British Artillery Weapons and Ammunition 1914-1918

 Britain entered the Great War in 1914 confident that the few modern pieces of artillery equipment in service at that time were sufficient to meet the needs of the day.

Instead of being over by Christmas, as first envisaged, the war dragged on for four years and an unprecedented demand for new weapons of all calibres and for all purposes was pressed upon the Arms manufacturers. They responded with a vast collection of the most interesting pieces of artillery ever to be in service at any period in history.

This book catalogues all the known types that were in British service at the commencement of the hostilities and all new developments that were rushed to the battlefronts during the following four years. It also includes types that would have entered service in 1919 had the war continued. Also listed are the great variety of coast defence weapons and 19th century veterans that were wheeled out of retirement in readiness for active service if needed.

As the artillery weapons is only a tool designed to project a destructive missile into the ranks of the enemy, the importance of ammunition is not forgotten. This subject is covered in some detail and dimensions of cartridge cases which are now regarded as collectors'pieces have been included. Also many of the actual rounds used in the weapons listed are shown in a series of photographs at the end of the book.

The book is illustrated with many hundreds of photos and drawings.