| Accession Number | RELAWM05044.001 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Artillery Accessory |
| Physical description | Steel |
| Maker |
Fried Krupp AG (1903-1943) |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | 1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
15 cm Kanone 16 (Krupp) Heavy Field Gun (Germany)
Description
15 cm long range field gun with a box trail, steel wheels and a curved splinter proof shield. The axle was suspended by a transverse leaf spring. For transport the barrel could be detached from the recoil system and withdrawn on to a transport wagon. The breech mechanism consisted of a horizontal sliding block and the charge was percussion fired. The ammunition consisted of separate loading cased charges with three increments depending on range requirements. The weight of the shell was 51.4 kg.
History / Summary
Designed by Krupp and originally issued in 1917 the 15 cm Kanone 16 (Krupp) was one of the most formidable weapons used by the German army during the First World War. Its extremely long range enabled it to reach assembly areas, convoys and other targets well behind the front lines. The gun was still in service in 1939, mainly in the training role.
This is one of 29 guns which was captured by the 45th Battalion on 8 August 1918. Gun No. 135 was captured in an area South east of Morcourt, France. Map Morcourt, France Map.Ref 62D, 'France', 1:40,000. Grid Ref Q23b.(AWM File Ref Q23b. (AWM File 4386/1/26. AWM Series 16 refers).