The BL 6 inch Gun Mk XIX was introduced in 1916 to replace the obsolescent Mark VII Gun. It was a wire wound gun having a Wellin Screw breech with Asbury mechanism. The Mark 8 Carriage was the same as the one used with the 8 inch Howitzer. There were still a number in service in 1939 and three batteries of them went to France with the BEF. A number were deployed in the home defence of Britain. They were replaced in 1942 although some were retained for training. The BL 6 inch Gun Mk XIX was declared obsolete in January 1944.
Data
Weight of gun & breech mechanism
10,248 lbs (4,684 Kg)
Total Length
219.22 inches (556.87 cm)
Length of Bore
210 inches (35 calibres) (533.4 cm)
Rifling
36 grooves, uniform Right Hand 1/30
Breech Mechanism
Asbury interrupted screw, percussion fired
Elevation
0º to 38º
Traverse
4º Left and Right
Recoil System
Hydropneumatic, variable, 20 to 42 inches
Weight in action
22,792 lbs
Carriage
Carriage Mark 8
Essentially the carriage of the 8 inch Howitzer. A two wheeled, block trail design with either Traction or Pneumatic tyred wheels
Carriage Mark 8A
Small changes to facilitate quicker & cheaper production
Performance
Firing standard 100 lb HE shell
Muzzle velocity
2,350 feet per second (716.28 meters per second)
Maximum range
18,750 yards (17,145 metres)
Ammunition
Shell, HE, Mk 20B
Non streamlined shell fitted with fuzes 119, 106E or 231
