The BL 4-inch Mark VIII naval gunMark VIII = Mark 8. Mark XI = Mark 11. Britain used Roman numerals to denote marks (models) of ordnance until after World War II. This was the eighth model of British BL 4-inch gun. was a British medium-velocity wire-wound naval gun introduced in 1908 as an anti-torpedo boat gun in smaller ships whose decks could not support the strain of the heavier and more powerful Mk VII gun.HANDBOOK for the 4" Mark VII. and VIII. B.L. Guns 1913
Mk VIII history
The gun succeeded the QF 4-inch Mk III, whose shell had been considered insufficiently powerful for its intended role. The BL Mk VIII fired a shell. It armed the following warships : laid down 1905 destroyers from (1908) onwards. of 1909 s of 1910 s of 1910 s (Australia) of 1910.
The gun was succeeded in its class from 1911 by the QF 4-inch Mk IV.
In World War II many guns were used to arm merchant ships.
Mk XI submarine gun
A Mark XI-variant was adapted to arm the K-class submarines laid down 1915.
See also List of naval guns German 10.5 cm SK L/40 naval gun – firing slightly heavier shell
Notes
References
Sources
Handbook for the 4" Mark VII. and VIII. B.L. Guns 1913 (Corrected to September 1913.) Admiralty Gunnery Branch, G.8652/13
External links
Tony DiGiulian, British 4"/40 (10.2 cm) BL Mark VIII and Mark XI