54mm WW2 Australian 3 inch or Medium Mortar

The Ordnance ML 3-inch mortar was the Australian standard mortar used by the Army from the early 1930s to the late 1960s, superseding the Stokes mortar, which had been the primary piece of artillery prior to its introduction. Initially handicapped by its short range compared to similar Second World War mortars, particularly those utilized by other Allied forces, advancements in design and improvements of the propellant charges, along with innovative techniques in deployment, enabled it to be used with great effect on the battlefield.

As the war progressed, the 3-inch mortar became integral to infantry support, providing crucial indirect fire capabilities that greatly enhanced the operational flexibility and effectiveness of Australian troops in various combat situations, allowing them to engage enemy positions from a safer distance while maintaining a high rate of fire.