Tank Hunting ‘Peashooter’

The British Ordnance Quick Firing two-pounder anti-tank gun was a potent weapon in the early part of World War Two, but gets very bad press, writes Craig Moore

The Matilda II on display at the American Heritage Museum was armed with a QF two-pdr gun. A standard twopdr AP round, could penetrate 38mm of armour, at 1,000yds. A Japanese Chi-Ha tank had 25mm of frontal armour. CRAIG MOORE
 pictures as credited

“The two-pdr gun was a peashooter.” “The two-pdr shell just bounced off the front of the Panzer III armour.” “The two-pdr gun was useless. It could not stop a Tiger tank.” 

Comments l

Want to read more?

This is a premium article and requires an active subscription.

Existing subscriber? Sign in now

No subscription?

Pick one of our introductory offers