W.W.2 105mm howitzer crew?

[Rick]

After some brief looking it appears that the U.S. had 8 crewmen for this howitzer, while most other countries had 6 crewmen for the same caliber weapon. I include the 25 lbr in this. Any reason why? I'm not reading it right?

Thanks

[bojan]

Locally 105mm M2 also used 8-men crew until 1969 (when it was increased to 9)

1952-1969

1 - Section leader

2 - Gunner

3 - Assistant gunner

4 - Loader

5 - Fuse setter

6 & 7 - Ammo handler

8 - Driver

Are those same duties as with US WW2 org?

 

 

[Leo Niehorster]

US Army Infantry Division

in 1940: 1 NCO + 11 EM  (T/O 6-87), 1 October 1940; each section had:
1 SGT section chief; 1 CPL gunner; 8 cannoneers; 1 chauffeur; 1 basic private.

in 1942: 1 NCO + 10 EM (T/O 6-27), 1 April 1942; each section had:
1 SSG section chief [other 3 sections had SGT]; 1 CPL gunner; 7 cannoneer; 1 chauffeur; 1 basic private.

in 1943: 1 NCO + 9 EM (T/O&E 6-27), 15 July 1943; each section had:
1 SSG section chief [other 3 sections had SGT]; 1 CPL gunner; 7 cannoneer; 1 chauffeur.

in 1944: 1 NCO + 9 EM (T/O&E 6-27), 27 September 1944; each section had:
1 SSG section chief [other 3 sections had SGT]; 1 CPL gunner; 7 cannoneer; 1 chauffeur.

 

USMC Division

in 1942: 1 NCO + 11 EM (T/O D-29), 1 July 1942; each section had: 
1 SGT section chief; 1 CPL gunner; 1 CPL asst. gunner; 2 ammo handlers,  6 cannonneers; 1 truck driver.

in 1943: 1 NCO + 10 EM (T/O F-21) 15 April 1943; each section had:
1 SGT section chief; 1 CPL gunner; 1 CPL asst. gunner; 2 ammo handlers,  5 cannonneers; 1 truck driver.

USMC Division USMC Division in 1944: 1 NCO + 10 EM (T/O F-21) 21 February 1943; each section had:
1 SGT section chief; 1 CPL gunner; 1 CPL asst. gunner; 2 ammo handlers, 5 cannonneers; 1 truck driver.

----

German Panzer or Motorized Infantry Division

Throughout the war, 105mm motorized light field howitzer batteries (KStN 434) one firing detachment each, not further divided down into platoons or sections. The KStN dated 1 November 1941, each firing detachment [US firing battery] had 1 officer; 8 NCO; and 40 EM. Four halftracks towed a 105mm light FH each. These four halftracks each transported 1 or 2 NCO; 6 EM; 1 chauffeur + 1 asst. chauffeur. Included in these 6 EM were 5 designated as cannoneers.

 

--
Leo

 

[Rick]

From memory, around the end of 1944 to early 1945 the U.S. "culled" excessive anti-aircraft artillery crews and, I thought, excessive field artillery crews? as infantry replacements?

[Markus Becker]

Yes, it only "light" AA because the heavy was used as field artillery. Thus I doubt they transferred artillery men into the infantry. 

[Colin]

Canada ran the C1 (direct copy of the US M101A1) and runs the C3 (sort of improved version) with 7 men and a driver

No. 1 - Gun Commander (responsible for everything)

No. 2 - Layer on left side panoramic sight with mainly traverse and a secondary elevation wheel  (also operates wheel brake on their side)

No. 3 - layer on right side, elevation wheel, firing lanyard and responsible for the direct lay sight on right side. (also operates wheel brake on their side and barrel travel lock)

No. 4-6 lift trails, open trails, dig spades in. Prep ammunition, gun stores and cam net.

No. 7 - Second in command (2ic) oversees ammunition and fuse setting (actual fuse setting might be done by any competent gunner. maintains ammo count, preps charge bags and oversees ammunition tent and prep tray setup. Takes over the gun when gun Commander goes for O groups or recce of new gun position.

Driver - Generally in the B lines with the truck separated from the gun line, does vehicle maintenance and might be sent to the gunlines or sentry, help the Command posts, ammo party or does any other tasks so the guns are always functioning.

I have run a gun with live ammo with only 4 people including driver, hard work and inefficient but can be done safely.