Carriers and 2" mortars

[David Dunlop]

Some interesting markings on that Mortar, Robert.

If I recall correctly, there were two major manufacturers of the 2-inch Mortar in Canada during World War Two. The better known is John Inglis, but the Canadian Elevator Equipment Company Ltd in Toronto was also involved. What I am not sure of, however, is when each of these companies was active in production. Who came first? Were they concurrent? Was one added to the mix to assist in the pre D-Day buildup?

The fancy “P” stamp is from Philco. Usually associated with wireless related equipment, they had an extensive metal shop and show up from time to time with metal sub-assemblies in unexpected equipment.

As for the HMofC, that could be one of five other subcontractors found in Vancouver, Hamilton, Toronto, Woodstock or Sherbrooke, Quebec during the war.

Nice find.


David

[Robert Bergeron]

Thank you very much David , very informative . I have found that the War Museum has a similar mortar made by the same maker . Have a look ! So Canadian origin is possible . More to follow ! Amended following Ed’s comments .

[stephen crowhurst]

Hello Robert, thank you for the information. Cheers Stephen.

[Ed Storey]

Originally Posted by Robert Bergeron

Thank you very much David , very informative . I have found nice references on the War Museum website . Have a look ! So Canadian origin is comfirmed ! A nice find indeed for the Carrier knowledge . More to follow !

What you have found is a generic statement as opposed to an actual reference. Now if the CWM website had stated what the manufacture's initials stood for and posted a some form of primary source confirmation, then you would have found a reference.

[Robert Bergeron]

Thank you for your useful remarks Ed . You probably noticed the mortar in the CWM ´s collection is a MK8 . The one on my Carrier is a Mk7. So at least we have a hint the manufacturer H.M. of C.L. manufactured mortar barrels for both the MK7 & the Mk8 variations of mortar . It is a little more information than i had before . Now to find where this particular manufacturer was located .

[Robert Bergeron]

Here is a description of the No 7 mortar taken from a British publication. Note the very different carrying handle from my example . The British had a very simplified version compared to the Canadian version . The Canadian version seen in wartime factory pictures have the Bren Inglis made carrying handle .

[Robert Bergeron]

So Viola Davis made MK7 mortars for the MKII carrier at the elevator campany according to Michael R .

[Robert Bergeron]

Mystery markings ..