A howitzer is a class of weapon that fires on
targets that the crew cannot normally see. This is known as ‘indirect
fire’ where the angle and direction of the shot is worked out using maps
and calculations. The fall of the shot can be corrected by forward observers so
that the optimum settings can be achieved. A gun on the other hand is normally
taken to be a line-of-sight weapon, or ’direct fire’.
The
105 mm Howitzer M2A1 was the standard light field howitzer for the United
States in WW11 seeing action in both European and Pacific theatres. Entering
production in 1941, it quickly gained a reputation for its accuracy and
powerful punch. The M2A1 fired 105 mm H.E. semi-fixed ammunition and had a
range of 11,200 m. Although weighing two tons it was relatively easy to move
and could be towed by the GMC 6x6 truck . All these important qualities of the
weapon, along with its widespread production, led to its adoption by many
countries after the war. Its ammunition type also became the standard for many
foreign countries' later models. After minor changes in the post war era, the
howitzer became known as M101A1. It continued to see service in the Korean and
Vietnam wars.
In January 2009 I finally took delivery of a M2A1 105mm howitzer. It had been de-militarized in Greece and laid in a scrap yard with several others awaiting restoration by collectors. The M2A1 that I now have is destined to be mounted into the T19.
As you can see from the photograph the 105 has been 'de-miled' by liberal application of a 'gas-axe'. This damage will have to be welded up and ground back to give an 'as new' appearance. What is more concerning is that all the adjusting and clamping knobs on the telescope bracket and the quadrant mount have been smashed off with a sledge hammer. These are quite complicated little things so it may be better to locate replacements. If anyone reading this knows where I can source these complete brackets please drop me an email.
At the moment this is my shopping list for the 105: