70 mm Type 92 Howitzer (Japan)

Japanese infantry battalion howitzer Model 92. The breech mechanism is hand operated, interrupted screw type and hinged to the barrel, and in operation rotates one quarter turn and drops down to the rear. The breech block operating lever is missing. The elevating and traversing mechanism are provided with one hand wheel each. It has a single piece shield of 1/8 inch armour in which is a sight door, which slides up and down with the elevation of the barrel. There is a sight block with cross bubble levels and adjusters but no telescopic sight. The wheels have 12 spokes and are wood with an iron tyre, 27 inch diameter. The gun is provided with split trails. The barrel is covered with the names of Australian soldiers. These have been punched in with a centre punch and small cold chisel. There are also some on the shield. Note: the Breech block assembly for this gun is currently fitted to RELAWM36874.

This gun (No 472) was found in parts near Ruri Bay, Bougainville by N22023, Sapper Sidney Bennett, D Coy, 16 Field Sqn Royal Australian Engineers, around June/July 1945. It was reassembled by him and other members of the company and handed to MGO Branch as a trophy. Sapper Bennett's name is chiselled on the gun.