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M101 howitzer
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The 105 mm Howitzer M2A1(M101) was the standard light field howitzer for the United States in World War II, seeing action in both European and Pacific theatres. Entering production in 1941, it quickly entered the war against the Japanese Imperial Army in the Pacific, where it gained a reputation for its accuracy and powerful punch. The M101 fired 105 mm H.E. semi-fixed ammunition and had a range of 11,200 m, making it suitable for supporting infantry.
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Encyclopedia
The 105 mm Howitzer M2A1(M101) was the standard light field howitzer for the United States in World War II, seeing action in both European and Pacific theatres. Entering production in 1941, it quickly entered the war against the Japanese Imperial Army in the Pacific, where it gained a reputation for its accuracy and powerful punch. The M101 fired 105 mm H.E. semi-fixed ammunition and had a range of 11,200 m, making it suitable for supporting infantry. All these important qualities of the weapon, along with its widespread production, led to its adoption by many countries after the war. Its ammunition type also became the standard for many foreign countries' later models. After minor changes in the post war era, the howitzer became known as M101A1. It continued to see service in the Korean War, and Vietnam War. Though a similar model, the M102 howitzer, shared the same roles in battle, it never fully replaced the M101. Today the 101A1 has been retired by the U.S. military, though it continues to see service with many other countries.
The Canadian Forces continued to use the M2A1 as the C1 Howitzer until 1997 when a modification was made to extend its service life. It is now designated the C3. Its improvements include a longer barrel, a muzzle brake, reinforced trails and the removal of shield flaps. It remains the standard light howitzer of Canadian reserve force units.
France and the State of Vietnam used it during the First Indochina War.
A number of M2/M101 howitzers were used by Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and approximately 50 were inherited by Croatia. Yugoslavia manufactured the M101 as the M56, and 100 of these were inherited by Croatia.
M2 Howitzers are still in service in the Australian Army Reserve, albeit in small numbers. They are gradually being replaced by L118 Light Gun and M198 Howitzers.
This artillery piece was used by 67 countries.
Variants
Gun variants:
- M1920 - prototype.
- M1925E - prototype.
- T2, standardized as M1.
- M2 (1934) - minor changes to the chamber to allow use of fixed ammunition.
- M2A1 (1940) - modified breech ring.
- M3 - lightweight howitzer, with barrel shortened by 27 inches.
- T8, standardized as M4 - vehicle-mounted variant with modified breech and with cylindrical recoil surface.
- M101 - post-war designation of M2A1 on carriage M2A1.
- M101A1 - post-war designation of M2A1 on carriage M2A2.
Carriage variants:
- M1920E - prototype, split trail.
- M1921E - prototype, box trail.
- M1925E - prototype, box trail.
- T2, standardized as M1 - split trail, wooden wheels.
- M1A1 - M1 carriages rebuilt with new wheels, brakes and other parts.
- T3 - prototype.
- T4 - prototype.
- T5, standardized as M2 (1940) - split trail, steel wheels with pneumatic tires.
- M2A1 - electric brakes removed.
- M2A2 - modified shield.
Self-propelled mounts
Ammunition
The gun fired semi-fixed ammunition, with 105mm Cartridge Case M14. The propelling charge consisted of base charge and six increments, forming seven charges from 1 (the smallest) to 7 (the largest). Use of M1 HE rounds prepared for the 105mm howitzer M3 (same projectile and cartridge, but different propelling charge) was authorized.
HEAT M67 Shell was originally designed as fixed round, with Cartridge Case M14 type II. It was later changed to semi-fixed type with the standard cartridge, but with non-adjustable propelling charge. For blank ammunition, a shorter Cartridge Case M15 with black powder charge was used.
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