where a p p licab le.

C alib re and ( i f p o s s ib le ) the mark o f gun w ith which the c a rtrid ge i s t o be used.
P rop ella n t id e n t ific a tio n l e t t e r s , shape l e t t e r and s iz e fig u re s .
Lot number o f propellant,, This may be s u ffix e d by the l e t t e r "R" f o r a re-worked l o t .
Recognized mark or i n i t i a l s o f the f i l l e r . A fr a c tio n (in clu d in g the fr a c tio n o f the
f u l l ch arge), i . e . 1/ 2.
Number o f charge, e .g . "Charge ONE".
Date o f f i l l i n g (month and y e a r ).
Where a c e rta in charge consists o f a low er charge plus an increment, the "CHAR®)" i s printed
as in the preceding sub-para. The number o f the charge, e .g . "TWO" i s p rin ted on the
increment in such a p o s itio n th at when the two are laced to g eth er, the word "CHARGE" i s in
alignment w ith the charge number.
- 105
-
EXAMPLES OF IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS ON B.L. CARTRIDGES FIG.43
CARTRIDGE, B .L 4-5in 21b. !5oz. Cordite W.M. 061 to M. of F. Design D2(L)463/GF/2
~ 3 | g End view showing markings

on closing disc
|M -£ § &
v .v .v .. S - V V . ;
K E Y T O S T E N C IL L E D M A R K IN G S
MK 2 Mark of filled Cartridge Marked on REVERSE side of bag (as example below)
4-5 BL GUN Calibre and (if applicable) the Mark of gun with which cartridge LOT 101 Propellant Lot Number
2LB I5 0 Z Nominal Weight of Charge is to be used CY Recognized Mark (or initials) of Filler
WM 061 Propellant Identification letters and Size figures 5/55 Date of Filling (month and year)
CARTRIDGE, B.L 5 - 5 in. 41b. I2 oz . Cordite N.Q. 050 to M. of F. Design D D (L) 16776
End view showing markings End view showing markings

on initiating igniter on closing disc
K EY T O
S T E N C IL LE D M ARKIN GS
MK I Mark of filled Cartridge
5-5 Calibre and (if applicable) the Mark of gun
with which cartridge is to be used
2LB I5 0 Z Nominal Weight of Charge of this portion
I LB I3 0 Z LOT 101 Propellant Lot Number
NQ 050 Propellant Identification letters and Size figures CY Recognized Mark (or initials) of Filler
I OZ Nominal Weight of Charge of initiating igniter 5/55 Date of Filling (month and year)
CARTRIDGE, B.L 5-5in. I2lb. 9oz. Cordite N/S 164-048 to M. of F. Design DD(L) 16407
End view showing markings
on initiating igniter
K EY T O S T E N C IL L E D M A R K IN G S
MK I Mark of filled Cartridge
5-5 BL GUN Calibre and (if applicable) the Mark of gun with which cartridge Marked on REVERSE side of bag (as example above)
I2LB 9 0 Z Nominal Weight of Charge is to be used LOT 101 Propellant Lot Number
N/S 164 -048 Propellant Identification letters. Shape letters and Size figures CY Recognized Mark (or initials) of Filler
2 OZ Nominal Weight of Charge of initiating igniter 5/55 Date of Filling (month and year)
—104—
Other markings on c a rtrid ge bags.

The word SUPER in d ica tin g super charge.
The number o f the low er charge i s p rin ted across the bottom o f the bag, opposite to the end,
on which the in it ia t in g ig n it e r i s a ffix e d .
The words NOT TO BE FIRED SEPARATELY are p rin ted on the bottom o f the charge increment when
these can only be fir e d in conjunction with the low er charge.
The type l e t t e r or le t t e r s o f the bag and recognized mark o r i n i t i a l s o f con tractor making
the empty bag are p rin ted as close as possib le t o the mouth o f the bag, so that they are
hidden by the seam when the bag i s closed a ft e r f i l l i n g .
(d ) Ig n ite r s (F ig . 43) - The outer worsted c lo th disc o f a l l ig n it e r s i s dyed red. V/hen the
ig n it e r i s not manufactured as an in te g r a l p a rt o f the ca rtrid ge bag the fo llo w in g d e ta ils
are s te n c ille d o r p rin ted in p r in t e r 's black in k :-
Type l e t t e r or number and/or weight in ounces o f gunpowder.

Recognized mark o r i n i t i a l s o f f i l l e r .
When the type l e t t e r i s not used, e .g . in the case o f ig n ite r s made in te g r a l w ith the
c a rtrid ge bag, i t i s replaced by the d e t a ils o f the c a lib r e o f the weapon and the weight
o f the charge.
( e ) B.L. d r i l l ca rtrid g e s - B.L. d r i l l ca rtrid ges are f i l l e d in e rt and are normally made up,
as regards m a teria l, shape and id e n t ific a t io n markings to resemble e x te rn a lly the p a rtic u la r
Service c a rtrid ge they represent.
In ad d ition t o the d e ta ils as s te n c ille d on the Service equ ivalent being reproduced, the
word ''DRILL" i s s te n c ille d in bold type on each p o rtio n o r increment o f the charge and on
the ig n it e r .
( f ) Q.F. d r i l l and dummy ca rtrid g e s - The word(s) " d r i l l " or "dummy", togeth er with the type
o f round (as a p p lica b le) i s s te n c ille d on the side o f the case in white le t t e r in g where
the store is coloured black or made from m aterial l e f t in i t s natural colour o r in s ilv e r
n itr a te in the case o f ca rtrid ges made up w ith brass cases.
( g ) Q.F. blank, and paper shot ca rtrid g e s - The word BLANK i s s t e n c ille d ( i f not already
stamped) on the base and on the side o f the c a rtrid g e case in s ilv e r n itr a te in la rge
typ e. Paper shot ca rtrid ge s have the word "PAPER" s t e n c ille d on the base and the words
PAPER SHOT s te n c ille d on the side o f the ca rtrid ge case. In a d d ition , the fo llow in g
i s s t e n c ille d in the p o s itio n shown:-
Base and side o f case

Mark o r model number o f complete assembled c a r t r id g e .
Side o f case
P rop ellan t id e n t ific a t io n code, s iz e and lo t number.
Recognized mark or i n i t i a l s o f f i l l e r and date o f f i l l i n g (Month and y e a r ).
(h ) Charges fo r Q.F. and B. L. blank ca rtrid ges - Blank charges may be o f two types, i . e .
charges con sistin g o f gunpowder o r o f c o rd ite . The gunpowder charges are normally
contained in a s ilk - c lo t h bag which has the fo llo w in g p a rtic u la rs s t e n c ille d or
painted in black le t t e r in g around the circumference.
Mark o f charge.
"BLANK".
Nature o f equipment(s) fo r which approved.
Weight and nature o f gunpowder.
Recognized mark o r i n i t i a l s o f f i l l e r .
Date o f f i l l i n g (month and y ea r).
Lot number o f gunpowder.
—105—
363 . Stampings - Stampings are used fo r recording p a rtic u la rs o f the errpty case on the base o f metal
cases o f Q.F. ca rtrid g e s, on c a rtrid ge c lip s and on metal components o f ca rtrid g e s.
They are also used on the bases o f ca rtrid ge cases to denote the number o f times they have been
f i l l e d , fir e d or re-formed.
P a rticu la rs o f the empty case noim ally con sist o f the fo llo w in g
C alibre and mark o f gun or c a lib r e .

The mark o f gun i s only included when the ca rtrid ge i s p e cu lia r to a p a rtic u la r mark o f gun.
Mark or part numcer o f empty case.
Lot number o f enpty case.
The word "BLANK" when cases are s p e c ific a lly sentenced or manufactured fo r f i r i n g blank
only.
The work "CLEARING" when cases are s p e c ific a lly sentenced or manufactured fo r f i r i n g
cle a rin g charges only.
Year o f manufacture.
C ontractor's recognized mark or i n i t i a l s .
Examiner's work marko
Acceptance mark.
Repaired cases are stamped w ith the monogram o f the re p a ire r w ith in a recta n gle.
In Land S ervice, when a case is f i l l e d f o r the f i r s t time with a charge other than blank,
the l e t t e r "F" or "R" in d ica tin g f u l l or reduced charge as applicable i3 stamped on the
base.
Each subsequent r e f i l l i n g i s indicated by an addition al "F " or "R" with the monogram o f the
fa c to ry in which the case was re-foiroed stamped above i t .
In the event o f the f i l l i n g being removed instead o f being fir e d , the "F" or "R"
corresponding to the f i l l i n g i s barred out.
364 . Q.F, d r i l l or dummy ca rtrid ges - The c a lib r e , type and mark together with the word(s) DRILL or
DUMMY (as applicab le) end the i n i t i a l s or recognized monogram o f the manufacturer and year o f
manufacture are stamped o r engraved on the base o f the ca rtrid ge case.
ADDITIONAL MEANS OF IDENTIFICATION

365 . The fo llo w in g w i l l be id e n t ifie d as shown
(a ) A l l Q.F. blank ca rtrid ge s have a red worsted c lo th disc f i t t e d in the mouth o f the ca rtrid ge
case. I t i s shellacked to the ou ter surface o f the re ta in in g cup, i f such i s position ed
in the mouth o f the case, or where the cup i s p osition ed w e ll down in sid e the case, the red
disc i s a ffix e d to the in side edge o f the mouth o f the case.
(b ) Q.F. cle a rin g ca rtrid ges have a blue worsted c lo th disc shellacked to the outer surface o f
the re ta in in g cup p osition ed in the mouth o f the c a rtrid ge case.
(c ) Q.F. paper shot ca rtrid g e s ( f o r p ro o f o f mountings) have a green paper d is c shellacked to

the outer surface o f the re ta in in g cup position ed in the mouth o f the ca rtrid ge case, or
a lte r n a tiv e ly the outer surface o f the reta in in g cup may be painted lig h t green.
In a l l cases the word BLANK, CIEARING or PAPER (as a p p licab le) i s c le a r ly marked on the d is c .
MORTAR CARTRIDGES
366. Mortar cartrid ges are id e n t ifie d by stamping, s t e n c illin g or p rin tin g .
(a ) Primary cartrid ges

P rin tin g on the side o f the ca se:-
C alibre and nature o f mortar.

Mark o f c a rtrid g e .
Prop ellant id e n t ific a tio n le t t e r s , shape l e t t e r and s iz e fig u r e .
P rin tin g on the c lo s in g d is c :-
Lot number.
—106 —
(b ) Augmenting ca rtrid ges - These are u sually contained in c e llu lo id cases on which i t i s not
possib le to s te n c il o r stanp, th erefo re la b e ls are used awl in serted in the transparent case.
They are o f white paper, 1.1/8 inches by 3/4 inch w ith the fo llo w in g p a rtic u la rs p rin ted in
b la c k :-
Mark o f f i l l e d c a rtrid ge .
P rop ellan t id e n t ific a tio n le t t e r s , shape l e t t e r and s iz e fig u res.
Id e n tific a tio n l e t t e r and number o f the la b e l.
Lot number o f p rop ella n t.
Nominal charge weight.
Chapter 12
Section 3 . Projectiles, Fuzes and Tracers
I t should be noted th at the markings described in the fo llo w in g paragraphs, vary in certa in
cases considerably from past p r a c tic e , and n a tu rally stores o f past and present manufacture w i l l at
times e x is t togeth er w ith d iffe r e n t markings. Examples o f p r o je c t ile s marked according t o the o ld er
methods o f id e n t ific a t io n w i l l be found illu s t r a te d in Regulations f o r the R.A.0.S, Volume 4
Pamphlet No. 1 P a rt 3.
PROJECTILES
367. Markings on p r o je c t ile s may be d ivided in to two main c la s s e s :-
Stairpings
D is tin c tiv e ba sic body co lou rs, s t e n c illin g , coloured rin g s, bands and s trip e s and symbols
applied by pa in t.
368. Standing g e n e ra lly in d ica tes fa c ts concerning the ecpty p r o je c t ile s and i t s in spection . The
type o f s h e ll, or f i l l i n g , i s sometimes shown by stairping so that in the event o f the paintings
becoming o b lite ra te d the p r o je c t ile can be id e n t ifie d .
The p o s itio n o f stampings i s as fo llo w s :-
On p r o je c t ile s used fo r separate loading ammunition on the base.

On p r o je c t ile s used fo r fix e d ammunition on the body above the d riv in g band.
The fo llo w in g stairpings v » ill be found: -
C alibre and mark or part number o f empty p r o je c t ile .

Manufacturer* s i n i t i a l s (o r recognized mark) and date o f manufacture.
Lot number o f enpty p ro je c tile ,.
P r o je c t ile m aterial i . e . ,
cs in d ica tin g Cast s te e l

PS II Forged s t e e l
BS II Bored from b i l l e t o f s t e e l
Cl n Cast iro n
ss 11 Serai-steel
SMK 11 Smoke s h e ll
P SPL w S p ecial p ra c tic e p r o je c t ile
-10 7 -
369. Method o f colour id e n t ific a t io n and markings - The b a sic body colours in d ic a te the type o f the
p r o je c t ile , as fo llo w s
Colour o f
In Land Service - P u ll T i t l e A bbreviation
Body S te n c illin g
B u ff, middle Black S h e ll:- High exp losive HE

High ex p losive anti-tank (shaped charge) HEAT
High exp losive squash head HESH
Green, Black S h e ll, smoke:- screening and coloured SMK

Brunswick,
L igh t
L ig h t grey See para. 372 S h e ll:- Chemical (H£2£
Red oxide Black S h e ll:- Incendiary INCDY
White Black S h e ll:- Star

Illu m in atin g
F lare FLAR
Black Red, sig n a l S h o t:- P ra ctice shot
Black White P ra c tic e s h e l l : - D r i l l

Paper shot
Radar echo s h e ll
Mi scellaneous
NOTES:- 1, Combinations o f the above b a sic colours are employed on stores o f composite nature, e .g .
p ra c tic e amnunition w ith H .E ., smoke o r chemical f i l l i n g .
2. Basic body colours f o r mortar bombs - With the exception o f mortar bombs f i l l e d H .E ., the
same colou r id e n t ific a t io n as approved f o r distin gu ish in g the various types o f p r o je c t ile s
i s used. In the case o f H.E. f i l l e d bombs the body i s phosphated and afterwards stove
varnished, the res u lta n t fin is h having no colour id e n t ific a t io n sig n ific a n c e .
On stream line bombs the head and on c y lin d r ic a l shaped bombs the head and space between
the guide bands only i s painted; the remainder o f the bomb body and t a i l u n it being l e f t
phosphated and stove varnished on ly i . e . , without any id e n t ific a tio n colour being applied
over i t .
370, Coloured rin g3 . bands and s trip e s - These are placed over the basio body co lou r to in d ica te
(a ) That the p r o je c t ile contains an a c tiv e agent.
(b ) The type o f charging o f chemical s h e ll.
(c ) Special featu res.
371, Ring in d ic a tin g store contains an a c tiv e agent - This i s red u sually 1/2 inch in width and i s
painted on the og ive o f the p r o je c t ile (F ig . 44 ex. A ). I t denotes that the sto_‘ c contains an a c tiv e
agent, (e x p lo s iv e , chemical o r otherw ise) and i s normally c la s s ifie d fo r storage, t r a n s it and
handling in a Government E xplosive Group. This marking i s also used on shot f i t t e d with tra cers
and p ra ctice s h e ll f i l l e d with fla s h p e lle t s .
A p la in r in g in d ica tes s u it a b ilit y f o r issu e and storage under a l l c lim a tic oon ditions.
A cross-bar-cross red r in g denotes a lim ite d l i f e in hot o r co ld clim ates. I t is a
oautionary warning denoting th at the store should be frequ en tly inspected and/or tested to confirm
i t s continued s e r v ic e a b ility (P i g . 4k ex. B).
In addition to th is symbol, when the store i s r e s tr ic te d in tra n s it and storage to below o r
above a s p e c ifie d defined temperature, the c r i t i c a l temperature fig u r e s enclosed i n a rectangle
preceded by the le t t e r s TSL (den otin g " tr a n s it and storage temperature lim ita tio n ") and the words
"NOT ABOVE" o r "NOT BELOW" (a s a p p lica b le) w i l l be s te n c ille d i n red on the body o f the s to re.
(P ig . 44 ex. B ).
e .g . TSL NOT ABOVE 1120F] (a ctu a l temperature fig u r e as a p p licab le)

or
TSL NOT BELOW
A hatched r in g denotes r e s tr ic t io n s o f issue and storage to temperate clim ates only (F ig . 4k ex.C)
-1 0 8 -
372. R in g(s ) in d ic a tin g type o f charging o f chemical s h e ll - The basic body id e n t ific a t io n colour i s
grey and the type o f charging i s c la s s ifie d by i t s t a c t ic a l u se:-
Green r in g (s ) and green s t e n c illin g in d ica te a casu alty producing agent. Red r in g (s ) and
red s t e n c illin g in d ica te a harassing agento
One coloured r in g in d ica tes a non-persistent and two rings a p e rs is te n t agent.
"UV" s t e n c ille d on c e rta in o ld e r chemical p r o je c t ile s in d ica tes th at the c a v ity i s unvarnished.
Standard width o f r i n g ( s ) : -
4 inch c a lib re and above - 1 inch wide w ith 1 inch between rings i f two are used,
below 4 inch c a lib r e 1/2 inch wide w ith 1/2 inch between rin g s i f two are used.
Standard p o s itio n o f r in g (s ): -
The f i r s t r in g begins approximately 1/3 o f the distance down from the shoulder o f the p r o je c t ile .
373. Rings, bands and s tr ip e s in d ic a tin g sp ec ia l featu res - The standard width f o r coloured rin gs
is :-
P r o je c t ile s 6 inch c a lib re and above . . . 2 inches

P r o je c t ile s below 6 inch t o 3 inch c a lib re 1 inch
P r o je c t ile s below 3 inch t o 2 inch c a lib re 1/2 inch
P r o je c t ile s below 2 inch t o 1 inch c a lib re 1/4 inch
Ligh t brown rin g - ( P i g . 44 ex D) placed above and adjacent t o the red f i l l i n g rin g in d ica tes
a cast iro n o r sem i-steel p r o je c t ile . This includes cast iro n p ra c tic e and shot p ra c tic e f l a t head.
The width o f the rin g w i l l be the sane as th at f o r the red f i l l i n g rin g .
Black band (F ig . 44 ex E) - extending from the rea r o f the d r iv in g band, half-w ay t o the base,
in d ica tes a p r o je c t ile o f d iffe r e n t nominal weight from normal, fir e d from the same gun but requ irin g
a d iffe r e n t charge i . e . 5.5 inch (80 lb . p r o j e c t i l e ) .
White r in g (s ) (P ig . 44 ex E ) - A 1/2 inch wide white r in g placed in fron t o f and adjacent to
the d riv in g band in d ica tes th at the p r o je c t ile i s f i t t e d w ith a d riv in g band o f abnormal design or
m aterial.
Y ellow r in g - a broken yello w r in g , h a lf standard w idth, painted below the y e llo w band
(denoting a p ra c tic e p r o je c t ile ) w ith h a lf standard width o f the ba sic body colou r between the two
rin g s , in d ica tes a break-up p r o je c t ile .
Y ellow band (P ig . 44 ex D) 1 inch in w idth f o r p r o je c t ile s below 3 inches c a lib re and 2 inches
in width fo r p r o je c t ile s above 3 inches c a lib r e , painted ju st below the shoulder in d ica tes a
p ra c tic e p r o je c t ile and c e rta in in e rt p r o je c t ile s .
374. Coloured d iscs and c ir c le s
(a ) Green d is c and green c ir c le s - The in clu sion o f a red phosphorus smoke box in H.E. and
chemical B.E. s h e ll was, in the p a s t, in d icated by two green d is cs , approximately 1 inch
diameter, d ia m e tric a lly opposed, painted on the ogive o f the s h e ll (see ( i ) below ). The
in clu sion o f a TNT/AL smoke producing p e l l e t in H.E. s h e ll i s in d icated by two green broken
c ir c le s approxim ately 1 inch in te rn a l diam eter w ith 1/2 inch l e t t e r T in the centre also
in green, s t e n c ille d d ia m e tric a lly opposed, on the ogive o f the s h e ll. (P ig . 44 ex.F)
(i) The in c lu s io n o f a red phosphorus smoke box in H .E., and chemical B.E. s h e ll was
in d ica ted by two green d iscs d ia m e tric a lly opposed, painted on the o g ive o f the
s h e ll. On H.E. s h e ll an "A" s t e n c ille d in black on the d iscs denoted an aluminium
box, nB" a b a k e lite box w h ils t the absence o f a l e t t e r on th e disc in d ica ted a s te e l
box. These le t t e r s , however, were not used on chemical B.E. s h e ll because only a
b a k e lite type o f box was used. Approval has now been accorded f o r red phosphorus
smoke boxes to be removed from a l l stocks o f both natures o f s h e ll.
( i i ) A number o f H.E. s h e ll f i t t e d w ith a TNT/AL smoke producing p e lle t w i l l be fouikL in

the S ervice w ith two green d iscs w ith a "T " in black super-imposed, s te n o ille d
dia me t r i c a l l y opposed, on the o g ive . This marking has now been superseded by
green broken c ir c le s w ith the l e t t e r MT n in the centre a lso in green.
(b ) Aluminium d iscs (P ig . 44 ox D) - The in clu sion o f a fla s h producing p e lle t i s in d icated

b y two aluminium coloured d is cs approximately 1 inch diam eter, d ia m e tric a lly opposed,
painted on the ogive o f the p r o je c t ile .
-109-
FIG 44
COLOURED RINGS, BANDS AND STRIPES, ETC., ON PROJECTILES
CONTAINS ACTIVE AGENT CONTAINS ACTIVE AGENT

Suitable ALL climatic conditions Suitable for
TEMPERATE climates ONLY
RED filling RED filling ring

ring (plain) (hatched)
CONTAINS ACTIVE AGENT □

PRACTICE projectile
LIMITED LIFE in hot or cold
climates with TRANSIT and STORAGE
temperature LIMITATION
LIGHT BROWN
RED filling ring ring
(cross-bar-cross) RED filling ring
ALUMINIUM
coloured discs
¥
YELLOW band
RED stencilling HE. S H.E SUBSTITUTE
composition
marking
TRACER symbol
□
UNIVERSAL CAVITY design
ABNORMAL for
driving band and and
nominal weight W EIGHT MARKING
Two BLACK
SMOKE PELLET fitted

strips
W EIGHT □
DRILL projectile
marking
Body painted
BLACK
GREEN symbol in
GREEN
broken circle
WHITE ring
WHITE
BLACK band stencilling
—110—
375• Coloured stars - A sta r o f the appropriate colour (a s a p p lica b le) denotes the presence o f a sta r
fillin g . Two sta rs o f the appropriate colour (a s a p p lic a b le) positioned one above the other denotes
a change colour s ta r u n it, the colour o f the top s ta r in d ica tin g the colour o f the s ta r which appears
f i r s t on e je c tio n . A number in the same colour and positioned to the r ig h t and adjacent to the sta r
denotes the number o f stars presen t. The l e t t e r "M" or "MULTI" immediately below the s ta r denotes
the presence o f more than two s ta r u nits when the exact number i s unimportant. The numeral or
l e t t e r ( s ) (a s a p p lic a b le) are s t e n c ille d in not le s s than 1/2 inch bold type.
The l e t t e r "S" in the same colou r and positioned immediately below the s ta r denotes a signal
success.
The l e t t e r "P" in the 3sme colou r and p osition ed inm ediately below the s ta r denotes the s ta r i s
suspended frcm a parachute. The mark o f the parachute (where a p p lic a b le) i s added a ft e r the l e t t e r
e . g . "P 6 ".
The le t t e r s "S " and "P" (a s a p p lica b le) are s te n c ille d in not le s s than 1 inch bold type.
The abbreviated code id e n tify in g the p a rtic u la r s ta r composition i 3 s te n c ille d in black on the
body o f the s h e ll.
NOTE:- An exception t o the above occurs in the case o f s h ell which e je c t an illu m in a tin g or sign a l
(W hite) s t a r , where because the basic body colour o f the s h e ll i s w h ite, the s ta r symbol i s
s te n c ille d in b la ck . The l e t t e r "P" follow ed by a code number in d ica tin g that the s ta r i s
suspended from a parachute, w i l l i f a p p lic a b le, be s t e n c ille d inm ediately below the s ta r.
(P ig .4 7 ).
376. S h ell w ith u n iversal c a v ity - Land S ervice s h e ll w ith an exploder c a v ity su ita b le fo r proxim ity
(V .T .) fuzes are distin gu ish ed by two 1.1/2 inch v e r t ic a l black s trip e s d ia m e tric a lly opposed, painted
on the nose. They are painted over the rings (F ig .4 4 G ). To avoid overpainting the r in g (s ) may be
p osition ed approx. 1.1/2 inches below the l i p o f the s h e ll so that the strip e s term inate ju st above
them.
377. H.E. s h ell su ita b le f o r fu zing without a d d ition a l explodering - C ertain Field. Branch A r t i l l e r y
s h e ll f i l l e d H.E. w ith 2 inch fu ze-h o le , are issued w ith the top exploder in p o s itio n . When such
s h e ll are issued plugged, the head o f the plug, i s painted lig h t b lu e . (F ig . 4 5 ).
STEyiLLING (F ig s .45 to 49)

378. C alib re and mark o f ordnance - The c a lib r e , id e n t ific a tio n l e t t e r s and marie o f the ordnance i s
s t e n c ille d above the type and mark o f the p r o j e c t i l e . The id e n tify in g le t t e r s approved are "H" fo r
h ow itzer and "G" f o r gun e . g . : -
5.5 IN G 7.2 IN.H 3.7 G MK.6
The mark o f the ordnance i s emitted where the p r o je c t ile s are su ita b le fo r fi r i n g in s ill marks
o f the same nature o f ordnance.
In fu tu re, when new equipments are introduced, the model number fo llo w e d by the l e t t e r A and a
s e r ia l number w i ll rep la c e the "mark" p re vio u sly used to id e n t ify the p a r tic u la r equipment i . e . , L2A1 •
379. Type and mark o f p r o je c t ile - The type and mark o f the p r o je c t ile i s s te n c ille d below the
c a lib r e , id e n t ific a tio n and marie o f the ordnance, e . g . : -
HE MK.1 BE SMK MK.1

AP MK.1 COL SMK BE MK.2
RED ( o r colour as ap p licab le)
In fu tu re, when new designs o f p r o je c t ile s are introduced, the model number fo llow ed by the
l e t t e r A and a s e r ia l number w i l l be s te n c ille d a f t e r the abbreviated le t t e r s in d ic a tin g the type o f
the p r o je c t ile and w i l l replace the marie p reviou sly used to id e n t ify the design e . g . : -
SMK L2A1
CANSTR L6A1
For new designs o f rounds o f fix e d Q.F. ammunition, the model number follow ed by the l e t t e r A
and a s e r ia l number w i l l be em itted from the p a rtic u la rs on the p r o je c t ile and w i l l be replaced by the
part number a llo ca ted t o the f i l l e d p r o je c t i l e . In such instances the model number e . g . "L13A1" o f
the complete assembled round w i l l be s te n c ille d to g eth er with the type on the base o f the ca rtrid ge
case o r in such oth er p o sitio n as may be approved e . g . : -
AP CANSTR HE
L12A1 L9A1 L4A1
380. Type o f f i l l i n g - The exact type o f f i l l i n g H .E ., Smoke, e t c . , i s in d ica ted by abbreviations

o r code l e t t e r s and numbers. A comprehensive l i s t o f codes f o r H.E. f i l l i n g s i s g iven in Appendix D
w hile the l i s t o f codes o f smoke, illu m in a tin g , e t c . , corrpositions i s given in Table 2 S ection 2
Part 1 o f the Joint S ervices Ammunition and Ammunition Package Markings Handbook.
_111_
Example 3 : -
A mixture i s in d icated by an oblique stroke e .g . , RDX/TNT 1 in d ica tin g a mixture o f
RDX and TNT o f c e r ta in grades and in c e rta in proportions.
A conposite f i l l i n g as opposed t o a mixture i s in d ica ted by a plus sign e . g . , 808 +
PEN 3.
PA are the code le t t e r s in d ica tin g a IN 443 smoke composition f i l l i n g .
The abbreviations, code le t t e r s and numbers are s t e n c ille d tw ice, d ia m e tric a lly opposed, on
p r o je c t ile s 6 inch c a lib re and above, and once on others.
381. Method o f f i l l i n g d e ta ils - P r io r t o 1945 the design number o f the method o f f i l l i n g was
s te n c ille d on the body o f the s h e ll. A ft e r 1945 a method o f f i l l i n g code was adopted. Under th is
code the inform ation and p a rtic u la rs o f the f i l l e r and date is s t e n c ille d in a sin gle h o rizo n ta l lin e
around the ogive o f the p r o je c t ile . I t i s c a lle d the "o n e-lin e-co d e".
Example: - L10 CY 11/55 where: -
L is fo r Land S ervice.
10 is the code number o f the method o f f i l l i n g .
CY is th e f i l l i n g co n tra cto r's i n i t i a l s o r recognised marie.
11/55 is th e date o f f i l l i n g (month and y e a r ).
The code number o f the method o f f i l l i n g i s governed by the d e t a ils o f the in it ia t in g system
which in H.E. p r o je c t ile s , fo r exarrple, has the fo llo w in g main v a r ia b le s :-
S te e l or paper exploder containers.

Depth o f ca vity .
Nature, number and s iz e o f exploders o r s e r ia l number o f the tra c e r , etc.
On smoke p r o je c t ile s , the code number in d icates d e ta ils o f the gunpowder bu rster and i t s f i l l i n g ,
number and arrangement o f the smoke conposition containers.
The conplete code i s kept by the Inspectorate o f Armaments. The main feature o f the method
o f f i l l i n g design corresponding t o the code markings w i l l be a v a ila b le to the Service in Regulations
f o r the Army Ordnance S ervices, Volume 4.
NOTE: With the adoption o f the new "L" model numbering system fo r separate loading p r o je c t ile
nomenclature, the " one-line-code" p re vio u sly used to denote the type o f f i l l i n g w i l l be
dispensed w ith , as p a rtic u la rs r e la tin g t o the nature and va ria tio n s in the method o f
f i l l i n g w i l l be id e n t ifie d by the model number a llo ca te d to the store.
With p r o je c t ile s which are components o f Q. P. fix e d rounds, a f i l l e d part number w i l l
replace the model number r e fe r r e d to above.
382. Weight markings - s t e n c illin g o f (P ig . 44 ex .G ).

