World War II: Ordnance QF 25-Pounder Field Gun

The principal field gun used by British Commonwealth forces during World War II, the Ordnance QF 25-pounder (right) saw service in all theaters of the war. Designed as a replacement for the World War I-era 18-pounder and the 4.5" howitzer, the 25-pounder was developed during the 1930s. Due to a lack of funding, the first 25-pounders were built using converted 18-pounder carriages. Deployed to France in 1940, many were lost when the British Expeditionary Force was evacuated from Dunkirk. In May 1940, the first Mark II 25-pounders entered service and featured a purpose-built carriage with a box trail. Capable of high angle fire, the 25-pounder was further improved later in the war and a short, pack version developed for use in the jungles of the South Pacific. The 25-pounder remained in service with British forces into the 1960s and with Commonwealth forces into the 1970s.

Photograph Source: Public Domain