Mark VII depth charge

Mark VII depth charge
A Mk VII depth charge being loaded onto a Mk IV depth charge thrower onboard the Flower-class corvette HMS Dianthus.
Type	Depth charge
Place of origin	UK
Service history
In service	Mark VII depth charge:1939-unknown
Wars	World War II
Production history
Variants	Mark VII heavy and Mark VII Airborne depth charge
Specifications
Mass	420 lb (190 kg)
Filling weight	290 lb (130 kg) TNT

The Mark VII depth charge was the standard British depth charge for the first three years of World War II

Development

The Mark VII depth charge most likely has its roots in British depth charges developed and used during World War I.

Service

The Mark VII depth charge was the primary British anti-submarine weapon until 1944 when the anti-submarine projectile launchers the Hedgehog spigot mortar and Squid three-barrelled mortar introduced in 1943 and 1944 proved more effective. In 1939 this was the only anti-submarine weapon available to British surface ships.

Variants

Mark VII heavy

Introduced in 1940. A 150 lb (68 kg) cast iron weight was attached to increase sinking rate.

Mark VII Airborne depth charge

Introduced in 1941, this was the Mark VII depth charge adapted for use from aircraft. Had nose and tail fairings that broke off when it hit the water.