Fig. 3

The stencilling on the case follow the same procedure as that for "fixed ammunition".

The stampings on the base of the case are also the same as those on the base of the fixed round except that the calibre of the gun is sometimes omitted and that additional markings may be used.

The abbrevations used for howitzer are also used for gun-howitzers. The model number which follows the abbrevation differentiates between the types.

The desigh number followed by a second number separated by an oblique stroke, follow-ed by a letter, denotes a built up case. While it is not known what the second number stands for, the letter stands for the type of built up case.

Where cardboard or leatherboard cups are used to close the mouth of the case, labels on the cup, printed in black, give details corresponding to those stencilled on the side of fixed Q.F. cases, i.e.

The label indicating propellant charges for hot climates with a charge weight base on a normal charge temperature of 25 deg. C is printed in red.

Case with steel covers for packing and transport, which are removed before loading, have neither labels nor stencilling relating to the propellant charge, except the stencilling "P.T. + 25° C" in red on the base when applicable. Details of the propellant are available, however, from the stencilling on the charge bags.

Fig. 4

With separate loading ammunition the German nomenclature releaiting to charge is based on the following terms.

Hülsenkart.

Hauptkart.

Vorkart.

Sonderkart.

Grundladung

Teilkart.

Kart.Vorl.

Howitzer charges are usually contined to Teilkart. and Sonderkart. but an unusual combi-nation of all of them is made use of in forming gun charges.

The build up of howitzer charges follows very much the same methods used in the British service, e.g.

Charge 1 = 1. Ladung = Teilkart. 1

Charge 2 = 2. Ladung = Teilkart. 1 + 2

Charge 5 = 5. Ladung = Teilkart. 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +5

In some cases the higher charges comprise one or more substitute (Sonderkart.) charges used without the "Teilkart." portions. The sequence of numbering remains unaltered, e.g.

6. Ladung = Teilkart. 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6

7. Ladung = Sonderkart. 7

Note. – The Sonderkart is a complte charge in itself and is packed as a separate item. The charge numeral is enclosed in a red ring which denotes that it is not to be used with the other part charges without red rings.

Guns are generally provided with three charges, the build up of which varies consider-ably. In a few instances they are straight-forward as for howitzers, i.e. Teilkart. 1 + 2 + 3 but the majority are invariably made up into combinations of the above and are known as kleine (small), mittlere (medium) and grosse (great) charges before loading according to tactical requirements.

The method of packing also varies. In some instances the smaller charges are issued in the cartridge case and the larger charges packed in containers, in others the medium and large charges are issued in their own cartridge cases and so on.

The following are examples of known charge combinations taken from captured German documents.

The markings on the charge bags consists of the following information (see Figs. 3 and 4).

Code letter for place of filling, date of filling and work mark of the filling factory.

When a decoppering agent is included in the charge, the bag is marked "Bleidraht im Beu-tel" (Fig. 3)