The 25 pounder was the standard field gun of the British and Commonwealth Forces during World War II and was used by the Australian Forces in the UK, Middle East, Greece, New Guinea and the islands. The gun also saw action during the Korea War and was again used by Australians during the Malayan Emergency. Introduced into the Australian Army in 1940 it was withdrawn from service in 1975. Guns in Australian service were supplied by the UK and 1527 were produced by local manufacturers.

There were many incarnations of the 25 pounder. Basically there were three main versions of the barrel; Mark I, II and III, three main versions of the carriage for the Mark II barrel and two for the Mark I. Stamped numbers on the breech ring of the gun normally indicate what mark the gun is and whether it has been altered.

Australia fitted muzzle brakes to the 25 pounder in 1962 although the British had commenced fitting them towards the end of World War II. The muzzle brake is the device fitted to the end of the barrel as a means of reducing recoil forces on the carriage by deflecting the propellent gases backward as it left the barrel.