The QF 3.7″ AA Gun is the largest artillery piece in our collection by sheer size
The QF 3.7″ AA Gun is the largest artillery piece in our collection by sheer size
They were first received in New Zealand from Britain in 1942 and batteries were placed in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, with a whopping 46 positioned in Auckland alone. Designed to defend New Zealand from air invasion and attack, the typical four gun anti-aircraft sites were manned by up to 70 men and 50 women, giving 24 hour coverage using a three shift rotation. During WWII the Auckland Gunners were infamous for maintaining a 30-second state of readiness, meaning they could target and fire a shot within 30-seconds of the order being given. They stayed in operation, although relegated to coastal defence, until 1961 when the units operating them were disbanded and the guns were donated to Museums, RSAs or scrapped. We are very proud to have one in our collection.
Technical specifications, for those interested:
Click here to see videos of the QF 3.7″ AA Gun.
They were first received in New Zealand from Britain in 1942 and batteries were placed in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, with a whopping 46 positioned in Auckland alone. Designed to defend New Zealand from air invasion and attack, the typical four gun anti-aircraft sites were manned by up to 70 men and 50 women, giving 24 hour coverage using a three shift rotation. During WWII the Auckland Gunners were infamous for maintaining a 30-second state of readiness, meaning they could target and fire a shot within 30-seconds of the order being given. They stayed in operation, although relegated to coastal defence, until 1961 when the units operating them were disbanded and the guns were donated to Museums, RSAs or scrapped. We are very proud to have one in our collection.
Technical specifications, for those interested:
Click here to see videos of the QF 3.7″ AA Gun.
From museum visits to research support, our team is ready to assist you on your journey through New Zealand’s military history.