36 Regiment Royal Artillery​
Equipment
On this page you will find information on the two main Equipments
that have been associated with 36 Regiment since the Second World War
36 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment
36 Guided Wepons Regiment (Anti-Aircraft)
36 Heavy Air Defence Regiment
QF 3.7-in Heavy Anti-aircraft Gun
36th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment was made up of three Batteries,
each with two Troops, and each Troop having four 3.7 Guns.
The 3.7 was introduced in 1937, fortunately allowing enough time for production to
get under way before the outbreak of World War 2. It fired a 28-lb (12.72 kg) shell
to a ceiling of 32,000 feet (9754 m), a significant improvement on the 3-inch.
During the war an automatic fuze-setter (MFS No 11) and an automatic loader were fitted.
These not only speeded up the rate of fire, but by eliminating variations in time taken by individuals
in loading and fuze-setting, enabled guns to follow data supplied by predictor more closely.
Thus the new machinery not only increased the rate of fire from 10 to 20 rpm, but also
improved accuracy. Guns so equipped were designated Mark 3A.
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But as World War 2 progressed, and bombers flew ever higher, still more effective equipment
was demanded to cope with them. Experiments with a proposed 4.7-inch gun were not
successful so in 1941 a number of Naval QF 4.5-in guns were obtained, the barrels lined down
to 3.7, but the original chamber retained so that a 4.5 cartridge could be fired. This combination
sent the same 28-lb shell to 45,000 feet (13,776 metres).
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To increase the performance of the 4.5/3.7 combination Colonel Probert of the Research
Department, Woolwich Arsenal, developed a special barrel in which the rifling gradually
decreased in depth from the breech to five calibres from the muzzle where it disappeared
altogether and the barrel became smooth-bored. In addition to a heavier driving band the
projectile was fitted with 'steadying bands' near the shoulder. The smooth-bore section of
the barrel swaged down the driving and steadying bands flush with the surface of the shell,
thus improving its ballistic qualities.
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In the latter stages of World War 2 the Allies enjoyed air superiority, so a number of 3.7 guns
were converted to fire. in the field role in which they performed satisfactorily - where crest
clearance was no problem. The late WO1(SMIG) JT (Terry) Transom converted a 3.7 at the
School of Artillery in 1956. A QF 4.5-in howitzer sight-supporting pintle was welded to
the top of the traversing gear column, and on the pintle was attached a 4.5 sight bracket
with a dial sight. On the elevation side of the gun a sight clinometer was attached to
indicate elevation. The combination worked very well but unfortunately the fire of
1957 which destroyed the 4.5 sight brackets ended further practice.
GENERAL DATA:
Calibre: 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Length of barrel: 185 inches (4.7 metres)
Weight: 20,541 lbs (8392 kg)
Shell weight: 28 lbs (12.6 kg)
Rate of fire: 20 rpm
Muzzle velocity: 792 m/s
Maximum horizontal range: 18,800 metres
Maximum effective slant range: 12,000 m
Ceiling: 9,000 m
Number in detachment: 7
In the end jet-propelled aircraft won the day; they could fly at heights no gun could
reach. Thus heavy anti-aircraft guns began to be phased out in 1958.
The role of the heavy AA gun has been assumed by the SAM (Surface to Air Missile),
with which a number of countries are well-equipped.
This picture is from the Front Parade, Woolwich. It shows the very
last 3.7 inch's going into retirement when 57th H.A.A. Regiment
Disbands and the new Thunderbird 1 which has taken over its role.
The Parade was taken by Major General Howard-Vyse on the 6th February 1960.
57th H.A.A. Regiment disbanded in May 1960.
Thunderbird Mk1(SAM) Guided Missile
Thunderbird Mk 2 (SAM) Guided Missile
Thunderbird Mk1 as Gate Guard at
Woolwich Barracks early 70's
Launch at Aberporth
Click on Photos for a larger view