Weight markings are applied in accordance w ith a "u n it system" to Land S ervice separate loadin g,
s h e ll, except Q.P. 25 p r. s h e ll, sta r s h e ll, smoke s h e ll, chemical s h e ll and fla r e s h e ll, the units
being based on the accuracy requirements o f each equipment.
The weight i s the actu al weight o f the f i l l e d s h e ll les s the weight o f the plug but including
the weight o f the standard fuze (and exploders) approved fo r use therew ith. The fa c t that the s h e ll
may be issued plugged has no connection with the weight lim its s t e n c ille d on i t .
P r o je c t ile s w ithin the normal dead weight lim its o f the range table standard are marked w ith
an "0 ". Where the weight i s not w ithin these lim its , i . e . plus o r minus, the s h e ll i s marked w ith a
numeral, p re fix e d by a plus o r minus sign (e . g . +1 o r -1) to in d ic a te , in terms o f u n its, the
v a r ia tio n o f weight from the normal. The value o f the weight u nit v a rie s w ith the c a lib r e , and may
also vary according to the r o le o f the equipment (e .g . Coast A r t i l l e r y weight u nits normally in d ica te
fin e r va ria tio n s than those used in F ield Army A r t i l l e r y ) . Dead weight lim its are also fin e r f o r
Coast A r t i l l e r y p r o je c t ile s .
The value o f a unit in terms o f weight i s given in the range ta b le in which the co rrectio n
columns are headed to in d ica te correction s corresponding to a v a ria tio n o f one weight u n it.
F lare s h e ll, smoke s h e ll, chemical s h e ll and sta r s h e ll are not weight marked, the f i r s t
because the weight i s adjusted during manufacture, and the others because accurate b a l l i s t i c s are
not so inportant as fo r other types.
The reader should r e f e r to the appropriate range ta b le fo r the value o f the weight unit in
connection w ith any given s h e ll.
383. Fuze d e ta ils - The marking "PZD ID T", follow ed by the lo t number, i s s te n c ille d on base fuzed
s h e ll.
When a p r o je c t ile which i s issued, plugged, to the Service can be used w ith one type o f fuze
o n ly , the fo llo w in g d e t a ils are s te n c ille d on the body:- "USE No. ...................RJZE".
— 112—
384. S e rie s number - The s e r ia l number s t e n c ille d in a r in g on the ogive o f p r o je c t ile s r e la te s to

the f i l l e d s e rie s f o r H.E. smoke, f l a r e , sta r and chemical s h e ll and p ra c tic e p r o je c t ile s and the
f i l l e d tra c e r or tr a c e r composition s e rie s fo r shot.
In a d d ition , the body charging " l o t " number o f smoke .and chemical s h e ll (liq u id charged) i s also
s te n c ille d on the body.
385. Markings on s h e ll body r e la tin g t o tra cers (P ig * 44D) - P r o je c t ile s prepared f o r o r f i t t e d

w ith a tra c e r , in a d d ition t o the usual d is tin c tiv e markings, have the fo llo w in g symbols s te n c ille d on
the body. They are s t e n c ille d in red on p r o je c t ile s painted a black ba sic body colou r and in black
on oth er basic body coloured p r o je c t ile s .
PREPARED FOR FITTED WITH PREPARED FOR FITTED WITH
r\ O / ”\ /N
TRACER TRACER TRACER IGNITER TRACER IGNITER
(SELF - DESTROYING)
7\
TRACER FUZE TRACER FUZE
\s
TRACER (DARK IGNITION)
<S>
TRACER (DARK IGNITION)
/xS /S
IGNITER IGNITER
V
(SELF - DESTROYING) TRACER IGNITER TRACER IGNITER
(DARK IGNITION) (DARK IGNITION.
SELF - DESTROYING)
X TIME TO SELF - DESTRUCTION IN SECONDS
386. Coloured f la r e o r smoke p r o je c t ile s (P ig , 46 and 47) - P r o je c t ile s f i l l e d w ith coloured smoke
compositions have the co lou r "GREEN", "YELLOW", "REID", e t c . , (as a p p lic a b le) s t e n c ille d in w h ite,
w hile p r o je c t ile s f i l l e d w ith coloured fla r e compositions have the colou r (a s a p p lica b le) s te n c ille d
in black. I n i t i a l l e t t e r s are not used and the word denoting the colour is s t e n c ille d in bold type
and i s tw ice as la rge as the other d e ta ils s te n c ille d on the body.
387. P r o je c t ile s w ith in e r t f i l l i n g s - P r o je c t ile s having in e rt f i l l i n g s w i l l , in fu tu re , have t te

nature o f the f i l l i n g , i . e . , SAND, SALT, WEIGHTED, e t c . , s te n c ille d immediately below the y ello w band
(denoting p ra c tic e p r o je c t ile ) instead o f these words being superimposed on the band as form erly.
Where such p r o je c t ile s are assembled w ith tra c e rs , a gunpowder charge, f la sh p e lle t s , e t c . , a
p la in red f i l l i n g r in g w i l l be painted around the ogive.
P r o je c t ile s f i l l e d w ith H.E. su bstitu te composition w i l l , in fu tu re, have the abbreviation
"HE SUB" s te n c ille d on the body immediately below the yellow band. (P ig , 44D). The abbreviation
"HES" p reviou sly used and which was superimposed on the yellow band w i l l no lon ger be used.
Where p r o je c t ile s f i l l e d H.E. su bstitu te composition are assembled w ith tra c e rs , a gunpowder
charge, fla s h p e lle t s , e t c . , a p la in red f i l l i n g r in g w i l l also be painted around t t e og ive,
(P ig . 44D).
Where the p r o je c t ile i s r e s tr ic te d t o f i r i n g w ith a reduced charge and must not be f i r e d w ith
a f u l l charge, the abbreviation "RED" (denoting reduced) w i l l be s te n c ille d im nsdiately above but
adjacent to the y e llo w band (denoting p ra c tic e p r o j e c t i l e ) .
The words, code o r abbreviations r e fe r r e d t o above w i l l be s te n c ille d tw ice on p r o je c t ile s
6 inches and above once on oth ers, and w i l l be in the same s iz e type and colour as the oth er main
d e t a ils s t e n c ille d on the body.
- 113 -
TYPICAL IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS FOR H.E. FILLED SHELL f i g .45
KEY TO
BASIC BO DY PAINTING C O D E L.7
BLUE plug to M of F Design D2 (L) 554/GF/229
W ITH UNIVERSAL CAVITY
Two BLACK
stripes
BLACK
stencilling
MARKINGS
Bod/ painted
ON REVERSE SIDE
BUFF
KEY TO STENCILLED M ARKINGS

25 PR G ... Calibre and Identification Letter of Ordnance
HE MK I ......Type and Mark of Projectile
RDX/TN T.I. Nature of Filling code abbreviation
(123).............. Filled Series Lot Number
L7 CY 3/57.One line code for Method of Filling
CO DE L.7 C O D E L.6
to M of F Design DD (L) 18851 to M of F Design DD (L) I8I7I
MARKINGS MARKINGS
ON REVERSE SIDE ON REVERSE SIDE
KEY TO STENCILLED M ARKINGS
25 PR G ......... Calibre and Identification

Letter of Ordnance
HE MK I .......... .Type and Mark of Projectile
A M ?^ NT'3 ) - " N*ture of Filling code

^ > abbreviation Painted GREEN. Indicates
w Smoke Pellet fitted
^ \ *^°}...O ne line code for Method
16CY 1/51 J of Filling
X- X“X” Indicates limited life In
(456) (78^).........Filled Series Lot Number hot or cold climates
-nU -
FIG .46
TYPICAL IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS FOR SMOKE SHELL
K EY T O B A SIC B O D Y PA IN T IN G SC R E E N IN G SMOKE
FOR A LL SM OKE SHELL
C O D E L 33 to M of F Design D2 (L) 1528/GF 135
/ \
B LA C K
stencilling
SMK BE
MARKINGS
ON REVERSE SIDE
C O L O U R E D SM OKE
C O D E L 33/4
to M of F Design
D2 (L) 1528/GF 135
KEY T O S T E N C IL LE D M ARKIN GS
25 PR G Calibre and Identification Letter

of Ordnance
B LA C K
^MK Type and Mark of Projectile stencilling
Screening
L33 C Y 3/55 One line code for Method of Filling Smoke
GE Code denoting Main Filling composition
of Smoke containers
^23^) .......Filled Series Lot Number W H IT E
stencilling
25 PR G ........ Calibre and identification Letter
of Ordnance
COL SMK BEyjype ancj Mar|( 0f Projectile
MK I J
MARKINGS
RED Colour of smoke produced ON REVERSE SIDE
(or GREEN, Coloured
BLUE or Smoke
YELLOW)
L33/4 C Y 5/55 One line code for Method of Filling
PN 443 Code denoting Main Filling composition
of Smoke containers
(456) Filled Series Lot Number
-115-
FIG .47
TYPICAL IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS FOR FLARE SHELL AND STAR SHELL
KEY T O BASIC B O D Y P A IN T IN G FOR FLARE

A LL FLARE A N D STA R SHELL
C O D E L 45/3 to M of F Design D2 (L)449/GF, ,93
RED filling ring
B LA CK
stencilling
Body painted
W H ITE
MARKINGS
ON REVERSE SIDE
NOTE Driving
band for STAR
Shell is in
lower position
STA R (ILLU M IN A TIN G OR

W H IT E S IG N A L)
C O D E L 35 to M of F Design
DD(L) 17894
KEY T O STE N C IL LE D M A R K IN G S
25 PR G — Calibre and Identification Letter of

Ordnance
- V kY E ) ^ P * an<^ Projectile
RED (or GREEN
or YEU QW) Colour of flare produced > Flare Shell
145 3 CY 4 56 One line code for Method of Filling
TB Code denoting main filling of
B LA CK
___ Flare Container
. (123) •••• Filled Series Lot Number stencilling
25 PR G • Calibre and Identification Letter of

Ordnance
"^MK ^ ^ Type anti ^ arl< Pr° j ecti'e
£ .............Indicates STAR filling

P...............Indicates fitted with Parachute Star Shell
135 CY 5, 55 •• One line code for Method of Filling
GA ••••....... Code denoting main filling of

.— ^ Star Case
(456)....'.. .Filled Series Lot Number
V
- 1 16 -
TYPICAL IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS FOR INCENDIARY SHELL FIG.48
K EY T O B A SIC B O D Y P A IN T IN G S/L BE IN C E N D IA R Y
FOR A LL IN C E N D IA R Y SHELL C O D E L 33 9 to M of F Design D D (L) I ! !82
RED
filling ring
B LA C K
stencilling
MARKINGS
Body painted
ON REVERSE SIDE
RED O X ID E
KEY T O S TE N C IL LED M AR K IN GS
25 PR G .......... Calibre and Identification Letter of Ordnance

.NCDY| BEj, j y pe ancj Mark of Projectile
.............. Filled Series Lot Number

L33/9 CY 1/55.One line code for Method of Filling
................. Code denoting Main Filling
of Incendiary Containers
TYPICAL IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS FOR A.P. (ARMOUR PIERCING) SHOT FIG.49

(w it h t r a c e r )
KEY T O B A SIC B O D Y P A IN TIN G
C O D E L 32 to M of F Design D 2(L) 1451 GF 122
RED
filling ring
RED
stencilling
Body painted MARKINGS

B LA C K ON REVERSE SIDE
KEY T O S TE N C ILLED M ARKIN GS
25 PR G ......Calibre and Identification Letter of Ordnance

AP MK 8 ....... Type and Mark of Projectile
/^ T 'N ............ Denotes Tracer filling
^ 2 ^ ............ Filled Series Lot Number

L32 CY 3 55 .One line code for Method of Filling _______
—117—
388. P r o je c t ile s - d r i l l
D r i l l p r o je c t ile s painted black have the word DRILL prominently s te n c ille d in w h ite, in two
places on p r o je c t ile s 6 inch c a lib r e and above, and once on others ( F i g . 44 ex.H).
MORTAR BOMBS
3&9» S t e n c illin g , rin g s, symbols, e tc .
With the exception o f mortar bombs f i l l e d H .E ., which are s te n c ille d in w hite le t t e r in g , a l l
natures o f bombs are id e n t ifie d by the same co lou r o f s t e n c illin g , rin gs and symbols as a.^proved f o r
p r o je c t ile s . These p a rtic u la rs are applied in r e l a t i v e l y the same sequence but owing to the
d iffe re n c e in shape, the actual p o s itio n on the body may vaxy s lig h t ly .
FUZES
390. Fuze body
S ta m p in g s:-
Number and mark o f fu ze.

C ontractor's i n i t i a l s o r recognized trade mark.
S eries l o t number.
F illin g c o n tra c to r's i n i t i a l s o r recognized trade mark.
Date o f f i l l i n g (month and y e a r )•
F ille d l o t number.
Painting - Basic colours are not used on body o r cover f o r id e n t ific a tio n except in the case o f
c e rta in marks o f No.162 fuzes approved f o r use in M.L. 4.2 inch mortar bombs which are distinguished
by the whole o f the outside o f the sa fe ty cap being coloured blu e, w ith the fu ze nomenclature on top
o f the cap f i l l e d in red . In a d d ition , the w a lls o f the brass cover are painted blu e.
NOTE: The red f i l l i n g rin g , as found f o r example on f i l l e d p r o je c t ile s , i s not used on fu zes.
391 • Fuze covers

S ta m p in g s:-
Number and mark o f fu ze cover.

Manufacturer's i n i t i a l s or recognized trade mark.
Number and marie o f fu ze.
F illin g co n tra cto r's i n i t i a l s o r recognized trade mark.
F ille d l o t number o f fu z e .
392. Tracers
S ta m p in g s: -
Number and mark o f tra c e r .

C on tractor's i n i t i a l s o r recognized trade mark.
S eries l o t number.
F i l l i n g co n tra cto r's i n i t i a l s o r recognized trade mark.
F ille d l o t number.
-1 1 8 -
Chapter 12
o
Section 4. Packages
Important
I t should be noted that the mrMnjLS-deôrtbed fo llo w in g paragraphs, vary in ce rta in
instances considerably from past practice and n a tu ra lly packages o f past and current issue w i l l , at
times, e x is t together w ith d iffe r e n t markings placed In d iffe r e n t p o sitio n s.
METB3D OF COLOUR IDENTUTCATION AND MARKINGS (P ig s . 50 to 5k)

393* Packages w i l l normally be id e n tifie d by one o r more o f the fo llo w in g :-
Basic colour.
S te n c illin g .
Stamping, embossing and branding.
Labels.
Metal tags.
394* Basic body colours - Packages, w ith the exception o f those described in para. 397 below, are
painted a d is tin c tiv e colour as shown:-
395* Outer packages - Wooden and ungalvanised s t e e l outer packages are painted a b a sic colour o f
service brown except those containing chemical anrounition which are painted lig h t grey.
396. Inner oontainers - Removable in n er containers (in clu d in g t in p la te cylin ders and boxes) are
normally painted service brown o r b laok , except those containing detonators which are painted red
and those containing chemical sto res which a re painted lig h t grey.
Tinned-plate lin in g s (n o t rem ovable). These may be painted o r varnished blaok fo r protection
purposes. The c o lo u r has no sig n ific a n c e .
397. Exceptions - Packages and oontainers made from the fo llo w in g m aterials w i l l not normally be
painted, they may, however, c a n y such sp ec ia l id e n tific a tio n a s necessary.
C e llu lo se containers (except when used as an outer package)

Galvanised s t e e l packages
Packages made o f : -
li g h t a llo y
* Resin-bonded plywood
F ib re glass
398. Coloured bands on packages - Coloured bands have no In te r-S e rv ic e sig n ific a n c e and are
reserved f o r s p e c ia l purposes and f o r in te rn a tio n a l use as necessary.
399. S te n c illin g - S te n c illin g on packages, con tain ers, e t o ., i s intended to provide the u se r and
the s to reholder w ith a l l the necessary inform ation to r e a d ily id e n tify the contents, th e ir f i l l i n g
and th e ir Government explosive c la s s ific a t io n group, e tc . These consist o f : -
(a ) Quantity and d e sc rip tiv e nomenclature - The quantity and approved abbreviated nomenclature
and mark o f contents.
In the case o f B .L . and Q.F. separate lo ad in g ca rtrid g e s the nominal charge weight w i l l be
shown i f th is i s included in the approved nomenclature.
(b ) Components - D etailed inform ation regarding components o f the store.
(o ) Government explosive c la s s ific a t io n group - This w i l l normally be a pp lied by s t e n c illin g

o r by a stamp.
(d ) O perational markings — In the Lend Service, a d d itio n a l d e t a ils known as "o p eration al
markings" are used. These con sist o f b o ld ly s te n c ille d abbreviations which enable the
_1 1 9 _
user in an operational area t o id e n t ify quickly the store he req u ires. Operational
abbreviations, are not used an packages containing p ra c tic e , d r i l l , chinny, in s tru ctio n a l,
blank or p ro o f stores.
A l i s t o f approved operational abbreviations i s given in para. U2J+.
400. Special d e ta ils or symbols - P a rtic u la rs o f these are given in para. 403.
401. Colour o f s t e n c illin g - The fo llo w in g colours are normally used f o r s t e n c illin g on packages: -
Quantity ) Golden yellow .

Nomenclature and ) (On unpainted packages black may be used i f th is a ffo rd s g re a te r
component d e t a ils ) v is ib ility ).
Government e x p lo s iv e ) White on a dark b a sic coloured background and sign a l red on a lig h t
c la s s ific a t io n group) ba sic coloured background.
S a fe ty distance category. White

Operational markings.
"S .A .S ."
R e s tr ic tiv e sentences and Sign al red.

temperature lim ita tio n s .
402. P o s itio n - The p o s itio n o f s t e n c illin g on p>ackages depends on various fa c to rs such a s :-
Operational and u ser requirements. Method o f stowage o r stacking.

Design o f package. P a rtic u la rs o f contents, etc.
To avoid s t e n c illin g and/or symbols being removed or defaced in handling, stacking o r stowage,
these p a rtic u la rs should where p o ssib le, be position ed in recessed panels, or in recesses between
ra is ed panels or flu t in g o f s t e e l packages and cylin d ers and between battens o f wooden packages.
The fo llo w in g p a rtic u la rs are normally s te n c ille d as shown:-
Outer packages
On l i d or top
Government ex p losive group c la s s ific a t io n symbol o r la b e l.

S a fe ly distance category.
Operational abbreviation.
*'S.A.S.M (when a p p lic a b le ).
On side or fro n t
Quantity o f items packed.

Approved abbreviated d e sc rip tiv e nomenclature and mark o f complete store.
Quantity o f inner packages, and "type ( where a p p lic a b le ).
L ot or batch number i f ammunition i s batched.
Type, s iz e and l o t number o f p rop ella n t ( i f aramn. i s not batched).
Nature o f f i l l i n g o f s h e ll, bombs, e t c . , (a s a p p lic a b le ).
Method o f f i l l i n g code (Land S ervice, Q.P. separate loading s h e ll oni y ) .
P ille d s e rie s number o f p r o je c t ile (Land Service on packages containing plugged or
fuzed separate loading p r o je c t ile s ).
Assemblers or f i l l e r s recognized mark o r i n i t i a l s .
Date o f assembly or f i l l i n g (month and y e a r ).
P rop ella n t id e n t ific a tio n code.
Approved abbreviated d e s c rip tiv e nomenclature, mark, lo t number, i n i t i a l s o f f i l l e r
and year o f f i l l i n g o f component sta res, e . g . ,
FZ 117-15 = 123-CY-56
H? 9-3 = 123-CY-56 (on packages containing Q.P. separate c a rtrid g e s )
The follov/ing w i l l a lso be s te n c ille d when a p p lic a b le: -
Tracer symbol ) a3 marked on p r o je c t ile

Smoke box o r p e l l e t symbol )
” DEC" denoting s p ec ia l decoppering rounds.

"H .V." in d ica tin g High v e lo c it y charges or rounds.
-120-
LATEST APPROVED IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS FOR STEEL BOX hg .50

FOR SEPARATE LOADING SHELL
T Y P IC A L FO R 25 PR PRO JECTILES
Box painted B R O W N
W H IT E stencilling
YELLO W stencilling
YELLO W stencilling
O N LID O N R.H. EN D
25 PR HE FZD i 17 ...Approved Operational Abbreviation 123 .... .Filled Series Lot number of Shell
...............................Government Explosive Classification label G D ..........Recognized Mark (or initials) of Filler
(with Group Number as applicable) 4-56........ Date of Filling (month and year)
X .................... ..............Safety Distance category 1 1 2 ........ Package serial number
69 IB ..... Weight of complete package
O N FR O N T SIDE
2 .......................................Quantity of items packed FZ 1 17-15. Designation and Mark

SHELL 25 PR HE MK i...Abbreviated Nomenclature and Mark of 231............. Lot Number of Main
complete store C Y -5 5 ........ Recognized Mark (or initials) of ‘ Component
U - ( w h e n a p p l ic a b l e ) ......Denotes shell filled to "Universal Cavity" design, Filler and Year of
R D X /TN T........................ Nature of Filling of Shell
L7-GD-4-56....... ............ One line Code-Method of Filling of Projectile
123..................................... Filled Series Lot number of Shell
The above markings are applicable to boxes for H E. shell. Boxes for Screening Smoke, Coloured Smoke, Flare.
Incendiary. Star, and Chemical shell are similarly marked, but with the following differences
Screening Smoke Coloured Smoke Flare Incendiary Star Chemical

Colour of box Brown Brown Brown Brown Brown Grey
Approved Operational 25PR BE SMK 25PR SMK RED ?1 25PR FLAR GREEN/ 25PR INCDY 25PR STAR 25PR CHEM Y4
Abbreviation FZD * or FZD * or FZD * or FZD * or FZD * or
25PR BE SMK 25PR SMK RED 25PR FLAR GREEN 25PR INCDY 25PR STAR
PLGD PLGD PLGD PLGD PLGD
Gov't Explosive 13
II II 6 II 6
Classification Group
Safety Distance X
X X Y X None
Category
Abbrev. Nomenclature SHELL 25PR SHELL 25PR SHELL 25PR SHELL 25PR SHELL 25PR SHELL 25PR
and Mark SMOKE BE MK0 COL SMOKE BE COL FLARE BE INCDY M K/ STAR MK/ CHEMICAL MK/
RED/MK0 GREENfM K/
# No. of Fuze t Colour produced 0 Mark of Shell
(as applicable) (as applicable) (as applicable)
Other markings, such as One Line Code for Method of Filling. Number and Mark of Fuze. Weight of Package, etc,
vary according to the differences in contents.
Markings for Nature of Filling are a requirement for H.E. shell boxes only.
— 1 21—
On r ig h t hand end
Package s e r ia l number Batch number

Gross weight ( l b . ) or
Lot number and i n i t i a l s o f f i l l e r and date o f f i l l i n g
(month and y e a r ).
The f i l l e d lo t number, i n i t i a l s or recognized monogram o f f i l l e r and date o f f i l l i n g
(month and yea r) are s te n c ille d on package containing separate loading s h e ll, fu zes,
primers, pyrotechnics, rocket motors, e t c .
The batch number, i n i t i a l s o r recognized monogram o f the assembly fa c to ry and year o f
assembly are s te n c ille d on packages containing assembled Q.F. fix e d c a rtrid g e s , mortar
bombs, assembled rockets e t c .
Inner containers
When ammunition o r components are packed in closed inner containers which can be removed
from the outer package, each inner container i s s t e n c ille d w ith the fo llo w in g p a r tic u la r s :-
"EXPLOSIVE", when the stores o r components packed f a l l w ith in one o f the Government
ex p losive c la s s ific a t io n groups. This s t e n c illin g w i l l be in red, except f o r cylin d ers
containing detonators when i t w i l l be in b la ck . The word "EXPLOSIVE" i s not applied on
inner containers holding sa fe ty c a rtrid g e s , primers f o r Q.P. c a rtrid g e s , tubes o r containers
o f a small s iz e containing sim ila r s to re s .
Quantity, nomenclature and marie o f items packed, together w ith batch; l o t o r s e r ia l number,
i n i t i a l s or monogram o f f i l l e r , date o f f i l l i n g (month and y e a r ). This s te n c illin g w i l l be
in the colou r and s iz e o f type best su ited t o the p a r tic u la r container.
In the case o f tin p la te containers, t i n p rin tin g or tra n s fers may be used in l ie u o f
s te n c illin g o
403 • A ddition al s t e n c illin g - The fo llow in g p a rtic u la rs w i l l also be s t e n c ille d on outer packages in
an approved p o s itio n when req u ired :-
(a ) R e s t r ic t iv e sentences - in signal red
(b ) C lim atic and fir in g temperatures and r e s tr ic te d s e rv ic e l i f e lim ita tio n s
The under-mentioned p a r tic u la r s , when a p p lic a b le, are s t e n c ille d in sign a l red in bold le t t e r in g
on the l i d or top and on the l e f t hand side o r end o f rectangular packages and along the sid e o f metal
c y lin d r ic a l packages
C lim atic and temperature lim ita tio n s
Outer and in n er packages containing ammunition r e s tr ic te d t o tra n s it, issu e and storage
to ce rta in clim a tic and tenperature conditions are marked as fo llo w s :-
LIM . . . in d ica ted lim ite d l i f e in hot (o r c o ld ) clim a tes. I t i s cautionary warning
denoting the contents should be frequ en tly inspected arri/or tested t o confirm
t h e ir continued s e r v ic e a b ility .
TEMP... in d ica tin g tr a n s it, issue and storage lim ite d to temperate clim ates on ly.
In sp ecial instances, where the store i s r e s tr ic t e d in tra n s it and storage to below o r above a
s p e c ifie d defined temperature, the c r i t i c a l temperature fig u res enclosed in a recta n gle preceded by
the le t t e r s TSL (denoting tra n s it and storage temperature lim ita tio n ) and the words "HOT ABOVE" o r
"NOT BELOW" (as a p p licab le) rep lace the abbreviation "LIM" or "TEMP"• e .g .
TSL NOT ABOVE 1120F | (a ctu a l temperature fig u re as a p p lica b le)
or
TSL NOT BELOW |-25Fl ( " )
Where ap p licab le the above-mentioned in d ica tion s may be amalgamated, e ith e r fo llo w in g or
underneath one another, in which case the words "NOT ABOVE" o r "NOT BELOW" w i l l be om itted.
-122-
LATEST APPROVED IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS FOR STEEL BOX

W ITH INNER CONTAINERS
T Y P IC A L FO R SEPAR A TE L O A D IN G Q .F. C A R T R ID G E S
YELLO W
stencillin
YELLO W
stencilling
K EY T O
S T E N C IL L E D M A R K IN G S
O N LID
25PR CART NQ. Approved Operational
Abbreviation
Government Explosive Classification label
(with Group Number as applicable)
Safety Distance category
O N F R O N T SIDE
8 ................................Quantity of items packed
CART 25 PRM K1 /2 ..Abbreviated Nomenclature and Mark of complete
IN 8 C Y L S ............... Quantity of inner containers store O N R.H. EN D
NQ/R 014 x 0481 ,
NQ 050 r.... Propellant Identification letters, Shape letters 123.... ...... Package serial number
nc e n l and Size figures BS 512
“ ->IZ l ...................
BS 431 J
Propellant Lot Numbers
BS 431
j.... Propellant Lot Numbers
I LB I40Z 4DR......... Nominal Weight of Charge (one Cartridge) NQ/R
NQ [■...... Propellant Identification and Shape letters
PR 9-4....................... Designation and Mark................ )
231............................ Lot Number..................................I of Main G D ... ....... Recognized Mark (or initials) of Assembler
CY-53 ....................... Recognized Mark (or initials) of [ Component 4 -5 4 .. ........ Date of Assembly (month and year)
Filler and Year of filling J 88 LB .. ....... Weight of complete package
G D ............................. Recognized Mark (or initials) of Assembler
4-54.........................j. Date of Assembly (month and year)
ON IN N ER C O N T A IN E R
I ..................................Quantity of items packed

CART25 PRMKI/2...Abbreviated Nomenclature and Mark of
NQ/R 014x048 complete store
YELLO W Propellant Identification letters, Shape
stencilling NQ 050
letters and Size figures
BS SI2 \ ...................Propellant Lot Numbers
BS 431 ] ^
I LB I40Z 4DR......... Nominal Weight of Charge (one Cartridge)
RED G D ............................. Recognized Mark (or initials) of Assembler
stencilling 4-54........................... Date of Assembly (month and year)
Container painted B R O W N
-12 3 -
F ir in g temperature lim ita tio n s

Where shown on the ammunition s to re , the f i r i n g temperature lim ita tio n fig u re s in a
c ir c le i s reproduced on the outer package, e . g . ,
Date o f ex p iry o f o r r e s tr ic t e d Service l i f e

Where shown on the ammunition 3tore, the r e s tr ic te d Service l i f e o r date o f ex p iry o f
Service l i f e , i s reproduced in red s t e n c illin g on the outer package, e . g . ,
S.L. (denoting Service l i f e ) fo llow ed hy the date (month and y ea r) i . e . "SL 8/ 56" .
i+Dif. Unsuitable f o r a ir dropping - Packages containing ammunition or exp losives which are unsuitable
fo r a i r dropping are marked w ith a red e q u ila te r a l t r ia n g le , the base o f which should be 1.1/2 inches
approx. This symbol i s s t e n c ille d on the l i d o r top and on one end o f the package.
405* S a fety distance category - This i s s te n c ille d in white in not le s s than 1/2 inch type above the
Government explosive c la s s ific a t io n group-symbol.
The S a fe ty distance category comprises a one or two l e t t e r code, and w i l l be found in column 9
o f the ta b le in the "Comprehensive C la s s ifie d L is t o f Government E xp losives".
436. Special ammunition stowage in fr e ig h t ships - Packages containing explosives in th is category

which comprises a l l group 12 (phosphide o r w hite phosphorus charged ammunition) a l l group 13
(chemical ammunition) and ammunition in group 11 charged EM o r CSAM, are scheduled f o r sp ecial
conditions o f stowage in fr e ig h t ships. Such packages have the sea transport code abbreviation "SAS"
s te n c ille d on in not le s s than 1/2 inch type in the sane colour as and ju st below the Explosive group
c la s s ific a t io n symbol,, F u ll d e ta ils o f the code l e t t e r used are g iv e n in column 7 (op posite the
gen eric transport designation o f the store concerned) in the tab le in the "Conprehensive C la s s ifie d
la s t o f Government E xplosives".
NOTE: The le t t e r s "D" and "E? which appear w ith the code "SAS" in the Conprehensive C la s s ifie d
L is t are not s te n c ille d on packages.
407* Dangerous and inflammable goods - A l l ou ter packages containing ammunition which, because o f the
nature o f i t s f i l l i n g or charging, are not c la s s ifie d f o r storage and transport in an exp losive group,
but are c la s s ifie d b y the M in istry o f Transport o r B r itis h Railways as "dangerous good s", are
s te n c ille d t o in d ica te the fo llo w in g p a r tic u la r s :-
Nature o f contents ( e . g . , titanium te tra c h lo r id e , bromine).

Type o f danger ( e . g . , c o rro s iv e , poisonous o r inflammable)0
Flash poin t c la s s ific a t io n o f the inflanmable goods w ith in the fo llo w in g recognised groups: -
Those w ith a fla s h p o in t below 73°F« and which are not soluble in water w i l l be
s te n c ille d :-
"HIGHLY INFIAMMABIE F.P. BELOW 73°F."
Those w ith a fla s h poin t below 73°F. and which are soluble in water w i l l be s t e n c ille d :-
"INFLAMMABLE F.P. BELOW 73°F."
Those w ith a fla s h p o in t between 73°F» and 150°F. w i l l be s t e n c ille d :-
"INFLAMMABIE F.P. BETWEEN 73°S/150°F."
408. S h e ll - u n iversal c a v ity - A "U" on the package in d ica tes that i t contains s h e ll w ith "u n iversa l
c a v ity " i . e . , a c a v ity suitable fo r both normal and V.T. fuzes.
409. NATO symbol o f in terch a n g ea b ility - A symbol, representin g a fo u r leaved c lo v e r , i s used to

guarantee, f o r the b e n e fit o f NATO Armed Forces, th at ce rta in ammunition i s o p era tion a lly
interchangeable.
This symbol when s t e n c ille d on ou ter packages in p lie s that the contents have been established as
conforming as regards conposition, make and s e r v ic e a b ility to a model approved under the p rovision s
la id down in a NATO standardization agreement, brought up-to-date as necessary. The stores w i l l
th erefo re be op era tio n a lly interchangeable with ammunition o f the same designation, type and c a lib r e ,
which bears the same symbol, in a l l equipment f o r which such ammunition i s normally used.
- 124 -
LATEST APPROVED IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS FOR

W OO D BOX W ITH INNER CONTAINERS
T Y P IC A L FO R B.L. C A R T R ID G E S
Box painted B R O W N W H IT E stencilling
YELLO W
stencilling
W H IT E
• stencilling
YELLO W
stencilling
O N R.H. E N D
O N L .H . E N D O N LID
(with Group Number as applicable) 4TH *N JQ /s}.........Approved Operational Abbreviation
O N F R O N T SIDE O N R .H . E N D
4 ................. Quantity of items packed 176.......................... Package serial number
CART BL 5-5 IN BS 1 1210 ................ Propellant Lot Number
MK.I 4 TH Abbreviated Nomenclature and Mark of
CHARGE complete store G D .......................... Recognized Mark (or initials) of Filler
IN 4 C Y LS ......... Quantity of inner containers 12-55.......................Date of Filling (month and year)
NQ/S 164-048... Propellant Identification letters, Shape letters 8 6 LB....................... Weight of complete package
_ „ . and Size figures
BS 1 1210 ............ Propellant Lot Number
G D ..................... Recognized Mark (or initials) of Filler
12-55................... Date of Filling (month and year)
9LB I30 Z ODR ....Nominal Weight of Charge (one Cartridge) ON IN N ER C O N T A IN E R
I ................ . Quantity of items packed
CART 5-5IN \ Abbreviated Nomenclature and
MK.I 4TH / Mark of complete store
NQ/S 164-048 ....Propellant Identification letters, Shape letters
and Size figures
BS 1 1210 ................ Propellant Lot Number
YELLO W stencilling R ED stencilling
G D ......................... Recognized Mark (or initials) of Filler
C on tainer painted B R O W N 12-55....................... Date of Filling (month and year)
9LB I3 0 Z ODR.... Nominal Weight of Charge (one Cartridge)
-1 2 5 -
P o sition
I t i s s te n c ille d in a prominent p o s itio n on the fa c e (s ) o f the package on which d e t a ils o f
the contents appear.
Dimensions and colour

The dimensions o f the symbol i s not to be le s s than the h eigh t o f the la rg e s t p rin ted
character used f o r the normal id e n t ific a tio n markings ( type and/or c a lib r e ), nor i s i t to be
la rg e r than twice th is height.
The colour o f the symbol w i l l be the same as that o f the oth er main id e n t ific a tio n d e ta ils
s t e n c ille d on the same fa c e .
Cancellation o f symbol
When s e le c tin g the p o s itio n and method o f applying the symbol, consideration i s given to
the p ossib le n ecessity o f removing o r o b lite r a tin g i t , should the contents cease to f u l f i l , a t
any time, the conditions im plied by the presence o f the symbol.
410. U.S./U.K. symbol denoting standardization design - A symbol ( kJ i s s te n c ille d on packages

containing ammunition which i s manufactured to a standardized design approved fo r weapons which are
equipment o f both the U.S. and U.K. Armed Forces.
P o sitio n
I t i s s te n c ille d in a prominent p o sitio n on the fa c e (s ) o f the package on which the main
d e ta ils o f the contents appear.
Dimensions and colour

The dimensions o f the symbol i s not to be le s s than the height o f the la r g e s t printed
character used f o r the normal id e n t ific a tio n markings (typ e and/or c a lib r e ), nor i s i t to be
la rg e r than twice th is height.
The colour o f the symbol w i l l be the same as that o f the other main id e n t ific a tio n d e t a ils
s te n c ille d on the same face.
411. P a rt packages - When packages do not contain the f u l l approved complement o f stores, the word
FRACTION (o r F R A C )is s te n c ille d in bold type in red on the l i d o r top and on one side.
The "quantity o f item s packed" where s t e n c ille d on the package i s amended to agree.
412. For in d ivid u a l Services - A dd ition a l s t e n c illin g u su ally o f a se lf-exp la n a tory nature i s
sometimes applied by in d ivid u a l Services fo r a p a rtic u la r purpose. For example, packages o f stores
bearing symbol may be expected t o ca rry more or d iffe r e n t d e t a il and markings than t h e ir purely
B r itis h Service counterparts, to meet the U.S. user requirements in a d d ition to B r itis h requirements.
413* Stamping, embossing and branding - Empty packages have the fo llo w in g p a rtic u la rs sta n ^ d ,
embossed or branded by the maker:-
Box le t t e r , number and mark.

Recognized i n i t i a l s o r monogram o f manufacturer.
On metal packages th is inform ation i s embossed, on wooden packages i t i s stamped o r branded.

C e llu lo s ic containers cannot be embossed, stamped o r branded; i t i s th erefore usual to s te n c il the
p a rtic u la rs o f the empty package, o r t o stamp o r emboss the metal ends.
414. Government exp losive c la s s ific a t io n group la b e l - Packages containing stores c la s s ifie d fo r
storage and transport in an exp losive group may be la b e lle d , instead o f the symbol being s t e n c ille d
on, with a group la b e l c a n y in g a group number which denotes the conditions under which the package
i s to be transported and stored (s e e Comprehensive C la s s ifie d L is t o f Government E x p lo s ives ),
The Government exp losive group la b e l used in each Service i s as as fo llow s
Naval Service - Red on white background, w ith "N" to in d ica te Naval S ervice.
Land Service - Red on white background, with "W V D" to in d ica te Land S ervice.
A ir Service - Red on white background, w ith "RAF" to in d ica te A i r Service.
M in istry o f Supply - Red on white background, w ith "MDS" to in d ica te M in istry o f Supply,
- 126 -
LATEST APPROVED IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS FOR

W OOD BOX WITH INNER CONTAINERS
T Y P IC A L FOR 4 - 2 IN M O RTA R A M M U N ITIO N
MARKINGS ON
R.H. EN D
W H IT E
stencilling
YELLO W stencilling
stencilling
K EY T O S T E N C IL L E D M AR K IN GS
O N LID
4-2 MOR H E 1 Approved Operational

O N L H EN D FZD 162 ) Abbreviation
O N R.H. EN D
..Government Explosive Classification label 123.........Package serial number
(with Group Number as applicable) B 21011 Batch Number
X .Safety Distance category 77IB ...... Weight of complete package
O N F R O N T SIDE
2 ..................................... Quantity of items packed

BOMBS 4-2lN MOR H E ’( Abbreviated Nomenclature and
LI MK2 / Mark of complete store
IN 2 CNRS ..................... Quantity of inner containers
EACH W ITH 6 - 1 Quantity of Augmenting Cartridges and
450 GR AUG CART ) Nominal Weight of Charge (one Cartridge)
AML ................................ Nature of Fillingof bomb
B 2 iO II ........................... Batch Number
GD-S 6 ............................ Recognized Mark (or initials) of Assembler of bomb
and Year of Assembly
FZ 162-3/3 ..................... Designation and Mark
41 .................................... Lot Number of Fuze
C Y -5 5 .............................. Recognized Mark (or initials) of
Filler and Year of filling
ON IN N ER C O N T A IN E R
Container painted B R O W N
I .............................. ........... Quantity of items packed
BOMB 4 -2 IN MOR HE 1 Abbreviated Nomenclature and
LI MK2 ] Mark of complete store
\ BOMB 4 2 MORHEUMK2 W ITH 6 - (Quantity of Augmenting
W ITH 6 '4 5 0 GR AUG C AR T 1 1 450 GR AUG CARTi Cartridges and Nominal Weight
FZ 1 6 2 - 3 / 3 - 4 1 - C Y - 55 of Charge (one Cartridge)
B 2 IO II
I l a FZ 162-3/3 ............. Designation and Mark
RED 41 ......................... Lot Number of
YELLO W stencilling stencilling C Y -5 5 ....... ............ Recognized Mark (or initials) Fuze
of Filler and Year of filling
B 21011 .................... Batch Number
-1 2 7 -
I t w i ll normally be applied once on the l i d o r top o f the outer package, adjacent t o , but c le a r
o f the operational abbreviation ( i f a p p lie d ).
415» Dangerous goods la b e ls - Special la b e ls are required to be a ffix e d to outer packages containing
ammunition c la s s ifie d as "dangerous goods" in the "c o rro s iv e " or "poisonous" cla sses. The la b e ls o f
sp e c ifie d dimensions and colours as shown, are each marked near the top w ith one o f the " t r a f f i c
le t t e r s " "A, B, C" e t c . These le t t e r s , as a p p lica b le, are shown against the "c o rro s iv e " and
"poisonous" items in the "dangerous goods" lis t e d by B r itis h Railways to in d icate the la b e ls which
must be used. Packages which have contained dangerous goods in the "A" or "C" classes must also bear
the "A" or "C" la b els when being returned as eu pties.
416. Packers la b e l - On every occasion o f c lo s in g or re c lo s in g any package containing explosives

p r io r to sealin g or res ea lin g a packers la b e l i s : -
Inserted loose in the bottom o f containers f o r c a rtrid g e s .

