2.25" rocket container mk2 benco 1945

[Mccool]

Hello all,

First post here. I was recently given an old rusty container by my neighbors. I recently started to sand it down to repaint it, with the intention of using it as a tool box. As I was sanding it down I noticed an inscription on top, it reads " 2"25 rocket container mk2 mod 0 439195 mc benco 1945" it has 4 latches, 2 on each side. I was hoping someone could give me a little more info about this container, I certainly didn't think it was that old. Here is a picture, any help is appreciated.

[Vegard T]

Well, I can tell you it is British, somebody will be along to add a bit more

[Mccool]

Thank you very much Vegar, that gives me somewhere to start.

[Battery Command Post]

The only possibility I can think of is the rockets used by RAF aircraft (such as Typhoons) against tanks etc., called the RP-3. The armour piercing version was known as the 25lb Rocket (from the weight of the warhead). If I am right, it would be quite an interesting piece. There is a fairly good Wikipedia page on the RP-3: RP-3 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

It looks somewhat modified to me, but i am not 100% sure of what an RP-3 warhead container looked like

Can we see some better pictures of it and the inscription?

Rob

[Mccool]

wow, great info thanks!

very interesting wikipedia page, though it seems those RP-3's measure 55" long, my container only measures 29" x 11" x 11".

I think the hinges and the lock were added later, they do not seem original. I plan on removing both the hinges and the lock. Here are a few more pictures, I could not get the inscription all in one picture.

[Battery Command Post]

wow, great info thanks!

very interesting wikipedia page, though it seems those RP-3's measure 55" long, my container only measures 29" x 11" x 11".

I think the hinges and the lock were added later, they do not seem original. I plan on removing both the hinges and the lock. Here are a few more pictures, I could not get the inscription all in one picture.

No, I wasn't thinking of the entire rocket going into the box, just the 25lb warhead I was reading the inscription to mean 2 x '25 rockets', i.e two of them in the box. From what I have just seen online, the rockets came in several containers and were assembled before loading. Damned if i can find a picture of any of them though (without joining another forum just to get the pix).

I could be wrong, this is just a guess really. I agree though, hinges and lock don't belong and should go.

Rob

[Mccool]

No, I wasn't thinking of the entire rocket going into the box, just the 25lb warhead

Rob

That makes more sense, excuse my ignorance haha

I certainly appreciate the guess and all the help, it definitely gives me a place to start searching. Thank you so much.

I'll be sand blasting it soon, hopefully I find more identifying marks on it once it's stripped of all the old paint.

[Thanatos]

The Hinges are old style gate hinges and MMA welded to the box and not original.The poor weld and fit up are a good indicators.
A nice munitions box but.
Cheers
Dave

[hangarman]

Could the box be for the 2" Naval rocket Mk2 see early rockets and missiles, boxer and hale rockets
Its not a box that I recognise for 3" RP .
Hangarman