Hartlepool, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
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.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military.
Location. 54° 41.808′ N, 1° 10.592′ W. Marker is in Hartlepool, England. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Moor Terrace and Bath Terrace, on the left when traveling east. Located at the Heugh Gun Battery on the Hartlepool Headland. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 Moor Terrace, Hartlepool, England TS24 0PS, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Naval Gun Barrel (a few steps from this marker); Coast Defence Gun Barrel (a few steps from this marker); L6 WOMBAT Recoilless Rifle (a few steps from this marker); Fv 4201 Chieftan (a few steps from this marker); First Soldier Killed (within shouting distance of this marker); 25pr Mk II Saluting Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); 25pr Saluting Gun 1942 (within shouting distance of this marker); Burney Recoilless Rifle (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hartlepool.
Also see . . .
1. Heugh Battery Museum. (Submitted on November 2, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Hartlepool History Then & Now - Heugh Gun Battery. (Submitted on November 2, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
3. Heugh Battery on Wikipedia. (Submitted on November 2, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 2, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.