Cannon Walk - Part Two

In 1939 the U.S. Army Ordnance Department designed two new pieces, a 4.7 inch gun and a 155-mm howitzer, both of which used the same carriage. It was later decided that the 4.7 inch gun would be changed to 4.5 inches to allow ammunition compatibility with our British allies.

The 4.5 Inch Gun M1 was found to have exceptional range, however, the bursting capability of the projectile was inferior to the requirements of the day. At the close of the Second World War the 4.5 Inch Gun M1 was withdrawn from service, its place taken by the 155-mm Howitzer M1, whose accuracy was more consistent at maximum range.

Caliber:                        114.3-mm                    4.5 in

Weight:                         5,654 kg                       12,455 lbs

Shell Weight:               24.9 kg                         55 lbs

Range:                         23,529 m                      25,715 yds (14 miles)

Elevation:                     0 to 1066 mils             0 degrees to + 60 degrees

Traverse:                      942 mils                       53 degrees

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The M114 (155-mm) howitzer was first produced in 1942. It saw action in World War II, the Korean conflict and Vietnam. In January of 1966, A/1-30 FA made history with the M114 by conduction the first air assault of an 155-mm howitzer in combat by U.S. forces. With these howitzers, the 30^th FA Regiment fired over 1,000,000 rounds against communist forces in Vietnam. The “HARDCHARGERS” of the 30^th FA Regiment proudly fought, died, and defended freedom while serving these guns.

Caliber:                        155-mm

Tube length:                23 calibers

Recoil System:           hydropneumatic

Carriage:                      split trail

Weight:                         12,750 lbs

Length:                         24 ft

Width:                           7 ft 11 in

Height:                          6 ft 10 in

Max range:                   14, 600 m

Crew:                            11

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This weapon was developed in 1940-42 for long-range destruction of the Germans’ mighty fortifications and communication lines, and for counterbattery fire. It was classified as General Headquarters reserve artillery. With its companion piece, the 240-mm howitzer, it became famous for its accuracy and great destructive power.

Range:                     32,461 meters (20 miles)

Projectile weight:   240 lbs

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The advent of large scale armored warfare at the beginning of the Second World War foretold the need for mobile artillery in the support of armored divisions on rapidly changing lines of battle. The M2A2 105-mm Howitzer, then standard, was mounted on the chassis of the M-3 Medium Tank (Lee/Grant) after suitable modification of the howitzer carriage.

The M-7 utilized common vehicular parts with the M-3 Medium Tank (Lee/Grant), and the M-4 Medium Tank (Sherman), simplifying the supply and repair of the material. The vehicle was powered by a Continental air-cooled radial engine, fueled by gasoline. The later production model, the M-7B1, was based entirely on the M-4 (Sherman) Medium Tank, and powered by a Ford GAA V-8 engine. A further modification, the M-7B2, featured a raised superstructure allowing for higher elevation of the howitzer. The M-7B2 saw only limited service.

The 105-mm Howitzer Motor Carriage, M-7 is no longer in service with any major power.

Caliber:                         105-mm                                                          4.13 in

Elevation:                      -87 to 622 mils                                              -5 degrees to 35 degrees

Range:                          11,200 meters                                               12,200 yds (7miles)

Shell Weight:               14.98 kg                                                          33 lbs

Vehicle Weight:            22, 604 kg                                                      50,634 lbs

Maximum Speed:        40-42 km                                                        25-26 MPH

Traverse:                      266 mils left of center                                   15 degrees left of center

                                       533 mils right of center                                30 degrees right of center
Rate of Fire:                 3 rounds per minute
Detachment:                7 (Commander, Driver, 5 Cannoneers)

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This vehicle layed the wires upon which communication depended for horse drawn field artillery batteries of the early 20^th century. Drawn by four horses, it was designed to carry, lay and recover up to five miles of insulated telephone wire. Two steel chests were also used for carrying fire-control instruments. With the equipment, a “wire section” composed of two such vehicles, could lay from eight to ten miles of wire in one hour.

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This weapon was classed as “very heavy artillery” in World War II and the Korean Conflict. It was the largest field piece in use by the U.S. Army. It is now obsolete. Organized in battalions of 6 howitzers, it was slow getting into and out of position but was accurate and packed in big punch.

Range:                     23,056 meters (14.3 miles)

Projectile weight:   360 lbs

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