Early 2inch mortar base plate

[Topfmine]

I was wondering if anyone in service ever knew what happened to all the early 2 inch mortar base plates when they converted to the later spade plate design. Were they consigned to scrap heap or were they stored or sold abroad. Did anyone see any.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Peter Laidler]

They certainly weren't in UK service from 1960 onwards. Just asked my pal who was an Armourer from 1960. Certainly in my time from Jan '63 it was the standard 8" or so spade

[Beerhunter]

Before my time too. I'm sure my copy of "Infantry Training. The 2 inch Mortar" is dated in the 1950s and the pics in there show the later simple spade.

IIRC, they were still in use for parachute flares and smoke in the 60s/70s. Having found a spent 2" parachute flare case on a training area, I remember asking what would happen if someone got hit by one. "Stupid boy" had not been coined yet but that was the look I got.

Back to the subject. The picture is clearly of WWII vintage. Battledress blouses button to the neck and the Royal Ulster Riflemen are obviously from an Air Landing Brigade.