Killed by a 'Canister' Trench Mortar?

[sphinx]

Below is a contemporary report on the death of an officer in France in 1916.  Can anyone tell me what round the 'Canister' referred to actually was.  Same as or similar to the 'Flying Pig' etc?

[FMbugman]

Given the options of shell types in 1916, it seems the author is referring to a time fused shrapnel shot fired from a mortar.

[new3.2]

Interesting name for an explosive projectile.  Cannister in the artillery world usually means a metal can that is filled with many iron or lead balls.  It is used at short ranges against charging infantry.  The cannister ruptures at the muzzle and the becomes a large shotgun.  It was incapably devastating.  The literature of the American Civil War mentions its use often.  The CW artillery group I belong to has reproduced such cannister rounds and it makes an impressive show.  Dust and turf and small limbs from trees come down as the shot bounces downrange.  In the Pacific Campaign during WW2 cannister rounds were part of the various rounds carried by US 37mm anti-tank guns, and Sherman 75mm tanks.  They were used against Japanese troops in caves.  Their use caused these balls to bounce around inside the cave, allowing infantry to throw explosive charges into the caves.  I am not familiar of any German trench mortars using such vertical ammunition.  I certainly agree with Mr. FMbugman in his shell identification.

new3.2

    

[sphinx]

Thanks for the replies.

I think I have narrowed it down to the 24.5 Ladungs Morser

best wishes

[Keith Woodland]

On 07/01/2025 at 02:47, new3.2 said:

Interesting name for an explosive projectile.  Cannister in the artillery world usually means a metal can that is filled with many iron or lead balls.  It is used at short ranges against charging infantry.  The cannister ruptures at the muzzle and the becomes a large shotgun.  It was incapably devastating.  The literature of the American Civil War mentions its use often.  The CW artillery group I belong to has reproduced such cannister rounds and it makes an impressive show.  Dust and turf and small limbs from trees come down as the shot bounces downrange.  In the Pacific Campaign during WW2 cannister rounds were part of the various rounds carried by US 37mm anti-tank guns, and Sherman 75mm tanks.  They were used against Japanese troops in caves.  Their use caused these balls to bounce around inside the cave, allowing infantry to throw explosive charges into the caves.  I am not familiar of any German trench mortars using such vertical ammunition.  I certainly agree with Mr. FMbugman in his shell identification.

new3.2

    

Still in use during the Korean War by British tanks fitted with 20pdr gun. Also available for the 76mm fitted on Saladin Armoured Car. I fired this several times on ranges. Destroyed large vegetation very effectively.

[new3.2]

Thank you, Keith, always, interesting to hear of the use of cannister.  Your description certainly marks in a larger sense, what I have observed with reproduction usage.  I once talked to a WW2 Marine who served with a 37mm anti-tank rifle in the Pacific.  He said they called us the miniature artillery but were always happy with us when we sprayed caves with cannister.

new3.2