Ordnance QF 3-inch howitzer

Ordnance QF 3 inch howitzer was a howitzer fitted to British tanks of the Second World War so they could fire a HE shell in "close support" of infantry.

It was used to equip the British Infantry tanks: Matilda II, Churchill tank Mk I, and the cruiser tank Crusader (65 rounds).

Later in the war a larger 95 mm howitzer was employed for the same purpose.

Specification

 * Calibre: 3 in
 * Length of barrel: 75 in (25 calibres)
 * Overall length: 78.2 in
 * Weight: 256 lb
 * Muzzle velocity: 600 to 700 ft/s
 * Ammunition
 * Cartridge: 76.2x134R
 * Smoke: 13.4 lb
 * HE: 13.9 lb
 * Range 2000 to 2500 yd

Notes and references

 * Peter Chamberlain and Chris Ellis British And American Tanks Of World War II