Stokes mortar

3 inch Stokes mortar
Sir Wilfred Stokes with example of his mortar and bombs. Typical 3-inch bombs used are 2nd and 6th from left
TypeLight mortar
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Service history
Used by
Wars
Production history
DesignerSir Wilfred Stokes KBE
Designed1915
Specifications
Mass104 lbs (47.17 kg) total
Crew2

ShellHE 10 lb 11 oz
(4.84 kg)
Calibre3.2 in (81 mm)
ActionTrip
Elevation45–75°
Rate of fire25 rpm (maximum)
6–8 rpm (sustained)
Effective firing range750 yards (686 m)
Maximum firing range800 yards (731 m)
Fillingamatol
Filling weight2lb 4 oz (1 kg)

The Stokes mortar was a British trench mortar designed by Sir Wilfred Stokes KBE that was issued to the British and U.S. armies, as well as the Portuguese Expeditionary Corps, during the latter half of the First World War. The 3-inch trench mortar is a smooth-bore, muzzle-loading weapon for high angles of fire. Although it is called a 3-inch mortar, its bore is actually 3.2 inches or 81 mm.