4.5 Inch Quick Firing Howitzer

The 4.5″ Quick Firing Howitzer was used in action by Canadian Gunners 1914-1918 and remained in service for training in Canada into the Second World War.

The Howitzer is a concept dating back to the 1700s.  It was designed to lob shells in a high arc allowing it to fire over the walls of fortifications and into trenches.  In this way, Howitzers are similar to mortars, but are more powerful, giving them a longer range.

The 4.5″ Howitzer was in Canadian service 1911-1941.  Quick Firing indicates that the propellant gases are sealed in the breach by a brass cartridge, not the breechblock.  This gun appeared in the movie “Passchendaele”.

Weight of projectile: 35 pounds (11.34 kilograms)

Range: 7,200 yards (6,584 meters)

Detachment: gun and limber, two ammunition wagons, 10 gunners, 9 drivers and 20 horses.  Later, gun and limber, towing vehicle and 7 gunners.