In the early 1930’s the 40 mm gun was developed for defence against low flying aircraft by the Swedish Armament Manufacturer ‘Bofors’. The 40mm Bofors was an extremely versatile gun. Apart from its prime role it was used as an anti-tank weapon, against torpedo-boats in harbour defence, in neutralising fire during infantry assaults, for attacking fortified bunkers, shooting up enemy transport and indicating lines and timing of infantry advance at night.

When the 2nd AIF arrived in the Middle East two of the Anti Aircraft Regiments were trained on and issued with 40 mm Bofors guns. On their return to Australia they brought their guns with them in most cases providing the Anti Aircraft protection for their transport ships.

The Army in Australia was issued with the 40 mm Bofors gun in late 1941 and gradually batteries were built up and sent to areas where they might be required. Eventually these batteries and those of the AIF saw action in all theatres of the war, in Darwin and the South West Pacific Area.

On the reforming of the Australian Army in 1948 Light AA Batteries equipped with the 40 mm Bofors gun were part of the Order of Battle of both the Regular and Citizen Force.

There was a small number of these guns manufactured in Australia but most were imported from Canada and England. Approximately 290 guns and 700 spare barrels had been produced in Australia when production ceased in mid 1944.

SUGGESTED PLAQUE WORDING:-

40 MM TOWED ANTI AIRCRAFT GUN.

MODEL:   MK II. Quick firing 40mm  Anti-Aircraft gun.  Designed by BOFORS.

SERIAL:   Gun L/18446. Manufacturer and date missing.

BARREL:  Serial L/53165 made by Maribyrnong Ordnance factory in 1943. 

COUNTRY of ORIGIN. Unknown I.D.  plate missing.

NOTE: There was a small number of these guns manufactured in Australia but most were imported from Canada and England. Approximately 290 guns and 700 spare barrels had been produced in Australia when production ceased in mid 1944.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Calibre: 40 MM.

Ammunition:  High Explosive, fitted with a percussion fuze.

Velocity:  2890 feet per second  ( 881 metres per second).

SHELL WEIGHT: Approx 2 pounds.  ( 0.9 kg.)

RATE of FIRE:  Up to 120 rounds per minute.

MAGAZINE:  The cartridges are supplied in four round clips.

RANGE: max 23,500 feet.   (7.160 metres)

CREW:  7 men.

NOTE: The elevation and traverse manual handles are missing from this example.

SOURCE: Heathcote Sub Branch, R.S.L.