Two Army guns that were used to devastating effect during the Falklands War are to be fired over London during Baroness Thatcher’s funeral procession.
The 105mm weapons have not been used in battle since the 1982 war, but next Wednesday they will serve in a three-gun battery at Tower Bridge to fire the “minute gun” as the coffin of the prime minister who ordered the liberation of the islands is drawn through the streets of London.
Known as “light guns”, the artillery pieces were significant in winning victory in the Falklands. Five batteries, totalling 30 guns, were deployed for a variety of roles including suppressive fire, illumination at night and knocking out enemy artillery. During the final attacks on Argentine defences near Port Stanley, they fired up to 400 rounds a day, at “charge super” to give maximum range.
For the funeral procession, they will fire one round a minute between them during the procession to St Paul’s Cathedral.
An MoD spokeswoman confirmed that the guns had seen service in the South Atlantic. “They have not been fired in anger since,” she said. The guns were used for training until 2005 before being designated for ceremonial roles.
