"100 pounder" at Gallipoli August 1915

[owen4256]

I recently noted in a personal war diary a reference by a British regular based at 29th Division HQ at Gully Beach in August 1915 to "our 100 pounder" returning fire against Turkish long range artllery. I know 60 pounders were used in Gallipoli but not clear what a "100 pounder" is likely to have been. Any guidance appreciated.

Clive

[calibre792x57.y]

Possibly a 6 inch 30 cwt Siege Howitzer. One was apparently sent to Gallipoli on HMS Queen Elizabeth according to British Artillery Weapons and Ammuntion. The shell weight for this equipment was actually 118 lbs, but there were several weapons in this calibre with 100 lb shells such as the 6 inch BLC gun, but given we know that one of the former was definitely at Gallipoli the 30 cwt would be the most likely candidate. - SW

[owen4256]

That sounds a good fit. The wonder of Google suggests that these were modified to take a 100lb shell. Since this was 29th Division, that would limit the options to 14th Siege Battery. Thanks for the quick reply.

Regards

Clive

[nigelfe]

The guns wouldn't need modifying, 5.5 inch is a good example it had both 80 and 100 lb shells using the same propelling charges.