Japanese 50 mm 10th Year mortar/grenade launcher

Introduced in 1921, the 10th Year Type was a short smooth-bore steel tube with a simple curved base plate intended to be rested against a tree. A bomb was dropped down the barrel and a continuous-pull firing mechanism ignited the integral propellant charge. The launcher could also fire grenades, flares and smoke bombs. Erroneously known to many Allied troops as the 'Knee-Mortar', it could shatter thigh bones if fired against the leg.

Donated by the Royal Army Ordnance Corps