MS001 4-inch QF

Date: 1906

Material: steel

Mount pieces: Gun shield only

Remarks: 4-inch Mk IX Breech Loading naval gun

Breech Type - Interrupted screw

Rate of fire - 10-12 Rounds per minute

Muzzle Velocity 2600 feet per second

Max Range - 13850 yards

Shell weight - 31lbs

The BL 4-inch Mk IX naval gun was a British medium-velocity naval gun introduced in 1916 as the secondary armament on the Renown-class battlecruisers and Glorious-class large light cruisers, but served most notably as the main armament on Flower-class corvettes and minesweepers throughout World War II, primarily for action against surfaced submarines.

The 4-inch QF installed at Prince George’s Battery was originally intended for Engineer Battery. Two 4 inch QF guns on QF Mark I mountings were authorised and mounted in January 1906. According to Rollo the battery was manned from the 26^th July 1914 by 7^th Company RGA and on the 31^st December 1915 the guns were in action against an enemy submarine. The vessel was seen on the surface, apparently disabled, moving from west to east. A2 gun opened fire but only got off two rounds by the time the target was out of bearing. On the 21^st August 1917, 4-inch Gun number 211 was dismounted for transfer to Devil’s Gap, but for some reason it remained in the battery until the 1^stMarch 1929, by which time it was only fit for the Rope Store at Ragged Staff  where it was duly written off with shield and pedestal . There is no record of the disposal of the other gun but it is presumed that it was scrapped. A 4-inch gun shield is all that remains on the right hand emplacement