A ffix e d on the in side o f the l i d o f other packages.
This la b e l bears the i n i t i a l s , e t c . , o f the op erative who ca rried out the packing, togeth er with
the s ta tio n monogram and the date o f packing. I t may also bear the i n i t i a l s o r workmark o f the
examiner responsible fo r in spection . This la b e l w i l l be removed when the package is emptied o f
ex p losives.
417» Contents and batch la b els - Contents la b e ls u sually include the d e ta ils p reviou sly mentioned
under " s t e n c illin g " in addition to any other inform ation as required.
Batch la b e ls include d e ta ils r e la tin g to the conponents o f assembled Q.F, fix e d c a rtrid g e s ,
mortar bombs, rockets, etc.
Contents la b e ls which are a ffix e d to the outside o f inner packages, containers, or lin in g s
containing explosives w i l l be overprinted "EXPLOSIVE" in red .
Contents and/or batch la b e ls i f used are u sually a ffix e d in a convenient p o sitio n in sid e the
outer package, and may a lso be used on the outside o f inner packages.
418. Sealing - Every package containing explosives i s sealed in such a manner that the package cannot
be opened without breaking the seal.
Sealing is e ffe c te d by means o f : -
S tation la b els o f white lin e n or muslin w ith two black lin e s , having the fa c to ry , s ta tio n
or depot monogram between them. These are placed on each package to in d ica te where the
package was sealed and are a ffix e d near the com ers d ia g on a lly opposite on boxes with
hingeless l id s , ob liqu ely under each fasten er on boxes w ith hinged l i d s , and over the
junction o f l i d and body o f c y lin d r ic a l packages and where appropriate placed over the
knot o f sealin g tape or w ire fa sten er. S tation la b e ls are to be con p letely removed when
a package is opened.
Lead seals are used in conjunction with braided sealin g w ire in place o f sta tion la b e ls
where proper adhesion o f the l a t t e r cannot be ensured. The sealin g w ire i s passed through
hasps or through appropriate lugs or holes and the seal impressed w ith the s ta tio n monogram.
Inspection la b e ls are sim ila r to s ta tio n la b e ls and are s im ila r ]y a ffix e d but bear only the
le t t e r s o f the Inspectorate and the inspectors work nark. They denote that the contents
have been dealt with and packed under inspection.
Two la b els are normally used fo r sealin g; one, the station la b e l, and the oth er, an inspection
la b e l a ffix e d by inspecting s t a f f . In certa in Goverrunent establishments two composite s ta tio n cum
inspection la b e ls may be used. (i n Land Service - the use o f th is composite la b e l w i l l be
discontinued when e x is tin g stocks are exhausted).
419. R estricted use (7/here s t e n c illin g is not adopted) - These la b e ls in d ica te b r i e f l y the nature
o f the r e s tr ic t io n . They may be a ffix e d in any convenient p o s itio n which does not obscure any
s t e n c illin g , la b e llin g or stamping.
420. Special id e n t ific a tio n , in s tru ctio n a l or warning la b e ls - These, when ordered to be used, are
secured to the store or on the e x te r io r o f the package in any convenient p o sition which does not
obscure any s t e n c illin g , la b e llin g o r stamping; in s tru ctio n a l la b e ls are occasion ally ordered to be
a ffix e d under the l i d .
r
— 128-
421. SiEpty explosive packages - A la b e l Is to be applied t o every package which has been emptied and
searched and c e r t if ie d not to contain any exp losive matter. I t i s to show the s ta tio n and date o f
errptying and i s to be signed by the person who empties and examines the package; the l a t t e r is
responsible that the package i s e n t ir e ly fr e e from ex p losive. The la b e l i s t o be a ffix e d in such a
manner that the package cannot be opened without te a rin g i t and i t i s to be removed com pletely when
any explosives o r dangerous goods are placed in the package®
422. Treatingnt o f la b e ls - P a rtic u la rs on la b e ls used on ex p losive f i l l e d packages are to be

in serted by p rin tin g o r t y means o f rubber stanps as fa r as p ra c tic a b le , but where i t i s necessary
to complete d e ta ils in manuscript, b lock c a p ita ls and arabic numerals are in v a ria b ly to be used.
The la b e ls are t o be marked only w ith H.M.S. 0. w aterproof black drawing in k , H.M.S.O. blue black
record ink o r Reeves w aterproof fix e d Indian ink.
423. Metal tags - M etal tags fo r id e n t ific a tio n , warning or in s tru ctio n a l purposes w i l l not normally
be used on packages owing t o the danger o f lo s s in tra n s it*
424. Operational markings f o r Land Service ammunition packages other than S.A.A. - To permit quick
arxl easy id e n t ific a tio n o f contents the fo llo w in g approved op eration al abbreviations are s te n c ille d in
"w h ite" on a conspicuous surface o f the ou ter package*
The s t e n c illin g i s in b old type as la rge as p o ssib le consistent w ith the s iz e and shape o f the
package and never le s s than 1/2 inch deep.
Operational abbreviation s w i l l not be used on packages containing blank, d r i l l , dummy, p r a c tic e ,
in s tru ctio n a l or p ro o f stores.
NOTES (1 ) In the case o f B.L. and Q.F. separate loading c a rtrid g e s , t o avoid frequent amendments
t o t h is t a b le , the prop ellant code id e n t ific a t io n le t t e r s shown in the operational
abbreviations (column 2) w i l l be changed, as necessary, t o agree w ith the nature o f
the p rop ella n t shown in the main d e s c rip tiv e nomenclature o f the p a rtic u la r c a rtrid ge
packed.
(2 ) D ifferen c es in nomenclature (column 1) due t o changes in nominal charge w eights and

natures o f prop ellan t w i l l be shown in the main d e s c rip tiv e nomenclature o f the
p a r tic u la r c a rtrid g e concerned which i s s te n c ille d on the side o f the package.
NATURE OF AMMUNITION OPERATIONAL ABBREVIATIONS
F ie ld A r t i l l e r y amnunition
Carts. Q.F.. 25 pr . 2 lb . 1 oz. 12 dr. FNH 25 I® CART FNH

ti it
1 lb . 14 oz. 4 dr. NQ 25 PR CART NQ
tt H 2 lb . 1 oz. 4 dr. NH 25 PR CART NH
n It
1 lb . 11 oz. 4 dr. WM 25 PR CART WM
« It
2 lb . 8 oz. 0 d r. WM 25 HI SUP WM
n H 2 lb . 13 oz. 8 dr. NQ/S 25 PR SUP NQ
it It
supercharge increment 25 PR SUP INC
it II
normal increment 25 PR INTER INC
S h e ll Q.F. 25 pr. H.E. fuzed 25 PR HE FZD*

N tt it
H.E. plugged f o r fu ze V.T. 25 PR HE PIGD U
It n n H.E. plugged w ith fUze in cy lin d er 25 PR HE PIGD W/FZ IN CYL.
n ii M B. E. smoke fuzed 25 PR BE SMK FZD*
tt it II
B. E. snoke plugged 25 PR BE SMK PLGD
it it It
smoke coloured fuzed 25 PR SMK / FZD*
it It tt
smoke coloured plugged 25 PR SMK / PLGD
•i tt It
fla r e coloured fuzed 25 PR FLAR / FZD*
it it It
fla r e coloured plugged 25 PR FLAR / PLGD
ii it It
s ta r fuzed 25 PR STAR FZD*
it M It
s ta r plugged 25 PR STAR PIGD
it it II
incendiary fuzed 25 PR INCDY FZD*
n it I!
incendiary plugged 25 PR INCDY PLGD
Shot Q,.F. 25 pr. AP 25 PR AP
tt It •t APC 25 PR APC
— 129—
NATURE OF AMMUNITICN QrERA'xTCNAL ABBRETIATIU.'S
Carts. B .L. 5.5 in . 9 lb . 2 oz. vai 5.5 CART 4TH till

n it n 9 lb . 13 oz. NQ/S 5.5 CART 4TH NQ/S
it H it
4 lb . 4 oz. '.111 5-5 CART 20) m
•i It ii
4 lb . 12 OS. HQ 5.5 CART 2® NQ
n It it
12 lb . 9 oz. f o r 80 lb, s h e ll 5.5 CART SUP NQ/S
Carts. B .L. 7.2 in . 7 lb . 0 oz. N/S 7.2 CART 5TH N/S

tt n n 24 lb . N/3 7.2 CART 2*TH 1</S
« m n 11 lb . 10 oz. Y7M 7.2 CART 3ED *»7M
n n
13 lb . 11 oz. N 7.2 CART 3RD N
it
Mortar ammunition
Bcrib3 MoL. 4.2 in . mortar HE fuzed 4.2 MOR HE FZD*

C artridges M.L. 4.2 in.m ortar 140 grain CART 4 .2 MOR 140 GR
" n n " 450 g r a in CART 4.2 MOR 450 GR
Fuzes
Fuze No. * FUZ*

Fuze No. * Mk./ PUZ* /
Fuze No. * with exploders FUZ* Vf/EXPR
Fuse time and D.A. L1 RJZ L1
Fuse perco Base medium L10 PUZ L10
Primers and Tubes
Primers percussion Q.F. c a rt. No. * H i d PERC *

M e le c t r ic Q.F. ca rt. No. * HUM ELEC *
Tube percussion SA TUB PSA
SYUBUT.S UFVt’TD
in d ica tes number o f store as applicable
/ colour as applicable
mark as applicable
-1 3 0 -
F IG .54
LATEST APPROVED IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS FOR STEEL BOX
FOR BULK PACKED FUZES
Box painted BR O W N
W HITE stencilling
Y ELLO W
stencilling
Y ELLO W
stencilling
KEY T O STENCILLED M ARKIN GS
O N LID
FUZ 1 1 7 .............. Approved Operational Abbreviation

(with Group Number as applicable)
O N FRO NT SIDE O N R.H. EN D
12 .......................Quantity of items packed 12 3 ........................ Package serial number
FUZ 117 MK 15 Abbreviated Nomenclature and 534 .......................Filled Series Lot number
Mark of complete store
IN 12 C Y L S ........Quantity of inner containers CY -5/55................Recognized Mark (or initials) of Filler
and Date of Assembly (month and year)
534 ....................... Filled Series Lot number
49lB ...................Weight of complete package
C Y-5/55................Recognized Mark (or initials) of Filler
and Date of Filling (month and year)
-1 3 1 -
Chapter 13
Associated Publications
425. The a tten tio n o f readers i s drawn t o the fo llo w in g p u b lication s which should be read in
conjunction with th is handbook:-
CARE AND PRESERVATION

Notes on the Care and Preservation o f Ammunition and E xplosives in the F ie ld , P a rt 1
A r t i l l e r y Ammunition 1941 (Reprinted w ith amendments (No. 1 and 2) 1951) W.O. Code No. 7198.
UNEXPIflDED SHELL
In stru ction s f o r P ra c tic e F ie ld Branch and Anti-Tank A r t i l l e r y 1948 (as amended) W.O. Code 8308
Appendix VI g ives procedure fo r destruction o f unexploded s h e ll.
ACCIDENTS
Regulations f o r Army Ordnance S ervices Volume I I I Pamphlet 5, 1946. Contains the f u l l
procedure fo r rep o rtin g accidents with ammunition,
PRINCIPLES
A r t i l l e r y Training Volume I I I Pamphlet 1: B a llis t ic s and Ammunition. Th is g iv e s a grounding
in the basic p rin c ip le s on a l l types o f a r t i l l e r y ammunition.
STORAGE
Ammunition and Explosive Regulations 1953. Consists o f fou r pa rts which cover a l l aspects
o f depot storage, u nit storage, construction o f sto res , v e n tila tio n and the rep o rtin g o f accidents
and d efects. Pa rts 3 (The Unit S tore) and 5 (R eporting o f Accidents, e t c . , ) should be held by a l l
Units,
W.O. Codes - P a rt 3: 6942. Part 5: 10446.
PACKAGES
Regulations f o r Army Ordnance Service Volume 4 - Ammunition. This co n sists o f 27 p a rts each
covering one equipment's ammunition aixi ammunition packages in the grea test possib le d e t a il.
W.O. Code 10035.
ROCKET AMMUNITION
Regulations f o r Army Ordnance S ervices Volume 4 Ammunition Pamphlet 11. P a rt 1 - 3 . 5 inch
Rocket Ammunition.
TRAINING LIMITATIONS
Lim itations on the use o f Fiizes fo r Train in g. 1955. W.O. Code 11233. Issued annually, w ith
fresh Code No. Should be c a rrie d by a l l Gunnery S t a ff, p a r tic u la r ly a t P ra c tic e Camps.
AMERICAN AMMUNITION
U.S.W.D. T.M. 9-1901. A r t i l l e r y Ammunition. Covers a l l ammunition issued f o r A r t i l l e r y weapons,
w ith sections on each equipment, fu zes, prim ers, charges, e t c . p ro fu s e ly illu s t r a te d .
IDENTIFICATION
Joint S ervices Ammunition and Ammunition Package Markings Handbook. W.O. Code 1803.
Explains and illu s t r a t e s the la te s t approved id e n t ific a tio n colours and markings o f every type and
nature o f ammunition, components and packages.
, ■' sa) :
- ‘ .■ 1 : • . .
' '
<
• * t . *
-1 3 3 -
Appendix A
Various types and uses of explosives
HIGH EXPLOSIVES PROPELLANTS MISCELLANEOUS

COMPOSITIONS
Rapid combustion, rapid decomposition i Burn from layer to layer
of substance forming large quantities s: * by heat generated.
of gas Defined as material which can
be detonated hi? m
CARTRIDGES
INITIATORS (DISRUPTIVE) SINGLE BASE

Nitrocellulose powders
Very sensitive, quickly reaches
full detonation as a result of flash S Si DOUBLE BASE
or a light blow. Cordites (Flashing)
j#;
Nitrocellulose and Nitroglycerine.
FUZE DETONATORS iii m Cordites (Flashless)
Picrites: Nitrocellulose. Nitro-
Fulminate of mercury
glycerine and Nitroguanldine.
Lead azide
Lead styphnate
A.S.A.l
AZ Y
^ y ' '/Compositions
A z' ) Mixtures which
burn and are not
employed as
INTERMEDIARIES BURSTING CHARGES propellants,
normally these
Fairly sensitive amplifies small Insensitive, difficult to detonate. are not detonated
concentrated wave from initiators. powerful and violent. 1:::
HE SHELL MAIN FILLING

FUZE MAGAZINES
& SHELL EXPLODERS T.N.T.
Ammonium nitrate
Picric powder iiiiii Amatol
C.E. (composition exploding) Pentolite
R.D.X. / Beeswax R D.X
P.E.T.N. or Penthrite R .D .X ./T.N .T.
Pentolite Torpex
T.N.T. (flake) Tritonal
INITIATORS (IGNIFEROUS) PYROTECHNICS GUNPOWDERS
Burn rapidly but do not detonate. Combustible material and a source Burn rapidly but do not detonate.
Sensitive to shock. Used as a primary of oxygen. Rate of burning affected Easily ignited by flash.
means of starting initiation by burning. by proportions, nature of ingredients, Vulnerable to moisture, produces much smoke
modifying agents and aggregation of
pressure.
FUZE RINGS COMBUSTION TIME FUZES
FUZE DETONATORS
ILLUMINATING STAR SHELL IGNITERS CARTRIDGES
& TRACERS
CAPS OF:- TUBES PRIMERS&
INITIATING, S.A.A., ILLUMINATING INCENDIARY SHELL FILLING MAGAZINES IGNIFEROUS FUZES
Q.F. & CAP & SIGNAL CARTRIDGES.
COMPOSITIONS, percussion primers SMOKE SHELL FILLING BURSTING /b »cc cicrnriMi SMOKE, FLARE
CHARGES (BASE EJECTION) & STAR SHELL
& TUBES.
ci a r c SHELL FILLING & PROPELLANT SIGNAL & ILLUMINATING
Fulminate of mercury rL' ' r,c MORTAR BOMBS CHARGES CARTRIDGES
Potassium chlorate SMOKE, FLARE BLANK CHARGES cartridges
PRIMING & STAR SHELL
In addition in certain cases, some CONTAINERS &TRACERS DELAY COMPOSITIONS
of the following.- Antimony sulphide- Many agents according to purpose, Potassium nitrate.Charcoal and Sulphur in
Mealed gunpowder - Sulphur too numerous to list. various proportions
-1 3 6 -
Appendix C
.Composition of Intermediaries and Initiating Explosives
CE o r TETRYL
COMPOSITION EXPLODING CE 100
S h e l l e x p lo d e r s
and
F u z e m a g a z in e s
CE w i t h a d d i t i v e s CE/A 100 0 . 5 C . 25
p e n t o l it e PEN/1 30 50
TNT -(C RYSTALS) TNT 100
S h e l l e x p lo d e r s
RDX/BEESWAX /
PE7TN OR PENTHRITE
(r e q u ir e s a
d is e n s itz a r ) /■
MERCURY FULMINATE * P 100

( r a r e l y u sed a lo n e )
LEAD AZID E * Z 100
U sed as an in g r e d ie n t
LEAD STYPHNATE * 100 of
(n o t u sed a lo n e ) F u ze d e t o n a t o r s
ASA COMPOSITION * ASA 65 35 2
BOPORS EETONATING E
COMPOSITION
GUNPOWDER P
I N IT I A T IN G COMPOSITIONS
I g n i f e r o u s fu z e
A1
A a n d A1 • 3 7 .5 3 7 .5 2 5 .0 d e t o n a t o r and c e r t a i n
A1
SAA c a p s
B a n d B1 B 1 1 .0 5 2 .5 3 6 .5
B1 C ap s o f p e r c u s s io n
p r i m e r and t u b e s and
C 4 5 .0 2 3 .0 d e to n a to rs o f c e r ta in
C a n d C1 3 2 .0
C1 tim e and T A P F u zes
D a n l D1 D 2 5 .0 LO .O 3 5 .0
D1
-1 3 7 -
CONSTITUENTS AND APPROXIMATE PERCENTAGES
j|
c/I
!
NOMENCLATURE USES
l
g cI
1
9
j j , o |
8 i ft
C ap s o f p e r c u s s io n
QF COMPOSITION Q 3 6 .4 5 4 .6 3 .0 3 .0 3 .0 p r i m e r s an d c e r t a i n
SAA 0 b 8 e r . b u l l e t s
Q3 COMPOSITION 5 4 .0 4 0 .0 6 .0 C ap s o f p e r c u s s i o n
Q3
p r im e r s
FULMINATE COMPOSITION 8 0 .0 2 0 .0 L a rge d e to n a to rs
C ap s o f SAA and
E1 E1 1 9 .0 3 3 .4 4 2 .8 2 .4 2 .4 p e r c u s s io n tu b e s
I PI PI 2 8 .0 4 1 .0 3 1 .0
G1 G1 2 7 .0 3 2 .0 4 1 .0
0 C e r t a i n SAA C ap s
BARIUM NITRA TE 3 9 .0 ANTIMONY SULFKTDE 5 .0

VH2 VH2 COMPOSITION RD 13 02 3 8 .0 I£ A D PEROXIDE 5 .0
CALCIUM S U I C I D E 1 1 .0 TETRAZINE 2 .0
* T h e s e c o m p o s i t i o n s may b e u s e d i n c o n p o s i t e f i l l i n g s o f fu z e d e to n a to r s .
( S e e p a r a g r a p h s 107 t o 1 1 0 )
/ P r o p o r t i o n s may v a r y a c c o r d i n g t o use.
The reason fo r the in clu sion o f the various ingred ien ts i s as fo llo w s
Aluminium increases heat and flame

Antimony sulphide prolongs the flame e f fe c t
Glas s-powdered induces f r ic t io n
Gunpowder (mealed) diminishes the vio len ce o f the explosion
Mercury fulminate increases the s e n s it iv it y o f the composition
Potassium ch lorate increases the heat o f the explosion
Sulphur diminishes the vio len ce o f the explosion
Ware used as d e ss en s itizer
N otes:-
(1 ) "A” and "A.1* e t c . , mixtures are id e n tic a l in chemical composition but d i f f e r

a g r is t s iz e o f potassium ch lorate and antimony sulphide; the former mixture
being the coarser. For A, B, C and D a l l the chlorate/sulphide must be retain ed
on a 170 mesh s ie ve . For A1, B1, C1 and D1 approx. 75 per cent, o f the ch lorate
i s retain ed on a 170 mesh sie ve and only 20 p er cen t, o f the antimony sulphide,
A, B, C AND D are a lle g e d t o be the more s e n s itiv e .
(2 ) "A" mixture was found e a r ly in the Second World War to be too sen sitive fo r use
in ce rta in prim ers, and i t was replaced by the o ld er Q.F. composition. The
la t t e r , however, is more li a b l e to g ive m is fire s and hangfires than i s "A"
mixture, and Q3 composition was t r ie d in l i e u o f Q.F.
-13 8 -
Appendix D
Code indicating High Explosive Fillings with
Composition and Percentages of Ingredients
Code le t t e r s
Item Conposition and percentage o f and numbers
No. P illin g
in gred ien ts s t e n c ille d on
shoulder or body
1 TNT TNT (grade 1) TNT 1
TNT (grade 2) TNT 2
TNT contaminated w ith up to

RDX TOT 3
9395 TNT (grade 1) tnt / bwx. 1

795 Beeswax
2 Amatol AT# Am. N it. AML. 1

6Cf£ TNT (grade 1)
50^ Am. N it . AML. 2

5095 TNT (grade 1)
60?S Am. N it . AML. 3

4g£ TNT (grade 1)
7Cfi Am. N it . AMU 4-

3095 TNT (grade 1)
72^ Am. N it . AMU 5

2 % TNT (grade 1)
8C$ Am. N it. AMU 6

20^b TNT (grade 1)
3 PE. 1 88.395 RDX PE. 1

11.795 PE o i l (typ e 1)
PE. 2 88.395 RDX PE. 2

11.795 EE o i l (typ e 2)
IE. 3 87.755 RDX PE. 3

10.595 S h e ll Mex o i l 119
0 .($ L ecith in
1.295 Carbon black
PE.3A 87.795 RDX PE.3A

6.2# S h e ll Hex O il 119
4.195 P a r a ffin liq u id Gd.1
0. % le c it h i n
up t o 1.595 carbon b la ck added.
—139—
Code le t t e r s
Item Conposition and percentage o f and numbers
P illin g
No. ingred ien ts s te n c ille d on
shoulder or body
4 RDX 91$ RDX rdx/ bwx. 1

(grade 1, 1A, (B ) 1, (B ) 1A)
9% Beeswax
91% RDX RDX/BWX. 2

(grade 2, (B ) 2)
9% Beeswax
5 rdx/ fwx 86$ RDX Grade 1 RDX/PWX.1

11$ P a r a ffin wax
6 RDX/TOT 60$ RDX RDX/TOT. 1

(grade 1, 1A, (B ) 1, (B ) 1A)
40$ TNT (grade 1)
6C$ RDX rdx/ tnt . 2

(grade 2. (B ) 2)
40$ TNT (grade 1)
55$ RDX RDX/TNT. 3

(grade 1. 1A, (B ) 1 , (B ) 1A)
45$ TNT (grade 1)
59$ RDX RDX/TNT. 4

(grade 2. (B ) 2)
45$ TNT (grade 1)
50$ RDX RDX/TOT. 5

(grade 1, 1A, (B ) 1, (B ) 1A)
50$ TNT (grade 1)
5Q$ RDX RDX/TNT. 6

(grade 2, (B ) 2)
50$ TOT (grade 1)
c 40$ RDX RDX/TNT. 7

(grade 1 1A, (B ) 1, (B ) 1A)
60$ TNT (grade 1)
43$ RDX RDX/TOT. 8

(grade 2, (B ) 2)
60$ TNT (grade 1)
7 rdx/ wax/a l 67.5$ RDX (grade 1 or 1A) RDX/AL.1

12.5$ P a r a ffin wax
20$ Aluminium
66$ RDX (grade 1 o r 1A) RDX/AL.2

12$ P a r a ffin wax
2C$ Aluminium
—i40—
Appendix E
Details of Ammunition authorized for
Field Branch Artillery Equipments
1. The fo llo w in g are the approved equipments f o r F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y
Q.F. 25 pr.
B.L. 4 .5 inch gun
B.L, 5.5 inch gun
B.L. 7.2 inch howitzer
With the exception o f the 25 pr. whioh i s Q.F. separate loading, a l l ammunition i s o f the B.L.
type.
For the descrip tio n and d e ta ils o f M.L. 4 .2 inch mortar ammunition which i s a lso
equipment o f F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y u n its see Chapter 11.
Part i. Q.F. 25-PR. Gun Ammunition
2. Ammunition o f the fo llo w in g types i s approved f o r t h is equipment, which i s the standard guiy*"
how itzer f o r F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e i y : -
PROJECTILES
S h ell H.E. streamline

S h ell stream line, B.E. screening smoke
S h ell stream line, B.E. coloured smoke
("blue, green, red , yellow )
S h e ll streamline B.E. incendiary
S h ell f la r e , T .R ., B.E. (red , green, y ellow )
S h e ll sta r
S h ell d r i l l
Shot A .P.
Shot A.P.C.
Shot p ra c tic e
Shot d r i l l
Shot paper
P r o je c t ile , p r a c tic e , stream line
CARTRIDGES
Normal
Supercharge
Interm ediate charge increment
Supercharge increment
Paper shot
Blank
D r ill
-1 W -
CART.HIIXÊS
j>. Normal harcet.
C harge M of F
P r im e r N o .
MARK
W e ig h t P r o p e lla n t D e s ig n
OF
MARK D D (L ) Ig n ite r I n e r t Components Remarks
CART.
11242
CASE
lb oz d r C h a rg e N a tu re lb oz dr C h a rge
Type
1 2 o r 2/1 1 11 4 R ed W016 o r WM017 - 6 5 2 Cups CD N o .27
W h ite W057 o r 1R061 - 7 12 2 N il I Bag F 3 p e r s e t
B lu e it
- 13 3
1 2 o r 2/1 2 1 4 R ed NH025 - 7 11 Cup CD N o .27

W h ite or - 9 5 7 N il 11 Bag F 3 p e r s e t
B lu e NH023 1 0 4
1 F o i l 2 o r 2/1 1 14 4 R ed NQ/R014 -0 4 8 o r NQ018 _ 7 2 Cup CD N o .27

W h ite 1^050 - 8 8 15 N il 11 B ag H 3 p e r s e t
B lu e It 10
- 14
1 F o i l 2 o r 2/1 2 1 4 Red NH025 7 11 Ci?> CD N o .27

W h ite or - 9 5 7 N il 11 B ag F 3 u e r s e t
B lu e NH023 1 0 4
1 F o i l 2 o r 2/1 2 1 12 R ed NH012 - 7 7 CD N o .30 Cup CD N o .27

W h ite FNH023 - 9 12 12 126 g r . 1 Bag F 3 p e r s e t
B lu e " 1 0 9
2 o r 2/1 1 Red NQ/ROI4 - 0 4 8 o r NQ018 - 2 CD N o. CD N o .27 C h a rg e s

1/1 14 4 7
W h ite NQ050 - 8 8 20 157 16 g r. 1 B ag H 3 p e r s e t o r s e c u r e d w it h
B lu e it 10 G 12 B ag L 3 p e r s e t K r a ft paper
- 14
1/2 2 o r 2/1 1 14 4 Red NQ/R014 -0 4 8 o r NQ018 - 7 2 Cup CD N o . 27

W h ite NQ050 - 8 8 22 N il 11 B ag H 3 p e r s e t o r
B lu e H
“ 14 10 Bag L 3 p er set
2 2 o r 2/1 1 11 Red W016 o r WM017 _ 6 Cup CD N o .27

4 5
W h ite WO57 o r WM061 - 7 12 3 N il 1 B ag C 3 p e r s e t o r
B lu e H - B ag F 3 p e r s e t
13 3
2 2 o r 2/1 2 1 4 Red NH025 _ 7 11 CD N o .3 0 Cup CD N o .27

W h it e or - 9 5 8 126 g r 1 Bag F 3 P « r s e t
B lu e NH023 1 0 4
2 F o i l 2 o r 2/1 2 1 4 Red NH025 - 7 11 CD No .3 0 Cup CD N o .27

W h it e or - 9 5 8 ^ 26 g r 1 Bag F 3 p e r s e t
B lu e NH023 1 - 4
2 F o i l 2 o r 2/1 2 1 12 Red MH012 - 7 7 Cup CD N o .27

W h ite FNH023 - 9 12 13 N il 11 B ag F 3 p e r s e t
B lu e H 1 - 9
3 2 o r 2/1 1 11 4 Red W016 o r WMOI7 - 6 5 Cup CD N o .27

W h it e W037 o r WM061 - 7 12 4 N il 1 B ag D 3 n e r s e t o r
B lu e H - 13 3 B ag F 3 p e r s e t
3 F o i l 2 o r 2/1 2 1 12 Red NH012 - 7 7 2D No .3 0 Cup CD N o . 27

W h ite FNH023 - 9 12 17 126 g r . 1 B ag F 3 p e r a c t
B lu e ” 1 - 9
4 2 o r 2/1 1 11 4 Red W0 16 o r WMOI 7 - 6 5 Cup CD N o . 27

W h ite W057 o r WM061 - 7 12 3 N il 1 B ag F 3 p e r s e t
B lu e M - 13 3
4 F o i l 2 o r 2/1 1 11 4 Red W016 o r WM017 - 6 5 Cup CD N o .27

W h it e W057 o r WM061 - 7 12 3 N il 1 B ag F 3 p e r s e t
B lu e - 13 3
4 F o i l 2 o r 2/1 2 1 12 Red NH012 - 7 7 Cup CD N o .27

W h it e FNH023 - 9 12 18 N il 11 B ag F 3 p e r s e t
It
B lu e 1 - 9
5 2 o r 2/1 1 11 4 Red W016 o r WMOI7 - 6 5

W h ite W057 o r WM061 - 7 12 4 N il 1 Cup CD N o .27
B lu e It
- 13 3 B ag F 3 p e r s e t
5 F o i l 2 o r 2/1 1 11 Red W016 o r WM017 _ 6 Cup CD N o .27

4 5
W h ite WO57 o r WM061 - 7 12 4 N il 1 B ag F 3 p e r s e t
It
B lu e “ 13 3
6 F o i l 2 o r 2/1 1 11 4 Red W016 o r WMOI 7 - 6 5 Cup CD N o .27

W h ite W057 o r WM061 - 7 12 16 N il 11 B ag F 3 p e r s e t
It
B lu e - 13 3
—142—
dorm al c h a rg e s (c o n tin u e d )
M of F
C h a rg e
P r im e r N o .
MARK P r o p e lla n t D e s ig n
OF W e ig h t
MARK D D (L ) Ig n ite r I n e r t Com ponents Remarks
CART.
11242
CASE lb OZ dr C h a rg e i N a tu re lb oz d r C h a rge
■type
7 F o il 2 or 2/ 1 1 11 4 Red W016 o r WMC1 7 6 5 19 CD N o .3 0 1 Cup CD N o . 27 N .A m e ric a n
W h ite W057 o r WM361 7 12 12 6 g r . B ag F 3 p e r s e t p r o d u c t io n .
B lu e n C h a rg e s s e c u r
13 3
ed w ith K r a ft
paper
4 . Super ch arges
1 2 o r 3/1 2 8 0 - WT206-1 00 o r 2 8 0 5 N il 1 Cup CD N o . 26 l\

WM/T211-100
)
A l l ch arges
1 2 o r 2/1 2 9 1/4- - SC/T 198-100 2 9 14 9 N il 1 Cup CD N o . 26 j
c o n t a in
fo il
1 2 o r 2/1 2 13 8 - NO/S1A4-0 ID 2 13 8 10 N il 11 Cup CD N o . 26 j
1 2 o r 2/1 2 13 8 - NCi/S134-04 0 2 13 8 14 N il 11 Cup CD N o .26 >
5 . Super c fia r g e in c r e m e n t s
1 - - - - WM061 - 4 8
\ I n c e l l u l o i d c o n ta in e r
F o r f i r i n g w i t h 20 l b A . P . s h o t o n ly
1 - - - - NQ/S13A-OAO - 5 8
6. In te ir n e a i ..te c h a rg e in crem en t
1 _ . . . NQ/R014 -0 4 8 4 0 I n c a m b ric b a g " J H

F o r u se w i t h c h a r g e s 1 and 2 - N orm al c h a r g e s o n l y .
...
7. Cartridges, blank - The marks 1 and 4 are the normal service designs used fo r both saluting and
training purposes. The marks 2 and 3* however, are fo r special purposes, i . e . the Mk. 2 fo r saluting
purposes only fo r G ibraltar, the Mk. 3 fo r saluting purposes only fo r Dover.
The mark 1 ca rtrid g e s con sists o f 1 lb . gunpowder G12 in s ilk cloth bag in conjunction with a
No. 1 primer.
The mark 2 ca rtrid ges con sists o f 8 oz. gunpowder G12 in s ilk cloth bag in conjunction with a
No. 1 primer.
The mark 3 ca rtrid ges con sists o f 2 lb . gunpowder G12 in s ilk cloth bag in conjunction with a
No. 1 primer.
The mark 4 ca rtrid ges con sists o f 1 lb . 4 oz. cordite WM.017 in bundle in conjunction with a
No. 9 primer.
IflJZES
8. A l l H.E. s h e ll are normally issued fuzed, nose fuzed sh ell with eith er No. 117, or 213 fuzes
and base fuzed sh ell with L15 fuzes. Exceptions are H.E. sh ell f i l l e d to code L7 (M. o f P. designs
DD(L) 18851 and D2(L)554/GF/229) aid. those issued s p e c ific a lly f o r use with No. 213 fuzes. H.E. shell
f i l l e d to code L7 are issued plugged, fo r use as follo w s:-
(a ) Those fit t e d with Plug, P.H. 2 inch No. 13 have the top exploder assembled in position and
are known as "universal cavity" sh ell i . e . , they are suitable fo r use with percussion, time
or V.T. fuzes v iz . No. 117, 213 o r T97.
(b ) Those fit t e d with plug, P.H. 2 inch No. 29 have no top exploder present and are fo r use
with V.T. fuzes only v iz . T97.
I t is important, therefore, that these two types, which are d is tin c tly marked, be accounted fo r
and stored separately.
A l l screening and coloured smoke, fla r e , incendiary and star sh ell are issued fuzed No. 221B
fuzes.
IRIMER5
9. Nos. 1, 9 and 11 Prim ers, percussion, Q.P. ca rtrid g e s are approved fo r vise. Since the type o f
prim er used depends on a number o f fa c to r s , such as the nature o f p rop ellan t, arrangement o f the
charge and the presence o r otherwise o f an ig n it e r , reprim ering, when necessary owing to m is fire s ,
e t c . , should be c a rrie d out w ith primers o f the same type though not n eces sa rily o f the same mark.
—143—
SHELL, Q.F. 25 p r . CHEMICAL B.E. (F ig . 55)

10. Several d iffe r e n t marks have been introduced. The d iffe re n c e being as fo llo w s :-
Marks 1D - 6 D the base o f which i s p a r t ia lly stream lined. Weight 20 l b . 2 oz.

