Ordnance QF 95-mm Infantry Howitzer

History of the Ordnance QF 95mm Infantry Howitzer

During World War II, the British recognized the need for a potent 95mm howitzer on their tanks to safeguard infantry positions from a distance. This prompted the creation of the "Ordnance QF 95mm Howitzer" by combining an anti-aircraft barrel with a field gun/howitzer's breech mechanism.

Initially, the gun found use on tanks like the Centaur, Churchill, and Cromwell series, equipped with a counterweight for stability. However, in 1942, inspired by the German sIG 33 infantry support gun, the British adapted the 95mm tank gun for infantry use. They removed the counterweight, added a gun shield, and towed the gun with a van truck and mobile cart.

Despite these efforts, the QF 95mm howitzer encountered issues during testing in 1943, causing delays. By 1944, the gun was introduced but faced limited success due to challenges in design and competition from effective fortification sabotage weapons. After producing only about 800 units, the gun was phased out post-war. It boasted an 85.5-inch barrel, fired 95mm shells at 7 rounds per minute up to 7,315 meters, and featured varying rounds. Its operation required a crew of six.

Specification

Base

Year of Service: 1944

Origins: UK

Crew: 6

Production: 800

Manufacturer: National Arsenal - United Kingdom

Roles

Fire Support/Attack/Breakthrough

Support allied forces with direct/indirect fire, attacking forward positions and/or breaking through fortified areas of the battlefield.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 6.9ft (2.1m)

Weight: 2,083 lbs (945 kg)

Tonnage: 1.0 tons

Area: 4.5 km (7.3 km)

Weapons

1 x 95 mm gun

AMMOTION

Depends on the ammo carrier. Provides HE, HEAT, HESH and smoke ammo.