The Ordnance QF 25-pounder Short was an Australian variant of the British Ordnance QF 25-pounder field gun/howitzer. The gun was developed by modifying the 25-pounder's design to improve its mobility during jungle warfare. Development began in 1942, and the weapon first entered service with the Australian Army the next year. It was used by several Royal Australian Artillery regiments during fighting in the South West Pacific Area, before being declared obsolete in 1946.

Major General John William Alexander O'Brien, was a senior officer in the Australian Army during the Second World War. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his service as commander of the 2/5th Field Regiment during the Syria–Lebanon Campaign. As Deputy Master General of the Ordnance he was involved in the development of the short 25-pounder and the Owen Gun. After the war he was the Australian supply and defence production representative in Washington, D.C., from 1951 to 1954, and the mayor of Woollahra from 1971 to 1972 and 1975 to 1976.