M1917 155mm "Schneider" Howitzer - Elberta, AL - Static Artillery Displays on Waymarking.com

Prior to 1917, the United States had used a 6-inch howitzer of a different design, but discarded it as unsatisfactory in favor of this French gun which the US found had withstood the tests of war and had proven in every way to be superior to all other howitzers of the same or similar caliber. The United States purchased 1,503 examples of the Mle 1917 from France and adopted it as the 155 mm Howitzer Carriage, Model of 1917 (Schneider), as the standard or regulation howitzer for the United States Army.

The United States also paid $560,000 for non-exclusive rights to the design and working drawings. In addition to the 1503 examples purchased in France and used there, 626 were manufactured by or for the US in the United States. The Model 1918 follow-on howitzer built in the US differed somewhat from French models, with a straight rather than curved shield, rubber rather than steel tires on wheels, a pivoting spade and a slightly different firing mechanism.

Both the M1917 and M1918 howitzers were upgraded with air brakes, new metal wheels and pneumatic tires during the interwar period and remained the standard American heavy howitzers until superseded by the M1 howitzer beginning in late 1942. They saw combat with both U.S. Army and Marine artillery units throughout World War I.

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See WM7N3Y for anexample of the M1918 with the straight shield.
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This howitzer is part of a veterans memorial at VFW Post 5658 on US Highway 98 in Elberta, AL.

Where is this artillery located?: Veterans Building What military of the world used this device?: France, United States Date artillery was in use: 01/01/1917 Artillery is no longer operational: no Still may work: no Are there any geocaches at this location?: No What type of artillery is this?: Not listed Date artillery was placed on display: Not listed Parking location to view this Waymark: Not Listed Cost?: Not Listed

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