A rare World War II gun was recently transported by Express Trailers from the UK in support of Fondazzjon Wirt Artna who is the new owner of this artefact which is now due to undergo an extensive restoration procedure. Known as the 3.7 inch QF AA, the gun was Britian’s primary heavy anti-aircraft gun during World War II and had the potential of firing 12.7 kg shells at a maximum horizontal range of 18,800m.

Besides the logistical and transportation expenses that have been undertaken by Express Trailers, the acquisition of this gun also saw the support from Bank of Valletta.

Speaking during an official presentation of the gun at Rinella Battery for the press Mr David Fleri Soler, Marketing Manager of Express Trailers reiterated the company’s support towards this project as part of its commitment to sustain organisations that work to promote Malta’s unique history. “Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna’s work is truly commendable and like Express Trailers, they are truly passionate about what they do. We recognize this passion and we share in FWA’s enthusiasm to improve the historical experience that the organization seeks to relay to all its visitors, both local and foreign, mostly tourists. We are proud to have supported the transportation of this unique gun from the UK to Malta through our logistical set up, a feat which was not easy given the sheer weight and size of this artefact,” added Mr Fleri Soler.

Thanking Express Trailers, Mario Farrugia Executive Chairman of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna explained the uniquess of this gun in that it is not only one of the four remaining guns of its type still in existence but also because contrary to the other existent guns which are static, this gun happens to be the only mobile gun in Malta. In fact this artefact comes complete with wheels and carriage.

“The addition of the 3.7 inch QF AA to our collection augurs well to our project to set up an open air artillery section within Rinella Battery,” announced Mr Farrugia. “It is also a good start for our year during which Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is planning to open seven new historical venues starting from the Malta at War Museum at Couvre Porte in Vittoriosa this coming April to coincide with the 70th anniversary commemoration of the award of the George Cross to Malta followed by the opening of the Government Bunker, previously never accessed, the newly restored St Peter and St Paul Counterguard which will see a museum totally dedicated to the history of gunpowder, the old section of the Lascaris war rooms, the new Saluting Battery and Museum, the Nato War Rooms as well as the Barracks at Rinella which are going to host a museum dedicated to Garrison Life Inside Fort Rinella. All this is being done with the limited resources that we have however, all this proves that the support from such sponsorships are actually a solid investment in safeguarding Malta’s historical heritage for ours and future generations,” said Mr Farrugia.

During World War I anti-aircraft guns and anti-aircraft gunnery developed rapidly. The main British gun being the QF 3 inch AA gun. Shortly before the end of the war a new gun QF 3.6 inch was accepted for service but the war’s end meant it did not enter production. Post-war, all anti-aircraft guns except the QF 3 inch AA gun were scrapped.

During the 1920s Vickers developed the predictor, an electro-mechanical computer that took height and range data from an optical rangefinder, applied corrections for non-standard conditions and was used by its operators to visually track a target, its output predicted firing data and fuze setting via the ‘mag-slip’ electrical induction system to dials on each gun in a battery, the gun layers moved the gun to match pointers on the dials. The QF 3 inch AA guns were modified accordingly.