WORLD’S BEST FIELD GUN.

Taihape Daily Times, 29 May 1919, Page 3

WORLD’S BEST FIELD GUN.

WONDERFUL NEW WEAPON

A new field gun is in course of introduction into the British Army, the firstbattery of this type having been employed in the field for the last two months of the war.

With this gun an extra 3000 yards’ range can be obtained over that possible with the IS-poundcr quick-firer equipment, which has been in use throughout the war. and in a later edition of this equipment another 1000 yards’ range will be obtained. The same powerful shell of 1841 b, which is the heaviest shell used with any field gun, is obtained.

The equipment is extraordinarily steady, and may be said to rival the celebrated French “75.’ This steadiness practically eliminates any relaying of the piece from round to round, and should make it extremely valuable for all field gun work. Great rapidity of fire can be obtained if necessary, and during its trials a rate of 28 rounds a minute has been obtaiaca.

Needless to say, this rate would seldom be used, but the potentiality is there, if required. As with other now equipments produced during the war. alterations may eventually be introduced, but it would appear as if the British artillery was in course of being provided with the best field gun in the world.

In saying this, it is not to be assumed that the trusted 18-pounder of the old type lias not done excellent service during the war. but the experience that

has been gained has enabled the designers of the country to embody what thev have* learned in this up-to-date

equipment now in course of manufac-

ture and issue to the army,