www.totalsoldiers.org.uk
The 3 inch Stokes Mortar
Unloaded Weight : 112 Pounds Length : 51 Inches Rate of Fire : 30 Rounds per Minute Range : 1600 Yards Bomb Weight : 9.99 Pounds Ammunition : High Explosive and Smoke
First offered to the British Army in 1915. It was some time before the Ministry commited themselves. They were initially concerned about a tumbling bomb and for this reason where somewhat cautious about it's effectiveness. Their concerns were elleviated when Stokes designed and tested the new 'fin stabilised bomb'. he also improved the firing pin so that it could be withdrawn and improved the sights.
With these changes made. The Stokes 3 Inch Mortar entered into full military service.
Between the wars. Stokes modernised the design and improved the bombs and with these improvements finalised. The 3 inch became the heavy weapon of the Support Companies.
The 2 inch Mortar
Unloaded Weight : 19 Pounds length : 25 Inches Rate of Fire : 30 Rounds per Minute Range : 470 Yards Bomb Weight : 2.25 Pounds Ammunition : High Explosive
In the 1930's the 2 inch Mortar was designed to replace the rifle grenades as a means of reaching further than the standard hand grenade. It proved very successful with one being issued per platoon or Troop.
| 
