Title: US 37mm Anti-tank Gun Post by: Alan65 on 21 June 2009, 21:33:36 (http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x241/Alanp_photo/WWII/USArmynew37mmATGun.jpg)
This postcard was mailed from Fort Bragg North Carolina in April of 1940 although the car pictured in the background makes me think it's a bit older. It's captioned "New Anti Tank 37mm Gun" and printed on the back is this information: "The old style 37mm gun, firing approximately a one-pound shell, had a barrel so short that it was often termed a howitzer. As developed into the new anti-tank weapon shown here it is long of barrel, mounted on pneumatic tires for mobility, protected by a shield and equipped with latest sighting mechanism." The picture makes me wonder if it did indeed have a 2-man crew. (http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x241/Alanp_photo/WWII/US37mmGunandcrewAlabama.jpg) Most likely the same gun, a 37mm, as seen from the front on this Camp Rucker Alabama postcard from c.1940. A more realistic crew of 5 mans this one. Notice the skids lowered on this one; on the upper image they may be raised above the tires (see the curved piece above the tire in the first image.) (http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x241/Alanp_photo/WWII/US37mmGuntowedbyJeep.jpg) This final postcard shows a "Jeep crossing rough terrain pulling 37mm anti-tank Gun." Wouldn't the end of the barrel be covered to prevent damage? Title: Re: US 37mm Anti-tank Gun Post by: Koen on 22 June 2009, 20:15:13 Quote Notice the skids lowered on this one would using them not lift the tires up making it less mobile/moving when firing? Quote Wouldn't the end of the barrel be covered to prevent damage? staged pictures are more pritty without covers etc Title: Re: US 37mm Anti-tank Gun Post by: Alan65 on 23 June 2009, 16:33:06 Quote Notice the skids lowered on this one would using them not lift the tires up making it less mobile/moving when firing yes, I'm sure they were part of the 'brakes' for when firing; thus the top image isn't as realistic since the brakes aren't lowered (and some of the crew is missing?) |