Ranville in Calvados, Normandy, France — Western Europe
Canon de 40 mm Bofors
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Bofors 40 mm Gun
Photographed by James Hulse, June 2, 2025
1. Canon de 40 mm Bofors / Bofors 40 mm Gun Marker
Le Bofors, canon d'origine suédoise équipait les régiments antiaériens de l'Artillerie Britannique. Il remplaça le canon Oerlikon de 20 mm et fut très utilisé durant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Le Bofors, d'un poids de 2 tonnes, pouvait être mis en action en 2 minutes par 8 hommes. Ses tirs (120 coups par minute) de charges explosives, traçantes ou perforantes avaient une portée de 1 500 mètres. Le Bofors était monté sur 4 roues qui pouvaient être facilement enlevées afin d'utiliser ses 4 stabilisateurs; il devenait ainsi une plate-forme de tir très stable. Le canon était tracté par un véhicule tout terrain Bedford QL.
The Bofors of Swedish origin, equipped light anti-aircraft regiments of the Royal Artillery. Having replaced the 20 mm Oerlikon gun, it was used extensively throughout the Second World War. The gun, weighing more than two tons was manned by eight men who could bring the gun into action within two minutes! Firing high explosive, tracer or armour piercing rounds, the rate of fire was up to 120 rounds per minute with an accurate range of 1,500 yards. The
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Erected by Memorial Pegasus and Museum. (Marker Number 26.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II.
Location. 49° 14.552′ N, 0° 16.275′ W. Marker is in Ranville, Normandie (Normandy), in Calvados. It is on Av. Major John Howard close to Normandie Route D514. The marker is located on the grounds of the Memorial Pegasus and Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Av Major John Howard, Ranville, Normandie 14860, France. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony and also the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: M45 Quadruple / M45 Quadmount (here, next to this marker); La défense des ponts sur le Canal de Caen et de l'Orne (here, next to this marker); M3/M5 A1 Half Track (a few steps from this marker); Vidette (within shouting distance of this marker); Le Général de Brigade James Hill, D.S.O** M.С. / Brigadier James Hill D.S.O** М.С. (within shouting distance of this marker); Le Char Centaur MK IV / Centaur Tank MK IV
Photographed by James Hulse, June 2, 2025
2. Canon de 40 mm Bofors / Bofors 40 mm Gun Marker (left side)
More about this marker. The static displays and markers are located on the grounds of the Memorial Pegasus and Museum. There is an entrance fee to visit the museum and markers.
Also see . . . The 40 mm Bofor gun. (Submitted on July 2, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
