40 mm Bofors Mk 12/1 Anti Aircraft Gun

The Bofors Mk 12/1 is a later conversion of the Bofors Mk 1 anti aircraft gun carried out by the Bristol Aircraft Company. The cradle consists of a gun mount with all-round traverse and elevation being operated by power. The ordnance comprises of a barrel, buffer and breech casing. There is an automatic loader which is hand fed that accommodates four round charger clips. There are provisions for optical sights and illuminated reflector sights. The elevation and traverse gears are driven by electric motors. The mounting base is secured by bolts to the center of the platform. The platform consists of a longitudinal girder with an axle housing at the rear and a stearable head at the front. Detachable extension girders are housed alongside the main girder and fit into sockets at the center of the platform when in the firing position. The two axles are removable to place the weapon in the firing position. The front axle is housed in a steering head and has a draught connector. The rear axle housing has a gun stay and clamp bolted to it to which the barrel is secured when in the traveling position. Hydraulic brakes are provided on the rear wheels and mechanical brakes are fitted to the front wheels. The outriggers are attached to the chasis and can be rotated through ninety degrees to form a stable platform for the operation of the weapon. The platform is of Canadian manufacture. The ordnance is painted matt green. The gun is complete but is missing the anti-aircraft sights and the seat cushion covers. The wiring for the power supply is intact and the external power cable connections are present. The circuit box wiring is complete. Markings - Number plate - ARMY 04-042; Compliance Plate - PLAT. 40 MM AAM (TGS) MK II; BPL (BROAD ARROW) 1942; REG NO 5961; Barrel markings - CROWN CYPHER GVI/RI; QF 40 MM MK I; 1940 ROFN; RIFLING MK 1; Barrel number L/19509.

The 40 mm Bofors Mk 12 served with the Australian Army during the 1950s and 1960s as the standard medium altitude anti aircraft gun. Thirty six were converted from Bofors Mk 1 stocks to Mk 12 standard during the 1950s.