1944, most of the earlier marks had been replaced by the Mk 6. The usual gun tractor for the 7.2-inch howitzer in the early war years was the Scammell Pioneer, although this was never available in sufficient numbers and from late 1943 the Pioneer was supplemented by the Albion CX22S. The BL 7.2-inch howitzer was usually employed in two four-gun batteries (alongside two four-gun batteries equipped with the 155mm Long Tom) of "Heavy" regiments of Army Group Royal Artillery (AGRA) units, providing heavy fire support for British and Commonwealth troops. The Mk 6 remained in British Army service until the early 1960s. Indian Army service In 1957, Indian Army raised 60 Heavy Regiment from the erstwhile J&K Bodyguard Cavalry. The unit was unique in its composition of four batteries with four Mk 6 BL 7.2-inch Howitzers in each battery, unlike the standard three-battery (six guns each) composition of other Indian artillery regiments. The guns of 60 Heavy Regiment saw combat in the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan. In early 90's, 60 was converted to a field regiment and the guns passed on to 61 Heavy Regiment. The guns were finally retired from service by late 90's. User units 59 (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment (Royal Artillery) 1 Heavy Regiment 32 Heavy Regiment 51 (Lowland) Heavy Regiment – North West Europe Campaign 52 (Bedfordshire Yeomanry) Heavy Regiment – North West Europe Campaign 53 Heavy Regiment 54 Heavy Regiment 55 Heavy Regiment 56 Heavy Regiment – Mediterranean Theatre and North West Europe Campaign 58 Heavy Regiment 60 Heavy Regiment 61 Heavy Regiment 75 Heavy Regiment 171 Heavy Regiment 114th (Sussex) Field Regiment – 2 gun section during Burma Campaign 8th (Belfast) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment – 2 gun section during Burma Campaign 52nd (London) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment – 2 gun section during Burma Campaign 56th (Cornwall) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment – 2 gun section during Burma Campaign 67th (York and Lancaster Regiment) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment – 2 gun section during Burma Campaign 101st Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment – 2 gun section during Burma Campaign (Regiment of Artillery (India)) 143 Heavy Regiment Artillery (TA) (1951-1957) 60 Heavy Regiment (now 60 Medium Regiment) (1957-1991) 128 Hy Bty 129 Hy Bty 130 Hy Bty 131 Hy Bty (later transferred to 106 Med Regt after one gun was put out of action) 61 Heavy Regiment (1991-1996) Gallery See also List of howitzers 8 inch Howitzer M1 – US equivalent, sharing