History
The British ML 9.45-inch (240 mm) mortar was a design based on the French 240 mm mortar in 1915 and introduced in 1916. The British version differed from the French LT weapon in that the propellant charge was loaded through the muzzle whereas the French 240 mm had the charge loaded through the breech in a brass cartridge case.
In June 1916, following unsatisfactory trials with the French model, Britain replaced them with 30 of its own model, firing a 150 pound bomb, followed by 200 more in December 1916.
The Mark I with 51-inch (1,300 mm) barrel was introduced from June 1916. In 1917, the Mark II and Mark III followed with 69-inch (1,800 mm) barrel, and small numbers of Mark IV.
Read more about this topic: 9.45 Inch Heavy Mortar
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