The War Diary: What is the name of that 'Gun'

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Topic: What is the name of that 'Gun'

Yard Ape
Veteran Member
Member # 158

posted 07 March 2021 10:26

I understand that the historical use of these words to be:

Cannon: a direct fire gun (below 45 degree line of fire)

Mortar: indirect fire gun with line offire greater than 45 degrees

Howitzer: direct and indirect fire gun.

Are these terms still used in their classical definitions or have the definitions changed somewhat?

thanks
Yard Ape

Posts: 132 | From: Northern Ontario | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged

RCA
Veteran Member
Member # 74

posted 11 March 2021 12:58

from memory:

Gun/Cannon - high velocity /low angle weapon (uses fixed charge) used in the direct fire role

Mortar - low velocity/high angle weapon capable of indirect fire

Howitzer - (combination gun/motar) thru adjustable charges is capable of both direct and indirect fire thru low and high angle fire.

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Ubique

Posts: 140 | From: Army of the West | Registered: Aug 2000 | IP: Logged

Yard Ape
Veteran Member
Member # 158

posted 12 March 2021 13:55

Thank you greatly.

Yard Ape

Posts: 132 | From: Northern Ontario | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged

All times are ET