Mark 7D " " M " " Weight 20 l b . 13 o z . (Ranges same
as 1D - 6D)
Mark 8D the base o f which i s streamlined (s im ila r to the H.E. s h e l l ) . Weight 24 l b . 6 oz.
Mark 9B " " " c y lin d r ic a l and rea r banded. Weight 20 l b . 4 oz.
Mark 10B " " " M " Weight 20 l b . 14 oz.
The use o f these Marks o f p r o je c t ile s i s r e s tr ic te d to guns in the f i r s t and second quarters o f
life .
SHELL. H.E. STREAMLINE

11. Snpty design - The Mk.1 i s the only current design. The base p la te may be e ith e r screwed or
p la in and i s f i n a lly secured by r iv e t in g .
12. Method o f f i l l i n g d esign s:-
(a ) DP(L)7517 - Code L74 - This was the o r ig in a l design fo r the 25 p r . H.E. s h e ll and provided
f o r a main f i l l i n g o f TNT o r amatol 4^/60 with exploder, s h e ll, CE "B" over a smoke box.
Because o f a temporary shortage o f smoke boxes, however, the f i l l i n g was v a r ie d :-
Code L74/1 “ su b stitu tion o f exploder, Bag, 475 g ra in GE f o r smoke box

L71/2 - su b stitu tion 1 oz. 5 d r . CE p e l l e t , Mk. 1 f o r smoke box
L74/3 - main f i l l i n g occupies space normally taken up by smoke box
In the o ld system o f marking under which the M .of F . design number and not the one-
lin e-co d e number was s t e n c ille d on the s h e ll the omission o f the smoke box was denoted by
the l e t t e r 'C* s te n c ille d on p r o je c t ile s a ft e r the design number.
(b ) DD(L)18171 - Code L 6 - Although th is M .of F . design was also va ried by the omission o f smoke
boxes no a lte ra tio n in the code number has been made t o cover the v a ria tio n s .
Under the o ld system o f marking, however, the omission o f smoke boxes was denoted by
the l e t t e r 'A ' s t e n c ille d a ft e r the M .of S. design number.
( c ) DP(L)18851 - Code L7 - S h ell f i l l e d t o th is design have a maximum depth o f c a v ity o f 5*82

inches compared w ith the normal 3.85 inches, and are explodered w ith one 14 dram C .E .p e lle t
f o r use w ith va ria b le time (VT) fu zes o n ly . A requirement subsequently arose f o r a s h e ll
with a u niversal c a v ity explodered f o r use w ith e ith e r VT or normal DA type fu zes, and
M .of F. design DD(L)18851, was th erefo re declared obsolescent on the introdu ction o f
D2(L)554/GF/229 - Code L7.
FIG.55
SHELL, Q.F. 25 PR.. CHEMICAL, B.E.
STREAMLINED PARTIALLY CYLINDRICAL BASE

STREAMLINED REAR BANDED
Mk. 80 Mks. ID to 7D Mks.9B and IOb

-14 V
(d ) D2(L)534/GF/229 - Code L7 - This i s the current M .of P . design and i s known as the "u n iversal
c a v ity " type o f f i l l i n g in that fu zes w ith short magazines e .g . 117 and 119 may be used
d ir e c t without a lte ra tio n o f the exploder system, w h ile VT fu zes (having a g r e a te r in tru sion )
may be used only a ft e r removal o f the 6 o z . CE top exploder.
Shell f i l l e d to th is design and explodered f o r optional use o f VT fu zes are plugged with
plu g, fu z e -h o le , 2 inch, No. 13* the top o f which i s painted blue to denote the presence o f
the top exploder and are not provided w ith a fix in g screw h o le .
37,000 3h e ll f i l l e d to th is design have been in c o r re c tly s t e n c ille d "L 36" in stead o f
"L 7 ". No action w i l l be taken to amend the s t e n c illin g u n til the s h e ll are due fo r
rep a in tin g , a t which time the s h e ll markings w i l l be r e c t i f ie d .
SHELL, STREAMLINE. B,E. SCREENING SMOKE

13* Enpty design - E x istin g marks are s im ila r in design, d if fe r in g mainly in the design o f d riv in g
band and in the presence o r absence o f a separate screwed head (nose bush), v i z : -
Mk.1 -
No separate head
Mk.2 -
P it t e d w ith separate head
Mk.3 -
D iff e r s from Mk.2 p r in c ip a lly in having a cone seating fo r the separate head.
Mk.4. -
G enerally s im ila r to the Mk. 1 but i s f i t t e d w ith a d riv in g band to design DD(L)64-87/7,
i s s lig h t ly h eavier and nay have a normal o g ive or a separate head.
Me.5 - Generally s im ila r to Mk.2 d if fe r in g p r in c ip a lly in being f i t t e d w ith a d riv in g band to
design DD(L)6487/7 and in the w eigh t.
Mk.6 - There are two empty designs f o r the Mk. 6 s h e ll, DD(L)12584. and DD(L)1934-9, S h ell
DD(L) 12584. have a separate head, w h ile those to DD(L) 1934-9 may have a separate head o r a
normal o g ive . Both designs are f i t t e d with a d riv in g band to DD(L) 6487/7.
With e f f e c t from February, 1957 a new pattern base (SX 588) which i s manufactured w ith a reduced
thread area to f a c i l i t a t e e je c tio n o f containers w i l l supersede marks 1 and 1/1 No. 2 bases. The
N o.2 bases f i t t e d to e x is tin g stocks o f eupty s h e ll w i l l be m odified to the new p a ttern (SX 588) p r io r
to the empty s h e ll being f i l l e d .
(a ) DD(L)7223B/1 Mk.1 and DD(L)94-68 Mk.2 - A copper d is c 0.05 inch thick i s assembled between
the la s t smoke container and the c lo s in g base, m illboard d is c s , as req u ired , being in s erte d
above the copper disc to prevent movement o f the smoke containers.
The base p la te fo r the empty Mks. 1 and 2 s h e ll, which has a screw-threaded metal rin g
sweated to i t , i s secured to the base o f the s h e ll by means o f a fix in g screw. The thickness
o f the base p la te i s 0,83 inch.
(b ) DD(L)11361 Mk.3 “ Bawe, s h e ll, No.2, Mks. 1 or 1/1 i s used. I t i s 0.87 inch th ick and a
copper disc i s n o t, th e re fo re , req u ired . The base i s screw-threaded but i s not secured with
a fix in g screw.
( c ) DD(L)12582 Mk.4- - Base, s h e ll, No. 1 Mk. 1 i s used. I t i s g en era lly s im ila r to the base fo r
the mark 1 and 2 empty s h e ll in that i t i s O.83 inch th ick , has a screw-threaded metal lin g
sweated on, i s used in conjunction w ith a copper disc and m illboard d is c s , and i s secured by
means o f a fix in g screw.
(d ) DD(L)12583 Hk.5 - Base, s h e ll, Nos. 1 o r 2 may be used.
( e ) DD(L) 12584. and DD(L)l934-9 Mk.6 - S h ell to design DD(L)12584- are f i t t e d w ith Base, s h e ll, No.2
Mk.1 but s h e ll to design DD(L)1934-9 are f i t t e d w ith Base, s h e ll, No.2, Mk.1/1.
14. Method o f f i l l i n g designs - The fo llo w in g method o f f i l l i n g designs are used:-
DD(L)7223B
DD(l ) i 0681 (Code L 33 )
D2(L)1528/GF/135 (Code L35)
The above designs d i f f e r in minor d e ta il only and are associated w ith the variou s marks o f s h e ll
described above. A l l three designs provide fo r th ree containers, smoke, No.3 M .of F . design
D2(L)1528/GF/135 - L33 i s current and supersedes DD(L)7223B and DD(L)10681.
-1 4 5 -
SHETL, STPEIAMLINE, B.E. COLOURED S..QKE (B lu e, .Green, Red and Y ellow )

15« Empty designs - Coloured smoke s h ell are o f the same empty design as screening smoke s h e ll but
when f i l l e d , a separate s e rie s o f marks i s a llo t t e d , v i z : -
Empty Mks. 1 , 2 and 3 screening smoke s h e ll, when f i l l e d coloured smoke become Uk. 1 sh ell
Empty Mks, 4 , 5 and 6 screening smoke s h e ll, when f i l l e d coloured smoke become Mk, 2 sh ell
Empty mark numbers are stamped and f i l l e d marks are s te n c ille d on the s h ell body.
16. Method o f f i l l i n g designs - Both Iflc, 1 and 2 s h e ll are f i l l e d to the same designs as the
screening smoke s h e ll except that the smoke containers are charged w ith coloured smoke compositions,
M .of P , design D2(L)152§/GF/135 supersedes DD(L)10681 arkl DD(L)17625. As the d iffe re n c e s are
in minor d e ta il only, however, a l l three M ,of F, designs have been a llo t t e d code L33/4*
17« Container, smoke - There are two va ria tio n s o f s te e l container, smoke, No,3 mark 2, v i z , ,
container, smoke, B.E. ( f o r use w ith stream line B.E. screening smoke s h e ll) the c e n tra l tube o f which
i s not f i t t e d with s t e e l plugs, and container, coloured smoke ( f o r use with coloured smoke s h e ll) the
cen tra l tube o f -which i s f i t t e d w ith a d r ille d s t e e l plug a t each end,
SHELL, FLARE, T,R, B.E, (T a rget R ecognition, Base E je c tio n )

18, Rnpty design - The em pty s h e ll i s o f the same design as the stream line B.E. Mk.6 screening
smoke s h e ll, although the word "stream line" has been omitted from the nomenclature,
19* Method o f f i l l i n g design - S h e ll to th is design (D2(L)149/GF/193 - Code 145/3) are f i t t e d w ith

three containers f i l l e d SR f la r e composition which may be one o f three colours i . e . red , green or
y e llo w . Containers o f d iffe r e n t colou r composition are not mixed i n the same s h e ll.
SHELL, STREAMLINE. B.E, INCENDIARY

20. Empty design - The empty s h e ll i s the same design as the stream line B.E. Mk.6 screening smoke
s h e ll.
21, Method o f f i l l i n g design - The s h e ll are f i l l e d to design DD(L)11182. E ith e r o f two types o f
s t e e l container may be used, v i z . , container No.1 o r container No.10. Those s h e ll f i l l e d w ith
container No. 1 are a llo tt e d code L33/8 and those f i l l e d with container No. 1C - L33/9*
STAR SHELL
22. Empty design - The empty s h e ll i s manufactured t o design BD(L)17892+/1 • I t i s not streamlined
although the p o rtion below the d riv in g band i s s l i g h t l y tapered. This i s a base e je c tio n s h e ll
although the abbreviation "B .E ." has been omitted from the nomenclature,
23* Method o f f i l l i n g design - The s h e ll i s f i l l e d to design DD(L)17894 (Code L 3 5 ). This M .of P .

design i s ty p ic a l f o r a l l s ta r s h e ll. The parachute has a diameter o f 18 inches and the colour o f
the s ta r i s w hite.
SHOT A.P.C.
24. The mark 7 design i s sim ila r to the shot A .P. Mk.6, but i s f i t t e d w ith a p e n etra tive cap which
i s monolized to the sh ot.
SHOT PRACTICE
25 . The mark 1 p r a c tic e shot i s an exception to the general p o lic y being made o f m ild s te e l
instead o f cast ir o n . Marks 1 and 2 shot are f i t t e d w ith in tern a l tra c e r No. 2 mark 7, a l l oth er
shot being recessed to r e c e iv e an in te g r a l tra c e r f i l l i n g which may produce a red o r w hite trace
according t o the method o f f i l l i n g design.
Appendix E
26, Ammunition o f the fo llo w in g types i s approved fo r th is equipment, which i s the standard medium
gun fo r F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y : -
PROJECTILES CARTRIDGES
S h e ll, H.E. stream line F ir s t charge

S h ell d r i l l Third charge (comprises charge 2 and 3 )
Blank
D r ill
—146 —
CARTRIDGES
27• There are two main types o f c a rtrid g e s , these b e in g :-
Charge 1
Charge 3
28* Charge one:-
(a ) 2 l b . 15 oa» c o rd ite SC.048, Mk.1, 2 l b , 15 o z . c o rd ite W.057. Mk.1. 2 l b . 13 o z .c o r d ite

WI.U051 Mk.1 - These c a rtrid g e s d i f f e r only in the type o f prop ellan t used. The c a r tr id g e
i s o f the s ta lk type and i s f i t t e d w ith a 1 o z. "A" ig n it e r a t the la r g e r end.
(b) 2 lb . 13 oz. c o rd ite WM.061. Mk.2 (illu s t r a t e d in P ig . 7 ) - This d i f f e r s from the Hk.1
c a r tr id g e in being c y lin d r ic a l in shape and in being f i t t e d w ith a 1 o z. G12 gunpowder
ig n it e r .
( c ) 3 l b . 1 o z. c o rd ite HQ.030 Mk.1 - This ca rtrid ge i s o f the sta lk ty p e. I t i s f i t t e d with

two ig n it e r s ; a 1 o z. "A" being f i t t e d to the r e a r o f the la r g e r diameter se c tio n , the
oth er o f 1.1/2 o z . G.12 gunpowder i s rin g shaped and i s f i t t e d to the fro n t end o f th is
se c tio n .
(d ) 3 l b . 1 o z. c o rd ite NQ.050 Mk.2 - This d i f f e r s from the Mk.1 c a rtrid g e in being c y lin d r ic a l
in shape.
29. Charge th r e e :-
(a ) 9 l b . 2 o z . c o rd ite SC,109 Mk.1 f o i l , 9 l b . 2 o z. c o rd ite W.124 Mk.1 f o i l , 9 l b . 2 oz.

c o rd ite WH.124, i.Qc.1 f o i l , 9 l b . 2 o z . c o rd ite WM.130 Mk.1 f o i l - The ca rtrid g e s d i f f e r only
in the type o f p rop ella n t used. They consist o f a 6 l b , 7 o z . charge two p o rtion s f i t t e d
w ith a 1 oz. HB" ig n it e r , and a 2 l b . 11 oz. charge three increment. Both p ortion s are
c y lin d r ic a l in shape and lead o r t i n f o i l i s incorporated a t the inner end o f each p o rtio n .
(b ) 10 l b . 9 o z. c o rd ite N/S 164-048. Mk. 1 f o i l (illu s t r a t e d in P ig . 7 ) - This con sists o f a

7 l b . 9 o z . charge two p o rtio n and a 3 l b . charge three increment. Both portions are
c y lin d r ic a l in shape. The charge two p o rtion i s f i t t e d w ith two ig n it e r s , one a 1 o z . G12
gunpowder and the other a 2 o z . "A ". Lead o r t in f o i l i s incorporated in the outer end o f
the charge three increment, and also wrapped around the p rop ella n t o f the charge two portion.
FUZES
30. H.E. s h e ll are issued plugged being f i t t e d w ith plug, P.H. 2 inch No. 1 3 . The top exploder i s
assembled in p o s itio n , and the s h e ll are su ita b le f o r use w ith e ith e r No.117, o r 213 fu zes.
IGNITERS. AUXILIARY
31. C artrid ges, B .L. ig n it e r s a u x ilia r y "CM are issued fo r use w ith ca rtrid ges in the event o f the
e x is tin g f i t t e d ig n it e r s becoming damp. They co n sist o f two red worsted clo th d is cs sewn to g eth er by
two rin gs o f s titc h in g , and sewn across to form f i v e p a r a lle l compartments which are f i t t e d w ith 1 oz.
gunpowder G12. A drawstring o f s ilk o r worsted webbing i s threaded around the edge o f the ig n it e r
to form a s k ir t and to secure the ig n it e r to the c a rtrid g e s .
SHELL H.E. STREAMLINE

32. Bnpty design - Only one mark o f H.E. s h e ll was produced f o r th is equipment• The s h e ll i s
manufactured to design BD(L)8102 and i s f i t t e d w ith a d riv in g band to design DD(L) 6817/2. The design
covers two a lte r n a tiv e heads, one being in the form o f a mild s t e e l bush. The base p la te may be
e ith e r screwed o r p la in and i s f i n a l l y secured by r iv e t in g .
33 • Method o f f i l l i n g designs - The fo llo w in g method o f f i l l i n g designs are used: -
DD(L}7342 DD(L)17865 (Code L1/1 or L1/3)

DD(L)7343C DD(L)19506 (Code L3)
DD(L)11561 DD(L)869/GF/235 (Code L 6 )
Dd ( l ) 16879 (Code L1 or L1/2) D2(L)903/GF/317 (Code L1/2)
In 1944 i t was decided to modify a l l B .L. 4 .5 inch H.E. s h e ll f i t t e d w ith plu g, fu ze-h o le , 2 iixii
No.13* This m od ifica tion consisted o f f i t t i n g a top exploder togeth er w ith a plu g, fu ze-h o le , 2 inch
No.13 or a converted plu g, fu z e -h o le , 2 inch No.3 . The conversion o f the l a t t e r plug con sisted o f
cu tting o f f the shank, smoothing the fa ce o f the boss and chamfering i t s edge. This converted plug
i s s lig h t ly deeper than the plug No.13 but t h is d iffe re n c e was considered to be acceptable. The top
o f both types o f plug was painted blu e. No attempt was made to a lt e r the M .of P . design number
s t e n c ille d on the s h e ll as the blue plug in d ica te s the presence o f a top exploder.
-14 7-
34• Surroundings and toppings - TNT surrounds and toppings are used w ith s h e ll f i l l e d amatol. TNT
toppings are used with KDX/TNT f i l l i n g s .
33• Exploder containers - A l l amatol f i l l e d s h e ll enploy a s t e e l exploder con tain er. S h ell fille d ,
to design D D (L)l950^ are f i t t e d w ith a container, s t e e l, No.4 , a l l other amatol f i l l e d s h e ll being
f i t t e d with a container, s t e e l, No.1. A con tain er, s t e e l, No.1 i s also used w ith s h e ll f i l l e d TNT
to DD(L) 17865.
36. Smoke boxes - S h ell f i t t e d w ith red phosphorus smoke boxes have been found to be l i a b l e to
phosphoric acid exudation due to moisture en terin g badly sealed boxes. A l l red phosphorus smoke
boxes are, th e re fo re , being replaced by TNT/AL smoke p e lle t s , as smoke production i s s t i l l an
observation requirement f o r F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y .
TUBES
37. Tubes, percussion, S.A. c a rtrid g e are approved fo r use w ith th is equipment.
Appendix E
38 . Anmunition o f the fo llo w in g types i s approved f o r th is equipment, which i s the standard medium
gu V h ow itzer f o r F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y : -
S h e ll, H.E. streamline (100 l b . ) Charge two

S h e ll, H.E. stream line, 80 lb . (comprises charge 1 and 2)
S h e ll, chemical B.E. stream line Charge fou r
S h e ll, incendiary B.E. (comprises charge 3 and 4 )
S h e ll, B.E. screening smoke Super-charge ( f o r use w ith
S h ell B.E. coloured smoke 80 l b . s h e ll only)
(b lu e, green, red , y ellow ) (p reviou sly designated " f u l l charge")
S h ell fla r e , T .R ., B .E ., (r e d , green) Charge fo r paper shot
S h ell d r i l l Blank
Shot paper D r ill
CARTRIDGES
39. There are four main types o f c a rtrid g e s , these b e in g :-
Charge 2
Charge 4
Super-charge ( f o r use w ith 80 lb . s h e ll on ly)
Paper shot ca rtrid ges
40. Charge two:-
(a ) 4 lb . 4 o z . c o rd ite W.O57 , Mk.1, 4 l b . 4 o z . c o rd ite WM.061, Mk.1 - The ca rtrid g e s d i f f e r

only in the type o f prop ellan t used. They con sist o f a 2 l b . 10 o z . 8 d r. charge one
p o rtio n f i t t e d w ith a 2 o z . "C" ig n it e r and a 1 l b . 9 o z. 8 d r. charge two increment.
The charge one p o rtio n i s o f the sta lk type w h ile the increment i s a f l a t bag which i s
wrapped around and secured t o the s ta lk .
(b ) 4 lb . 4 o z . c o rd ite WM.061. Mk.3 - This i s in two jjortio n s, which although o f the same
weight as the Mk.1 c a rtrid g e , are c y lin d r ic a l in shape. The charge one p o rtion i s f i t t e d
w ith a 2 o z . G12 gunpowder ig n it e r at one end. The outer end o f the charge two increment
i s f i t t e d w ith a l i f t i n g becket.
( c ) 4 lb . 12 oz. c o rd ite NQ.050, Mk.1 - This i s in two p o rtion s, c y lin d r ic a l in shape, charge
one being o f 2 lb . 15 o z. and charge two increment o f 1 l b . 13 o z. The charge one
p o rtion i s f i t t e d w ith two ig n ite r s i . e . , a 1 os. "D" and a 1 o z . G12 gunpowder i g n i t e r 0
(d ) 3 l b , NH.025. Mk.1 - This con sists o f a 3 l b . 1 o z . stalk type charge one and a 1 l b .
15 o z. charge two increment in the shape o f a f l a t bag which i s curved and secured by
t ie s around the sta lk o f the oth er p o rtio n . The charge one portion i s f i t t e d w ith a
1 oz. "C" or G12 gunpowder ig n it e r .
( e ) 3 lb . FNH.023 Mk.1 - This consists o f a 3 l b . 5 o z . stalk type charge one p o rtion ani a
2 lb . charge two f l a t increment. The charge one portion i s f i t t e d w ith a 1 o z . G12
gunpowder ig n it e r .
— 14&-
( f ) 5 lb . 5 Q2« FNH.023. Nk.2 (illu s t r a t e d in P ig * 8 ) - This con sists o f a 3 18. 3 oz. charge
one portion and a 2 lb . 2 o z . charge two increm ent. The charge one p o rtion i s f i t t e d with
a 1 oz. G12 gunpowder ig n it e r .
41 • Charge fo u r:-
(a ) 9 lb . 2 o z. c o rd ite W.104» I-flc.1, 9 l b . 2 oz. c o rd ite 741.109. I3c»1 f o i l - These ca rtrid g e s

co n sist o f a 6 l b . 10 oz. 8 d r . charge three p o rtion and a 2 l b . 7 oz. 8 d r. charge four
increment. These are both c y lin d r ic a l in shape. The charge three portion i s f i t t e d with
a 1 o z. "C" ig n it e r . Lead o r t i n f o i l discs are positioned in the inner end o f the charge
fo u r increment.
(b ) 9 lb . 13 o z . c o rd ite NQ/S 164-048 i.flc.1 f o i l (illu s t r a t e d in P ig . 8 ) - This con sists o f a

? lb . 3 o z . charge three "portion and a 2 l b . 10 o z. charge fou r increment. The charge
th ree portion i s f i t t e d with two ig n it e r s , a 2 o z . G12 gunpowder at one end and a 1 o z . "C"
a t the other end. Lead o r t in f o i l i s position ed in the outer end o f the increm ent. Both
portions are c y lin d r ic a l in shape.
( c ) 10 lb . 14 o z . FNHP.038, Mk.1 - This consists o f an 8 l b . charge three p o rtion and a 2 lb .

14 o z . charge fo u r increment. Both are c y lin d r ic a l in shape. Charge three p o rtio n has a
2 o z. G12 gunpowder ig n it e r f i t t e d a t each end w h ile lea d o r t in f o i l i s incorporated in the
charge four increment.
(d ) 10 lb . 14 o z , 8 d r . NH.047» Mc.1 f o i l - This con sists o f a 7 l b . 13 oz. charge three portion

and a 3 lb . 1 o z . 6 d r. charge fou r increment. Both are c y lin d r ic a l in shape. An ig n it e r
i s attached to each end o f the charge three p o rtio n , and lea d or t in f o i l d iscs are placed
in the fron t end.
42. Super charge (p re v io u s ly designated f u l l charge) ( f o r 80 l b . s h e ll)
(a ) 11 l b . 8 o z. c o rd ite ?/2J.130» Mk. 1 f o i l - This i s in one p o rtion which i s f i t t e d w ith a

1 o z. "C" or "F" ig n it e r , lea d o r t i n f o i l being positioned in the opposite end.
There are two a lte rn a tiv e methods o f making up t h is charge.
(b ) 11 l b . 8 o z. c o rd ite WM. 130. Mk. 2 f o i l - This i s in one p o rtion which i s f i t t e d w ith a

1 o z. "H" ig n it e r . I t i s o f Canadian production and d i f f e r s from the lflc.1 only in the
c a rtrid ge bag and ig n it e r used.
( c ) 12 l b . 9 o z. NS.I64~048t lflc.1 f o i l (illu s t r a t e d in P ig . 8 ) - This i s in one p o rtion and

i s f i t t e d w ith two ig n it e r s i . e . a 2 o z . G12 gunpowder and a 2 o z . "B "• Lead o r t i h f o i l
i s wrapped around the charge.
There are two a lte rn a tiv e methods o f making up th is charge.
43• Paper shot
9 l b , 4 03. c o rd ite VE.1.109, Hk.1 - This i s in one p ortion which i s f i t t e d w ith a sin g le 1 o z.
"C" ig n it e r , and i s approved fo r use w ith the 160 lb . paper shot..
FUZES
44. A l l s h e ll are issued plugged.
H.E. s h e ll may be f i t t e d w ith plug, P.H. 2 inch No. 13, in which case the top exploder i s
assembled in p o sitio n and are su ita b le fo r use w ith e it h e r No.117 o r 213 fuzes o r w ith plu g, P.H.
2 inch No. 29 in which case no top exploder i s present and they are su ita b le fo r use w ith T100 fu z e .
(H.E. 80 l b . s h ell o n ly ).
A l l screening and coloured smoke, and incendiary s h e ll are su ita b le fo r use w ith No.221B
fu zes. F la re s h e ll are su itab le f o r use w ith No.221B fu zes.
IGNITERS AUXILIARY
45• C artrid ge, B .L ., ig n it e r s a u x ilia ry "C" are issued f o r use w ith the ca rtrid ges in the event o f
the e x is tin g ig n ite r s becoming damp. They consist o f two red worsted c lo th discs sewn togeth er by
two rin gs o f s titc h in g , and sewn across to form f i v e p a r a lle l compartments which are f i l l e d with
1 o z. o f gunpowder G12. A drawstring o f s ilk or worsted webbing i s threaded around the edge o f the
ig n it e r to form a s k ir t and to secure the ig n it e r to the c a rtrid g e .
SHELL. H.E.
4^. In general the d iffe re n c e o f weight between the 100 l b . and 80 l b . , H.E. s h e ll i s achieved by
enlarging the c a v ity o f the l a t t e r , thus reducing the amount o f metal used. I t i s also s l i g h t l y
sh orter. I t i s important to note that the ex p losive content o f the 80 lb .s h e ll i s considerably
higher than that o f the 100 l b . s h e ll.
-14 9 -
SHELL, H.E. STREAMLINE

47. Empty design :-
(a ) Mk.1 (100 l b . ) - This s h e ll i s manufactured to design DD(L)9471 and i s f i t t e d w ith a d rivin g

band to design DD(L) 9506/1 • The empty design covers two a lte rn a tiv e heads, one being in
the form o f a m ild s t e e l bush. S h ell may be found in which the body i s r e lie v e d in
diameter between a 1 .5 inch band a t the shoulder and a 1 .0 inch band formed immediately in
fron t o f the d rivin g band. The base p la te may be 2.8 inch or 3*0 inch diam eter e ith e r o f
which may be screwed o r p la in . A l l base p la te s are f i n a l l y secured by r iv e t in g .
(b ) Mk.2 (100 l b . ) - This s h e ll i s manufactured to design DD(L)11368. I t d i f f e r s from the mark

1 s h ell in being made o f cast iron and in being f i t t e d w ith a d rivin g band to design
DD(L)11367/7. There i s no a lte rn a tiv e head and the shape o f the c a v ity d i f f e r s from the
mark 1 design. The base p la te i s 2.8 inch diameter and may be screwed o r p la in , and fi n a l l y
secured by r iv e t in g .
( c ) Mk.3 (100 l b . ) - This s h e ll i s manufactured to design DD(L)16033 and i s s im ila r to the

mark 1 s h e ll, d iffe r in g only in having a d riv in g band to design DD(L)11367/6. Only 2,8 inch
diameter base p la tes are f i t t e d .
(d ) IvQc.1 (80 l b . ) - This s h e ll i s manufactured to design DD(L)11236B and i s f i t t e d w ith a

d rivin g band to design DD(L) 11367/5. The reduction in o v e r a ll weight i s achieved by
enlarging the c a v ity , thus reducing the amount o f metal used. The d iffe re n c e s frcm the 100
lb . Mk.1 s h e ll are that the 80 l b . s h e ll i s s lig h t ly shorter and does not use a 3 inch
diameter base p la te .
(e ) Mk.2 (80 l b . ) - This s h e ll i s manufactured to design BD(L)17809 and i s f i t t e d with a d riv in g

band to design DD(L)16872/1 • I t i s s im ila r to the mark 1 80 l b . sh ell in other d e t a ils .
( f ) Mk.3 (80 l b . ) - This s h e ll i s manufactured to the same design as the mark 2 80 l b . s h e ll and
d if fe r s only in the form o f s te e l used.
( g ) Mk. 3 converted (80 l b . ) - This s h e ll i s a mark 3 80 lb . converted under design H)(L)18653*

The conversion con sists o f increasing the diam eter o f the low er end o f the fu ze-h ole to
permit the use o f V .T . fu zes.
(h ) Mk.4 (80 l b . ) - This s h e ll i s manufactured to design D2(L)666/GF/263, and i s the new

production o f the mark 3 converted s h e ll.
48. Method o f f i l l i n g designs - The fo llow in g method o f f i l l i n g designs are u sed:-
D2(L
D2(L
In 191+4 i t was decided to m odify a l l B .L. 5 .5 inch H.E. s h e ll f i t t e d with plu g, fu ze-h ole, 2 inch
No.3 as described in para. 33••
49. Surrounds and toppings - TNT surroundings or toppings are used w ith s h e ll f i l l e d amatol, w ater
p ro o f composition or TNT toppings are used in s h e ll f i l l e d EDX/TNT.
50. Exploder containers - A l l amatol f i l l e d s h e ll employ a s t e e l exploder con tain er. S h ell f i l l e d
to design DD(L)1950^ are f i t t e d w ith a container, s t e e l No. 4 or No. 27 and a l l oth er amatol f i l l e d
s h e ll use a container, s te e l No. 1. A container, s t e e l, No. 1 i s a lso used w ith s h e ll f i l l e d TNT to
design DD(L)17865»
51 • Smoke boxes - S h ell f i t t e d w ith red phosphorus smoke boxes have been found to be lia b le to
phosphoric acid exudation due to moisture en terin g badly sealed boxes. A l l red phosphorus smoke
boxes are, th erefo re, being replaced by TNT/AL smoke p e lle t s , as smoke production i s s t i l l an
observation requirement f o r F ie ld Branch A r t i l l e r y .
SHELL, FLARE, T.R. B.S. (Target Recognition, Base E jection )

52. Empty design - The empty s h e ll i s manufactured to design D2(L)571+/GE/91 and i s in four p a rts,
v i z . , body nose bush No.10, d is c , fu ze-h ole, No,2 and base, No.12
-4 50—
53. Method o f f i l l i n g design - Mk.1 s h e ll t o th is design (DD(L)20151 - Code 14-6) are f i t t e d w ith
four containers f i l l e d SR f l a r e composition which may be one o f two colours i.< _., red or green.
SHELL B.E. INCffiDlARY

54. Empty design; -
(a ) The Mk.1 s h e ll i s manufactured to the same empty design as the LIk. 1 smoke s h e ll.
(b ) The Mk.2 s h e ll i s manufactured t o empty design DD(L)19586 and d i f f e r s from the mark 1 in
being f i t t e d w ith a base, s h e ll, No.15*
55* Method o f f i l l i n g designs; -
(a ) The mark 1 s h e ll i s f i l l e d t o design DD(L)1/>424 (Code L3V,'0 , being f i t t e d w ith s ix s t e e l

containers, incendiary, No.2, LIk.1.
(b ) The mark 2 s h e ll may be f i l l e d to design DD(L)18778 (Code L34/2) o r DD(L)18953 (Code L34/3)*
The former ca ters f o r fou r s t e e l containers, incendiary No.3, Mk.1, the l a t t e r f o r s ix s te e l
containers, in cen d iary. No. 4» Mk.1.
SHELL. B.E. SMOKE

5^>. Empty designs - A l l smoke s h e ll, screening and colou red, are manufactured t o the same empty
design.
Mk. 1 DD(L) 13726/1

Mk. 2 D 2 (L )8 4 y W 7 9
The empty design con sists o f fo u r p a rts , these b e in g :- body, nose bush, d is c , fu ze-h ole, No.2
and base No .13.
The Mk.1 s h e ll i s f i t t e d with a No.3 bush and the Mk.2 s h e ll i s f i t t e d w ith a No.10 nose bush,
th is i s the only d iffe re n c e between these empty designs.
57* Method o f f i l l i n g designs

