Ordnance in Storage at Fincairn Glen. This picture shows a United States Officer inside one of the large Stores at Fincairn Glen, County Londonderry. What would be within these cases? I am guessing some form of ordnance - perhaps Naval Shells? Any information would be much appreciated.
Your original thread in 2011, with a little more detail, no photo though: American Ammunition Depot Fincarn Glen, Londonderry Text with Photo Fincairn Glen, US Navy Ammuntion Store From memory 3" guns were the main armament on smaller ships and the early destroyers in WW2 (e.g. those supplied to the UK early on in a bases for ships deal). The 5" became standard as main armament and secondary on cruisers.
The "four stacker" destroyers in the Destroyers for Bases deal were WWI surplus and in deed were armed with 3" guns. We had a few left over after WWI. This is just one of the reserve fleet retirement homes interwar:
I expect the tubes / cases shown on the racks are for the propellant. It is possible that they are for the shells. Took a while to find references that the two were separate (artillery or naval guns are not my focus). See: USA 5"/38 (12.7 cm) Mark 12 - NavWeaps and Shell rooms appear to be inconsistent and incorrectly modelled (scroll down to the diagram for a 5" gun turret). From: Definitions and Information about Naval Guns - NavWeaps
Documents as mentioned by davidbfpo post # 3 above: US Naval Operating Base Londonderry - Fincarn Glen Ammunition Magazine Source: Fold3.com
The armament of the Caldwell, Wickes and Clemson class "4 stackers" was initially 4x4in & 1x3inRCN/23 cal AA plus 4 triple 21in TT. And it was these weapons that equipped the 50 ships handed over to the RN (44 ships) and RCN (6 ships) between 9 Sept and 5 Dec 1940 at Halifax. Those arriving in Britain were immediately refitted, most to "Stage 1" standards. They lost the after 4in and the 3in guns but gained a British 12pdr. The mainmast was removed and the foremast shortened. Two sets of TT were removed. The three after funnels were shortened. British depth charge throwers were added and ASDIC where the equivalent US gear was not already fitted. Later they were modified to "Stage 2" standards, losing the beam 4in guns for single 20mm Oerlikons, the remaining 2 sets of TT were removed and a triple British TT mount fittedlieu on the centreline in lieucentre line thereof. Radar was also fitted. Leeds (ex Conner) & Ludlow (ex Stockton) were unusual being amongst the first 6 built. They had a three shaft geared turbine machinery layout with only 3 funnels. Bradford, Clare & Stanley were immediately given more extensive conversions as long range escorts on arrival in Britain due to their poor condition. They lost the two forward boilers and associated funnels reducing their speed to 25 knots. The space created was used for additional oil fuel tanks, crew space and stores. They also received a new bridge structure. They only retained the forward 4in from their original armament.
