Howitzer used in trench warfare. 800 lb. high explosive shell in air-note high angle of firing

Howitzer used in trench warfare. 800 lb. high explosive shell in air-note high angle of firing

Howitzer used in trench warfare

19009

The present European war as brought forth unforeseen developments in ordnance. A great change has been made in this heavy artillery since even so recent a war as the Spanish American War. Some noticeable features are size, rapidity of fire and control of recoil. We now see in use ordnance ranging from 9.2 in. to 16 in. caliber, throwing projectiles of from 400 to 2000 pounds a distance of from 6 to 20 miles. The modern big war machines are certainly fearful and wonderful weapons. The howitzer is intermediate between a g un and a mortar, possessing a flexibility in range and angle of fall not possessed by either. Field howitzers are designed for a curved fire greater than that of guns, less than mortars. In recent years, much attention has been given in Europe to the development of the howitzer and in the present war there have been notable developments of large caliber, powerful howitzers, and also mortars, for attack on permanent fortifications. Before the war, Germany in particular had made some successful experiments with these types of heavy ordnance, which were copied by the other nations, particularly by France. The projectile fired by a howitzer follows a curved path, consequently, a howitzer concealed behind a steep hill can attack a field gun, which cannot effectively reply because the path of its projectile is not so curved. This path of the projectile is called, in technical language, the trajectory. High angle fire is so that the projectile may fall as nearly vertically as possible upon the trenches or other fortifications of the enemy. The ammunition used in the howitzer includes shrapnel and high explosive shells.

1 stereograph : b&w

1 gelatine silver print stereograph (8 x 15 cm) mounted on card (9 x 18 cm)

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World War through the stereoscope