The Mk.1 B.E. screening smoke s h ell i s f i l l e d to design DD(L)13726.
The Mk.1 coloured smoke s h e ll i s f i l l e d t o design DD(L)19103, the smoke compositions used
varying according to the colour o f the smoke i t i s d esired to produce.
A l l Mk.2 smoke s h ell are f i l l e d to design D2(L)744/GF/92 (Code £ £ 4 A ) o r D 2(L)1 562/GF/48O
(Code L3i*/5 f o r screening smoke and L34/7 fo r o th e r s ).
The mark 1 screening smoke s h e ll are f i t t e d w ith 6 s te e l containers No. 6 marie 1 w h ilst mark 2
are f i t t e d w ith 4 s t e e l containers No. 17 mark 1 . The cen tral tube o f containers used in screening
smoke s h ell are not f i t t e d w ith s t e e l plugs.
The mark 1 coloured smoke s h e ll are f i t t e d w ith 6 s te e l containers No.6 marie 1 w h ilst mark 2
are f i t t e d w ith 4 s t e e l containers No. 17 mark 1 • In the case o f the marie 1 green, red and y e llo w
smoke s h e ll the cen tra l tube o f the container i s f i t t e d w ith a d r ille d s te e l plug a t each end.
S im ila rly , s t e e l plugs are also f i t t e d a t each end o f the cen tra l tube o f the containers assembled in
the mark 2 red smoke s h e ll.
TUBES
58* Tubes, percussion. S.A. c a rtrid g e are approved f o r use w ith th is equipment.
Appendix E
Part 4. B.L. 7 . 2 -inch Gun Ammunition
59. Anraunition o f the fo llo w in g types i s approved fo r the equipment, which i s the standard B r itis h
heavy how itzer fo r F ie ld Branch A r t ille r y : -
S h ell H.E. stream line (Mk. 1 i s non-standard) Third charge

S h e ll d r i l l (comprises charges 1 , 2 and 3 )
Shot, paper Fourth charge
Charge 5 increment (charge 5 i s
obtained by adding the increment
to charge 4 )
Blank
D r ill
-1 5 1 -
CARTRIDGES
6 o . T h ere are three main types o f ca rtrid g e s, these b e in g :-
Charge 3
Charge 4
Charge 5 increment
61o Charge th r e e :-
(a ) 11 lb . 10 o z . co rd ite WM.061 Hk. 1 - This con sists o f a 5 l b . 8 o z. sta lk type charge one
p o rtio n , a charge two increment o f 1 l b . 11 oz. and a charge three increment o f if l b . 7 o z .
in the form o f f l a t bags.
The charge one p ortion i s f i t t e d w ith a 6 o z . ''A'1 ig n it e r .
(b ) 13 lb . 11 o z . co rd ite N.0if5» IJk.1 (illu s t r a t e d in P ig . 9) - This consists o f three

* c y lin d r ic a l shaped p o rtion s la ced to g eth er. The charge one portion o f 6 l b . 10 oz. 8 d rs.
i s f i t t e d w ith a 6 o z . "A" ig n it e r . The charge two increment i s o f 2 l b . 2 o z . w h ile the
charge three increment i s 4 l b . 14 o z . 8 d r.
With e f f e c t from 3rd November, 1945 & l i f t i n g becket i s f i t t e d to the charge three p o rtio n .
( c ) 14 l b . 13 o z. 8 d r. FNH.025 and NH.050 Mk. 1 - This con sists o f a stalk type charge one
p o rtion o f £ lb . 11 o z . FNH.025 and two r in g shaped increments; the charge two increment o f
2 lb . 3 o z . 8 d r. FNH.025 and the charge three increment o f 5 l b . 15 o z. NH.050. A 6 oz.
G12 gunpowder ig n it e r i s f i t t e d to the charge one p o rtio n .
(d ) 16 lb . 3 02. 8 dr. FNH.025 and .057. Mk.1 - This con sists o f a stalk type charge one p o rtion
o f 6 lb . 11 o z. o f FNH.025 and two r in g shaped increments; the charge two increment o f
2 lb . 3 o z . 8 d r. FNH.025 and the charge three increment o f 7 lb . 5 o z. NH.057* A 6 o z . G12
gunpowder ig n it e r i s f i t t e d t o the charge one p o rtion .
( e ) 16 l b . 3 02. 8 d r . FNH.025 and .057 Mk. 2 - This d i f f e r s from the 2-3c.1 only in being made up
in three c y lin d r ic a l shaped portions la ced togeth er.
62. Charge four: -
(a ) 24 lb . c o rd ite N/S 198-054« Mk. 1 f o i l (illu s t r a t e d in F ig . 9 ) - The c o rd ite i s bundled and

secured w ith .35 inch wide worsted webbing. Wrapped around t h is bundle i s a sheet o f lead
or t in f o i l secured with sewing s i l k . The made up charge i s f i l l e d in to a s ilk clo th bag
f i t t e d a t one end w ith a 6 o z . "B" ig n it e r and a t the other end with a 6 o z . G12 gunpowder
ig n it e r . C artridges f i l l e d a ft e r 5th June, 1945 are f i t t e d w ith a l i f t i n g becket at the
G12 gunpowder ig n it e r end.
(b ) 25 lb . FNH.057. Mk. 1 - This con sists o f 25 l b . o f loose p rop ella n t f i l l e d in to a s ilk clo th
bag with a sheet o f lea d or t i n f o i l lo o s e ly crumpled and placed on top o f the prop ellant
fillin g . The bag i s choked and secured w ith sewing s i l k , a 6 o z . G12 gunpowder ig n it e r
being attached to the opposite end.
63 . Charge f i v e increm ent:-

C ordite N/s 198-054. charge 5 increment charge. 7 l b . Mk. 1 (illu s t r a t e d in F i g . 9 ) - This
con sists o f c o rd ite , bundled, using .35 inch wide worsted webbing. The made up charge i s contained
in a s ilk clo th bag a t one end o f which i s f i t t e d a 1 oz. MJ" i g n it e r , a 1 o z. G12 gunpowder ig n it e r
being f i t t e d a t the oth er end.
With e ffe c t from 6th June, 1945> a l i f t i n g becket i s f i t t e d a t the G12 gunpowder ig n it e r end.
I t i s r e s tr ic te d to use in mark 6 Howitzers only.
FUZES
^4. H.E. s h e ll are issued plugged being f i t t e d w ith plug F.H. 2 inch No. 13. The top explod er i s
assembled in p o s itio n , and the s h e ll are su ita b le f o r use with e ith e r No.117 o r 213 fu zes.
SHELL H.E. STREAMLINE

6 5 • Empty design :-
(a ) Mk. 1D - This s h e ll i s manufactured to design DD(L)11437 and fo llo w s the conventional

design f o r H.E. s h e ll. There are fo u r, a lte rn a tiv e base p la tes i . e . , 0.49 inch thick-one
p la in , the other screwed and O.34 inch thick-one p la in , the other screwed. A l l are 4.5
inch in diameter. The head o f the s h e ll may be e ith e r p la in or in the fo ra o f a bush.
The w alls may be r e lie v e d in diameter between a 2 inch banl formed at the shoulder and a
1 inch band immediately in fro n t o f the d r iv in g band. The s h e ll i s f i t t e d w ith a sin gle
d rivin g band t o design DD(L)11454/1 .
—152—
(b ) Mk• 2D - This s h e ll i s manufactured t o design DD(L)13332 and d i f f e r s from the mark 1D s h e ll

in being f i t t e d w ith a double d riv in g band to design DD(L)12496/1 .
66 . Method o f f i l l i n g designs - The fo llo w in g method o f f i l l i n g designs are u sed:-
DD(L)11935 dd( l )13005A DD(L}16817

DD(L) 13005 DD(l ) 16362 DD(L)19507
A l l these method o f f i l l i n g designs cover the use o f amatol 50/50 but designs DD(L)11935»
DD(L)13005, DD(L)13005A and DD(L)16362 permit the use o f a lte rn a tiv e proportions o f th is f i l l i n g *
Method o f f i l l i n g designs DD(L)13005A and DD(L)16362 have an unusual exploder arrangement in
that each incorporates th ree bag exploders, one o f which i s p osition ed below the s te e l exploder
container.
DD(L) 13005 A incorporates a G.E. 'A ' exploder below the exploder container owing to a temporary
shortage o f smoke boxes. To meet observation requirements th is design c a lls fo r a 6 o z . smoke box
to be incorporated in the H.E. f i l l i n g . A quantity o f s h e ll f i l l e d at R.O.P. E l stow do not include
th is smoke box and they thus bear a marking to in d ic a te i t s absence*
The th ird exploder used in design DD(L)l6362 i s a C.E. "Z" exploder*
67. Surrounds and toppings - DD(L)19507 incorporates a TNT topping w h ile a l l other designs make use
o f TNT surrounds.
68 . Exploder containers - A No. 3 exploder container i s used in s h ell f i l l e d to design DD(L)19507,

a l l other s h e ll being f i t t e d w ith a No. 1 exploder container.
69* Smoke boxes - S h ell f i l l e d to design DD(L)13005 were o r ig in a lly assembled w ith a 1.1/4 o z » or
1.1/2 o z . red phosphorus smoke box. Owing to the danger o f phosphoric acid exudation from badly
sealed smoke boxes these have been replaced w ith a 1 oz. 8 d r. TNT/AL smoke p e l l e t .
TUBES
70. Tubes, percussion, S.A. c a rtrid g e are approved fo r use w ith th is equipment.
-1 5 3 -
Appendix F
Particulars of Fuzes
FUZE. PERCUSSION. D.A. NO. 117
1. Type P e r c ., d ir e c t action
2* Guns Q.F. 3»7 inch Mks. 1 to 3 guns

Q.F. 5.25 inch gun
Q.F. 25 p r . gun
Q.F. 3*7 inch howr.
B .L, 4 .5 inch gun
B .L. 5*5 inch gun
B .L. 7.2 inch howr.
3. P r o je c t ile H.E. s h e ll, smoke and chemical bursting s h e ll.
4. D escription - Mark 18 (F ig . 56)
5. General - Th is i s a detonating fuze o f the 2 inch fu ze-hole gauge, and i s used w ith stream line
s h e ll when instantaneous e f f e c t i s desired.
I t consists p r in c ip a lly o f a body, magazine w ith bottom cap, sh utter and detonator, locking
w eight, guide bush, percussion and arming arrangements, s tr ik e r cover and sa fe ty cap.
6. Body - This i s o f b ra ss, the lower p o rtion being screw-threaded e x te rn a lly to the 2 inch
fu ze-hole gauge and the upper p ortion , co n ica l in shape, bored and screw-threaded in t e r n a lly to
re c e iv e the guide bush, below which a p la in portion rec eive s the percussion and arming arrangement.
Two holes are bored through the body diaphragm t o connect the low er recess to the upper recess and
a ct as vent holes to r e lie v e pressure in the low er recess should a detonator f i r e on shook o f
discharge. One o f these holes i s situ ated inm ediately over the d eton ator when the sh utter i s in
the unarmed p o sitio n . Two key holes are d r ille d i n the side to take a key f o r in s e r tin g o r removing
the fu ze.
The base i s recessed to house the shutter and lockin g weight and screw-threaded to re c e iv e the
magazine. The upper and low er c a v it ie s are connected by a cen tra l b orin g to rec eive the p o in t o f
the s t r ik e r . The low er end o f the upper c a v ity b orin g i s coned to house the lower end o f the
arming spring to ob viate the p o s s ib ilit y o f the spring being trapped under the flan ge o f the s tr ik e r
spindle.
Holes are d r ille d in the underside o f the body recess to r e c e iv e a hinge pin fo r the shutter
and one fo r the locking w eight, in addition to one fo r a brass stop pin w ith a fib r e s le e v e , o r a
fib r e stop pin . To prevent the magazine from fo u lin g the shutter b y b ein g screwed too fa r in , two
distance pins are positioned in -the shutter recess.
7. Magazine - Th is i s o f brass and i s screw-threaded e x te rn a lly to s u it the body. I t i s reduced

in diameter a t the bottom and screw-threaded to r e c e iv e a bottom cap, which i s crimped in two or
more places e q u i-d is ta n tly spaced a ft e r f i l l i n g . Th is crimping combined with the securing pin i3
to lock the threads against unscrewing. The cap reta in s the C.E. p e l l e t in the magazine.
I t i s bored from the base in two diam eters, the la r g e r bore containing a C.E. p e l l e t which i s
assembled w ith the hard end next to the bottom cap, a paper d is c being shellacked to the top
surface. The sm aller bore i s within a fr a c tio n o f an inch o f the top surface o f the magazine
lea vin g a thin metal diaphragm, and is f i l l e d with loose C.E. stemmed in .
8. Shutter - This i s o f brass and i s located between the upper face o f the magazine and the
underside o f the body diaphragm.
I t i s bored through the centre fo r i t s hinge pin and prepared w ith a recess a t one end to
r e c e iv e the detonator.
A recess i s formed in the side o f the shutter, i t s face being machined to form a working
surface fo r the toe o f the looking w eight. The end opposite the detonator recess i s enlarged to
form a weight to operate under c e n trifu g a l fo rc e .
9* Detonator - This i s a 5*7 grain "AZ" tinned lu g le s s detonator,

.-1 5 4 -
FIG.56
FUZE. PERCUSSION. D.A., No. 117. MARK 18
__—-— SAFETY CAP (To be removed immediately
________ STRIKER COVER Prior co loading)
(NOT to be removed)
STRIKER HEAD
_______________ — STRIKER SPRING--------
----------- SAFETY CAP WASHER ^
GUIDE BUSH
SEGMENTS
ARMING SLEEVE
STRIKER SLEEVE
| - 2 0 D IA H
(14 Threads per inch)
ARMING SPRING
S T R IK E R ~ -^ _
BODY
HINGE PIN
SHUTTER
SECURING PIN
STEMMED C.E
> 1 MAGAZINE
C.E PELLET S, - <r
PAPER DISC BOTTOM CAP
DETONATOR
NORMAL ON FIRING
HINGE PIN DISTANCE PIN

SHUTTER SPRING STOP PIN
LOCKING W EIGHT HINGE PIN
SHUTTER
SHUTTER UNARMED SHUTTER ARMED

PLAN VIEW
STRIKER COVER
SECURING PIN
SEGMENTS
STRIKER
LO CKING W EIGHT
DISTANCE PIN
SHUTTER
DETONATOR
(5-7 G R .-A .Z ")
'-DETONATOR
(5-7 GR .“A.Z'')
DURING FLIGHT ON JMPACT

-15 5 -
10. Locking weight - This i s o f brass and i s an arc-shaped fitm ent located above the magazine and i s
forked at one end to re c e iv e the shutter spring and bored v e r t i c a l l y f o r i t s hinge p in . The other
end i s formed w ith a toe which i s machined to act as a working surface in the recess in. the side o f
the shutter under the influence o f the shutter spring, thus masking the cen tra l hole in the body
diaphragm.
The upper surface o f the toe i s recessed to accommodate the p o in t o f the s tr ik e r to prevent the
shutter opening w h ilst the fuze i s at r e s t and u n t il a ccelera tion has ceased in the gun.
11. Guide bush - This i s o f metal and formed w ith a flan ge about i t s centre which i s coned to su it
the contour o f the body and m illed around i t 3 edge. I t i s screw-threaded e x te rn a lly above and below
the fla n g e , the upper to r e c e iv e the sa fe ty cap and the low er to su it the top o f the fuze body.
I t i s bored through the centre to form a guide f o r the s t r ik e r , the upper end o f the boring
being enlarged to form a seatin g fo r the s tr ik e r cover and spring. The low er end o f the borin g is
formed with a countersunk edge to bear against the segments.
A recess on the under surface forms a seatin g f o r the aiming s le e v e . A securing pin locks
the threads against unscrewing.
12. Percussion and arming arrangements - These con sist o f a s t r ik e r w ith a head, s tr ik e r spring,
s t r ik e r s le e v e , segments, arming sleeve and spring.
(a ) S tr ik e r - This i s o f s t e e l and i s in two pa rts e .g . s tr ik e r and head, which are secured

together by a s p lit p in .
The s tr ik e r i s a metal rod c ir c u la r in section having a point at i t s lower end, above which
i s formed a flan ge against which bears the lower end o f the s tr ik e r sle ev e. The upper end
i s reduced in diameter t o f i t the head and bored to re c e iv e a s p lit pin .
The s tr ik e r head i s a mushroom-shaped fitm ent which i s bored to f i t the s tr ik e r sp in dle, a
r a d ia l boring accommodating the s p lit p in . When assembled with i t s sleeve and segments
the flan ge has a small clearance between i t s low er edge and the seating fo r the arming
spring in the body diaphragm.
(b ) S triker_sprin g - This i s o f s t e e l, c ir c u la r in se ctio n , and i s assembled under i n i t i a l

compression between the s tr ik e r head and the upper fa ce o f the guide bush. When the
s tr ik e r i s released b y the f a l l i n g away o f the segments, the spring reasserts i t s e l f , and
so doing withdraws the point o f the s tr ik e r out o f the recess in the locking w eight.
(c ) S trik e r sleeve - This i s o f brass, c y lin d r ic a l in shape and f i t s over the s tr ik e r spindle,
bearing against the upper fa ce o f the flan ge on the s t r ik e r . I t s upper end is
chamfered t o bear against the low er countersunk edges o f the segments.
(d ) Segments - These, fou r in number, form a hollow cy lin d er around the spindle and are
assembled between the low er end o f the guide bush and the upper end o f the s t r ik e r sle e v e ,
and ma in tain the s t r ik e r spring under i t s i n i t i a l compression, u n til released by
a ccelera tion and c e n trifu g a l fo rc e .
The Tipper edge o f the segments i s chamfered, w hile the low er edge i s countersunk, view ing
the segments as a cy lin d er.
(e ) Arming sleeve - This i s a hollow c y lin d r ic a l brass fitm en t, the upper and low er edges being
turned over to form bearing surfaces fo r the arming spring and under surface o f the guide
bush. The arming sleeve reta in s the segments in p o s itio n u n til released by a ccelera tion .
The sleeve i s kept up to i t s work by an arming spring which i s assembled on the outside o f
the s tr ik e r s le e v e , one end bearing against the arming sleeve and the oth er in the recess
in the upper face o f the body diaphragm.
13. St r ik e r cover - This i s o f brass, dome-shaped and p osition ed over the s tr ik e r head, being
seated in the upper recess in the.guide bush. This cover prevents pressure o f the a ir , during
f l i g h t , a ctin g on the s t r ik e r head, so causing premature action o f the s tr ik e r .
This cover must not be-removed when preparing the fuze p r io r t o lo a d in g .
14. S a fe ty cap - This is o f s t e e l or m alleable cast iro n , dome shaped and has a f l a t s t e e l spring
r iv e te d in to an oblique s lo t on one sid e. The fr e e end o f the spring engages in the m illin g on the
guide bush and reta in s the cap in p o s itio n . The cap i s formed w ith a m illed rin g around i t s
circumference and i s screw-threaded in te r n a lly at i t s low er end fo r attachment to the guide bush.
As an a lte rn a tiv e the cap may be manufactured o f z in c -a llo y but i s sim ila r in shape to the s te e l
cap.
The cap is painted or lacquered black ex te rn a lly .
— 156—
15. Safety Arrangements - The follow ing safety arrangements are incorporated
(a ) The safety cap which protects the s trik er cover and strik er.
(b ) The segments held in place by the arming sleeve and arming spring which acting through the
s trik er sleeve hold the s trik er in position in the locking weight,,
(o ) The shutter held by the looking weight in such a position that the detonator i s not aligned
below the point o f the strik er.
16. Action - When preparing this fuze f o r fir in g the black steel sa fety cap only i s to be unscrewed
and removed.
17. On f ir in g - The acceleration o f the s h e ll in the bore causes the arming sleeve to set back and
compress the arming spring between i t s e l f and the bottom o f the recess in the upper surface o f the
body diaphragm. This movement uncovers the segments and, combined with a s lig h t set baok o f the
s trik er, releases the four segments and permits them to f a l l c le a r. Should acceleration not
displace the segments they w i l l be p o s itiv e ly displaced by cen trifu gal force.
18. During f lig h t - As deceleration sets in , the s trik er spring, which is assembled under compression,
reasserts i t s e l f against the underside o f the s trik er head, forcing the s trik er and s trik er sleeve
forward u n til the upper end o f the sleeve meets the under surface o f the guide bush, withdrawing the
point o f the s trik e r out o f the recess in the locking w ei$ it. This allows the locking w elgit to
revolve around i t s hinge pin under the action o f cen trifu gal force. In doing so i t s toe starts the
shutter turning on i t s hinge pin. This aotion i s arranged to ensure that the shutter sh a ll revolve
in to i t s armed position . The shutter is so shaped that centrifugal force can only cause i t to
revolve around i t s hinge pin gently and the locking weight gives i t a s ta rt. Centrifugal force then
continues to revolve the shutter gently u n til i t reaches the stop pin which locates -the detonator
under the s trik er point. In this way shook to the detonator, when the shutter moves to the armed
position , is avoided. The stop pin i s fit t e d with a fib re sleeve fo r the same purpose.
The fuze i s now fu lly armed, the s trik er point being held clea r o f the detonator by the s trik er
spring and the retardation o f the sh ell due to a ir resistance acting on the mass o f the strik er.
19. On impact - The s trik e r cover i s forced on to the s trik er head, the s trik er being forced inwards
compressing the s trik e r spring, causing the point o f the s trik er to pierce the detonator. The
resu ltin g detonating wave passes through the magazine diaphragm to the small column o f stemmed C.E.
which in turn fir e s the C.E. p e lle t in the magazine and the bursting charge in the sh ell.
20. Difference in marks - The follow in g shows b r ie f ly the various differences in patterns
Mark 1 (cancelled)
This mark was allocated to a design o f No. 117 fuze which was never produced fb r Service
use and has since been cancelled.
Mark 2 (obsolete)
This fuze consists o f a body, magazine with bottom cap, shutter with detonator, locking
weight, guide bush, percussion and arming arrangement and safety cap.
These fuzes have been modified to approximate to the mark 3 by forming an annular recess
to receive the lower end o f the arming spring. No advance o f numeral being made.
Mark 3 (obsolescent)
Similar to the mark 2 but has shape o f shutter amended and may be o f mazak with a brass
in sert. Body may be o f zinc base a llo y , has small alteration s to dimensions and omission o f
upstand round forward end o f strik er hole.
Mark 3A (obsolescent)
Similar to mark 3 d iffe r in g p rin cip a lly in the shutter recess being fit t e d with an
extra distance pin.
Mark 4 (obsolete)
D iffe rs from the mark 3 in being made with a s te e l magazine, guide bush and body.
Mark 5 (obsolete)
D iffe rs from mark 4 p rin cip ally in being f it t e d with weaker arming and shutter springs.
Mark 6 (Obsolete)
Sim ilar to mark 4 but has a cast iron body and mazak rin g screwed under the flange, making
a shorter magazine recess. The shorter magazine takes a shorter and narrower p e lle t. Has a
longer s trik er below the flange, also a shorter magazine set screw.
-157-
Mark 7 (ca n celled )

Sim ilar to the mark 3^ "but d i f f e r s in being f i t t e d w ith a m odified shutter to aocoanodate
a 6 grain detonator f i l l e d D.C. A../ lea d azide/C.E. (A Z Y ). The s t r ik e r and s tr ik e r head was o f
aluminium a llo y and the thickness o f the magazine diaphragm was .01 - .03 instead o f .003 -
.008.
S im ila r to the mark 3A. but incorporates a two p iece l i ^ v t a llo y s t r ik e r and s t r ik e r head,
to increase the speed o f a ction o f the fuze by reducing the in e r t ia o f the s tr ik e r.
Mark 9 (ca n celled )
Mark 10 (convtd. mark 3A o r 8)

D iffe r s from the mark 8 in the fo llo w in g respects : -
Thicker s tr ik e r cover and sm aller diameter s t r ik e r head and the s t r ik e r and s tr ik e r head
being o f s t e e l.
Mark 11 (convtd. mark 2) (o b s o le te )

D iffe r s from mark 8 in the fo llo w in g res p ec ts: -
Thicker s t r ik e r cover and sm aller diameter s tr ik e r head.
S te e l s tr ik e r and s t r ik e r head.
Only one distance p ie ce in the magazine recess.
Shutter o f brass only and o f a s lig h t ly d iffe r e n t design.
Mark 12 (convtd. mark 3) (o b so le te )

D iffe r s from the mark 8 in the fo llo w in g respects
Thicker s t r ik e r cover and sm aller diam eter s t r ik e r head.
S tee l s t r ik e r and s tr ik e r head.
Only one distance pieoe in magazine rec ess .
Mark 13 (convtd. mark 4 ) (o b s o le te )

D iffe r s from the mark 8 in the fo llo w in g res p ec ts: -
Thicker s t r ik e r cover and small diameter s t r ik e r head.
S te e l s t r ik e r , s t r ik e r head, guide bush, magazine and body.
Mark 14 (convtd. nark 8) (obsolescent)

Same as the mark 8 except f o r a th ick er s tr ik e r cover and sm aller diameter s tr ik e r head.
Mark 15
S im ilar to the mark 8 except thats-
The s tr ik e r and s t r ik e r head are o f s t e e l.
The s t r ik e r cover i s th ick er and the s t r ik e r head i s o f sm aller diameter.
Mark 16 (o b so le te )
Sim ilar to the mark 10 except that i t i s assembled w ith a 5.7 gr. A.Z. tinned lu gless
detonator, in lie u o f a 5 gr. A .Z . copper s h e ll deton ator.
Mark 17
Sim ilar to the mark 15 except that i t i s assembled w ith a 5.7 g r. A .Z . tinned lu gle ss
detonator in lie u o f a 5 g r . A .Z . copper s h e ll deton ator.
Mark 17/1
S im ila r to the mark 17, but body i s provided with a sh utter gauging h ole.
Mark 18
Sim ilar to the mark 17 d if fe r in g p r in c ip a lly in the shutter and locking weight being
tin -p la te d a l l over and the face o f the w a lls o f the shutter recess and c e n tra l hole guiding
the s tr ik e r and the top face o f the magazine, p ro je ctin g face o f the distance hinge pin and
the stop pins also bein g tin -p la te d . In a d d ition , the body i s provided w ith a shutter
gauging h ole.
N o te :-
Mark 8 and e a r lie r marks - P r io r to 13/10/1942 an in s tru c tio n a l la b e l L139 w ith the legend
"DO NOT REMOVE" was a ffix e d to the s t r ik e r cover, a ft e r th is date th is legend was embossed
on the top o f the s t r ik e r oover which was manufactured to design P.D. 907.
— 153—
Marks 10. 11. 12, 1 14* 15. 16« 17 and 18 - These marks o f fuzes are assembled with a
s tr ik e r cover to design D3/5/221VI/3M • The design c a lle d fo r a heavier gauge m aterial than
that used fo r covers to design P.D. 907, and the increase in thickness o f the s k ir t made ‘
removal o f the cover from the fuze im possible without the use o f a sp ecial t o o l. Embossing
the legend nD0 NOT REM3VE" on top o f the cover was, th erefo re, discontinued.
159—
RJZE PERCUSSION, D.A. AND GRAZE NO. 119 -AND NO. 119B
21. Type P e r c ., d ir e c t a ctio n and graze
22 . Guns B.L. 9.2 inch gun (C .A .)

B.L. 6 inch gun (C .A .)
Q.P. 3.7 inch howr.
Q.P. 25 p r . gun
Not t o be used i n : -
B.L. k<,5 inch gun
B. L, 5.5 inch gun
B.L. 7.2 inch howr.
23. P r o je c t ile H. E. s h e ll
24. D escription - No. 119B mark 17 (F ig . 57)
25. General - The fuze co n sists p r in c ip a lly o f a body, sleeve (in e r t ia p e l l e t ) detonator p lu g,
detonator h old er, deten t, c e n trifu g a l b o lt , s t r ik e r assembly, s t r ik e r co ver, sa fe ty cap, detonators
and shutter assembly and magazine w ith cap.
26. Body - This i s o f brass and the low er p o rtio n i s screw-threaded e x te rn a lly t o the 2 inch fuze
hole gauge. The upper co n ica l p o rtion ha3 a f l a t top , a la t e r a l threaded hole in the side f o r a
plug to secure the c e n trifu g a l b o lt and two key holes to take the key fo r in s e rtin g o r removing
the fu ze. A la t e r a l threaded hole in the low er threaded p o rtio n i s fo r a p in to secure the
magazine.
The body is bored from both top and bottom to leave a th ic k diaphragm w ith a hole d r i l l e d
through the centre to a ct as a guide f o r the stem o f the s tr ik e r . The recess at the top houses the
s tr ik e r spring which i s assembled under the head o f the s t r ik e r and also the s tr ik e r cover.
The sm aller ce n tra l bore in the low er p a rt o f the body houses the creep spring which i s
assembled over the needle shank o f the s t r ik e r and re s ts on top o f the detonator plug.
A s lig h t ly la r g e r bore below t h is acconmodates a spacing washer, follow ed by the detonator
holder0
The lower bore contains the sh utter assembly and magazine and i s screw-threaded at the bottom
t o take the magazine.
On one s id e , o f f ce n tre , a hole i s d r i l l e d in the body t o a ct as a vent t o r e lie v e the pressure
in the middle p o rtion o f the body should a detonator f i r e on shock o f discharge, w h ile on the
opposite side another h ole i s d r ille d t o house the detent and detent spring.
27. S tr ik e r assembly - The s tr ik e r i s assembled from the low er p a rt o f the body. The s tr ik e r
spring i s then assembled and compressed and retain ed in t h is p o s itio n by f i t t i n g th e s tr ik e r
head which i s secured t o the top o f the s t r ik e r by a reta in in g pin.
The c e n trifu g a l b o lt i s then assembled.
The creep spring i s then assembled over the needle shank o f the s tr ik e r from the rea r end o f
the body, follow ed by the sle ev e. The creep spring, in e r t ia p e l l e t u n it, and spacing washer are
retain ed in p o s itio n by the screwing home o f the detonator holder.
28. Sleeve (in e r t ia p e l l e t ) - This i s c y lin d r ic a l and is bored in t e r n a lly t o accommodate at the
rea r end a 5 grain detonator and above t h is on a s lig h t ly la r g e r diameter i t is screw-threaded
to engage the detonator plu g. The top p o rtio n i s then recessed and the rim chamfered to f i t
over the w ider end o f the s p ir a l creep spring on assembly.
29* Detonator plug - Th is i s c y lin d r ic a l and formed w ith a threaded flan ge to screw in to the sleeve.
In te r n a lly a hole i s d r ille d through the centre and acts as a housing and guide fo r the needle
shank o f the s tr ik e r.
30. C en trifu gal b o lt - This i s c y lin d r ic a l w ith an undercut formed on the inner face. I t is
inserted in the hole in the side o f the body and the head f i t s under a fla n ge formed on the stem
o f the s t r ik e r , thus locking the s tr ik e r in the safe p osition *
31. B olt hole plug - This i s o f brass formed w ith a screw-threaded fla n g e , and a screwdriver s lo t
i s made in the rea r face t o f a c i l i t a t e in s e rtio n . I t is screwed in to the body behind the
ce n trifu g a l b o lt 0
32. Detent - Th is i s a metal rod w ith a rounded knob formed at one end, the knob being lo o s t ly
enclosed by a c y lin d r ic a l w eight.
The stem o f detent i s assembled behind the c e n trifu g a l b o lt and prevents the b o lt moving
outwards u n til a ft e r the fuze i s fir e d .
—
1 60-
FUZE PERCUSSION, D.A., AND GRAZE. No. II9B. MARK 17 FlG.57

sa fety CAP
STRIKER HEAD
Wf aSt STRIKER COVER (NOT to be removed)
STRIKER SPRING
1 BODY
STRIKER i
DETENT
BOLT HOLE PLUG
CENTRIFUGAL BOLT
CREEP SPRING
(14 Threads per inch) SLEEVE (INERTIA PELLET)
DETONATOR PLUG
DETENT SPRING
DETONATOR (5-7 GR. 'A.Z ’)
SPACING WASHER
SHUTTER DETONATOR HOLDER
DETONATOR (5-7 GR. 'A.Z'')
MAGAZINE
SHUTTER LOCKING CATCH
MAGAZINE CAP CE PELLET
NORMAL ON FIRING
PLAN VIEW OF SHUTTER
CATCH
SPRING SHUTTER
LOCKING STEMMED
CATCH ^ C E
SHUTTER
SPRING
PAPER
TABLET
LOCKING MAGAZINE
PIN SHUTTER
STEMMED C E
SECURING PIN
D U RIN G FLIGHT O N IMPACT O N G RAZE (SAFETY CAP O N )

_ 1 61-
. 33• Detent spring - This i s a s p ira l o f spring w ire assembled below the deten t.
Set back o f the detent on a cce lera tio n conpresses the spring and the stem o f the detent bee ones
locked under the shoulder formsd in the detent hole i n the body,
34. S tr ik e r - The aluminium a llo y s t r ik e r has a separate mushroom shaped head secured by a s p lit
pin .
The s t r ik e r spindle i s c ir c u la r in se ctio n , having a sharp p o in t formed a t i t s lower end above
which a shaped fla n g e formed t o make a seatin g against the diaphragm in the body o f the fu ze. Above
the flan ge the stem o f the s t r ik e r i s thickened, the upper end being reduced in diameter t o f i t the
head and bored t o take a s p lit pin .
The s t r ik e r head i s bored c e n tr a lly t o f i t the s t r ik e r and r a d ia lly fo r the s p lit p in ,
35* S trik e r spring - This i s a s p ir a l o f s t e e l w ire assembled under i n i t i a l compression between the
s tr ik e r head and the upper surface o f the fuze body.
36. Creep spring - Th is i s a cone o f s t e e l w ire assembled under l i g h t conpression between the top
o f the detonator plu g and under the flange formed above the needle shank o f the s tr ik e r,
37* Shutter - This comprises a s lid in g b lo ck , lockin g p in , sh utter spring, catch spring and a
shutter lockin g catch.
When the s h e ll leaves the muzzle the sh utter lockin g catch spins outwards under c e n trifu g a l
fo rc e perm ittin g the shutter (o r block) t o s lid e outwards in the armed p o s itio n where i t i s retain ed
by the lockin g pin.
38. Detonator (upper) - Th is i s a 5*7 g r . AZ tinned lu gle ss detonator,
39. Detonator (lo w e r) - This i s sim ila r t o the form er, and i s housed i n the detonator h old er and
secured by rin gin g,
40. Detonator holder

