Design began in January 1915, the first proof-firing occurred on 30 July 1915 and it entered service in late 1915.

[1] Its combination of firepower, range and mobility (for its day) made it one of the British Empire's most important weapons in World War I.

The wooden spoked wheels could be fitted with "girdles" for work in mud or sand to prevent them sinking.

These guns are being restored by the Gunner's Association of South Africa Projectiles used in World War I weighed 100 pounds (45.4 kg).

A lighter 86 pounds (39.0 kg) long-range projectile was introduced in November 1918, too late to see service in the war [3]