The LIMBO Anti Submarine Mortar (AS Mk 10) formerly sited at HMS VERNON, Portsmouth has now been rebuilt to provide a major item in the reserve collection at Explosion!
This weapon was a shipbourne surface to sub-surface medium range anti-submarine mortar system with a triple barrelled mortar firing three 175kg projectiles which were programmed to give a three dimensional explosive pattern ahead of the ship. Loading was accomplished by automatic powered horizontal rams from a magazine/handling facility located alongside the Mortar barrels. It was in service on Frigates and Destroyers in the Royal Navy from the early 1960's to the 1980's.
The Mortar section weighing over 12 tons was delivered to the Museum in one piece, but the magazine/handling facility weighing over 17 tons was stripped down for transportation, and has been completely rebuilt, including the manufacture of some missing parts. this has been achieved by the team of Ordnance Engineers at Explosion! over a long time period. Led by bill Adnitt, they are Fred Bellchambers, Frank Leach, Colin Linington, Sid petty, Harry Morgan, Ray Mumford and Mike Ryan.
This success is all the more remarkable considering that the 12 ton+ Mortar had to be moved into a suitable building to be revisited alongside the magazine/handling facility once it was completed. This was achieved under the direction of Paul Dight, the Museum's full time technician who was able to supply all the tools and materials from existing resources as well as the techniques for moving large and heavy objects. This meant that the cost of the entire operation was just £26.50 - for a new set of heavy duty door hinges. (M Hockin - October 2005).
