Sexton images and tools question

Jason Ginn · #1 30-09-09, 02:56

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.

tankbarrell · #2 30-09-09, 09:25

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.

Bob McNeill · #3 30-09-09, 10:18

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.

Jason Ginn · #4 30-09-09, 20:40

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!

servicepub (RIP) · #5 30-09-09, 23:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Ginn

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.

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)

rob love · #6 01-10-09, 01:56

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.

Rob Fast · #7 06-08-15, 01:05

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

rob love · #8 06-08-15, 01:35

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.