This i s c ir c u la r and screw-threaded e x te rn a lly to engage in the body. In te r n a lly i t i s
recessed t o house the 3 g ra in detonator,
41. Magazine - This i s o f brass. The main upper p o rtio n i s screw-threaded e x te rn a lly to su it
the body w h ilst the bottom p a rt is reduced in diameter f o r the cap. I t i s secured in the body
by a pin .
The magazine i s bored from the base in two diam eters, the la r g e r bore containing a C.E. p e l l e t ,
which i s assembled w ith the hard end nearest t o the bottom cap. The sm aller bore term inates in a
diaphragm fra n 0.003 to 0,008 o f an inch th ick and i s f i l l e d w ith stemmed C.E, A recess i s formed
in the opposite end t o house the shutter assembly,
42. Magazine cap - This i s screw-threaded in te r n a lly to su it the base o f the magazine. I t screws
over the bottom o f the magazine and reta in s the G.E. p e l l e t . A ft e r f i l l i n g , the cap i s crimped
in two o r more p laces t o prevent i t unscrewing,
43o S tr ik e r cover - This brass dome-shaped co ver f i t s o ver the s t r ik e r head and i s secured by the
bottom ridged edge being sprung in to an annular g ro o v e at the bottom o f the recess formed in the
top o f the body.
The cover prevents a i r resistance during f l i g h t from a ctin g on the s tr ik e r head t o cause
premature action o f the s tr ik e r.
This cover must not be removed when preparing f o r loading,
44o S a fe ty cap - This black-painted s t e e l dome-shaped cap has a f l a t s te e l spring r iv e te d in to

an oblique s lo t in the s id e . The fr e e end o f the spring engages the m illin g on the body o f the
fuze and reta in s the cap in p o s itio n . The cap has a m illed r in g arounds i t s circumference and
i s screw-threaded in t e r n a lly a t the low er end f o r attachment t o the top o f the fuze body.
The cap may be removed before f i r i n g , but NOT th e s tr ik e r co ver underneath.
45. S a fety arrangements - The fo llo w in g s a fe ty arrangements are incorporated:-
(a ) S a fe ty cap which p ro tec ts the s t r ik e r co ver and s t r ik e r head from accid en tal damage.
(b ) C en trifu gal b o lt which holds the s t r ik e r by the edge o f the flan ge and thus prevents the
whole s tr ik e r moving backwards.
( c ) The creep spring which keeps the s tr ik e r and in e r t ia p e l l e t apart.
(d ) The sa fe ty shutter which prevents the main detonator f i r i n g the magazine, i f a c c id e n ta lly
detonated, b y the in te rp o la tio n o f the s o lid p a rt o f the shutter between the two.
f
—162 —
46* To prepare the fuze f o r f i r i n g - The s t e e l cap must not be removed from the fuze u n til the
s h e ll to which i t i s f i t t e d , i s prepared f o r loading. I t may then be removed, o r allowed to
remain in p o s itio n , the decision depending upon the nature o f the ta rg e t about t o be engaged.
The brass s t r ik e r cover under the cap i s never to be removed.
47 • A ction - on f ir in g - Due t o a cce lera tio n o f the p r o j e c t i l e , the s tr ik e r and detent set back
conpressing the creep and detent springs r e s p e c tiv e ly , u n til the shaped p o rtion under the surface
o f the flan ge formed around the s t r ik e r engages a s im ila rly shaped p o rtion o f the ce n trifu g a l b o lt ,
thus preventing i t s movement and the stem o f the detent sets back and i s retained under the shoulder
in the detent bore. The shutter remains i n the unarmed p o s itio n , due t o f r i c t i o n caused by set
back, thus ensuring sa fe ty in the bore should e it h e r o f the detonators function premeturely,
48. During f l i g h t - Y/hen a ccelera tion ceases the s tr ik e r moves forward under the a ctio n o f the
s tr ik e r spring helped by the creep spring, and c e n trifu g a l fo rc e now causes the lockin g catch t o
swing outwards to release the shutter. Further ro ta tio n o f the p r o je c t ile causes the sh u tter and
*
the released c e n trifu g a l b o lt to move outwards, the former brin gin g a channel, f i l l e d w ith steamed
C.E, in to alignment w ith the detonators in the fu ze. When the shutter a rriv e s in th is p o s itio n
c e n trifu g a l fo rc e causes the locking p in in the side o f the shutter t o come out o f i t s recess and
catch behind a lu g in the magazine, so reta in in g the sh utter in the armed p o s itio n . The sleeve now
has a tendency t o creep forward due t o a cce lera tio n , but t h is tendency i s r e s is te d and checked by
the creep spring,
49. On inpact (cap o f f ) - The fuze u su ally functions by d ire c t a ctio n , the s t r ik e r being driven
inwards and i t s poin t p ie rc in g the detonator in the sleeve. The re s u ltin g fla s h causes the lower
detonator to fu nction and a detonating wave passes v ia the stemrjed C.E. in the channels o f the
sh utter and magazine to the C.E. p e lle t in the l a t t e r and thence to the bursting charge in the
s h e ll.
I f , due to the small angle o f a r r iv a l o r other causes, the s t r ik e r i s not d riven in , the fuze
w i l l fu nction by graze a c tio n , as described below.
50. On inpact (cap on) - Against lig h t co ver the s t r ik e r i s rendered in op erative by the presence
o f the cap, and the fuze w i l l function by graze action. When t h is happens the sleeve w ith i t s
detonator moves forward on to the point o f the s tr ik e r , immediately the p r o je c t ile i s retarded, and
the detonator i s fir e d .
Except f o r a s lig h t delay that i s inherent in fuzes functioned by graze a ctio n , a l l subsequent
events are as p reviou sly described.
NOTE: - The No. 119 fuze i s distin gu ish able from the No. 117 by having two bands around the body,
one knurled and the other coloured black,
51. D ifference in marks - The fo llo w in g shows b r i e f l y the various d iffe re n c e s in p a tte rn s: -
No. 119. mark 11

This i s a mark 3A o r 4 No. 119 fuze converted by f i t t i n g a new magazine, new type o f
lock sh utter, a weaker (20 oz. ) creep spring and a flanged detonator holder. A ft e r 12-2-46
the 5 grain A ,S.A. main detonator was replaced by a 5 g rain AZ detonator.
»•’ unc No. 119B
Mark 10 (ob solescen t)
This i s similar* to the No, 119B mark 4 fuze but w ith new design magazine in zin c a llo y
w ith lock shut shutter, and s t r ik e r w ith s t r ik e r head r a is in g spring. A ft e r 12-2-4^ the
5 grain A.S.A. main detonator was replaced by a 5 g rain AZ detonator.
Mark 11
This i s a mark 1 No. 119B fuze converted in a s im ila r manner to the mark 11 No. 119 fuze.
I t d if f e r s from the mark 10 in not having a s t r ik e r head ra is in g spring, and in having a 3 gr.
"A" instead o f a 5 gr. AZ detonator in the in e r t ia p e l l e t . A ft e r 12-2-46 the 5 g ra in A.S.A.
main detonator was replaced by a 5 g rain AZ detonator.
Marks 12 and 13
These "marks" have been a llo t t e d to an Indian design.
Mark 14
This i s a mark 10 No. 119B fu ze, converted by being f i t t e d with a brass magazine,
m odified sh utter and strengthened head and cover.
Mark 15
Allotm ent o f "mark" held in abeyance. No design prepared.
— 163—
‘ ■ark 16
This "mark" has been a llo tt e d to an Indian design
Mark 17 - (as described above)

This i s id e n tic a l w ith the mark 14 except that i t is f i t t e d w ith a 5.7 grain A.Z. tinned
lu gless detonator, in lie u o f a 5 g r. AZ copper s h e ll detonator.
N ote: No. 119 mark 11 and No. 119B marks 10 and 11 fuzes
P r io r to 13 / 10/1942 an in s tru ctio n a l la b e l L139 with the legend "DC' NOT REMOVE" was
a ffix e d to the s tr ik e r cover, a ft e r th is date th is legend was embossed on the top o f the
s tr ik e r cover which was manufactured to design F.D.907.
P r io r to 28/8/1942 an in stru ction a l la b e l L508 with the legend "THE CAP SHOULD BE LEFT
ON WHEN THE TARGET IS BEHIND COVER", was a ffix e d around the s a fe ty cap. A ft e r th is date i t s
a p p lication was discontinued.
No. 119B marks 14 and 17 fuzes

These marks o f fuzes are assembled w ith a s tr ik e r cover to design D3/I/2214/5/341. The
design c a lle d fo r a h eavier gauge m aterial than that used fo r covers to design F.D.907, and the
use o f a sp ec ia l t o o l. Embossing the legend "DO NOT REMOVE" on top o f the cover was, th erefo re,
discontinued.
—162^ -
RJZE. TIME AND PERCUSSION. D.A. . NO. 213
52. Type Time, mechanical and p e rc. D.A.
53. Guns 3*7 inch howr.

25 p r . gun
4.5 gun
5.5 gun
7.2 howr.
54. P r o je c t ile H.E. s h e ll
56. General - This fuse i s f i t t e d w ith a mechanical tim ing which i s operated by a main spring and
co n tro lle d by an escapement. The time o f bu rstin g the s h e ll can be va ried between 0 and 80 seconds
a ft e r the gun i s fir e d . The upper part o f the fu ze i s arranged f o r d ir e c t percussion a ctio n on
impact.
The fuze con sists p r in c ip a lly o f a body, dome, head, lock in g w eight, s t r ik e r head w ith needle,
detonator holders (upper and lo w e r ), p e lle t h old er, sh utter, magazine and cap, tensioning r in g ,
mechanism, tim e, 80 seconds, No. 1 and s a fe ty cap.
The e x te r io r o f the body i s threaded a t the bottom to screw in to the nose o f the s h e ll
maintained by the done and low er p o rtion o f the head o f the fu ze, the tipper p o rtion o f the head being
shaped to range the same as the No. 117 and 119 (cap o f f ) fu zes.
The in t e r io r o f the body i s d ivid ed by a platform . The upper part contains the movement, a
recess in the underside o f the platform takes the low er 5 g r . A .Z . detonator h old er, and the bottom
part contains the shutter and magazine.
The done covers the top o f the clo ck and can be ro ta ted in the fuze body. The dome i s retain ed
by a spring tensioning r in g which f i t s in an in te r n a l groove near the fo o t o f the done. In sid e the
head o f the fuze i s a lock in g w eight. Set back o f the weight on f i r i n g breaks the shear w ires and
d riv e s in lock in g pin s t o jam the dome in the body and t o lo c k the dome as se t. Beneath the lock in g
weight i s a platform o r hand ra c e, across which a shaped s lo t i s c u t. R otation o f the dome
p o sitio n s the s lo t and thereby sets the fu z e .
The clockwork mechanism ro ta tes a spring-loaded hand beneath the hand ra c e, and i s d riven by a
elain spring and c o n tro lle d by an escapement through a t r a in o f gear wheels.
The clockwork mechanism i s sta rted by f i r i n g the gun, the hand being released fo r r o ta tio n by
the set back o f a t r ig g e r .
57. Clockwork mechanism - The clo ck i s as sent)le d as a complete u nit and fix e d to the top o f the
platform in the fuze body.
The mechanism, tim e, 80 seconds, No. 1 i s s im ila r in operation t o the mechanism, tim e, 43
seconds described in the 208 fu ze.
58. Head - The head is shaped t o su it the contour o f the fu ze dome, in to which i t screws. The top
i s screw-threaded e x te rn a lly t o su it the s a fe ty cap.
In te r n a lly i t i s bored fresn the bottan t o acconxnodate the lock in g w eight, a p e lle t h old er and
on a sm aller diameter t o accommodate the detonator holder (upper) • While from the top i t i s bored
to accoranodate the s t r ik e r cup and s t r ik e r head w ith n eedle. A ft e r assembly o f the s t r ik e r the
recess in the top o f the head i s closed by a c lo s in g d is c and washer which are secured by turning
over a l i p formed in the top o f the head.
59. Body - This i s formed w ith a shoulder below which i t i s screw-threaded to the 2 inch fu ze-hole
gauge. Above the shoulder i s an in c lin ed surface graduated *0" to "80" w ith a s a fe ty mark engraved
and f i l l e d in w ith red in the space between the fig u re s 80 and 0.
In te r n a lly the body contains the clockwork mechanism in the upper part and below t h is i s a
detonator. A s lo t in the top o f the magazine houses a movable shutter retain ed in the unarmed or
safe p o sitio n by a s t e e l spring.
60. S trik e r - This con sists o f a s t r ik e r head and n eedle. The needle being formed w ith a flange
which seats in a rece3B formed in the s trik er head in which i t i s secured by turning over a l i p .
The s tr ik e r i s held o f f the upper percussion detonator by a s tr ik e r cup through the centre o f
which the needle protrudes.
61. Detonator holder (upper) - This c y lin d r ic a l brass h old er has a fla n ge formed at the base.
In te r n a lly the top i s recessed to take the 5»7 g r . A .Z. detonator and below t h is i t i s bored to form
a f i r e channel.
I t i s in s erte d in the fuze head from underneath, w ith the detonator im oed iately beneath the
s tr ik e r needle.
-1 6 5 -
62. Detonator holder (lo w e r) - This i s assembled o f f centre on the underside o f the platform and
above the s lid in g shutter. The holder i s recessed t o accommodate a 5*7 g r . A.Z. detonator which is
secured in p o s itio n by burring over a l i p formed on the h older. A hole i s bored through the bottom
o f the detonator recess to permit the fla s h from the detonator passing on to the oblique channel in
the shutter when in the armed p o s itio n .
63* P e lle t holder - This i s o f aluminium a llo y c y lin d r ic a l in shape. E x tern ally i t i s screw-
threaded at the top , and a hole i s formed in the base. I t contains a p erfora ted gun-powder p e l l e t .
I t i s assembled in the head below the fla n ge on the detonator h old er (u pper).
64o Shutter - The brass shutter s lid e s in a s lo t on top o f the magazine.

At one end i s an oblique channel f i l l e d w ith C.E. stemmed in . A small hole in the side takes
the end o f a s te e l shutter spring which p iv o ts on a dowel pin and keeps the shutter at the centre
in the unarmed or safe p o s itio n . In th is p o s itio n the oblique channel i s c le a r o f both the
detonator and magazine channel.
When the s h e ll i s in f l i g h t , c e n trifu g a l fo rce overcomes the spring and p u lls the shutter
outwards to the open o r armed p o s itio n .
In th is p o s itio n the low er detonator, shutter channel, and magazine channel are a l l in lin e .
65. Detonators - These are both 5»7 g r. AZ tinned lu g le s s detonators.
66. Magazine securing r in g - This i s a brass c o lla r screw-threaded on the outside to en ter the fuze
body from underneath. I t surrounds the magazine and secures i t by bearing on the under surface o f
the fla n ge formed on the ripper part o f the magazine. The r in g i s secured by a set screw in serted
from the side o f the threaded p o rtion near the bottom o f the fuze body.
Pour s lo ts at the bottom are fo r an assembly t o o l.
67. Magazine - This i s o f brass and i s screw-threaded ex te rn a lly a t the bottom to take a bottom cap.
I t i s bored from the underside to form a recess t o take a C.E. p e l l e t , the p e lle t being retain ed in
p o s itio n by the bottom cap.
A flan ge i s formed towards the top o f the magazine, the under surface o f which forms a bearing
f o r the magazine securing rin g . The top forms a platform fo r the shutter assembly.
A s lo t across the top accommodates the s lid in g shutter. A dowel p in in the recess forms a
p iv o t fo r the shutter spring and another p o sitio n s the magazine to the fuze body platform .
A small channel o f f cen tre, w ith a diaphragm o f metal l e f t at the to p , leads from the shutter
s lo t to the recess in the magazine. I t i s f i l l e d w ith C.E. stemmed in .
The magazine i s held in p o s itio n by the magazine securing rin g .
68. Bottom cap - This may be o f brass, aluminium a llo y o r s t e e l, and i s threaded in te r n a lly . It
screws over the bottom o f the magazine and re ta in s the C.E. p e l l e t . A fte r f i l l i n g the magazine, the
cap i s screwed on and then crimped in two o r more p laces to prevent i t unscrewing.
69. S afety cap - This i s o f s t e e l o r m alleable cast ir o n , dome shaped and has a f l a t s t e e l spring
r iv e te d in to an oblique s lo t on one sid e. The fr e e end o f the spring engages in the m illin g on the
head o f the fuze and reta in s the cap in p o s itio n . The cap i s formed w ith m illed r in g around i t s
circumference and i s screw-threaded in te r n a lly at i t s low er end f o r engagement with the threads
formed on top o f the fuze head.
The cap i s painted o r lacquered black e x te rn a lly .
70. S a fe ty Arrangements - The fo llo w in g s a fe ty arrangements are incorporated:-
(a ) When the fuze i s set a t SAFE, the hand race in the dome i s coincident with the hand which
i s prevented from r is in g by the muzzle s a fe ty device b rid ge.
(b ) The tensioning r in g prevents the dome being a c c id e n ta lly moved during tr a n s it.
(c ) The c e n trifu g a l sa fe ty catch i s housed under the s tr ik e r cam u n til the s h e ll ro ta tes in
flig h t . I t serves a dual purpose
(i) In the event o f the clockwork mechanism being a c c id e n ta lly set in a ctio n , the catch
prevents the s t r ik e r reaching the detonator.
(ii) I f a fuze w ith the clockwork mechanism a c c id e n ta lly set in a ction was loaded and the
gun fir e d , the c e n trifu g a l s a fe ty catch would be prevented fran swinging out from
under the cam as the l a t t e r would, immediately the hand i s l i f t e d , jam down on to a
step cut in the catch fo r th is purpose.
■
16 6 -
F IG .58
FUZE. TIME AND PERCUSSION. D.A., No.2l3, MARK 4
SAFETY C A P
S T R IK E R H E A D
NEEDLE
S T R IK E R C U P
HEAD
DETONATOR
( 5 - 7 G R .' A Z ") DETONATOR H O L D E R (U P P E R )
PELLET H O L D E R
P O W D E R PELLET
L O C K IN G W E IG H T
H and-race S H E A R W IR E
HAND
L O C K I N G P IN
DOME
R IN G
( 14 T h reads per inch)
BODY
D E T O N A T O R . H O L D E R (L O W [E R )
T IM E M E C H A N I S M
D E T O N A T O R (5 -7 G R ."
D O W E L P IN
SH UTTER
M A G A Z IN E
S E C U R IN G R IN G
BO TTO M CAP
S T E M M E D C.E.
C E. P E L L E T
N O R M AL
SH UTTER PAPER T A B LET
S T E M M E D C.E
S H U T T E R S P R IN G
S H U T T ER U N A R M E D
ON F IR IN G O N IM P A C T
SHUTTER A R M ED
—1 67—
• 71* Action o f tim ing mechanism - P r io r to loa d in g, the fuze i s set to the time required, and the
sa fe ty cap removed.
72. On f i r i n g - The loc k in g weight in the head sets back, shearing the copper pins and fo rc in g the
lockin g pins in to recesses in the body thus lockin g the dome to the body and preventing any movement
o f the dome from the set p o s itio n .
The t r ig g e r sets back and the t r ig g e r lock in g b o lt i s fo rced outward by i t s spring to r e ta in
the t r ig g e r . The hand i s now released from the t r ig g e r , but prevented from r is in g by the muzzle
sa fe ty device b rid ge.
During accelera tion in the bore i t i s u n lik e ly that the p a lle t w i l l o s c illa t e owing t o the
fo rc e o f the set back. When the muzzle i s reached the hand begins to ro ta te in an anti-clockw ise
d ir e c tio n by the action o f the main spring.
On a ccelera tion ceasing the c e n trifu g a l s a fe ty catch f l i e s outwards, due to c e n trifu g a l fo rc e ,
and lea ves the s tr ik e r supported by i t s cam r e s tin g on the p i l l a r .
73• During f lig h t - The shutter moves outwards against i t s sp rings, by c e n trifu g a l fo r c e , brin gin g
the f i r e channel coincident w ith the low er detonator and the channel lea d in g t o the magazine.
When the clockwork mechanism has run the prescribed time according to the s e ttin g , the hand has
been brought immediately under the s lo ts in the hand race and r is e s under the in flu en ce o f i t s spring
to relea se the le v e r which co n trols the s tr ik e r . The release o f the le v e r allows the spring to
ro ta te the cam o f f the p i l l a r and fo rc e the s t r ik e r down on the detonator.
The s tr ik e r i s forced by i t s spring in to the detonator, which fi r e 3 . The fla s h passing
through the stemmed C.E. channel in the shutter to the C.E. p e l l e t in the magazine.
74. A ction o f Percussion Arrangement - On f i r i n g - The a ccelera tion o f the s h e ll in the bore causes
the shutter to set back and set up s u ffic ie n t fr i c t i o n in i t s recess to r e ta in the shutter in the
unarmed p o s itio n w h ilst the s h e ll i s in the bore.
73. During f lig h t - When a ccelera tion ceases, the shutter moves forward by momentum and outward by
c e n trifu g a l fo r c e , to b rin g i t s f i r e channel coincident w ith the low er detonator and the channel to
the magazine.
76. On impact - The cap having been removed b efore loadin g, the s t r ik e r head i s crushed in and the
needle p ierces and f i r e s the upper detonator. The resu ltan t wave explodes the gunpowder p e l l e t , the
fla s h fromvfhich passes through the dome and fuze body to detonate the lower (tim e ) detonator. The
action i s then described under action o f tim ing mechanism.
77. D ifferen ces in marks - The fo llo w in g shows b r i e f l y the various d iffe re n c e s in p a ttern s: -
Mark 2
The mark 2 fuze i s sim ila r to the mark 1 d if fe r in g c h ie fly in the former incorporating an
in te rn a l lockin g d e v ic e , the tensioning screws req u irin g le s s pressure; the p e lle t holder being
secured by a set screw and magazine assembly secured by a copper securing pin .
Mark 3
D iffe r s from the mark 2 in being f i t t e d w ith two 5.7 g r . A .Z. tinned lu gless detonators in
li e u o f two 5 grain AZ copper s h e ll detonators.
Mark 4
(described above)
Id e n tic a l to the mark 3 except that the body (magazine c a v it y ), p in s, detonator holder (upper
and lo w e r ), magazine (to p fa c e ), securing r in g , s tr ik e r cup and detonator washer are tin -p la te d .
— 1 68—
FUZE. TIME AND PERCUSSION GRAZE NO. 221 AND NO. 221B
78. Type Time and p e rcn ., graze
79* Guns Q.F. 25 p r . gun

Q.P. 3«7 inch howr.
B .L. 5*5 inch gun
80. P r o je c t ile B .E ., smoke, fla r e and chemical s h e ll
81. D escription - No. 221B Mk. 4 (P ig . 59)
82. General - The fuze i s a double banked tension fuze o f metal f i t t e d w ith a brass cover. The
standard time o f burning under normal atmospheric conditions i s 49a seconds.
I t consists o f a body, bottom and top r in g s , cap, base plu g, time needle p e lle t w ith needle and
spring, percussion needle p e lle t with needle and creep spring, d e te n t, detent spring and c e n trifu g a l
b o lt .
83. Body - This i s formed w ith a fla n ge or pla tform , below which i t i s screw-threaded to the 2 inch
fu ze-hole gauge. Above the platform i s formed a short stem having the top reduced in diameter and
screw-threaded e x te rn a lly to re c e iv e the cap. The fla n ge o f the body is graduated around i t s outer
edge fran 0 to 22. On the ungraduated p o rtion between the fig u re s 28 and 0 a s a fe ty mark i s
engraved w ith the word "SAFE" engraved beneath i t .
The stem is bored c e n tr a lly from the top to r e c e iv e the percussion arrangements and screw-
threaded to re c e iv e the detonator holder and plug. An a d d itio n a l borin g to one side o f the cen tra l
channel contains the time arrangement and time deton ator, and i s connected to the port on the outside
o f the stem by two oblique fla sh h oles. The low er part o f the body i s bored and recessed to form a
magazine, and has an oblique and v e r t ic a l channel connecting the magazine w ith the top o f the
platform and the bottom time r in g . The channels contain p erfora ted powder p e lle t s .
A recess in the stem bored through the base rec eive s the detent and detent spring and is
closed by a screwed plu g. A h orizon tal recess bored through from the side o f the stem and
connecting w ith the detent rec ess , contains the c e n trifu g a l b o l t , the l a t t e r lo ck in g the percussion
arrangement in the safe p o s itio n . The c e n trifu g a l b o lt i s prevented from removing outwards by the
detent and spring.
Key holes are formed in the side o f the platform fo r fix in g purposes.
84. Bottom Ring - This i s b e v e lle d on the outer edge and has a concentric groove f i l l e d in with
RD 202 pressed fuze powder n early a l l round i t s under surface, a small recess b ein g bored in the top
surface coincident w ith the commencement o f the groove and containing a perfora ted powder p e l l e t .
An oblique channel connects the powder p e lle t and the fuze powder.
A gas escape, having a p erfora ted powder p e l l e t , i s provided in the ou ter edge. The r in g i s
assembled over the stem o f the body, round which i t is fr e e to rev o lve fo r s e ttin g purposes. The
rin g is lacquered red.
85. Top r in g - This i s s im ila r to the bottom, but i s o f a sm aller diam eter. The oblique channel
lea d in g from the concentric groove passes to the inner surface o f the r in g , and, when the r in g is
assembled over the stem, the end o f the channel i s position ed t o r e g is t e r w ith the port in the side
o f the stem. The r in g i s prevented from turning by a brass p in f i t t i n g in to corresponding semi
c ir c u la r recesses cut in the r in g and stem. The concentric groove i s f i l l e d w ith 30 second fuze
powder.
86. Cap - This i s o f aluminium, cone shaped, bored and screw-threaded t o f i t over the stem o f the
body. Two key recesses are foimed in the sid es f o r tigh te n in g the cap u n til s u ffic ie n t tension i s
applied to the bottom rin g . I t i s secured in p o s itio n by two set-screw s.
87. Base Plug - This has a cen tra l p e rfo ra tio n which i s closed by a brass washer and paper disc
shellacked togeth er.
88. Magazine - The magazine i s f i l l e d w ith 60 grains o f G.2C gunpowder and i s then clo sed by the
base plug.
89. Washer f o r sealin g jo in t between s h e ll and fuze - A s t e e l "washer, s e lf- c e n tr in g , 2.3 inch"
o r "washer, copper and asbestos, 2.3 inch" i s f i t t e d under the flange o f the fuze t o make a water
p ro o f seatin g between the fuze and l i p o f the s h e ll.
NOTE: This a pplies on ly to No. 221B marks 1 , 2 and 3 fu zes. I t i s not used w ith fuzes
manufactured w ith a stepped shoulder
-169-
cover
FUZE, TIME AND PERCUSSION GRAZE. No. 221B. MARK 4

TIM E A R R A N G E M E N T O F TIM E P E R C U S S IO N
M E C H A N IS M A N D PERC U S S IO N M E C H A N IS M S M E C H A N IS M
(2-5 GR.. P E R C U S S IO N TIM E D E T O N A T O R (2-5 G R

"B P " ) D ET O N A T O R i /HO LDER -B l
DETENT— -
C E N T R IF U G A L
BOLT
IN E R T IA DETONATOR
PELLET PLU G
DETENT DETONATOR
SP R IN G HO LD ER
TIME r P E R C U S S IO N
DETONATOR DETO N ATO R
H O LDER
T O P R IN G | C R E E P S P R IN G
BOTTOM C E N T R IF U G A L ,
FU ZE P O W D ER
R IN G BOLT
BODY D E T E N T [
.TIME S P R IN G
IN E R T IA P E L L E T -J | | | g $
PO W DER D E T E N T SPR IN G -/ '

PELLETS TIM E N E E D L E
BODY
M A G A Z IN E BASE PLU G
A C T IO N O F T IM E M E C H A N IS M A C T IO N O F P E R C U S S IO N M E C H A N IS M
O N F IR IN G O N IM P A C T
O N GRAZE
B O T T O M R IN G M EALED P O W D ER T O P R IN G
FU ZE PO W D ER FU ZE P O W D E R
DETENT IN E R T IA
PELLET
DETENT
SP R IN G
D U R IN G FLIG H T
C E N T R IF U G A L B O L T M A G A Z IN E
-1 7 0 -
90. Detonators - Both the time and percussion are 2.5 g r . B .P. detonators.
91. Time arrangement - The time detonator holder i s supported on the c o ile d s p ir a l spring and has
the underside recessed to r e c e iv e a detonator. The spring supports the detonator h old er, keeping
the detonator c le a r o f the needle u n til set back takes place on f i r i n g .
92. Percussion arrangement - This con sists o f a n eedle, in e r t ia p e l l e t , creep spring and detonator
contained in the cen tra l channel o f the stem. The needle i s prevented from moving forward by the
inner end o f the c e n trifu g a l b o lt engaging in a recess in the side o f the in e r t ia p e l l e t .
93. In e r tia p e lle t - This i s c y lin d r ic a l, w ith a flan ge formed near the top above which the
diameter i s reduced and screws threaded in te r n a lly to engage the needle. Two s lo ts are formed in the
sides from the fla n ge to the bottom o f the p e l l e t t o act as fla s h channels from the percussion
detonator to the magazine.
94. Creep spring - This i s a s p ir a l s t e e l w ire spring. The la r g e r end is assembled under the
detonator h older, w h ilst the sm aller end f i t s over the needle poin t and re s ts on top o f the in e r t ia
p e lle t. When the c e n trifu g a l b o lt i s disengaged i t prevents the in e r t ia p e lle t creeping forward
on to the detonator.
95. Cover - This i s a No. 5 Cover to T. and P. Fuzes and i s o f brass, f i t t e d w ith a round rubber
r in g at i t s lower end and is provided as a w aterproof co verin g. I t i s coned shaped and assembled
over the fu ze, being secured by a band which i s pressed t ig h t l y round the fu z e , and secured by s o ft
copper w ire , the ends o f which are tw isted and tucked under the band. A lte r n a t iv e ly , the cover may
be held in p o s itio n by a securing band secured by a tongue engaging in a s l o t , the tongue being
turned over.
96. S a fe ty arrangements - The fo llo w in g s a fe ty arrangements are incorporated:-
(a ) The in e r t ia p e lle t i s held by a c e n trifu g a l b o lt .
(b ) The resista n ce o f the s p ir a l spring keeps the time p e lle t c le a r o f the s t r ik e r .
( c ) When set "s a fe " the top r in g i s masked from the magazine time detonator.
97* Action o f time arrangement - Before loa d in g, the cover must be removed, and the fuze set to the
time required.
98. On f i r i n g - The time detonator holder sets back, overcomes the resistance o f the c o ile d s p ir a l
sp rin g, and c a r r ie s the detonator on to the n eedle. The flame from the detonator passes through
the fla s h holes in the stem to the top time r in g , where i t ig n ite s the fuze powder p e lle t in the gas
escape h o le, blowing out the brass d is c ,
99. During f l i g h t - The powder in the top r in g burns round u n til i t reaches the recess in the top
surface o f the bottom r in g , explodes the powler p e lle t and ig n it e s the powder in the bottom r in g ,
at the same time c le a rin g the gas escape h o le . The powder bums round in the opposite d ir e c tio n
to that o f the top r in g u n t il the channel leadin g t o the magazine i s reached. The fla s h passes
to the magazine and thence t o the bursting charge o f the s h e ll.
100. A ction o f percussion arrangement - On f i r i n g - The a cce lera tio n o f the s h e ll causes the detent
to set back, compressing the detent spring, and rele a s in g the c e n trifu g a l b o l t . The ro ta tio n o f
the s h e ll causes the b o lt to move outwards from i t s recess in the body le a v in g the in e r t ia p e lle t
fr e e to move forward on inpact o r graze.
101. During f l i g h t - The tendency o f the p e l l e t to move forw ard, in consequence o f d e ce lera tio n ,
w i ll be checked by the creep spring.
102. On impact or graze - The p e lle t overcomes the creep spring and c a rrie s the needle on to the
detonator. The resu ltan t fla s h passes through t o the magazine which i s exploded, should the time
arrangement not have functioned during f l i g h t .
103. D ifferen ces in marks - The fo llo w in g shows b r i e f l y the various d iffe re n c e s in patterns
Fuze No. 221

Mark 1 (o b s o le te )
Mark 1* (o b s o le te )
D iffe r s from mark 1 by t h e ir needles being secured to prevent them becoming loose in the
in e r t ia p e lle t s . These fuses were m odified in 1942.
-1 7 1 -
Mark 2 (o b s o le te )
D iffe r s from the mark 1 in being f i t t e d w ith a p la s t ic cap, in having a stepped shoulder and
th erefore requ ires no washer,
Mark 2* (o b s o le te )
D iffe r s from mark 2 by t h e ir needles being secured to prevent them becoming loose in the
in e r tia p e lle t s . These fuzes were m odified in 1942.
Fuze No. 221B

Sim ilar t o the mark 1 No. 221 but i s f i t t e d w ith a weaker detent spring.
Sim ilar to the mark 2 No. 221 but i s f i t t e d w ith a weaker detent spring.
Mark 3
This i s o f new manufacture. I t d i f f e r s from the mark 1 No. 221B fuze in having: -
(a ) Weaker detent spring (2 lb . o z. instead o f 3 lb . 6 o z . ) .
(b ) New magazine base plug without upstands.
(c ) Shorter in e r t ia p e lle t having a guide band a t each end.
(d ) A new percussion detonator holder and plug to b rin g the detonator lower in the fuze body.
(e ) A con ica l instead o f a c y lin d r ic a l creep spring.
( f ) The top cap ( o f aluminium a llo y only) re-designed so that the grub-screw bears d ir e c t ly on
the body.
The grub-screw i s in serted , a ft e r ten sion in g, in the hole nearer t o the 22 graduation to
ensure that the point o f the screw does not en ter the gash fo r the time detonator holder.
A ft e r 15/9/43 the grub screw holes in the cap were counterbored so that the second hole could
be closed by a screwed plug.
Mark 4 (described above)

Sim ilar to the mark 3 but has a stepped shoulder.
A fte r 22/6/1+2 the two p ie ce time needle was d eleted .
The upstands on the magazine base-plug were omitted a ft e r 30/6/42 and the diameter o f the
f i l l i n g hole increased sifter 15/2/43 to f a c i l i t a t e f i l l i n g . A ft e r 23/11/44 a new base plug without
a f i l l i n g hole was f i t t e d .
A fte r 30/1/43 the tension required to turn the bottom r in g was increased from 250 _+ 20 to
450 + 50 incl/ozs.
A fte r 11/6/43 the a lte rn a tiv e cap o f p la s t ic was d eleted .
A ft e r 20/9/43 the depth o f the bore f o r the c e n trifu g a l b o lt and the length o f the b o lt were
amended to increase the clearance from the in e r t ia p e lle t in the armed p o s itio n by .040 inch.
NOTE:- From 9/6/49 approval was given fo r the omission o f the d is tin c t iv e red lacquering
(denoting slow binning composition) from the low er rin g s .
Fuze No, 221T (o b s o le te )

