105 mm L.23 Field Howitzer M2.A1

105 mm L.23 Field Howitzer M2.A1.

The 105 mm field howitzer shown here was manufactured in 1940 and it served in the French army during World War Two. The howitzer is on display at the Musée de l’Armée in Paris. The olive drab camouflage paint has faded to a greyish green on the exposed outer surfaces of the howitzer shield and wheel rims. The original olive drab colour can still be seen on less exposed parts of the howitzer trail, shield, breech and recoil mechanism. The 105 mm M2 field howitzer became the standard light field howitzer of many NATO armies after World War Two, and upgraded versions of this weapon remain in service in many countries around the world.

Available Scale Model Kits

  • 105 mm Field Howitzer M2.A1, 1:35 Italeri 319
  • 105 mm Field Howitzer M2.A1, 20 mm Raventhorpe
  • 105 mm Field Howitzer M2.A1, 20 mm RAFM
  • 105 mm Field Howitzer M2.A1, 1:76 AB Figures AP7
  • 105 mm Field Howitzer M2.A1, 1:87 ROCO 183
  • 105 mm Field Howitzer M2.A1, 1:100 Roskopf 107
  • 105 mm Field Howitzer M2.A1, 15 mm Peter Pig 28
  • 105 mm Field Howitzer M2.A1, 15 mm Forged in Battle A-81
  • 105 mm Field Howitzer M2.A1, 1:285 GHQ US8
  • 105 mm Field Howitzer M2.A1, 1:300 Heroics & Ros US28

Technical Specifications

  • Obusier de 105 mm sur Affût tracté M2.A1
  • Calibre: 105 mm
  • Barrel Length: L.23
  • Range: 11,430 m
  • Rate of Fire: 15 rounds per minute
  • Armour Penetration at 0-100 m:
    • 102 mm using H.E.A.T.

Bibliography

Museum Exhibits

Plaque on the howitzer shield

Plaque on the howitzer shield, Musée de l’Armée, Paris

Breech mechanism

Breech mechanism, Musée de l’Armée, Paris

Recoil mechanism № 8734 (Rock Island Arsenal 1943)

Recoil mechanism № 8734 (Rock Island Arsenal 1943), Musée de l’Armée, Paris

Historical Employment

  • US Army 1940
  • French Army 1943
  • NATO 1949

Possible Conversions

  • NATO 105 mm Field Howitzer (L) M2.A1/A2, 1962-today

The 105 mm field howitzer M2.A1 was an important field artillery weapon during World War Two which continues to serve in many armed forces around the world.

US Army Miniatures of World War Two