40 mm Bofors gun in action, 1942 (c)

Photograph, World War Two, North Africa (1940-1943), 1942 (c).

The Bofors 40 mm gun was the most widely used Allied anti-aircraft gun of the war. The gun was quick firing, reliable and versatile. It had sufficient punch to knock out all types of aircraft and yet was light enough to be adapted to a mobile role. The example shown here was in use in the Western Desert by 123rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery (TA).