Bofors L40/70 heritage by Lt. Col. Herbert C. Abela, MBE

1. Thursday, 13 February 2014
Bofors Heritage
by Lt. Col. Herbert C. Abela, MBE
Following the article ‘The Last of the Bofors’ which went on the 3/11 Regt RMA(T) website
on 21st November 2013 a number of members of the community sent in several photos of
the latter days of the gun along with some earlier ones. This was very welcome. The gun is
remembered through such photos and through those guns which are to be found in
museums as the L40/60 Bofors and the L40/60 Bofors SP which are to be found at
Firepower, The RA Museum at Woolwich. I seem to remember a Bofors at the War Museum
in Valletta and now we also have a photo of the resting place of Bofors where they are still
to be found in their emplacement inside the Luqa Airport perimeter. I recently also came
across L40/60 Bofors of Anzio vintage at the Piana del Orme Museum in Southern Italy.
Royal Artillery officers have traditionally presented models of their equipment to their mess
when a new equipment came into service or when a significant occasion needed
commemorating. Bofors units have followed this tradition and five photos of known models
are included here.
There must be paintings depicting Bofors, similar to the excellent one painted by Patrick
Caruana-Dingli, and it would be great if anyone has spotted any and could send photos in.
Photos of Bofors in museums would also be a welcome addition to this site.
Jpg 245 L40/70 mm Bofors
This model of the L40/70 Bofors gun was presented to 439th (Tyne) LAA Regiment RA (TA)
to commemorate the TA Jubilee in 1958. Owned by 101 (Northumbrian) Regiment Ra
(Volunteers). Made by Garrard & Company 1957. Length 355 mm.

2. Jpg 260 – L40/60 mm Bofors SP
Silver plated model of Bofors 40 mm SP LAA Gun (Mk 1) which was commissioned by 22 Lt
AD Regt RA to commemorate service with this equipment 1947 – 1954. The gun also saw
service during the Second World War. It is mounted on a Morris
Jpg 254 – Statuette of a Gunner carrying ammunition
A statuette of an air defence gunner carrying a clip of L 40/70 mm ammunition. The panels
on the sides of the plinth show an L 40/70 in action and in the travelling position. Presented
to the officers of 16 AD Regt RA and those attached who served in 1960 – 1965. The
batteries at the time were 30 Bty (Rogers Company) and 32 (Minden) Bty. Made by Louis
Lionel Harry Thompson, London 1964. Height of figure 175 mm.

3. Jpg 257 - L40/60 mm Bofors
This model of the L40/60 mm Bofors was commissioned to commemorate the part played by
25th and 525th Lt AD Regts RA (TA) between 1939 and 1955. It is now owned by the 103rd
(Lancashire Artillery Volunteers) Regt RA (Volunteers). Made by Garrard & Company 1959.
Jpg 249 - L40/70 mm Bofors
A model of L40/70 mm Bofors presented to 58 Bty (Ayre’s Coy) RA to mark the award of the
25th Anniversary of the award of the honour title. Made by Garrard & Company 1959. Size
130 mm x 330 mm x 130 mm.

4. Jpg 246 - L40/70 mm Bofors
A silver model of L40/70 mm Bofors deployed in action. Presented by the officers of 16 AD
Regt RA May 1970. Made by Garrard & Company 1969. Size 190 mm x 305 mm x 100 mm.
Acknowledgements: Regimental Heritage 1984