Went to the IWM yesterday to meet a mate and whilst there took some photos of exhibits I haven't photographed before, or at least photo'ed them and they haven't come out as good as the ones I took today
Model of a Wolseley 3 ton truck
Unusual object on the back of the Mk V tank - anyone know what it is? My guess is that when in the horizontal position it was used for carrying troops, or maybe a mortar? (Saw a model Mk IV or V with the Tadpole tail extension with a 3 inch Stokes mortar mounted in the rear between the tracks)
The 'Nery gun', a battle damaged 13 pounder of the Royal Horse Artillery - this gun, of L battery, was used in a stand against the German army on 1st September 1914, and three VC's were won in the action
Ever since I first visited the IWM a couple of years ago i've been trying to get a decent photo of the 60 pdr, and today I finally did it! It's in an awkward position and location to take a photo of it, as it's in the dark area at the back of the main hall, and it's a very busy location (plus doesn't help when six Japanese tourists use it as a bench)
French 75mm field gun and limber
9.2 inch siege howitzer
Unknown model of an ambulance used by 17th field ambulance
Breathing apparatus used by observers in balloons
Part of the large trench model diorama - this part shows the rear lines with AEC Y type 3 ton lorries
Seeing the Nery 13pdr reminded me that the King's Troop (Royal Horse Artillery) London march past where I live three or four times a year. I live on Harrow Road in west London, and every three months or so, in the morning while I'm on my way to work, there's a clatter and a clinking and the traffic gets held up and there they are, usually six guns accompanied by dozens of soldiers on horseback.
Usually, I'm actually on the bus and can only see them through the window, but the last time was around three weeks ago when I was waiting at a bus stop to catch a bus to Notting Hill, and they rode past right in front of me! I could have leaned forward and touched them, that's how close they were.
Nice photos, Rob. AFAIK the small platform on the back of the Mk V was used to carry odd bits and pieces, much as the stores box was used on the Mk IV. I've attached a photo of a Mk V* carrying a spare drive sprocket. I don't think it would have been much use for troop carrying as you'd only be able to get two men safely on it, with regard to the proximity of the hot exhaust pipe and tracks. And speaking of exhaust pipe, they'd probably both be dead from the fumes anyway.
