I can confirm that this a Obusier 105 GP (Grande Puissance) that was built by the Fonderie Royale de Canons (FRC) in Liege in the early 30s. These were conversions of the lFH 16. A recoil brake from StChamond was adapted. About 220 were build for the belgian divisionnary artillery (next to the C 75 TR and C 75 GP). It existed in two versions , one horse drawn and one motorised. It has be used by the Wehrmacht under the name lFH 327(b). Much more details in my next book about the Belgian light artillery (1905-1940), it's about to be published. I will let you know when it's available. Is it possible to have a detailed picture of the marking on the carriage? Where is that howitzer?
It is a modified German howitzer 105 L/22. The combustion chamber is modified, it fires specific charges designed for it (case, powder B). This howitzer was designed to fire the many projectiles (German, Belgian, French) that were in the stocks after WWI. The French 105 shell had to be modified (rotating band). My first book (360 pages) about the division artillery 1905-1940 (light, quick fire artillery) gives many details about organisation, construction, artillery technique and tactics, ammunition,... of the belgian artillery. Is about to be published. I will open a internet site when it's so far.
Hello Master Gunner, would you book be likely to have an edition in english? If so could you plse post the title & publisher etc so I can get a copy too please.
Hi, The book is ready for printing. I divided it in two parts. The editing association is about to be finalised. I expect it for July 2010. I'm working now on the belgian medium and heavy artillery (1914-1940) and on other projects. I might start on a condensed version in english, but not for this year. I keep you posted.
Thanks, I will just have to be patient. Though I hope not much is / will be condensed as I am rather keen on Artillery & it is so hard to get information on any other than the big players, well frankly the Germans & US really, so a chance for a good study on the Belgians would be wonderful!
very short - german production before WW1 - end of WW1 contribution to belgium - uppgrading (ask Roger Lothaire or read his books) - WW2 1940 germany takes belgian weapons - 1-2 years on platz Wehrkroitz VII ... (dont remember) - 1942 sold to bulgarian kingdom - 1956 destroyed=
Thats why there is only few pieces in bulgarian military history museum
Five years ago we tryed to find atleast ONE for belgian military artillery museum but ... without success...
For more detailed info - contact me
Voluntires for restoration of old guns needed free of sallary.
Sommer expeditions folowing battlefields of WW1 - Thesalonica front - are organised of Bulgarian military history commission! Come and be part of it!