what is the 3 Pdr AT gun?

[TDR]

In the UK OOB there is a 3 pdr AT gun. I can not find any reference to such a thing so what is it actually?

[Mobhack]

Looks like somebody added this as a precursor to the 2 pounder.

I would bet the same gun as the Vickers Medium (Unit 125) on a land cariage. 3pdr is 47mm, and plenty were available as it is a naval standard (Hotchkiss) from WW1 and before.

This article describes HMAS Hobart landing one on land carriage as an impromptu ATG: HMAS HOBART (I)

HOBART also landed a QF 3-pounder Hotchkiss gun for service with the Army as an anti-tank gun. A volunteer crew of three from HOBART accompanied the gun. Fighting a rearguard action, these men were at first reported ‘missing, believed killed’ but were later rescued unharmed from Italian hands when the British captured Massawa in April 1941.

However I can find no real precursor to the 2pdr ATG in a web search, and Hogg does not mention one either.

This looks like something the OOB design team put in as a "filler" - I certainly did not add it ! - I think prior to 1936, the UK army would have only AT rifles, or 15/18 pdr field guns extemporised as ATG, perhaps.

Cheers
Andy

[PatG]

I'm at work so only web sources avaialable.

A number of 1930's Vickers Export tanks shipped with 47mm - or 3 lbr guns. The Vickers Medium Tank Mk I supplied to the Tank Corps also carried a 47mm.

This may be the origin of the 3 lbr.

[Mobhack]

Yes - it was a standard calibre and used on the Vickers medium as a tank gun. (It was a hotter loading than the 3pdr naval gun - see UK 37/40mm guns )

However there is no evidence for a towed ATG with the same weapon.

Cheers
Andy

[TDR]

Mobhack said:
However there is no evidence for a towed ATG with the same weapon.

The main reason for making this query.
Nor have I found any formal AT gun prior to the 2 pounder AT gun for UK and ANZAC.

It is though in the UK, Canadian, Indian and ANZAC OOB.

Is it to stay or vanish ?

[Mobhack]

It will be going, and the pick list will change for ATG formations in the 30s.

Cheers
Andy