The 5.5" Medium Gun

In 1939 a requirement was issued for a gun that was capable of firing a 90lb shell 16,000 yards and that weighed less than 5 tons, the result was the 5.5" medium gun. The weapon was to be as up to date and as advanced as possible but this lead to some teething problems which resulted in simpler more effective solutions being used. The carriage was of two wheeled, split trail type and a quick loading gear was fitted so that when the gun was fired at high elevation a lever was pressed which swung the cradle down.

It was not until 1942 that the first guns were in action and initially they lacked range but this was solved by the introduction of an 80lb shell, the weapons were highly successful and were used throughout the rest of the war.

5.5" Medium Gun Data

5.5" Medium Gun Ammunition Data

Production of 5.5" medium guns by year (UK only)

Production of 5.5" medium gun ammunition by year (UK only, filled only)