Quick Firing 3.7 inch Mountain Howitzer Mk 1, 1944

This particular gun was a late production model made for the Indian Army in 1944 (indicated by the rubber tyres). It is painted in Brunswick Green, for the Burma theatre of World War Two where it was widely used. It fired a 20 pounder shrapnel shell to a maximum range of 5,900 yards, a high explosive shell to 4,500 yards.

Originally introduced in 1915 as a replacement for the 10 pounder jointed gun it was designed to be broken down into several loads for transport by mule. Although officially designated as the Mountain Howitzer it was always known as the Pack Howitzer throughout its service. It was the first British gun to have a split trail carriage which made for more efficient operation.

The 3.7 inch Mountain Howitzer was widely used in India between the wars and in early battles of World War Two, like Crete in 1941, when they were often the only artillery on overseas stations. It remained in service until 1960.