Discovering Cartagena

More Articles By Phillip Bruce www.raxomnium.com

Try Some Desert Island Cruising

Giant Breech Mechanism For Big Gun 

The four huge 38cm Vickers guns that guarded Cartagena in the 1930s have been abandoned now and vandals are taking their toll. 

Fortunately, much of the equipment has been removed to the Cartagena Military Museum, in the centre of the town, where unique items can be seen.

Amongst these is the breech mechanism which opened and closed the guns. This features an “interrupted screw” on the plug of the breech which allowed the rear to be opened with only a partial twist.

Other equipment from the big guns, such as rangefinders and electrical equipment, can also be seen at the museum.  Two of the guns can still be seen at Cabo Tiñoso, near Puerto de Mazarrón, and two others can be seen at Cenizas, near La Manga Club. 

Apparently the big guns were fully functional as late as the early 1990s and the decision to abandon them seems incomprehensible as they are unique in the world.  

end

BACK

© Phillip Bruce 2006-2008 All Rights Reserved

Legal Notice - All script & pictures on this website are legally registered and the copyright property of Phillip Bruce. Any copying of material whatsoever from this site is strictly forbidden and legal action will follow unless prior permission is sought.

Gary Smith Fishing