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ARTILLERY REGISTER |
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| Type of Gun: |
QF 105 mm L5 Pack Howitzer |
| Location: |
National Artillery Museum, North Fort, Manly, NSW |
| GPS Location: |
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| Serial Number: |
57240 |
| Date of Manufacture: |
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| Manufacturer: |
OTO Melara |
| Calibre: |
105 mm - 4.1 inch |
| Weight of Projectile: |
15 kg - 33 lb |
| Range: |
10,000 metres - 10,940 yards |
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| Historical Specifics: |
The L5 is a pack howitzer designed by the Italians and capable of being broken down into several loads which could be carried on pack mules or man pack. Introduced into service in the Australian Army in 1963 a total of 120 guns were delivered from three purchases. The gun was issued to regular and reserve (CMF) artillery units and saw active service during the Confontation with Indonesia in Malaysia and in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967, including firing support to D Company 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment during the battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966. It was replaced in Vietnam in 1967 due to the stresses imposed on the gun from firing numerous rounds of ammunition. It was withdrawn from service in 1992.
Many of the early Gun Histories, the record of the guns service, are missing and it is difficult to determine where the gun had been used prior to the mid 1970s. This has caused great difficulty in identifying L5 guns that had been used in Vietnam and/or Malaya. Fortunately the Gun History for this gun does exist and indicates it was used by 105 Field Battery to fire in support of D Company 6 RAR during the battle of Long Tan in Vietnam on 18 August 1966. Only three guns have been so identified. The ARN 02 077 plate was added to the gun in 1971 and is the vehicle number plate for the equipment. Most of the ARN plates were removed when the guns were sold. |
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| General Information on Gun Type: |
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