Mark 1
These are m odified No. 221 fu zes.
The m odification consists o f the removal o f the percussion detonator and plug.
The l e t t e r MT" i s s t e n c ille d in blue on the top cap and cover.
-1 7 2 -
FUZE. PERCUSSION. BASE. MEDIUM L15
104 . Type P e r o ., base, medium w ith delayed arming shutter
105. Guns Q.F. 25 p r . gun; 120 ms. L1 and L2 guns
106 . Pro.leotile H.E. s h e ll
107. D escription - Model A1 (P ig . 60).
108. General - The fu ze con sists p r in c ip a lly o f a body, magazine and oap, s tr ik e r assenbly, oreep
spring, s tr ik e r lockin g segment and delayed aiming shutter No. 3 containing a 2.8 g rain "AZ"
detonator.
109. Body - This i s o f aluminium a llo y - anodised a l l o v e r. I t i s c y lin d r ic a l in shape w ith a wide
fla n ge formed a t the base above whioh i t i s screw-threaded e x te rn a lly to 1.80 L.H. gauge f o r approx
im ately a quarter o f i t s len gth , the remainder o f the body being l e f t p la in . A hole i s d r i l l e d in
the centre o f the base .and screw-threaded to accept a tracer-ad ap ter (120 ran. s h e ll o n ly ). Two key
holes d ia g on a lly opposite are also formed in the base to enable the fuze to be in s erte d o r removed
from the s h e ll.
In te r n a lly , the body i s bored from the top i n fo u r diam eters, the sm aller a t the base to
acconmodate the s t r ik e r and creep sp rin g, the second and th ird , which are s lig h t ly la r g e r in diam eter,
accoranodates the s tr ik e r locking segment, w h ilst the fou rth and la r g e s t i s screw-threaded a t the
mouth. Th is la rg e r recess accommodates the delayed arming shutter above which the magazine i s
screwed home.
The base and flan ge o f the body i s coated w ith varnish a ft e r the marking has been stamped on.
110. S tr ik e r - Th is consists o f a brass ele c tro -tin n e d c y lin d r ic a l body, w ith a flan ge a t the base
above which i t i s formed on three decreasing diam eters, a recess being formed in the top o f the
sm allest diam eter f o r the e le c tro -p la te d t i n or zinc ooated s t e e l needle, the stem o f which protrudes
through the centre o f the s tr ik e r lock in g segment. The n eedle, the base o f which i s fla n ged , i s
retain ed in the recess in the top o f the body by a t in coated brass washer which i s secured by
spinning over a l i p a t the top o f the reoess. The needle i s fr e e to move sideways in i t s recess.
The s t r ik e r i s in s erte d in to the c a v ity i n the base o f the fuze body togeth er w ith the creep
spring which i s assembled around the la r g e r diameter o f the s tr ik e r body, the bottom c o i l r e s tin g on
the fla n g e. The creep spring i s retain ed under i n i t i a l compression by the top c o i l seatin g i n a
recess and bearing against the base o f the s t r ik e r looking segment.
111. Creep spring - Th is i s c y lin d r ic a l c o ile d tinned s t e e l w ire sp rin g, w ith fo u r e f f e c t iv e c o i l s

o f .056 d ia , w ire , one o o i l a t each end being clo se c o ile d and ground square with the a x is o f the
sp rin g. I t i s assembled round the la r g e r diameter o f the s t r ik e r body and prevents the assembled
s tr ik e r creeping forward when the s h e ll i s in f l i g h t .
112. S tr ik e r locking segment - This i s assembled in the fuze body, the lower p o rtio n f i t t i n g over
the top o f the s t r ik e r . I t i s retain ed i n p o s itio n by a screw in s erte d through the side o f the
fu ze body, the shank o f which bears on the s t r ik e r locking segment cover.
The s tr ik e r looking segment comprises a h old er, two e le c tr o t i n p la ted s t e e l p in s, two springs,
two segments, a washer and a cover.
113. Holder - This i s o f aluminium a llo y , c y lin d r ic a l i n shape. E x tern ally i t i s formed in tiro
diameters, the la r g e r being a t the top. The bottom p o rtion o f the la rg e r diameter i s chamfered to
blend with the sm aller. The bottom o f the sm aller diameter i s also chamfered.
In te r n a lly , from the base i t i s bored out in two diameters, w h ilst a recess i s formed in the
top face to house the two lockin g segments, lea vin g a platform o f metal between the top and bottom.
A h o le, the lower edge o f which i s chamfered, i s d r i l l e d through the centre o f the platform to permit
the s tr ik e r to pass through. In the base o f the recess in the top o f the h old er, near the periph ery,
two holes d ia m e tric a lly opposite are d r ill e d to accept the s te e l pins over whioh are assembled the
c o ile d springs and the segments. When assembled, the tops o f the two pin s protrude above the top
surface o f the holder.
114. Segments - These are o f aluminium a llo y , and are p e r fe c t ly f l a t ir r e g u la r arc-shaped fitm ents.
One end i s in the form o f a toe which i s machined to aot as a w r k in g surface when the two segments
are assembled in the unarmed o r locked p o s itio n , the other end i s wider and a cts as a weight which,
under the in flu en ce o f c e n trifu g a l fo rc e , overcomes the springs and allows the two segments to open
out. Two h oles are d r ille d near the toe, the la rg e r to f i t over the pin on which the segment
p iv o ts , the sm aller acooranodating the turned up end o f the segment spring. In the closed o r unarmed
p o s itio n the top p o rtion o f the s tr ik e r bears against the underside o f the closed segments, and thus
the s t r ik e r i s prevented from moving forward u n t il the segments are opened by c e n trifu g a l fo rc e .
■ 173'
FIG.60
FUZE, PERCUSSION, BASE. MEDIUM. LI5. Al
NORMAL
MAGAZINE CAP SEGMENT
MAGAZINE
C E PELLET
STEMMED C E.
SHUTTER -----------------------
LOCKING PLATE
DETONATOR (2-8 GR , "A Z")
RETAINING PLUNGER STRIP ^
* SAFETY PLUNGER -------
No 3 DELAYED
ARMING SHUTTER BODY ---------
SECURING SCREW
COVER P L A T E ---------------
WASHER PALLET ESCAPE WHEEL
SEGMENT __AND PINION
NEEDLE
SEGMENT HOLDER
COVER
SEGMENTS
CREEP SPRING
STRIKER HOLDER
TRACER CAVITY BODY SEGMENT HOLDER
ACTION OF No 3 DELAYED ARMING SHUTTER SEGMENTS ARMED

NORMAL SHUTTER ARMED SEGMENTS
NEEDLE
LOCKING
PLATE ,
SHUTTER DETONATOR
DURING FLIGHT
SAFETY
PLUNGER
STRIKER
CREEP
SPRING
DURING FLIGHT
PALLET., ESCAPE WHEEL

AND PINION
/
SEGMENT DURING FLIGHT ON IMPACT

/ 3
-174-
115- Segment spring - These are o f 0.022 tinned s te e l w ire , w ith 6.2 clo se wound, c o i l s , the ends o f
the w ire being bent up at lig h t angles to the c o i l s . These are assembled over the p iv o t pin s and
underneath the segments, the lower end o f the spring f i t t i n g in to a small h ole d r ille d in the holder
adjacent to the pin , w h ilst the upper end o f the spring i s located in a small hole d r i l l e d in the
segment•
116 . Washer - This i s o f aluminium a llo y , in the form o f a f l a t disc with a hole formed in the centre,
and two s lo ts d ia m e tric a lly opposite near the periphery.
I t i s assembled on top o f the h old er, the protruding ends o f the p iv o t pins being loca ted in the
s lo t s , and the point o f the needle protruding through the c e n tra l h ole.
117* Cover - This i s o f aluminium a llo y , formed with a la rg e hole in the ce n tre . I t f i t s over the
top o f the h old er and reta in s the washer in p o s itio n above the segments. I t i s secured in p o s itio n
by spinning the bottom edge over around the extern al chamfered portion o f the h older.
118. Delayed arming sh u tter - This co n sists o f a rota ry type shutter containing a 2.8 g ra in "AZ"
detonator assembled in a c ir c u la r shaped sh utter body. The shutter i s held in the "unarmed” p o sition
by means o f a spring-loaded sa fe ty plunger which engages in a locking p la t e . The s a fe ty plunger i s
retain ed in a recess in the sid e o f the sh utter body o f a plunger retain in g s t r ip . On sp in , the
sa fe ty plunger disengages by c e n trifu g a l fo rc e and the sh utter rota tes u n til the detonator i s in a
cen tra l p o s itio n over the s t r ik e r h o le . The locking p la te , which f i t s in to a s lo t made across the
face o f the shutter, moves out and engages in a recess made i n the outer sid e o f the sh u tter body,
thus lockin g the shutter in the "armed" p o s itio n . The delay i s obtained by means o f a p e l l e t and
pinion mechanism position ed beneath the sh utter and th is o s c illa te s a segment by means o f a
' scape wheel and pin ion which retards the opening o f the sh utter. The approximate time o f arming
i s 0.02 to 0.055 seconds from the time the shutter coircnences t o open.
The D.A. shutter assembly i s assembled in the fuze body below the magazine. I t i s loca ted
and prevented from rev o lvin g by a screw in s erte d through the sid e o f the fu ze body which enters a
s lo t formed in the sid e o f the shutter body. I t i s fu rth er secured by a screw in serted through the
side o f the fu ze body, the stem o f which enters a h ole d r i l l e d in the sid e o f the shutter body. The
threads o f both screws are coated w ith cement, and the thread i s stabbed a ft e r screwing home. The
slo tted end o f the screws i s then coated w ith cement.
119* Magazine - This i s o f aluminium a llo y - anodised a l l over. I t i s cup-shaped and screw-threaded
e x te rn a lly comnencing a t the mouth f o r about tw o-thirds o f i t s len gth , the remaining p o rtion being
s lig h t ly reduced in diam eter and l e f t p la in . Two key s lo ts are formed in the outer rim to f a c i l i t a t e
assembly. In te r n a lly , the magazine i s bored, out to take a prepressed p e l l e t o f C.E. and a small
recess which i s f i l l e d w ith loose C.E. stenmed in , i s d r i l l e d in the cen tre a t the bottom, leavin g a
th in diaphragm o f metal between the recess and the outer surface a t the base o f the magazine.
The magazine i s screwed in to the open end o f the fu ze body, the base o f the magazine res tin g
above the delayed arming sh u tter. The outer end o f the magazine protrudes above the body o f the
fu ze, and i s closed by the magazine cap.
120. Magazine cap - This i s o f aluminium a llo y — anodised a l l over* I t i s cup-shaped w ith an
in tern a l thread to screw over the mouth o f the magazine, the threads being coated w ith RD 1285 o r
RD 1285 A p r io r to assembly.
121. Safety arrangements - The fo llo w in g s a fe ty arrangements are incorporated: -
(a ) Creep spring between fla n ge on s t r ik e r and base o f s t r ik e r locking segment.
(b ) S tr ik e r locking segment
(c ) Rotating delayed arming shutter retain ed in the s a fe o r unarmed p osition ed by a

spring-loaded c e n trifu g a l s a fe ty plunger.
122. On lea vin g the muzzle - C entrifu gal fo rc e sets in motion the mechanism o f the delayed arming
shutter and a lso causes the segments in the s tr ik e r lockin g assembly to move outwards, le a v in g a c le a r
passage f o r the s t r ik e r to move forward.
A ft e r a pre-d.etermined time the D.A. sh utter moves in to the correct p o s itio n f o r the detonator
to be d ir e c t ly above the p o in t o f the s t r ik e r . In th is p o s itio n the fu ze i s "armed".
123* On impact - The momentum o f the s t r ik e r causes i t to se t forward compressing the s t r ik e r

creep sp rin g, and permits the point o f the needle t o p ie rc e the detonator. The resu ltan t fla s h i s
communicated t o the C.E. p e lle t in the magazine v ia the stemmed C.E. in the recess above the
diaphragm, and then passes on to detonate the H.E. charge in the s h e ll.
-175 -
124. D ifferen ces in marks - The fo llow in g shows b r i e f l y the various d iffe re n c e s in p a tte rn s :-
Model A1
(describ ed above)
A lim ite d number only o f these fu zes stamped L15A1 were produced and these were
manufactured p r io r to the drawings being sealed.
Model A2
This i s s im ila r t o the model A1 d iffe r in g c h ie fly in the under-flange o f the s t r ik e r
being chamfered and minor m odification s introduced to obviate damage to the s t r ik e r points
during assembly. These m odifications were incorporated in the drawing at the time o f sea lin g.
—176—
FUZE. PERCUSSION. D. A. NO. 162
125. Type D irect a ctio n , percussion
126o Mortars Mark 1

Mark 1/2
3 inch mortar
Marie 1/3
Mark 4
Mark 3
Mark 3/1
Mark 3/2 4.2 inch mortar
Mark 3/3
Mark 5
127. Nature o f b mbs H.E. and smoke W .P., C.S.A.M. and F.M.
128. D escription - Marie 3/3 (F ig . 61)
129. General - The fuze consists p r in c ip a lly o f a body, s t r ik e r w ith spring, reta in in g h a ll and
s a fe ty p in ; sh utter w ith spring, hinge p in , detonator, detent w ith spring, s t e e l d is c , septum,
magazine, cap and s a fe ty cap.
130. Body - This i s o f zinc a llo y and a t i t s upper p a rt has a cannelure formed t o acconmodate the
cap and below t h is i t i s screw-threaded e x te rn a lly fo r engagement o f the s a fe ty cap. A touujy hole
i s formed through the threads f o r fix in g purposes. About the centre a flange i s formed below
which the body i s screw-threaded (R .H .) t o 1.375 inch diameter t o su it the fuze hole o f the bonfc,
a f t e r which the remainder o f the body i s formed p la in . In te r n a lly , i t i s formed w ith & number
o f recesses t o house the in te g r a l pa rts o f the fu ze. Detent and sh utter in spection h oles are
d r ille d through the side o f the body and closed by grub screws.
131. S tr ik e r - This i s o f a l l s t e e l, the low er end being formed pointed t o p ie rc e the detonator,
and the upper e » I having a c ir c u la r f l a t head s l i ^ i t l y below which i s formed a coned flanged
p o rtio n t o acconmodate the reta in in g b a l l when the fu ze i s unarmed. I t i s zinc p la te d a l l over.
132. S tr ik e r spring - Th is i s o f c o ile d s t e e l w ire the la s t c o i l at each end being la id f l a t .

I t i s assembled beneath the fla n ge on the s t r ik e r and ra is e s the s t r ik e r in the armed p o s itio n
when the detent sets back and the b a l l drops in to the oblique recess in the fuze body.
133* Detent - This con sists o f a short anodised aluminium a llo y rod, the top end o f which i s
chamfered. I t re s ts on top o f the detent spring and i s retain ed in the body by canneluring on
o f the cap.
134. Detent spring - T h is i s a c y lin d r ic a l c o ile d s t e e l w ire spring and i s assembled under
i n i t i a l conpression below the detent.
135. Shutter - Th is i s pear-shaped and p iv o ts on a brass hinge p in , the la rg e end being recessed
to accommodate the detonator which i s retain ed in p o s itio n by a washer and secured by turning over
a burr formed on the shutter.
136. Shutter spring - This is a c o ile d s t e e l w ire spring having two arms, one o f which engages in
the recess in th e side o f the shutter the oth er bearing against the side o f the fuze body. When
the point o f the s t r ik e r i s raised by the a ction o f the s t r ik e r spring, the sh utter r o ta te s t o
the armed p o s itio n so that the detonator i s position ed d ir e c t ly under the poin t o f th e s tr ik e r .
137* Detonator - Th is consists o f a copper a llo y s h e ll tinned a l l over containing 2.8 grains o f
"AZM detonating composition pressed in , above which i s assembled a paper disc and tinned brass
washer, these being secured by turning over the l i p o f the s h e ll.
138. Magazine - Th is i s o f z in c -a llo y , cup-shaped and screw-threaded e x te rn a lly t o su it the

low er end o f the fuze body, two key s lo ts being formed on the base to take an assenfcly t o o l.
The c a v ity takes a C.E. or p e n to lite p e lle t .
139. B a ll - Th is i s a standard 0.1875 inch s t e e l b a ll bearing and i s coated w ith la n o lin e . It

i s assembled p a r t ly in the oblique channel formed near the head o f the fuze body and p a r t ly aboTO
the chamfer formed on the flange o f the s t r ik e r stem. I t i s retain ed by the detent and the
s a fe ty pin.
-177-
F IG .6 I
FUZE. PERCUSSION, D.A., No. 162. MARK 3/3
safety CAP (Painted blue)
nexovj
SAFETY PIN
DETENT STRIKER SPRING
STRIKER
SECURING
BAND BODY
BODY SAFETY PIN
DETENT SPRING
DETONATOR
(2-8 GR.AZ) SHUTTER SPRING
SEPTUM
SHUTTER
STEEL DISC
C.E. PELLET
un a rm ed MAGAZINE
PLAN VIEW
HINGE PIN
SHUTTER
SAFETY PIN
SHUTTER SPR4NG
DETONATOR
STRIKER
STRIKER SPRING
DETENT STRIKER
DETONATOR
STRIKER
STEMMED C.E
PAPER DISC
C E PELLET
ON FIR IN G ARMED QN IMPACT
-1 7 8 -
1ifO, S a fe ty p in - Th is i s made in two p ie c e s , a p in which i s r iv e te d to a c lip . The p in p o rtio n i s

in serted in a hole d r ille d below the cannelure formed in the fu ze body, the c l i p attached th ereto
f i t t i n g over the top o f the cap. The pin i s position ed between the detent and b a ll and prevents
the b a i l moving should the detent momentarily set back on inpact when dropped from a ir c r a f t . The
d i p which f i t s over the cap bears the legend "REMOVE PIN BEFORE FIRING". The head o f the p in is
sealed in the fu ze body w ith mark 6 lu tin g .
141* Septum - This i s a tin n ed -p la te d is c with a small recess cut in the side t o p o s itio n i t when
assembled above the s t e e l d isc.
142. Disc - This i s a c ir c u la r d is c o f s t e e l w ith a small recess cut in the side to p o s itio n i t
when assembled above the magazine. A hole i s d r i l l e d through the d is c and f i l l e d w ith C.E. stenmed
in , the composition being retain ed by paper d iscs shellacked t o both top and bottom surfaces. The
hole f i l l e d C.E. i s position ed beneath the s t r ik e r poin t and i s separated from i t by the th in
tin n ed -p la te septum.
143. Cap - This i s o f b ra ss , cup-shaped, and f i t s o v e r the nose o f the fu ze. I t i s secured by
pressin g the metal a t the mouth in to the cannelure formed in the head o f the fu ze.
144. S a fe ty cap - Th is i s cup-shaped, the sid es being knurled t o f a c i l i t a t e assenfcly and removal.
I t f i t s over the top o f the fuze. A d ir e c tio n a l arrow and the words "REMOVE BEFORE FIRING"
appear on the top. A f t e r assembly, a band o f adhesive tape i s wound around the s a fe ty cap over
lapping the jo in t between i t and the fuze body, i t bein g so a ffix e d that the tommy hole i s l e f t
c le a r.
145« Id e n tific a tio n - The marks 3* 3/1, 3/3 and 5, No. 162 fuzes are id e n t ifia b le from oth er marks
by the w a lls o f the cap being painted b lu e, and the ex te rn a l surface o f the sa fety cap coated blue.
The use o f these fuzes i s r e s tr ic te d to the 4.2 inch mortar.
146. Action
B efore loading - Unwind the adhesive tap e, remove the s a fe ty cap, and then remove the
s a fe ty pin.
147. On f i r i n g - The shock o f discharge causes the detent t o set hack, compressing i t s sp rin g, and
unitasking the oblique recess. The s t r ik e r a ls o sets back, compressing i t s spring and thereby
relea ses the b a l l , which t r a v e ls the f u l l extent o f the oblique recess and i s prevented from
fu rth er movement by the detent bearing against i t by the a ctio n o f the reasserted detent spring.
The s t r ik e r i s now fr e e to move, and i t s spring bearing against the underside o f the s t r ik e r fla n g e ,
asserts i t s e l f , withdrawing the s tr ik e r p o in t from the sh utter recess and perm ittin g the sh utter,
under the compulsion o f i t s spring, t o swing on the hinge p in u n til i t bears against a f l a t p o rtion
o f the sh utter recess. In t h is p o s itio n , th e fuze i s armed, the detonator in the sh utter being
be lew the withdrawn p o in t o f the s t r ik e r and over the stenmed C.E. in the d is c below the septum.
i 4S. During f l i g h t - The s t r ik e r i s retain ed in the armed p o s itio n by the a ction o f i t s spring.
149. On impact - The cap i s crushed in on to the head o f the s tr ik e r , the spring being compressed
end. the s t r ik e r p o in t p ie rc e s the detonator. The re s u ltin g detonating wave penetrates the septum
t o t h i C.E. stenmed in the s t e e l d is c , thenoe t o the p e l l e t in the magazine and on to the bursting
charge in the bonto.
150. D ifferen ces in marks - The fo llo w in g shows b r i e f l y the various d iffe re n c e s in p a tte rn s: -
Mark 1
G enerally s im ila r to the No. 152 fuze d if fe r in g p r in c ip a lly in having a s p lit
p in in serted below the b a ll to prevent arming when dropped from a ir c r a f t . Attached
to the s p lit p in i s a len gth o f tarred whipcord w ith a la b e l marked "TO BE 'WITHDRAWN
BEFORE FIRING".
In production a ft e r 24.11.44 the la b e l and whipcord becket was replaced by a
brass tab attached t o the s p lit p in , the c ir c u la r part o f which was bent over the
top o f the cap and held in p o s itio n by screwing on the s a fe ty cap. Embossed in
1/Bth inch le t t e r in g on the c ir c u la r p o rtio n were the words "WITHDRAW PIN BEFORE
FIRING."
Mark 1/1
Design not proceeded w ith.
N
— 179—
Mark 1/2 (ob solescen t)

Th is design has been introduced t o improve w aterproofing o f the fu ze and d i f f e r s from the
mark 1 in being f i t t e d w ith a new p a ttern sa fety p in and c lip in lie u o f a s p l i t p in and brass
tab. The head o f the p in i s sealed in the fuze body w ith mark 6 lu tin g .
NOTE: The s a fe ty p in in the mark 1/2 fu ze i s o f s o lid w ire with the brass ta g riv e te d t o ths head
o f the pin . On withdrawal, the brass ta g sometimes breaks o f f , lea vin g the p in in the
fu ze. To avoid accidents, pending re-d esign o f the s a fe ty p in , the fo llo w in g precautions
w i l l be taken: -
During tr a in in g , i f the brass ta g breaks o f f lea vin g the s a fe ty p in in ths fu z e , the pin
w i l l be withdrawn b y the use o f p l i e r s , and the bomb w i l l be fir e d . On no account w i l l
the fuze be re-pinned o r the bomb re-packed.
I f i t proves im possible to withdraw the p in , the bomb w i l l be set aside fo r destru ction .
During operations, i f the brass tag breaks o f f lea vin g the s a fe ty p in in the fb z e , then,
whenever possib le e it h e r the p in w i l l be withdrawn by the use o f p lie r s and the bomb w i l l
be f i r e d , o r the bonfc w i l l be f i r e d w ith the p in in p o sitio n .
Should n eith er o f the above courses be p o s s ib le , the bomb w i l l be marked f o r subsequent
destruction.
On no account, w i l l fuzes be re-pinned o r the bombs re-packed.
Mark 1/3
D iffe r s from e a r lie r marks i n that i t incorporates a new p a ttern body which i s provided
w ith detent and sh utter in spection h oles and a shutter designed t o accommodate a 2.8 grain
tinned "AZ" detonator. I t i s a ls o f i t t e d w ith a s t e e l disc in lie u o f a zin c a llo y , brass
C o r s t e e l d is c which may be used as a lte rn a tiv e s in mark 1/2 fu zes.
Mark 2
Indian design.
Mark 2/1
Design not proceeded w ith.
Mark 2/2
Indian design.
D iffe r s p r in c ip a lly from the mark 1 in that i t incorporates an aluminium d eten t, s t e e l
s t r ik e r , and zin c a llo y d is c , and a 5 grain ttAZ" detonator0

Sim ilar t o the mark 3 tout incorporates a 5-7 g rain tinned "AZ" instead o f a 5 grain "AZ"
detonator.

S im ila r to th e mark 3/1 tout incorporates a m odified body having in spection holes fo r
detent and shutter.
Mark 3/3
S im ila r to the mark 3/2 but embodies a m odified sh utter t o acconmodate a 2.8 grain
tinned "AZ" detonator, and i s f i t t e d w ith a s t e e l d is c in lie u o f the zinc a llo y d is c as in
the marks 3 , 3/1 and 3/2 fu zes.
* Mark A-
S im ila r t o th e mark 1/3 p a ttern d if fe r in g only in that the sh utter hinge p in i s t i n
pla ted .
Mark 3
S im ilar to the mark 3/3 p attern d iffe r in g only in that the sh utter hinge p in i s t i n
plated.
- 1 80—
FUZE. PERCUSSION. L.16
151. Type Base percussion
152. Rocket launcher Launcher, Rocket, 3«5 inch U.K. M.20, Mark 2
153» Nature o f rocket 3.5 inch U.K. M.20, Mk. 2
154. D escription - Model A1 (F ig s . 62 and 63)
155» General - This fuze i s a base percussion type functioning w ith non-delay a ction on inpact.
I t con sists p r in c ip a lly o f a body, p lu g, magazine, sealin g d is c , plunger, creep spring,
actuating s le e v e , set-back s le e v e , s t r ik e r , shutter assembly, detonator, stop screw, lock in g pin and
sp rin g, e je c tio n p in and sa fe ty band.
156. Body - This i s o f aluminium a llo y , anodised a l l o ver. I t i s c y lin d r ic a l in shape w ith an
ex tern al diameter o f 2 inches. In t e r n a lly , a shoulder i s formed towards the r e a r o f the body on
which seats an aluminium d is c , and beyond the shoulder the body i s screw-threaded to r e c e iv e a body
c lo sin g adapter on to which i s screwed the rocket motor. The fron t p o rtion o f the body i s threaded
in te r n a lly at the mouth t o accept a plu g in to which i s screwed the magazine.
In the side o f the body a s lo t i s cut f o r the e je c tio n p in and adjacent t o i t a hole i s
d r ille d and threaded f o r a stop screw. Opposite to the s lo t f o r the e je c tio n pin a recess i s made
to house the lock in g pin and spring which are reta in ed in the recess by a small screwed p lu g.
Adjacent to the lock in g p in , another pin i s in serted through the side o f the fuze body to lo c a te the
shutter assembly and prevent i t re v o lv in g .
157* Plug - This i s o f aluminium a llo y , anodised a l l over. I t i s c y lin d r ic a l in shape and threaded
e x te rn a lly to p a r t ia lly screw in to the fron t o f the body and p a r t ia lly to engage in the screw-threads
in the rocket head. In t e r n a lly , i t i s recessed on two diam eters, the la rg e r being screw-threaded
to accept the magazine; the sm aller, lea vin g a th in diaphragm o f metal between the base o f the
recess and the ou ter surface at the base o f the p lu g, i s f i l l e d w ith loose C.E. stemmed in . Two
key h oles are d r ille d in fro n t to f a c i l i t a t e assembly.
138. Magazine - This i s o f aluminium a llo y , anodised a l l o ver. I t i s cup-shaped, and i s threaded
e x te rn a lly to screw in to the plu g. In t e r n a lly , i t houses the C.E. p e l l e t . Two f l a t s are formed on
the base t o f a c i l i t a t e assembly in to the plug.
159« Sealing Disc - This i s a dished d is c o f aluminium a llo y , anodised a l l over. I t i s assembled
in to the r e a r o f the body, the rim being fla tte n e d by pressin g i t onto the shoulder formed in the
body.
160. Plunger - This i s o f brass, zin c-p la ted a l l over. I t i s cone-shaped w ith a fla n ge formed at
the re a r. I t is housed in side the body, the flan ge r e s tin g against the inner side o f the shoulder
formed towards the rea r o f the body.
161. Creep spring - This i s a c y lin d r ic a l c o ile d tinned s t e e l w ire spring, formed w ith 2.1/2
e f fe c t iv e c o ils o f .02 inch diameter w ire , one c o i l at each end being clo se c o ile d and square with
the axis o f the sp rin g. I t i s assembled around the actuating sle ev e.
162. Actuating sleeve - This i s o f s t e e l, zin c-p la ted a l l o ver, c y lin d r ic a l in shape and formed with
a small extern al fla n ge at the re a r. About the centre a lon g itu d in a l s lo t i s formed and three s lo ts
are cut in the forward end. I t i s assembled around the plunger.
163. Set-back sleeve - This i s o f s t e e l, zin c-p la ted a l l o ver, and c y lin d r ic a l in shape. A
lon g itu d in a l and a r a d ia l s lo t are cut in one sid e. I t i s assembled over and around the actuating
s le e v e .
164. S tr ik e r - This con sists o f a zin c-p la ted s te e l p in , fonned w ith a needle poin t above which i s
a flange and a shank; a f l a t double phosphor bronze spring and a s te e l tria n gu lar shaped p la te
le v e r , formed w ith a lu g each sid e. The pin i s r iv e te d t o the centre o f the apex o f the le v e r and
to one end o f the spring.
s
-I8 t-
165. Shutter Assembly - This comprises a shutter p la t e , shutter, shutter spring, shutter reta in in g
spring, shutter spring p in , shutter hinge pin and shutter reta in in g spring p in .
The shutter p la te , i s a f l a t c ir c u la r d is c , w ith a s lo t formed on the outside to f i t over a
lo c a tin g pin inserted through the side o f the fuse body adjacent to the lock in g p in . The end o f
th is pin p o sitio n s the p la te and prevents i t r o ta tin g . The fro n t surface o f the p la te i s cut away
and shaped to act as a guide fo r the sh utter and around the periphery a s lo t i s made to accommodate
the re ta in in g spring. The shutter hinge p in , shutter spring pin and shutter reta in in g spring pin
are also assembled in the fro n t surface o f the p la t e . The r e a r surface o f the p la te i s recessed
lea vin g a small portion o f metal to act sis a stop to the shutter when in the armed p o s itio n .
The shutter which i s a f l a t , ir r e g u la r shaped component has a hole d r i l l e d through the cen tre,
the r e a r portion o f the hole being enlarged t o house the detonator. On one side near the detonator
recess, are two small p in s. These pins bear against the sid e o f the e je c tio n pin which, when
e je c te d , a llo w s the shutter, under the influ ence o f the shutter spring to swing in to the armed
p o s itio n thereby brin gin g the detonator over the poin t o f the s t r ik e r . The shutter i s assembled over
the hinge pin on which i t p iv o ts and i s moved in to the armed p o s itio n , when the e je c tio n pin is
e je c te d , by a double armed spring which i s assembled under tension over a pin position ed t o one side
o f the shutter p la te , one arm o f the spring bearing against the side o f the sh utter, the other bearing
against the side o f the shutter p la te . When in the armed p o s itio n a shoulder on the shutter locks
behind a turned over p ro je c tio n on the fr e e end o f the shutter re ta in in g spring.
166. Deton -itor - This i s a tinned lu g le s s 2.8 grain "AZ" detonator, and i t i s assembled with the open
end towards the s t r ik e r . I t i s assembled in a recess formed in the shutter and i s held in p o sitio n
by a re ta in in g washer which i s secured by burring over an upstand form around the recess.
167 . Stop screw - This i s o f s t e e l, zin c-p la ted a l l o ver, the head formed w ith a screw -driver s lo t .
I t i s assembled in the side o f the body and acts as a guide f o r the set-back sleeve and a stop fo r
the actuating sleeve.
168. loc k in g pin end spring - The pin i s o f b ra ss, zin c-p la ted a l l e v e r, and formed w ith a flange
around the cen tre. I t i s assembled in the side o f the fuze body, follow ed by a small c y lin d r ic a l
c o ile d s te e l w ire spring, and i s retain ed in the fuze body by a small screwed plug.
169. E jection pin - This i s o f s t e e l, zin c-p la ted a l l over. I t i s formed from square bar, with a
number o f steps or keyway3 . A dome-shaped cup i s welded to the ou ter end and houses one end o f a
c o ile d s t e e l w ire e je c tio n spring when the pin i s assembled in the fu z e . The e je c tio n pin passes
through the fuze body and i s held in p o s itio n by the s a fe ty band which e n c irc le s the body. This pin
prevents any movement o f the in te rn a l parts during storage, tra n s it and handling, i t also reta in s the
shutter in the "unarmed" p o s itio n , thus precluding any accidental function ing.
170* S a fety band - This i s o f s t e e l, zin c-p la ted a l l over. I t i s formed from f l a t spring s t r ip ,
hinged in the cen tre, the ends being f i t t e d w ith a loop and engaging le v e r fo r securing purposes.
The band i s painted green and p rin ted in red on one side are the words "SAFETY BAND - NOT TO BE
REMOVED UNTIL ROCKET HEAD HAS BEEN LOADED INTO LAUNCHER". On the side opposite to the legend i s a
ra is ed boss around the underside o f which i s f i t t e d a neoprene washer, which i s retain ed by lugs
being turned over on to the outer edges.
171. Action - The s a fe ty band i s not removed u n til ju s t p r io r t o the rocket head being f i n a l l y
pushed home in to the launcher, and under the influence o f i t s spring the e je c tio n pin moves out from
the safe p o s itio n to the locked p o s itio n . The fuze cannot arm when the e je c tio n p in i s in e ith e r
o f the two p o sitio n s.
As the rocket enters the launcher, the e je c tio n pin i s depressed by the side o f the launcher
in to the interm ediate p o s itio n . The set-back sleeve i s then fr e e to move on f i r i n g . I t w i l l be
notec3 that at th is moment the fu ze i s s t i l l safe since the e je c tio n p in prevents movement o f the
actuating s le e v e , f ir in g p in , and shutter.
% I f i t becomes necessary to remove the rocket from the launcher, the e je c tio n pin w i l l move
outwards and re-engage the set-back sleeve thus retu rnin g the fuze to i t s locked p o s itio n . The
s a fe ty band should then be replaced thereby returning the e je c tio n p in to the o r ig in a l safe p o s itio n .
172. On f i r i n g - The fo rce o f set-back opposing the action o f the creep spring moves the set-back
sleeve to i t s rearward p o s itio n where i t i s retain ed by the lock in g pin .
When the rocket leaves the muzzle o f the launcher, the e je c tio n pin i s thrown c le a r o f the fu ze,
the shutter revolves under the influence o f i t s spring, and becomes locked in the armed p o s itio n by
a shoulder on the shutter becoming locked behind a p r o je c tio n on the end o f the shutter re ta in in g
spring. The fuze i s thus f u l l y armed.
-182-
FUZE PERCUSSION, L16AI. (part I)

COMPONENT PAMS
STOP SCREW EJECTION SPRING C.E. PELLET
SEALING DISC SET-BACK SLEEVE
PLUNGER ACTUATING SLEEVE \ /

CREEP SPRING / I EJECTION PIN \ PLUG
LOCKING PIN W ITH SPRING A N D PLUG STRIKER SHUTTER PLATE MAGAZINE
ACTUATING SLEEVE
PLUNGER SHUTTER PLATE
BODY
GENERAL ASSEMBLY PLUG
SET-BACK SLEEVE SAFETY B A N D
A C T IO N
LOAD INTO LAUNCHER AND REMOVE S A F E T Y B A N D
SAFE LOCKED INTERMEDIATE
SAFETY BAND O N SAFETY BAND OFF ROCKET IN LAUNCHER-,

SET BACK SLEEVE HELD SET BACK SLEEVE HELD SET BACK SLEEVE FREE
'183-
F IG .63
FUZE PERCUSSION, LI6AI. (part 2)
ACTION
ACTION OF STRIKER ACTION OF SHUTTER

