Sexton images and tools question
 

Hi,

I guess this post could go into "The Gun Park" or "Armour" but i'll try it out here first.

I was going through some of Dad's photographs this week and found these two images of a ratchet bar assembly for the Sexton that appears to draw the 25 pdr. into full recoil. Does anyone have any idea what this kit was used for? Would a tube be changed in this manner?

It appears that the images were intended for official publication but these copies do not appear to have ever been glued or stapled into a document.

The Sexton in the image looks to be a Mk. I "CS172768" that is marked "1 ARTY RU" CMHQ. Clive's registry on Ramtank.ca does not yet list this example but the image may help to fill a void in the list.

Thanks.

It was to test runout. The barrel would be pulled back as you say and then the quick release link activated to let the piece return to battery.

I think the procedure is detailed in the manual, I'll have a look tonight.

pull back
 

The same unit was used on all 25 pr, checked the recuperator. called Apparatus,pulling back No 7, used with Quick-release No3..DOES anyone have ONE for SALE.

Awesome!

I had noticed the quick release in the image but couldn't figure out why you would need to release the barrel quickly.

Thanks!

Hi Jason,

Can you e-mail me a higher res image and I will add it to the Sexton page when I get back?
Cheers,

Clive (still in @#$%^& Haiti)

The quick releases were/are still used here in Canada for pulling back the 105 howitzers. I know I have at least one, and am pretty sure I have more. I also have some of the "rope, wire, 8 foot 10" shown on the photo.

The "jackall" ratchet device has been replaced with a regular chain comealong these days. The larger 155 guns use a hydraulic power pack to pull back the guns.

Hello Rob...
 

Have you got any of these 10' wire cables/looped kicking around?

There are two diameters of the wire rope that I am aware of. I believe they are 5/8 cable and 1/2" cable....I would have to confirm. I think I have spares of the 1/2 cable, and that that diameter cable was for the CMP trucks as well. The larger dia cable was also used on the Universal carriers. I only have one spare of those which will end up going on a carrier. I believe Brian Asbury has them available for around $75 or so.