3" Mortar information

[Mike Cecil]

Darrin,

Try the following NAA files, they may provide an answer. Some are open, some are scanned, a few are closed (NYE) (you'll have to apply to have them opened):

NAA Barcode: (use advanced search)
365436
448758
1039482 - NYE
1039484 - NYE
4330497
4330876

I only have the Aust 1937 training pam, which is not provide much.

Mike

[Tim Bell]

Always believed the base plate with holes in was lightened for Airborne use.

Tim

[Lynn Eades]

Are we talking about Australian made 3" mortars, in this thread?
I'm guessing there were variations. New Zealand Railways built them here.
(I know nothing about them and have just posted for clarity)

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

British 3" made in 1944. The base plate has no holes or tapers around the edges and has a chain at the back for lifting instead of rope. The leather case is C/|\ marked but had a slip of paper inside with Greek instructions.

And it's little brother. Does anyone out there know where I can get a muzzle cap for a 2" mortar?

I have a copy of the 3" manual if there's anything specific you'd like to hear about.

[rob love]

Originally Posted by Bruce Parker

Does anyone out there know where I can get a muzzle cap for a 2" mortar?

BRP in the US used to have them listed separately, but I only see them listed as part of a group of parts now. http://www.brpguns.com/mortar-parts-lot/

You can also order them from Westland military, likely the same place you got your 2" mortar sight from: http://westland.nl/product/2inch1

[Darrin Wright]

I have a electronic Aust Army manual, dated 1972, that features the rectangular base plate with a white line painted on it (which is the same as pics posted).

I have no information, except for the WW2 BGC Mortar vehicle book/pics, that shows the base plate with tapered edges.

I am happy to see different variations, from different countries, that depict various builds & uses. Its all an education.

[rob love]

Here are a couple shots of various 3" baseplates. The early one is currently on ebay through Westland military antiques at only £550 ($900 cdn or so). The second one shown is from the Australian War Memorial website, and the third is off a 3" mortar presently available from Collectors source here in Canada. The last shot is a scan from the 1937 manual for the 3" mortar.

My 3" mortar has the baseplate as pictured from collector's source......small holes and the chain for dragging it around.