Second World War
Battle of the Atlantic  - Weapons and Technology

Combatants in the battle of the Atlantic relied on weapons and technology to attack the enemy, to defend themselves, to communicate, and to rescue friends and foes.

4-inch Naval Gun and Mounting

This weapon, and its mounting, are late-war developments of the main gun carried by Canadian corvettes and other escort ships.

The original design of this gun dated to the First World War. While effective against surfaced submarines and capable of firing starshells to provide night-time illumination, it proved relatively slow to operate and offered little protection to its crew. This modified version, developed too late to see service during the Second World War, could fire shells faster and farther. An improved gun shield offered better protection to its crew.

Gun, Naval, 4-inch, Quick-firing, Mk XXI
Mount, Naval, 4-inch, Mark XXIV
CWM 19740508-001