From the Collection #32 - 2 Pdr Anti-tank Gun
Part of the "From the Collection" series prepared and distributed to a subscribers' list during 2022 as a follow on to the "Virtual Visit" series initiated during the COVID lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 The collection focus of this item is the 2 Pounder Anti-Tank Gun of World War 2
The 2 pounder anti-tank gun was formally accepted into British service on 1 January 1936. It was developed to provide a lightweight gun capable of being manhandled by infantry units. In service however, it proved too heavy and special artillery units were formed in 1938. At the time of its acceptance into service, it was considered the best anti-tank gun in the world.
The Australian Army asked early in 1940 if it would be possible to produce 1000 of the 2 pounder guns in Australia. Three weeks after the evacuation of Dunkirk, a sample gun was received from the United Kingdom with the drawings, upon which to develop a
manufacturing base. Some 30 sub-contractors were engaged by General Motors Holden - Australia who had been appointed as the coordinating contractor for the project. . GMH manufactured the barrels, organisations such as Chubb the safe manufacturers, produced the breech blocks and other contractors produced the carriages,
Details
Details
Typically only a small portion of a museum collection is exhibited at any one time. This is due not only to practical consideration of display space but a range of professional considerations designed to protect and preserve the artefact. This series highlights objects and stories you may have overlooked in the galleries or collection items awaiting the opportunity to be viewed and share their story.
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
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