ON FIRING-
UNARMED
UNARMED
Rear view Front view

C.E. PELLET EIECTION PIN
PLUNGER
ACTUATING SLEEVE
{ STRIKER EJECTION PIN

ACTUATING SLEEVE SHUTTER
SET-BACK SLEEVE-—' STEMMED C.E.
STOP SCREW
SHUTTER SPRING
AND PIN
DURING FLIGHT
ARMED ARMED
Rear view Front view
SHUTTER RETAINING
SPRING
ON IMPACT ON IMPACT
STOP SCREW
ACTUATING SLEEVE
STRIKER STRIKER
DETONATOR SHUTTER
(2-8G R AZ.) MAGAZINE
— 1& T“
175.During f l i g h t - The set-back sleeve and the actuating sleeve are prevented from ro ta tin g by the
stop screw which passes through a s lo t provided in both sle ev es. The s t r ik e r spring also prevents
the s t r ik e r from impinging on the detonator, end the creep spring retard s the forward movement o f
the plunger and actuating s le e v e . The action o f the creep spring i s strong enough to reta rd the
plunger and actuating sleeve and to prevent the fuze from f i r i n g should the rocket s tr ik e a lig h t
o b ject such as lig h t brush o r undergrowth.
174-On impact or graze - With a more re s is ta n t ob ject the in e r t ia plunger and actuating sleeve
overcome the fo rc e o f the creep spring and move forward. The actuating sleeve aided b y the weight
o f the plunger bears on the lugs o f the tria n g u la r frame on which the s tr ik e r i s mounted. The
s t r ik e r spring i s depressed and the s tr ik e r fo rced on to the detonator which, in turn, detonates the
C.E. p e lle t in the magazine and the f i l l i n g in the rocket head.
175. D ifferen ces in marks - The fo llo w in g shows b r i e f l y the various d iffe re n c e s in patterns
Model A1
(described above)
s
— 185 -
Appendix G
Particulars of Primers
HtIMERS. PERCUSSION. Q.F. CARTRIDGES NO. 1
1, Guns Q.F. 17 p r. Remarks

Q.F. 18 p r.
Q.F. 13 pr. Por blank charges
Q.P. 25 p r.
Q.P. 3.7 inch howr.
2. D escription - Mark 2 (F ig . 6l+)
FIG.64
PRIMER, PERCUSSION. Q.F. CARTRIDGES, N o.l, MARK 2
G UNPOW DER G.I2. (SO GRAINS)

\
P A P E R D IS C
I -2" Dia (I4 Threads per Inch)
PLUG
CAP
(Composition Q F..
I - 2 grains)
BASE STAM PINGS BODY

b - 0-883"-H
COPPER BALL
ANVIL PAPER CAPSULE C L O S IN G D IS C
3. General - The prim er con sists o f a body, cap, a n v il, b a l l , plu g and clo sin g d is c.
The jo in t between the cap and. prim er body i s made w aterproof w ith composition R.D.1229, and the
threads o f the plug are coated w ith cement R.D.1158 before assembly (bu t not the threads o f the a n v il).
4. Body - The metal body i s screw-threaded e x te rn a lly (d ia . 1.2 inch 14 threads per inch R.H .) to
en ter the base o f the c a rtrid ge case and flanged a t the r e a r to lo c a te i t . Two keyways d iagon ally
opposite are formed in the base to take the key No. 193 f o r in sertin g and removing the prim er.
W :
%
— 1 86—
The in t e r io r i s bored to aoconraxiate the cap and bored and screw-threaded on a s lig h t ly la rg e r
diameter to permit the assembly o f the a n v il and plug. The space between the plug and clo sin g disc
forms the magazine which i s f i l l e d w ith about 30 grains o f G.12 gunpowder.
5. Cap - The copper a llo y cap contains approximately 1,2 grains o f Q.F, composition pressed in and
covered by a le a d - t in f o il d is c . The cap i s housed in the base o f the body, being retain ed in p o sitio n
by the a n v il.
6. A n v il - The metal a n v il i s threaded e x te rn a lly to screw in to the primer body. The in t e r io r has
a p a r a lle l, then a coned and a smaller p a r a lle l cen tra l bore ( t o house the b a l l ) from whencetwo f i r e
channels conneot to the ra ised rounded a n v il surface a t the r e a r end.
A screw driver s lo t i s formed in the forward end.
7. B a ll - The s o ft copper b a ll re s ts lo o s e ly in the coned p ortion o f the a n v il.
8. Plug - The metal plug i s threaded to engage in the body and bears against theopenendo f the
a n v il, thus re ta in in g the b a ll. The plug has 2 holes d r ille d through i t to form f i r e channels
(p r io r to September, 1942 the plugs o f mark 2 primers were made with 3 f i r e h o le s ).
A paper oapsule i s placed over the plug and boss formed in the base o f the prim er body, and
i s secured in p o s itio n by shellao adhesive.
9. Closing d is c - The clo sin g disc i s o f brass, cup-shaped, w ith 6 r a d ia l s l i t s across the centre.
An o i l varnish paper d is c , a ffix e d by i t s edges, to the outer surface.
A ft e r the magazine p ortion o f the body i s f i l l e d , the clo sin g d is c i s f i t t e d in to the mouth o f
the body, the edges o f which are turned over to r e ta in the disc in p o s itio n . The exposed surface o f
the o i l varnished paper d is c including the turned over jo in t o f the body i s then coated w ith varnish
R.D.1219.
10. A otio n - The s tr ik e r o f the f i r i n g mechanism i s d riven on to the percussion cap and the compo
s it io n i s nipped on the a n v il. The flame passes through the f i r e channels in the a n v il, past the
b a ll, through the f i r e holes in the plu g, and through the paper capsule to ig n it e the gunpowder in
the body o f the primer. The resu ltan t explosion fo rc es the b a ll back in to i t s seatin g, preventing
rearward gas escape, by se a lin g the f i r e holes in the a n v il; and the flame from the magazine fo rces
open the s l i t s in the c lo s in g d is c and ig n it e s the prop ellan t charge.
1 1 . P a rtic u la rs o f various marks - The fo llo w in g b r i e f l y shows the various d iffe re n c e s in

patterns
Mark 2M
This i s the mark 2 primer repaired by f i t t i n g a new cap, a n v il, copper b a l l and plug.
The base i s indented to brin g the cap chamber up to the mark 2 and the metal a t the mouth
i s thinned down to f a c i l i t a t e turning o ver a ft e r r e - f i l l i n g , and a new clo sin g d is c i s
fitte d . The prim er i s f i l l e d w ith about 45 grains o f G,12 powder
NOTE:- MQ" i s stamped on the base o f primers assembled w ith caps f i l l e d w ith Q.F. compo
s it io n .
Mk. 1 ) Mk. 2RRM Mk. 3B

Mk. 1* ) Mk. 2RRMT Mk. 3R
Mk. 1HR 1 Mk. 2ERT Mk. 3RB
Mk. 2A } Mk. 2KT Mk. 3RR
Mk. 2B ) Mk. 2T Mk. 3RRT
Mk. 2AB ) Mk. 2* Mk. 3RT
Mk. 2AT ) Mk. 2*B Mk. 3T
Mk. 2BT ) Mk. 2*M Mk. 4 Obsolete I
Obsolete Obsolete Mk.
Mk. 2MB ) Mk. 2*MB 4B
Mk. 2MR ) Mk. 2*MR Mk. 4T
Mk. 2MRM ) Mk. 2*MRT Mk. 5
Mk. 2MRMT ) Mk. 2*M Mk. 6
Mk. 2MRT } Mk. 2*R Mk. 6B
Mk. 2MT ) Mk. 2*RT Mk. 6T
Mk. 2R ) Mk. 2*T Mk. 7 )
Mk. 2RB ) Mk. 3
187—
PRIMER. PERCUSSION. Q.F. CARTRIDGES NO. 9
Remarks
12. Guns Q.F. 3 *7 inch Mk. 6 Mks. 3/1 > 3/2 and 4 only.
Q.F. 3.7 inch Mks. 1 to 3 Mks. 2, 2M, 2MR, 3, 3MR, 3/1 3/2 and 4 with
reduced charges on ly, and Mks. 3/ l» 3/2 and
4 w ith C tge. A .P .C ., B.C. Shot/T.
Q.F. 77 nro.
Q.F. 17 p r. F u ll and reduced charges
Q.F. 120 mm. L . 1 Mks. 3/2 o r 4
13* D escription - mark 4 (F ig * 63)
PRIMER, PERCUSSION, Q.F. CARTRIDGES, No 9. MARK 4 R G .6 5
GUNPOWDER G.I2. (437 GRAINS)
BODY
(Composition Q.F . I -2 grains) PAPER DISC MAGAZINE PAPER ENVELOPE DOME

CAP PLUG
14* General - The primer con sists o f a body, cap, a n v il, b a l l , plug, magazine w ith domed end and a
paper envelope.
The jo in t between the cap and primer body i s made w aterproof w ith composition R.D. 1229; the
threads o f the plug are coated with cement R.D. 1158; and the threads o f the magazine are coated with
cement R.D. 1242B, before assembly (but not the threads o f the a n v il).
15. Body - The metal body i s screw-threaded ex te rn a lly (d ia . 1.2 inch 14 threads p er inch R.H .) to
en ter the base o f the c a rtrid ge case and flanged a t the rea r to lo c a te i t . Two keyways d ia g on a lly
opposite are formed in the base t o take the key No. 26, 135, 183 and 194 f o r in s ertin g and removing
the primer.
The in t e r io r i s bored to accommodate the cap and bored and screw-threaded on a la r g e r diameter
t o permit the assembly o f the a n v il, plug and magazine.
16. Cap - The copper a llo y cap contains approximately 1.2 grain s o f Q.F. composition pressed in a » l
covered by a le a d - t in f o il d is c . The cap i s housed in the base o f the body, being retained in
p o sitio n by the a n v il.
17* A n vil - The metal a n v il i s threaded e x te rn a lly to screw in to the prim er body. The in t e r io r has
a coned and a sm aller p a r a lle l bore (t o house the b a ll) from whence 2 f i r e channels connect to the
raised rounded a n vil surface at the rear end.
A key s lo t i s formed in the forward end.
— 1 O S-
18. B a ll - The s o ft copper b a ll re s ts lo o s e ly in the coned p o sitio n o f the a n v il.
19. Plug - The metal plug i s threaded to engage in the body and bears against the open end o f the
a n v il, thus reta in in g the b a ll. The plug i s bored c e n tra lly to form a f i r e channel and also
d ia gon a lly to form three sm aller f i r e channels to connect the cen tral main f i r e channel t o an
annular groove on the rea r fa ce.
A screwdriver s lo t i s formed on the forward end.
A paper d is c i s a ffix e d by sh ellac over the other end o f the plug and on to the body.
20. Magazine - The c y lin d r ic a l brass magazine i s rounded at the fron t and screw-threaded ex te rn a lly
at the rea r to engage in the body. I t i s p erfora ted with sixteen ra d ia l f i r e holes along the sides
and one f i r e hole in the fron t end, the l a t t e r being closed by a white-m etal dome secured in p o sition
by pressin g over the top . The white-m etal dome i s provided to prevent accidental p e rfo ra tio n o f the
magazine by a s tic k o f the prop ellant charge, i t also acts as a decoppering agent.
The in t e r io r o f the magazine i s f i t t e d w ith an envelope o f shellacked paper or other approved
m aterial which i s secured in p o sitio n by sh ella c adhesive.
The magazine i s f i l l e d w ith 437 grains o f G12 gunpowder.
ACTION
21 • The s tr ik e r o f the f ir in g mechanism i s driven on to the percussion cap and the composition is
nipped on the a n v il. The flame passes through the f i r e channels in the a n v il, past the b a l l ,
through the holes in the plug and through the paper d is c to ig n it e the gunpowder in the magazine.
The resultan t explosion fo rc es the b a ll back in to i t s seatin g, preventing rearward gas escape,, and
the flame passes through the holes o f the magazine t o ig n it e the p rop ellan t charge.
22. D ifferen ce in marks - The fo llo w in g shows b r i e f l y the variolas d iffe re n c e s in pattern s
Mark 3
This d if f e r s from the mark 4 by having a copper cone instead o f a b a l l in the a n v il.
The dimensions o f the plu g are also s lig h t ly m odified. This mark o f primer i s r e s tr ic t e d to
Q.Po 3 .7 inch Mks. 1 to 3 , 17 p r . and 3*7 inch R .C .L. guns.
Mark 3/1 (Obsolescent)

This i s ex a c tly the same as the mark 3 except that a copper b a l l replaces the coned plug,
and the magazine i s f i t t e d with a "Hawley" lin e r .
««■ * 3/2
This i s sim ila r to the mark 3/1 d if fe r in g only that i t i s provided w ith a new pattern
a n v il designed to improve performance and sealin g.
Marks 3M and 3MR

These are mark 3 primers repaired by f i t t i n g new magazine domes and cone plug sealin g
mechanisms, and s lig h t a lte ra tio n s to the body.
This d i f f e r s from the mark 3 only in dimensions o f the a n v il and cone. The mark 3 i s
also f i t t e d w ith a plu g o f m odified design. The plug fo r the Mk. 2 had two f i r e h oles.
Mark 2M and 2MR

These are mark 2 primers repaired as necessary by f i t t i n g new a n v il, screwed plu g,
magazine dome, and s o ft copper coned plug.
Mark 1
This d if f e r s from the mark 2 by having a copper b a ll instead o f a cone p lu g, the a n vil
having a 3 »7° con ica l bore.
Marks 1M and 1MR

These are mark 1 primers rep aired as necessary by f i t t i n g new a n v il, screwed plu g,
magazine dome and b a l l . The screwed plu g had 3 f i r e h oles.
NOTE:- "Q" i s stamped on the base o f primers assembled with caps f i l l e d with Q.F. composition.
-18 9 -
PRIMER. PERCUSSION. Q.F. CARTRIDGES. NO. 11
Remarks
23. Guns Q.P. 3 o 7 -in c h Mks. 1 t o 3 Primers ( a l l marks). P u ll and reduced charges.
Q.F. 77-mm.
Q. P. 17-pr. Seduced and B.E. smoke Ctges.
Q.P. 25-pr.
24. D escription - Mark h/‘1 (P ig . 66)
PRIMER, PERCUSSION, Q.F. CARTRIDGES. No. 11, MARK 4/I
M AGAZINE
CAP
(Composition Q.F DOME
I-2 grains)
BODY LINER
PAPER DISC GUNPOWDER G.I2 (l64 GRAINS)
COPPER BALL PLUG
I *2 Dia (I4 Threads per inch)
BASE STAMPINGS
CAP ANVIL — 2 •526"
25. General - The prim er con sists o f a body, cap, a n v il, b a l l , plu g, magazine with domed end and
a lin e r .
The jo in t between the cap and prim er body is made w aterproof w ith composition S.D. 1229; the
threads o f the plug are coated w ith cement R.D. 1158; and the threads o f the magazine are coated
w ith cement P .D , 1242B before assembly (but not the threads o f the a n v il).
26. Body - The metal body i s screw-threaded e x te rn a lly (d ia . 1.2-inch 14 threads p er inch R.H.) to
en ter the base o f the c a rtrid g e case and flanged a t the rea r t o lo c a te i t . Two keywaya d ia gon a lly
opposite are formed in the base t o take the key No. 25 fo r in s ertin g and removing the primer.
The in t e r io r i s bored to accommodate the cap, and bored and screw-threaded on a la rg e r diameter
to permit the assembly o f a n v il, plug and magazine.
27. Cap - The copper a llo y cap contains approximately 1.2 grains o f Q.P. conposition pressed in arri.
covered by a le a d - t in f o il d is c. The cap i s housed in the base o f the body, being retain ed in
p o s itio n by the a n v il.
- 1 9 0 -
28. A n vil - The metal a n v il i s threaded e x te rn a lly to screw in to the body. The in t e r io r has a
coned ard a small p a r a lle l bore (t o house the b a l l ) from whence 2 f i r e channels connect t o the raised
rounded a n v il surface at the r e a r end. A key s lo t i s formed in the forward end.
29° B a ll - The s o ft copper b a l l rests lo o s e ly in the coned p o rtion o f the a n v il.
30. Plug - The metal plu g i s threaded t o engage in the body and bears against the open end o f the
a n v il, thus reta in in g the b a ll. The plug is bored c e n tra lly t o form a f i r e channel and also
diagonally t o form three sm aller f i r e channels to connect the centre main f i r e channel t o an annular
groove on the rea r fa ce . A screw driver s lo t i3 formed on the forward end.
31. Magazine - The magazine i s c y lin d r ic a l, rounded at the fro n t and screw-threaded e x te rn a lly at
the rea r to engage in the body0 I t i s perfora ted w ith eig h t r a d ia l f i r e holes along the sides and
one f i r e hole in the fron t end, the l a t t e r being closed by a white-m etal dome secured in p o s itio n by
s lig h t ly pressing over the tqp0 The white-m etal dome i s provided to prevent accidental p e rfo ra tio n
o f the magazine by a s tic k o f the prop ellant charge, i t also acts as a decappering agent.
The in t e r io r o f the magazine i s f i t t e d w ith a lin e r o f shellacked paper o r other approved
m aterial which i s secured in p o s itio n b y S h ellac Adhesive0
The magazine i s f i l l e d w ith about 164 grains o f 1 12 gunpowder.
32. Action - The s tr ik e r o f the f i r i n g mechanism i s driven on t o the percussion cap and the
composition i s nipped on the a n v il. The flame passes through the f i r e channels in the a n v il, past
the b a ll, through the f i r e holes in the plug and through the paper d is c to ig n it e the gunpowder in
the magazine. The resultan t explosion fo rc es the b a l l back in to i t s seating in the a n v il, prevent
in g rearward gas escape, and the flame passes through the holes in the magazine to ig n it e the
propellant charge.
33. D ifferen ce in marks - The fo llo w in g shows b r i e f l y the various d iffe re n c e s in p a tte rn s:-
Mark 4 (Obsolescent)
This i s s im ila r to the mark k/A except that i t i s f i t t e d w ith a "Hawley" lin e r which is
now ob solete.
Mark 3/2
These are empty Mk.3 primers which at time o f f i l l i n g are assembled with a b a l l instead
o f the o r ig in a l cone plu g, and are f i t t e d w ith a polythene lin e r .
Mark 3
This d if f e r s from the mark 4 in having a copper cone instead o f a b a ll in the a n v il.
The dimensions o f the plug and body are also s lig h t ly modified.
Mark 3/1
This d if f e r s from the mark 3 only in being f i t t e d w ith a moulded paper "Hawley" lin e r
(now ob solete) or a moulded polythene lin e r .
Mark 3M and 3MR

These are mark 3 primers repaired by f i t t i n g new magazine, dome, and cone s e a l mechanism.
This d if f e r s from the mark 3 in being f i t t e d w ith a d iffe r e n t design o f plug and in
the dimensions o f a n v il and cone.
Mark 2M and 2MR

These are mark 2 primers repaired as necessary by f i t t i n g new a n v il, screwed plu g,
magazine dome and s o ft copper cone plug.
Mark 1
This d i f f e r s from the mark 2 prim er in having a s o ft copper b a ll instead o f a cone p lu g,
and in the a n v il being shaped in te r n a lly t o su it the b a ll.
Mark 1M
This i s th e mark 1 prim er repaired by f i t t i n g a new a n v il, b a l l , magazine dome and plug.
Mark 1MR
Th is i s the mark 1M prim er repaired by f i t t i n g a new a n v il, b a ll, magazine dome and plug,
the a n vil and plu g being o f increased diameter and the screw-threaded recess in the body being
opened out to accommodate them.
NOTE: - "A" is starrped on the base o f primers assembled w ith caps f i l l e d w ith Q.P. composition.
s
- 19 1-
Appendix H
Particulars of Tracers
TRACER. SHEI.L. NO. 2
1. Type Day or n ig h t, in tern a l
* 2. Gun 25 p r. and 75 nm.
3. P r o je c t ile For p ra c tic e shot only
if. Colour o f trace Greenish w h ite, v is ib le approx. 8 secs.
TRACER, SHELL, No.2, MARK 7 rKa0/
GUNPOWDER S.F.G. 12 (5 GRAINS)

PRIMING COMPOSITION SR 247 P (5 GRAINS)
COMPOSITION SR. 247 (25 GRAINS)
! TRACER COMPOSITION S.R. 247 (50 GRAINS)
PAPER TUBE
A
BODY
BRASS SEALING DISC 0-772” D!A.(12 Threads per inch L.H.)
.^ xxA
2-26 ---------
6. General - Conprises stocks o f empty marks 4 and 6 tra cers which consist o f a cap, body and
brass sealin g d isc.
7. Cap - This i s flanged and screw-threaded e x te rn a lly t o f i t in to the tra c e r socket o f the
p r o je c t ile , in te r n a lly i t i s screw-threaded t o engage the magazine. Two key holes are formed in
the head to f a c i l i t a t e fix in g o r removing, and a brass disc i s sweated in to a recess in the fa ce.
8. Body - The body i s c y lin d r ic a l and screw threaded e x te rn a lly a t the open end to engage in the
cap. In te r n a lly i t i s bored to accommodate the f i l l i n g which con sists o f 50 grains o f tra c e r
composition S.R. 247 pressed home in two increments, t h is i s follow ed by a pre-pressed p e lle t consist
ing o f 25 grains o f conposition S.R. 247 , 5 grains o f priming conposition S.R.247P, and 5 grains o f
S. F.G. 12 gunpowder in serted in a wax inpregnated paper tube. The p e lle t i s in serted and pressed in
on top o f the tr a c e r composition, le a v in g a space between the fi n a l surface o f the gunpowder and the
recess bored in the cap.
A ction : -
9. On f i r in g , the brass d is c coverin g the fla s h hole in the cap i s blown in and the fla s h from
the p rop ellan t charge ig n ite s the gunpowder and priming conposition which, in turn, ig n it e s the
tra c e r conposition. When the p r o je c t ile leaves the muzzle o f the gun, the flame from the tra c e r
conposition escapes through the fla s h hole thus enabling the f l i g h t o f the p r o je c t ile to be
observed.
10. P a rtic u la rs o f various marks - Various marks have been a llo c a te d to t h is nature o f tra c e r , the
main d iffe re n c e s between the Land S ervice patterns are tabulated below :-
Mark 1 Naval, (ob solescen t)
Mark 2 Naval, (obsolescent)
Naval. ( obsole3cent)
Naval.
Land S ervice, (ob solescen t) fo r p ra c tic e only.
Naval
Naval
Mark 6 Land S ervice, (ob solescen t) f o r p ra ctice only.

S im ila r to the mark 4 but d iffe r in g p r in c ip a lly in the f i l l i n g , the tra c e r conposition being
S.R.261C with a fin a l increment o f S.F.G.2 gunpowder.
Mark 6R Land Service

D iffe r s from the mark 6 only in being made from Ledloy s te e l.
Mark 6S Land Service

D iffe r s from the mark 6 only in being made from mild s t e e l.
Mark 8 Naval
Mark 9 Naval
—193—
TRACER. S ^ L . NO. 37
11. Type F la t base, 4 channel
12. Gun 25 pr.
13. P r o je c t ile HESH
14. Colour o f trace Red
15. Description - Mark 1 (F ig . 68)
TRACER, SHELL, No.37, MARK I FIG.68

3 PELLETS
TRACER COMPOSITION S.R 247A
BODY
PLUG
W AXED PAPER TUBE
PRIMING COMPOSITION
SR 399
CARNAUBA W AX
BASE STAMPINGS
16. General - The tr a c e r i s made o f s t e e l and i s in the form o f a f l a t d is c. Four holes eq u ally
spaced are d r ille d through the disc t o enable the tra c e r to be a ffix e d by screws to the base o f the
p ro je c tile ,,
In te r n a lly , i t i s d r ille d form 4 lo n g itu d in a lly c a v it ie s to contain the tra c e r composition,
these c a v it ie s term inating in a hole d r ille d c e n tra lly in the base o f the trace. The mouths o f
the c a v it ie s are closed, a ft e r f i l l i n g by screw-threaded s t e e l plugs. The central hole formed in
the base i s closed by a th in brass disc which i s secured, a ft e r th e c a v it ie s are f i l l e d by turning
over a b e z e l, the disc and b e ze l being coated with composition R.D.1229. The faces o f the 4 plugs
and the sealin g disc are painted red a ft e r f i l l i n g .
-1 9 *-
17. F i l l i n g - Each c a v ity i s lin e d w ith a wax inpregnated paper tube in to which i s in serted
(reading from the centre h ole) 1 pre-pressed p e lle t o f priming conposition S.E. 399 weighing
approximately 20 g rain s, 3 pre-pressed p e lle t s o f tra c e r conposition S.E.372AB each weighing
approximately 16 grain s, follow ed by 1 p e lle t o f camauba wax weighing approximately 3 grains. The
screw threads o f the plugs are coated w ith cement R.D. 1248, they are then in s erte d and screwed home.
18. A ction - On f i r in g , the brass disc over the emission hole in the centre o f the base i s blown
in and the fla s h from the p rop ellan t charge ig n it e s the priming conposition in each o f the fou r
c a v it ie s which, in turn, ig n it e s the tra c e r conposition.
When the p r o je c t ile leaves the muzzle the flame from the tra c e r conposition in the four
c a v it ie s escapes through the cen tra l emission hole and enables the flig h t o f the p r o je c t ile to be
observed.
-19 5 -
Appendix J
Particulars of Tubes
TUBES, PERCUSSION. S.A. CARTRIDGE
1. Marks 1 and 2 tubes For use with ordnance having suitable f i r i n g mechanism
except B .L. 4*5 inch gun.
2. Marks 3 to 5 tubes For use with ordnance having su itable fi r i n g mechanism i . e . ,

B .L. inch gun
B .L. 4.5 inch gun
B .L. 7.2 inch howr.
3. Description - Mark 5 (P ig . 69)
TUBE, PERCUSSION, S.A. CARTRIDGE, MARK 5. HG.69

CASE PAPER D IS C -. .-------------------------PERFORATED POWDER PELLET with PAPER DISC
CORK DISC
CAP
GAS SEAL BODY ' GUNPOWDER PELLETS (about 20 grains)

GAS SEAL COPPER BALL (about 5 grains) GUNPOWDER G. 20 (about 3 grains)
GAS SEAL PLUG
4. General - The tube con sists o f a .303 c a rtrid g e case and percussion cap, a gas seal and a cork
d is c.
The case, o f brass, i s tapered towards the fron t end and s lig h t ly bell-mouthed. The rea r end
i s formed ex te rn a lly with a flan ge to prevent the tube being pushed too fa r in to the vent and also to
f a c i l i t a t e ex tra ctio n , and the in t e r io r i s bored from both ends, le a v in g a diaphragm towards the rear
end.
Two f i r e holes are d r ille d through the diaphragm to allow the fla s h from the cap to reach the
magazine, the rea r surface o f which is shaped with a p ro je c tio n to act as an a n v il. In the rea r o f
the a n v il a recess i s formed to rec eive a percussion cap. In fron t o f the diaphragm, the in t e r io r i s
shaped to accommodate a gas se a l.
The percussion cap, o f copper, i s cup-shaped and contains 0.3 to 0.7 g r s .o f detonating
composition pressed in and covered by a lead t i n - f o i l d is c . The cap i s pressed in to the cap chamber.
The gas seal consists o f a body, plug and b a ll.
The body, o f m etal, i s shaped e x te rn a lly to su it the recess in the base o f the magazine p o rtion
o f the case. I t is bored and screwed in te r n a lly to receive the plu g. Above the recess fo r the plug
a chamber is formed which contains about 5 g rs . o f G.20 gunpowder, the w alls o f th is chamber being
tapered to allow the explosion o f the gunpowder to expand the edges against the in t e r io r w all o f the
case, so preventing escape o f gas to the rea r. Below the recess fo r the plug the body i s bored with
a channel to permit the fla s h from the cap to pass on to the gunpowder, the channel being coned to
re c e iv e a copper b a ll.
—196—
The plug, o f m etal, i s screw-threaded e x te rn a lly to su it the thread in the body, three f i r e -
holes being bored through from fron t to rea r. The under surface i s recessed and formed rectangular
in shape to a llow clearance fo r the copper b a ll.
The b a ll, o f s o ft copper, i s spherical in shape and seals the channel in the body, a fte r
explosion o f the gunpowder.
A fin e white paper d is c i s secured by sh ellac to the top o f the plu g, w h ilst a perfora ted
powder p e lle t i s secured above the gunpowder by shellac adhesive.
The main magazine o f the tube is above the perfora ted powder p e lle t and consists o f 20 g rs. o f
powder p e lle t s (o r a lte r n a tiv e ly G7 gunpowder) the in te r s tic e s being f i l l e d in w ith 3 grs. o f G.20
gunpowder.
The mouth o f the tube i s closed w ith a disc o f cork o r cork su bstitu te, the d is c being coated
w ith varnish b efore in s e rtio n and the exposed side being afterwards waterproofed w ith approved
varnish.
5* Action - When the percussion mechanism i s operated, the cap in the base o f the tube i s struck
by the poin t o f the f i r i n g p in , causing the cap composition to be nipped between the a n v il and the
in t e r io r base o f the car), and thus fir e d . The re s u ltin g fla s h passes through the holes in the body
diaphragm and plug to ig n it e the powder in the magazine which, in turn, blows out the cork clo sin g
plug and ig n ite s the clo th ig n it e r attached to the base o f the prop ellant charge.
The s o ft copper b a ll i s driven to the rea r by the explosion in the magazine and the w a lls o f
the tube are expanded r a d ia lly so preventing escape o f gas to the r e a r from the tube chamber in the
ven t. The b a ll seal prevents in tern a l gas escape through the head o f the tube; where th is i s
absent as in the marks 1 and 2, the percussion cap f u l f i l s th is fu nction.
6. D ifferen ces in marks - The fo llo w in g shows b r i e f l y the various d iffe re n c e s in p a ttern s:-
Consists o f a .303 inch brass case with percussion cap, containing a charge o f about
30 g rs . o f s o lid gunpowder p e lle t s , the mouth o f the case being closed by a cork disc o r plug
which i s coated with sh ellac varnish before in s e rtio n , the exposed surface being afterwards
waterproofed by sh ella c. This i s a necked tube.
Length 2.222 inch diameter .460 inch under head,'.3 4 inch at mouth.
D iffe r s from the mark 1 in the f i l l i n g which consists o f 13 g rs . G.20 gunpowder in a
paper container and approximately 29 g rs. s o lid powder p e lle t s w ith loose G.20 gunpowder in the
in te r s tic e s . The mouth i s closed as fo r the mark 1 tube.
The shape and dimensions are the same as fo r the mark 1.
D iffe r s from the mark 2 in the tube not being necked and in having an in tern a l gas seal
metal body and plu g, w ith copper b a l l and in the f i l l i n g . The gas se a l body i s bored out and
provided w ith a screwed recess to house the plu g, the l a t t e r being f i t t e d w ith a s o ft copper
b a ll which prevents escape o f gas a ft e r f i r i n g . Three holes are bored in the plu g to allow
the fla s h to pass from the cap to the body. The f i l l i n g con sists o f approximately 5 g rs . o f
G.20 gunpowder in the top portion o f the body w ith a p erfora ted powder p e lle t interposed
between i t and 20 g rs. powder p e lle t s (o r a lte r n a tiv e ly G.7 powder) in the brass case, the
in te r s tic e s being f i l l e d in with approximately 3 grs. loose G.20 gunpowder.
Length 1.79 inches, diameter .460 inch under head .401 inch at mouth.
Mark 3A (obsolescent)
This i s a converted mark 3 tube.
The conversion consists o f f i t t i n g a m odified gas se a l plug. The shape and dimensions
are the same as f o r the mark 3 tube.
G enerally sim ila r to the mark 3 tube d if fe r in g p r in c ip a lly in that the channel in the gas
seal to r e c e iv e the copper b a ll has a la r g e r chamfer, the b a ll con p letely en terin g the channel
improving the sealin g e f f e c t .
The shape and dimensions are the same as fo r the mark 3 tube.
Mark 4A
This i s a converted mark 4 tube and d i f f e r s only in that the recess in the plug fo r the
copper b a ll is rectangular in shape, thus allow in g more movement o f the b a ll.
Mark 3
G enerally sim ila r t o the mark 4A tube, but i s o f new manufacture.
-
A
i
/
V *'

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W a r Office Code

The information given in this document

THE W AR OFFICE R.A. 1.

The information given in this document

FIELD BRANCH ARTILLERY

THE W A R OFFICE R.A. 1.

Amendment By whom Date of

Section 2. Definitions associated with Equipments

Section 3. Field Branch Artillery Equipments

Section 4. The Round of Ammunition

Future designation and marking .......................................................................................................... 3

Section 5. Categories of Ammunition

Section 2. Propellants Page

Section 3. High Explosives

Section 4. Miscellaneous Compositions

Section 2. Q.F. Cartridges

Section 4. B.L. Cartridges

Section 5. Types used in Field Branch Artillery Equipments

Ig n itio n o f the p rop ellan t charge ............................................................................................... 41

Section 1 Introduction Page

Section 2 The Shell

G e n e r a l............. .................................................................... ................................................ . ••• 50

Section i. Principles etc.

Time fuzes ............................................................................................................................................. 66

Section 3. Fuzing Procedure Page

Section 4. Care, Preservation, faulty Ammunition and Prematures

Care of fuzes ........................................................................................................................... 74

Section 2. Tracers, Shell

Section 3 . Tracer-and-Igniters, Shell

Section 4 . Integral Tracers

C a r t r id g e s , Blank an d Paper Shot

Section 2. Types authorised for Field Branch Artillery Equipments

Section 3. Propellant Charges

Primary ca rtrid g e s ........................................................................................................ ... ... 92

Section i. Purpose and Application of the Lotting System Page

Section 2; Purpose and Application of the Batching System

I d e n tific a tio n C o lo u r s and M a r k in g s

Section 3 . Projectiles, Fuzes and Tracers

P r o je c t ile s ............................................................................................................................................ 106

Method o f colour id e n t ific a tio n and markings ............................................................................. 118

Part i. Q.F. 25-PR. Gun Ammunition

Part 2. B.L. 4 .5 -inch Gun Ammunition

Part 3. B.L. 5 .5 -inch Gun Ammunition

Part 4. B.L. 7 .2 -inch Gun Ammunition

P r o je c t ile s ............. 150

2 P rop ella n t shapes .................................................................................................................. 13

3 Use o f in it ia t o r s , interm ediaries and bursting charges ........................................ 19

4 Section thro* ty p ic a l c a rtrid g e case ... .................................................................... 28

3 Typ ica l p rop ellan t charges ............................................................................................... 29

6 T yp ica l examples - separate loading ca rtrid g e s - Q.P. 25 p r. ............................... 33

7 B .L. 4 .5 in . Gun c a rtrid g e ............................................................................................... 37

8 B .L. 5 .5 in . Gun c a rtrid g e ............................... 38

9 B.L. 7.2 in . how itzer c a rtrid g e ...................................................................................... 40

10 Typ ica l percussion prim er .......................................................................... 42

11 Typ ica l percussion tube ............................................................................................... 43

12 Typical C.R.H. (c a lib r e radius head) design .................................................................... 47

13 Typ ica l d riv in g band and a lte rn a tiv e baseplates ........................................................... 48

14 P r o je c t ile d e fin itio n s .......................................................................... 49

15 Typical H.E. (h igh ex p lo sive) nose fuzed s h e ll ........................................................... 51

16 Typical B.E. (base e je c tio n ) c a r r ie r s h e ll ...................................................................... 53

17 Method o f fu nction ing, base e je c tio n s ta r s h e ll ........................................................... 55

18 Typical A.P. (armour p ie rc in g ) shot 56

19 Holding devices ... 59

20 Holding devices ................................................................................................................. 60