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.