17 pdr and No27 Limber

George Moore · #1 29-04-12, 17:25

Ok, so here goes, I have the tin opener ready to open a can containing worms.

I just spent a very interesting week-end at Larkhill with the Gunners from Garrison.
Four 25pdrs, limbers and 3 FAT's
Despite the wet/windy weather, I had a great time, learnt a lot about 25pdrs and asked the question about the use of the 27 trailer and the 17pdr.

Comments were basically, a 17pdr round would not fit in the trailer, however, it is possible that the limber was used because the guns were not fitted with brakes, other than those for locking the wheels. The limber had "over-run" brakes, and could have been used in this fashion.

Just a thought.

I have seen 17pdr guns hitched to FAT (No5 body) without a limber however.

Answers on a postcard. (!)

George.

Alan McGuinness · #2 01-05-12, 09:43

Hi George, there's a bit of discussion on this recently in the 17 pdr string: http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=17435

Happy reading.

George Moore · #3 01-05-12, 11:48

Hi Alan,

Youre quite right, I have re-read the posts, properly this time !!!!

There is mention of the limbers being used to aid braking, which I had missed totally.

One other point came up, that is the turning circle was better when a limber was coupled to the gun, I suspect that it was due to the thing acting like a double knuckle joint, interesting thought.

George.