BL 5.5 Inch Gun
Artillery Park
Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ontario

This BL 5.5 Inch Gun is mounted in Artillery Park, Canadian Force Base Petawawa.

The 5.5 was considered one of theby some as the best gun ever used by Commonwealth forces. It began to reach troops in 1941 and by the end of the Second World War it had served in every major battle area. It was used by three Canadian regiments in Europe. It was popular and recognised as an effective gun, however, there were some reports of bore prematures.

The 25-Pounder Field Gun/Howitzer was employed by the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery in both the Second World War and in the Korean conflict.

It required a crew of nine and could shoot an 82-lb High Explosive shell 18,200 yards.

Initially the 5.5 inch shell weighed in at 100 lbs, however there was concern raised as to the lack of range provided. A later replacement with an 80 lb shell dramatically improved on the range and was subsequently put in service.

GENERAL PARTICULARS:

Calibre: 5.5 inches (140 mm)
Weight: 5850 kg
Shell weight: 36.3 kg (80 lbs) high explosive
Rate of fire: 3 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity: 510 metres/second (1673 f/s)
Number of charges: 4
Maximum range: 16,400 metres (17,935 yards)
Elevation: 45°
Traverse: 30° right and left
Detachment: 9

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Photos and text provided by LCol L. Jensen