page_title: BL 8-inch howitzer Mk VI – VIII
section_title: World War I
hierarchical_section_title: BL 8-inch howitzer Mk VI – VIII / Combat use / World War I
caption_attribution_description: At the time this photograph was taken, this battery (then the 54th Australian Siege Battery RGA in the 10th Corps) was in action at a position on the Ypres-Comines Canal near Lock 8 and covering the front of the 2nd Anzac Corps. It had taken up this position on 25 August for the Ypres offensive, having been during the months of June, July to the middle of August, in action on the Nicapori Sector. The battery then consisted of six BL 8 inch Mk VI Howitzers and was commanded by Major McDonald DSO. At the particular moment the battery was engaged in a heavy bombardment of the enemy trenches preparatory to an attack which was to be launched on the morning of 16 September. The battery occupied this position for six weeks and during that time fired about 18000 rounds. When the offensive started, the range to the front line was about 5000, but owing to the enemy retreating and the range being increased to about 6500, the battery pulled out and took up a position at Half Way House near Hellfire Corner on 6 October. Identified, left to right: T/Sergeant Cullen; Sergeant Johnson (other side of gun); Gunner Roy. Place made: Western Front: Western Front (Belgium), Ypres Area
context_page_description: The BL 8-inch howitzer Marks VI, VII and VIII were a series of British artillery siege howitzers on mobile carriages of a new design introduced in World War I. They were designed by Vickers in Britain and produced by all four British artillery manufacturers, but mainly by Armstrong, and one American company. They were the equivalents of the German 21 cm Morser 16 and in British service were used similarly to the BL 9.2-inch howitzer, but were quicker to manufacture, and more mobile. They delivered a 200 lb shell to 12,300 yards. They had limited service in the British Army in World War II before being converted to the new 7.2-inch calibre. They also equipped a small number of Australian and Canadian batteries in World War I and by the US Army in that war. They were used in small numbers by other European armies.
context_section_description: Early problems of stability on very hard or soft ground became apparent with the Mk VI, leading to the recoil system not functioning correctly. A Commission went to France to investigate, and a special level "Vickers platform" was adopted, to which the wheels and trail were secured for accurate shooting. A major change in the line of shooting required the platform to be relaid. Setting up and adjusting the platform was labour-intensive. The US manual describes it:
  "The platform consists of wooden beams which assemble to form a triangular platform. The spade must be removed and a special bracket fitted on the trail when using this platform. This bracket travels in a groove which gives a bearing for the bracket and also provides a means of traversing the piece 52° on the platform. The main objects in the use of the firing platform are: To provide a reliable support for the wheels and rear end of the trail, so as to prevent sinking or movement when firing on soft ground; to ensure the gun remaining on the target when firing; and to provide means for shifting the trail transversely through an angle of 52° (26° each side of center). By using the traversing gear on the carriage a total traverse of 30° on each side of the center is obtainable... The carriage wheels rest on steel plates on the wheel platform and are guided by curved-steel angles which prevent lateral movement of the gun off the target when in action. When the firing platform is used, the float plate, with spade attached, which is bolted to the underside of the trail, is removed and another float plate, having a thrust bracket attached, is bolted in its place".
  At the end of World War I on the Western Front Canada had two 6-gun batteries, Australia 1, Britain 37. British 8-inch howitzer batteries serving in other theatres at the Armistice were: UK 1 (6 guns), Macedonia 1 (4 guns), and 2 guns in Palestine
caption: Australian gun at full recoil after firing, Third Battle of Ypres, 15 September 1917
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