ARTILLERY REGISTER |
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| Historical Specifics: | The Bofors 40mm LAA gun became the most widely known AA gun in British service in the Second World War by reason of its service in every theatre of action. It had great versatility, but its prime task was to deal with dive-bombers as well as the destruction of aircraft flying below 3,000 feet.
The 40mm Bofors was an extremely versatile gun. Apart from its prime role it was used as an anti-tank weapon, against torpedo-boats in harbour defence, in neutralising fire during infantry assaults, for attacking fortified bunkers, shooting up enemy transport and indicating lines and timing of infantry advance at night. When the 2nd AIF arrived in the Middle East two of the Anti Aircraft Regiments were trained on and issued with 40 mm Bofors guns. On their return to Australia they brought their guns with them in most cases providing the Anti Aircraft protection for their transport ships. The Army in Australia was issued with the 40 mm Bofors gun in late 1941 and gradually batteries were built up and sent to areas where they might be required. Eventually these batteries and those of the AIF saw action in all theatres of the war, in Darwin and the South West Pacific Area. On the reforming of the Australian Army in 1948 Light AA Batteries equipped with the 40 mm Bofors gun were part of the Order of Battle of both the Regular and Citizen Force. |
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