QF 6-pounder Hotchkiss

Common card · No. 290741

The Ordnance QF Hotchkiss 6 pounder gun Mk I and Mk II or QF 6 pounder 8 cwt were a family of long-lived light 57 mm naval guns introduced in 1885 to defend against new, small and fast vessels such as torpedo boats and later submarines. Many variants were produced, often under licence, which ranged in length from 40 to 58 calibres, with 40 calibre the most common. 6-pounders were widely used by the navies of a number of nations and often used by both sides in a conflict. Due to advances in torpedo delivery and performance, 6-pounder guns were rapidly made obsolete and were replaced with larger guns aboard most larger warships. This led to their being used ashore during World War I as coastal defence guns, the first tank guns and as anti-aircraft guns, whether on improvised or specialized HA/LA mounts. During World War II 6-pounder guns were put back in service to arm small warships and as coastal defence guns. The last ships to carry 6-pounders were the Aegir-class offshore patrol...

Read on Wikipedia · Image "Hudson & Kearns". Photographer not identified, Public domain