The Ordnance QF Hotchkiss 6 pounder gun Mk I and Mk II or QF 6 pounder 8 cwt were a family of long-lived light 57 mm naval guns introduced in 1885 to defend against new, small and fast vessels such as torpedo boats and later submarines. During World War I they were used as coastal defence guns with a number of these brought to Gibraltar for this purpose.

After World War I the gun was considered obsolete for combat use, but continued in use as a saluting gun and as sub-calibre training guns but during World War II 6-pounder guns were hastily put back in service as coastal and anti-tank defence guns on static pivot mounts.

The 6-pounder fired Fixed QF 57x307R ammunition. A complete round weighed 9.7 lb (4.4 kg) and its projectile weighed 6 lb (2.7 kg). The most common types of ammunition available for 6-pounder guns were shrapnel, steel and common shells. In World War II higher-yield high explosive rounds were produced.

In the 1980’s, following renovations at Europa Point one of two 6-punders mounted at Harding’s Battery was removed in front of the Stone Block, Gibraltar Regiment Barracks in Buena Vista. When the Gibraltar Regiment moved to Lathbury Barracks the 6 pounder was again removed and placed in its current position at Parson’s Lodge. The other AA gun was placed further North at Napier of Magdala Battery.

The second 6-punder is located in an underground emplacement within the Parson’s Lodge. This gun was probably removed from Fortress Headquarters when the building was abandoned by Headquarters British Forces in the early 1990’s.

6 pdr 7cwt anti tank guns on static mountings (Kev Whitehouse 1981).

6 pdr 7cwt anti tank guns on static mountings at Harding's Battery 1985.

6-pdr Gun Emplacement, Parsons Lodge (Defence of Gibraltar).