The QF 14-pounder was a 3-inch medium-velocity naval gun used to equip warships for defence against torpedo boats. It was produced for export by Maxim-Nordenfelt (later Vickers, Sons and Maxim) in competition with the Elswick QF 12-pounder 12 cwt and QF 12-pounder 18 cwt guns.
| Ordnance QF 14-pounder | |
|---|---|
 On HMVS Cerberus circa. 1900. Note fixed-round cartridge with shell standing at gunner's feet in background. Photo courtesy of the Friends of the Cerberus | |
| Type | Naval gun |
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1894-19?? |
| Used by | Various countries Victorian Naval Forces |
| Wars | World War I |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 189? |
| Manufacturer | Maxim-Nordenfelt |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 1,638 pounds (743 kg)[1] |
| Barrel length | 135 inches (3.429 m)bore (45 calibres)[1] |
| Shell | separate QF 14 pounds (6.35 kg) or 12.5 pounds (5.67 kg) |
| Calibre | 3-inch (76.2 mm) |
| Muzzle velocity | 2,100 feet per second (640 m/s) (14 lb shell)[2] |
| Maximum firing range | 8,000 yards (7,320 m) (14 lb shell) |
Service
editThe gun equipped ships built in Britain for various foreign navies including Chile.
Victorian Navy service
edit2 guns were mounted on HMVS Cerberus in 1897. In 1900 they were removed, mounted on field carriages and went to China with the Victorian Naval Contingent to confront the Boxer Rebellion. These 2 guns were non-standard and fired QF fixed rounds (i.e. the cartridge was loaded with shell attached) unlike the standard guns which fired separate ammunition (i.e. shell and cartridge loaded as separate items). They were therefore left behind in China in favour of the standard QF 12-pounder.[3]
In Victorian naval service in the 1890s the gun is reported as firing a shell weighing 14 lbs to a range of 8,000 yards with a muzzle velocity of 2100 ft/second, using a 6.5 lb black powder charge.[4]
Victorian coastal artillery
edit14-pounders were used for coastal defence at Fort Nepean, Fort Pearce and Fort Queenscliff.
British ammunition
editIn British service the guns fired the same 3-inch 12.5 lb shell as QF 12-pounder guns.
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| Cordite Cartridges circa. 1905 | Mk II Common pointed shell | Mk II & Mk III Common Lyddite shell | Mk IV Common Lyddite shell with internal night tracer, 1914 |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b VSM Gun tables as published in Brasseys Naval Annual 1901
- ^ 2100 ft/sec in Victorian Navy service, firing 14 lb projectile, using 6½ lb gunpowder propellant : Additions to 1890 Manual for Victorian naval forces circa. 1895
- ^ HMVS Cerberus armament
- ^ From additions to 1890 Manual for Victorian naval forces circa. 1895. HMVS Cerberus website
External links
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