The very first batch of 90 was found engaged in the second battle of El Alamein, in October 1942, side by side with the British-built 25 pdr Bishops. Through Lend-Lease, the first shipments of M7 were sent to the British Army operating in North Africa. The M7 self-propelled 9.75 inch Chemical Mortar prototype The M7 Priest in action It was not accepted by the Army as it was deemed unsuitable for service. It was mounted on three different M7B1 HMC chassis for testing (not M7 chassis). It was earlier trialled on a Valentine chassis. The weapon was developed by the Petroleum Warfare Department and fired incendiary shells of White Phosphorus hence the word 'chemical' in the name. 7th Army in trials at Benny, France in February 1945. The PWD 9.75 inch Chemical Mortar was "marketed" to the U.S. M7 crew in action, Arno river, 1944 The M7B1 self-propelled 9.75 inch Chemical Mortar Prototype 102 in all were so converted and used by the British, New Zealanders and Australians as well, both in Northern Europe and Italy. This was a more thoroughly made conversion driven by experience, and in this roomier version, the vehicle could carry 20 infantrymen. Some M7s in British service were converted as improvised armored personnel carriers for Operation Goodwood (June 1944), in order to capture Caen and achieve the final breakout from Normandy.Ī Canadian version of the M7 converted as a dedicated APC, between October 1944 and April 1945. 127 were built by Federal Machine and Welder.
#World conqueror 2 battle of el alamein full
The heavy MG mount was also raised to give a full 360° firing arc. This was achieved by modifying the mount completely and giving it an extra shield, with some traverse. They were characterized by their Ford GAA V-8 (450 hp) engine, new suspensions roadwheels and idlers, and side skirts, with many internal modifications.ĭuring the Korean war, the need to restore the elevation to the original 65° resurfaced. This upgraded version was based on the M4A3 Sherman chassis and standardized in September 1943, 826 were built by Pressed Steel Car. Some British vehicles received radios, sacrificing rounds storage and reverting to 24 shells being carried. It was characterized by the M4's three-piece housing, single-piece casting and reworked suspension. Later, during production, the chassis was shifted from the M3 to the M4 for standardization.
This was achieved early on the production line in March 1942. Engineers came with a response, cramming extra storage in the walls (7 left and 5 right), while the remainder 33 rounds were stockpiled into the floor plates. The need to increase the supply of ammunition carried appeared quickly. It was joined in 1942 by Pressed Steel Car and later by Federal Machine and Welder. The new vehicle was accepted for service in February 1942 as the 105 mm Self Propelled Gun, and production started immediately at the American Locomotive Company. Charged to buy the new tank, they placed an order for 4400 to be delivered in 1943 (never achieved). This characteristic was noted by the British commission, which named the new vehicle "Priest", due to the pulpit-like MG emplacement. This gave an excellent arc of fire, while the howitzer was placed offset to the right. Its position was changed and eventually fixed into a front left tower. During trials, it was apparent that defensive armament was needed, and provisions were made for an M2 Browning machine gun. Ammunition was stockpiled inside storage boxes and into the hull (24 rounds). But due to the recoil, especially in high elevation, the breech mechanism needed space.ĭue to the high transmission of the chassis, the floor was high and the superstructure tall, with flat armored walls to protect the open crew compartment, which left the crew vulnerable from above and the rear. Accuracy was good, and its HE rounds (105x372R) were noted for their excellent explosive power.
In practice, maximum elevation had to be reduced to 35° when vehicle-borne to keep a low silhouette. With a -5° to +66° elevation, its practical range was 12,325 yards (11,270 meters). This standard M2 howitzer was just entering service when the Pacific War started, and proved to a be highly dependable piece of ordinance, being produced from 1941 to 1953 and used until the 1970s. The T32 was modified with an open-topped superstructure, mounting a 105 mm (4.13 in) howitzer.