VPA – FROM THE QUARTERMASTER… Volume 2

Claude Villeneuve of Valor Park Association (VPA) brought a complete WWII British Mortar Mk 8* from his collection of WWII British and Canadian Airborne Forces artifacts.

WWII BRITISH MORTAR 2-INCHES MK VIII*

Tuesday 4 April 2023 saw another display by the Quartermaster at our “micro” museum located at “SEBARMS Guns, Gear and Collectibles”. This time was an exhibit on a WWII British Mortar Mk 8* used by British and Canadian Airborne Forces during WWII.

Claude Villeneuve of Valor Park Association (VPA) brought a complete WWII British Mortar Mk 8* from his collection of WWII British and Canadian Airborne Forces artifacts.

The 2-inch Mortar, developed during the 1930s, was small and could be carried by a single man, range was limited to 500 yards (457m) and the high explosive bomb was quite small, but the weapon provided a useful High Explosive (H.E.) and Smoke thrower.  There were several variants: Universal Carrier (aka Bren Carrier), Infantry, and Airborne.  The 2-Inch Mortar remained in production throughout the war. 

Here is the list of objects that were on display.

British Lamp Electric, № 1 (WB 1501)

Powered by one 3V Battery, Dry, Ever Ready № 800.

2-Inch Mortar Ammunitions

Bomb, M.L. Smoke (Smoke for about 75 seconds)

Bomb, M.L. Signal, Single Star, Green, Mk II

Bomb, M.L. Signal, Single Star, Red, Mk II

Bomb, M.L. High Explosive (H.E.), Mk I with Fuze № 151 Mk 1

Note:

M.L.: Muzzle Loading

Carrier, M.L. 2-Inch Mk 1 (For six bombs)

Wallet including:

• Holdall

• Cleaning Brush with folding Rod (Cat № MR77GA)

• Oil Can

• Firing Pin and Spring

Gauge, Barrel Go/No-Go

(Armourers’ tool)

26 GS Publications 146 Small Arms Training Volume I, Pamphlet No. 8 – Mortar (2-inch), 1939 (16 p.) 18th October 1939

26 GS Publications 146
SAT Volume I, Pamphlet No. 8 – Mortar (2-inch), 1939
Amendment No. 1 ,1941 (2 p.)
28th June 1941

26 GS Publications 704
SAT Volume I, Pamphlet No. 8 – Mortar (2-inch), 1942 (16 p.)
15th July 1942
This pamphlet superseded the 1939 edition and that reprinted with amendments (Nos. 1 and 2), 1942

57 Vocabulary 1407 Vocabulary of Army Ordnance Stores Section M1
Miscellaneous Weapons
22nd April 1944

26 Manuals 3367
Maintenance Manual
For the M.L. 2-Inch, M.L. 3-Inch and S.B. 4.2-Inch Mortars
16th August 1944

War Office Code № 1645
26 Manuals 5544
Maintenance Manual
For the M.L. 2-Inch, M.L. 3-Inch and S.B. 4.2-Inch Mortars
21st September 1946

Handbook for the ordnance M.L. 2-inch Mortars Marks II*, II***, VII, VIIA, VII* VII** VIII and VIII*
1st January 1944

To be replaced by:
War Office Code 13071
26 Manuals 4064
User handbook for the Ordnance M.L. 2-inch Mortar Mk7, 7** and 8* Land Service
25th September 1960

War Office Code № 8452
Infantry Training
Volume I
Infantry Platoon Weapons
Pamphlet № 8
The 2-Inch Mortar
28th November 1949

26 Publications 5914
Regulations for Army Ordnance Services
Part 7
Pamphlet № 15A
2-Inch Mortar ammunitions
19th October 1945

For those who may asked the question: “is the mortar deactivated”? The answer is: “sadly, yes, it is deactivated”.

There will be more to see from our Quartermaster so…come to see us! The VPA’s “micro” Museum is located at SEBARMS Guns, Gear and Collectibles, 11569 – 149 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5M 1W9. The museum hours of operation are:

• Monday: closed.
• Tuesday: from 10 to 15 hours.
• Wednesday: from 10 to 15 hours.
• Thursday: from 10 to 15 hours.
• Friday: from 10 to 15 hours.

 

Until next time,

The Quartermaster

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Donate your prohibited firearm or firearm to the Valour Park Association. We have a prohibited firearms licence and can accept any firearm, including Prohibited Firearms.

Questions? Contact Hans J. Brink, CFSC Instructor.
780-906-6820