40mm Bofors Light Anti-Aircraft Gun
Swords and Ploughshares Museum
Kars, Ontario

This 40mm anti-aircraft gun was developed by A.B. Bofors, a Swedish company, in the late twenties. This model was used by forces throughout the world and licences were provided for their manufacture in Great Britain, Canada, Australia and the United States. The 1942 40mm Bofors Light Anti-Aircraft Gun of the Swords and Ploughshares Museum is maintained in working condition as a living monument and memorial for all Ack-Ack Gunners. Volunteers in period battle dress regularly fire salutes at veterans and commemorative events around Ottawa. It is also part of the displays at the annual Battle of Britain Sunday Parade at the National Aviation Museum as a concrete reminder of the cooperation between the Royal Regiment and the Royal Air Forces in protecting Great Britain during that crucial time. It is seen here at the Battle of Britain ceremonies in 2001 and at a private function for a veteran's family and friends.

The Bofors fired a 2lb. explosive shell at a muzzle velocity of 2,800ft./sec. at 120 rounds per minute. The maximum ceiling was listed as 23,600 feet.The standard mounting was a four-wheeled trailer unit with a gimballed turret and ammunition storage onboard, but some guns were mounted in vehicles as mobile defense for supply and troop convoys.

The 1943 Ford Light Anti-Aircraft Tractor of the Swords and Ploughshares Museum is the prime mover for the 40mm Bofors Gun and hauls it to various events all around the National Capital Region. The gun and tractor are marked to represent the 32nd (Kingston) LAA Battery during the Normandy Landings in 1944. It is seen here in the orange glow of a bonfire at a private function for a veteran and his family and friends. The Swords and Ploughshares Museum (www.calnan.com/swords) is the largest private collection of guns, tractors and artillery suppport vehicles in Canada.

Please note: The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery is seeking additional enhancements to this article. If you have higher quality photographs or additional historic facts, please do not hesitate to contact us through the Heritage board on our discussion forum.

Photos and text provided by Maj. M.T.A. Calnan