The 40mm gun that held the line during the Dunkirk retreat

Wars & Conflicts · Published 16 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the early days of World War II, the British 2-pounder was the primary shield against Panzer divisions. While often criticized for its lack of high-explosive shells, this versatile weapon used innovative engineering and extreme bravery to engage much heavier enemies across the deserts of North Africa.

Developed in 1935 for both tank and anti-tank roles, the Ordnance QF 2-pounder was a cornerstone of British artillery. Its design featured a unique three-legged carriage, developed by the Woolwich Arsenal, which allowed for a 360-degree traverse. This stability enabled gunners to quickly engage moving vehicles from any direction. In its vehicle-mounted variants, it served as the main armament for the Matilda II and Cruiser Mk I tanks, as well as the Daimler armoured car.

The gun's effectiveness was a subject of constant evolution. While it could outperform the German 3.7 cm PaK 36, it suffered from a high profile and a lack of high-explosive ammunition, a deficiency caused by British doctrine that was not corrected until late 1942. To combat improving Axis armor, engineers introduced the Littlejohn adaptor. This 'squeeze bore' system used APCNR ammunition, where a light alloy carrier was compressed from 40 mm to 30 mm as it passed through a tapered barrel, increasing penetration from 52 mm to 88 mm.

The weapon's legacy is defined by both technical ingenuity and individual heroism. During the Battle of Sidi Rezegh on 21 November 1941, Second Lieutenant George Ward Gunn earned the Victoria Cross. Operating a single 2-pounder amidst a burning truck, he fired 40 to 50 rounds against a German counter-attack of roughly 60 tanks, knocking out two before his death. Though eventually replaced by the 6-pounder, the 2-pounder remained in service until the war's end in 1945.

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