Ordnance SBML two-inch mortar
The Ordnance SBML two-inch mortar was a 51 mm light mortar issued to British and Commonwealth infantry platoons in World-War Two. The two-inch mortar was operated by a three-man crew, the team leader, gunner and loader, who fired smoke or illumination rounds, or engaged suspected enemy position with high-explosive shells. Due to the two-inch mortar‘s relatively short range of just 500 yards, the fall of the shell was usually observed and corrected by the crew, which is why many training photos show mortar gunners firing from cover or from a prone firing position. The mortar teams pictured above are conversions of Airfix British Infantry and Matchbox British Commandos.
Available Scale Model Kits
- British Mortars, 1:72 HäT 8227
- Anti-Tank Teams, 1:72 Italeri 6131
- British 8th Army Platoon, 1:72 Plastic Soldier UMOS002
- British Infantry, 1:72 Revell 02523
- Modern British Infantry, 1:72 Revell 02519
- British Infantry, 1944–1945, 1:72 Valiant VM001
- 2″ Mortar Team (1937 Pattern Webbing), 20 mm Britannia BRIT.13
- 2″ Mortar & 3 Crew, 20 mm Reiver B06
- 2″ Mortar & 3 Sikh Crew, 20 mm Reiver BIA6
- 2″ Mortar Team, advancing and firing, 1:76 AB-INB14
- British Para 2″ Mortars, 1:100 Peter Pig
Technical Specifications
- Type: Ordnance SBML two-inch mortar
- Caliber: 2 inches, 50.8 mm
- Barrel Length: 21 inches
- Combat Weight: 4.8 kg
- Rate of Fire: 8 to 12 Rounds per Minute
- Range: 500 yards
- Crew: 3
Historical Employment
- World-War Two, 1938–1945
- British and Commonwealth Infantry
- Arab–Israeli War, 1948
- Korean War, 1950–1953
- Sino-Indian War, 1962
- Nigerian Civil War, 1967–1970