5.5 inch Howitzer

5.5 inch Howitzer. . , 5.5 inch Gun Howitzer , Calibre 140mm (5.5 inch) , Range 14km (15,300 yards) , Rate of Fire 3 rounds per minute , Shell weight 36kg (80lb) , , The 5.5 inch Howitzer came into service in 1942 in the Western Desert of North Africa against Rommel's Afrika Korps. It remained in British service until 1978 having been used successfully in Borneo in the mid 1960s. , , It was a popular and effective weapon even though problems with ammunition in the early days led to a small number of shells exploding in the barrel. This was quickly resolved when a lighter shell was adopted. , , The original design of the gun made it muzzle heavy and a pair of spring equilibrators were fitted, one on each side of the barrel, forming the 'horns' which give this gun such a distinctive appearance. The gun was teamed with the AEC 6x6 Matador tractor which could carry the 10 man gun crew, ammunition and spares. , , This gun has been placed here by the main gate to greet new arrivals and act as the Battery Gate Guardian, a practice common in military establishments. , , On loan from English Heritage.