75mm field gun M1897 on M2 carriage

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	Weapon: 75mm field gun M1897 on M2 carriage Type: Heavy Cannon Country of Origin: France Year Adopted: 1941 Caliber: 75mm Action: Breech-Loading Cannon Overall Length (mm): 5600.0 Weight (kg): 1500.00 Effective Range (m): 8500

The 75mm field gun M1897 on M2 carriage is a combination of the French-designed Canon de 75 modele 1897 and a modernized carriage developed by the United States during World War II. Known for its revolutionary recoil system, the original M1897 was the first quick-firing field gun, eliminating the need to reposition the weapon after each shot. The M2 carriage, designed to improve mobility and adaptability, featured rubber-tired wheels and enhanced trail construction, allowing the gun to be towed by motor vehicles. This adaptation extended the gun's utility into the mechanized warfare of the 20th century.

Production of the 75 mm M1897 on M2 carriage began in the early 1940s, with thousands manufactured to meet the demands of the Allied war effort. The weapon was primarily used by U.S. forces during World War II, serving as both a field artillery piece and an anti-tank gun in the early stages of the war. Its ability to fire high-explosive, armor-piercing, and shrapnel rounds made it versatile, though it was eventually outclassed by larger-caliber and more modern artillery systems. The gun was deployed in key theaters, including North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific, where it supported infantry and disrupted enemy movements.

Despite its eventual obsolescence, the 75 mm M1897 on M2 carriage left a lasting legacy as a reliable and effective weapon system. It was particularly noted for its role in transitioning artillery tactics from World War I static lines to the dynamic battlefields of World War II. The gun's accuracy, rapid rate of fire, and adaptability earned it respect among operators, while its design innovations influenced later artillery developments. Today, the M1897 on M2 carriage is recognized as a historic symbol of Allied ingenuity and remains a popular exhibit in military museums worldwide.