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Cannon Walk - Part TwoAll information corresponding to guns on the Cannon Walk is used courtesy of the Fort Sill Museum.
M114 (155 mm) Howitzer
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 30th FA Regiment fired more than 1 million rounds against communist forces in Vietnam. The “HARDCHARGERS” of the 30th FA Regiment proudly fought, died and defended freedom while serving these guns.
Caliber: 155 mm
 8-Inch GunM1
U.S. Army
This weapon was developed in 1940-42 for long-range destruction of the Germans’ mighty fortifications and communication lines, and also 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
 Cannon Transport WagonM1A1
U.S. Army
The wagons M1A1 and M2A1 were used to transport the tube and cradle of the 240 mm howitzer or the 8-inch gun. They were pulled by an M6 tractor. Each weapon was assembled with its carriage for firing by a mobile crane. Emplacement time was 1-2 hours. Without a crane, the tractor winches could be used to bring the cannon into action.
Weight, empty: 15,680 lbs
 Carriage Transport WagonM3A1
U.S. Army
This wagon was used to transport the carriage of the 240 mm howitzer or the 8-inch gun. The high-speed 38-ton M6 tractor was its prime mover. A mobile truck-mounted crane was used to load and unload the carriage. The crane towed a trailer carrying a clam-shell bucket which was used to dig the gunpit.
Weight, empty: 18,300 lbs
 105 mm Howitzer Motor CarriageM-7 U.S., WWII
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
Range (Vehicle): 120 to 200 km 85 to 125 miles
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)  Battery Reel CartM1917
U.S., WWI
This vehicle laid the wires upon which communication depended for horse-drawn Field Artillery batteries of the early 20th Century. Drawn by four horses, thwas 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 8-10 miles of wire in one hour.
 240 mm HowitzerM1
U.S. Army
This weapon was classified 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 and is now obsolete. Organized in battalions of six howitzers, it was slow getting into and out of position, but was accurate and packed a big punch.
Range: 23,056 meters (14.3 miles)
Projectile weight: 360 lbs
 4.5-Inch GunM1
U.S., WWII
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: 114.3mm 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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