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Chapter II The Light Trench Mortar Itself

Before proceeding to describe the usefulness of the Mortars in the later warfare, and where and how they were used by the British Forces in general and by the New Zealand Division in particular, I think that a description of the Mortars is desirable at this point, as very few people know much about them.

The Stokes 3–2in. Mark II Light Trench Mortar consists chiefly of three parts—

1.	A base plate.
2.	The barrel.
3.	An A-shaped elevating stand.

1.	The Base Plate is made of compressed steel with three depressions for the reception of the base cap and for rapid deflection. The ledge below the depressions keeps the base page break page break The 3.2 Stokes Trench Mortar, able to fire 35 shells per minute, each weighing 10lb. 11oz., at maximum range of 840 yards. page break Elevation Stand for Stokes Mortar page breakpage 17cap from jumping out when firing. It has five ribs for strengthening purposes, and the top and bottom is lipped to prevent it from sinking into the ground. The weight of the base plate is 29 pounds.
2.	The Barrel is made of drawn steel not rifled, and screwed on to the bottom is a base cap, into which is screwed a striker (central fire).Up the side of the barrel is a white line for sighting purposes. On the left side is a safety device for smoke or gas bombs. Nine inches from the top is a steel strap, and on the strap a periscope socket and butterfly screw for holding the periscope, while fitted to the strap is a saddle which holds the traversing screw. The top of the barrel is bevelled for the easy insertion of the shell, and attached by a string is a leather or canvas muzzle cover, which is kept on when not firing. The length of the barrel is 51 inches, and its weight 48 pounds.page 18
3.	1A-Shaped Elevated Stand has two legs made of tubular steel, and at the bottom of the legs is a disc or spike to keep the legs steady, while half-way up the stand is a cross stay, which is folding and adjustable. Up the centre is the elevating screw operated by a gear and handle, the gear being covered with a gear cover, while below the elevating gear is the Trunnion standard. At the top of the screw is fitted the yoke, which engages the traversing screw each side of the saddle, and the screw is operated by a traversing handle. Two lugs on the handle fit into the cut-away part of the screw, and a Lynch pin keeps the handle secure. The weight of the stand is 26 pounds (reinforced model, 32 pounds).

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