105mm C1 howitzer

[Casey B]

The Gun looks great Rob. You did a quick job of it too...wasn't that complete when we were there and that was only a few weeks prior!
hey also I am in a new BN that is sharing the 15 field Artillary parade hall. there are a few 105's there and a few 25 pounders as well all restored. The 105's have the muzzle flash supressors on them, so may be a later year? I'll look at the plates this Tuesday and get some pic's. The guys that are working on them are reg force so I will ask if they have a few um spares laying around and then try to post some pics of them for you. I have your list so will ask...couldn't hurt right?
Casey

[rob love]

The muzzle brakes are on the C3 version. These were an upgrade on the C1, to extend their life and range. The carriages will be Canadian, but the breech ring and barrel, along with modifications to the upper sled, are European. However, despite the upgrade, the C3 is slated to be leaving the CF in the next year or two. The reserves will be getting the left over LG-1 (French GIAT) from the regular force. Those were purchased as an interim gun back around 2000, and were expected to last about 5 or 10 years.

I would be careful about asking and posting on scrounging gun parts from the military. For some reason the powers that be are not so keen about these kinds of things.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by rob love

but the breech ring and barrel, along with modifications to the upper sled, are European

I knew there was a Dutch connection, so I searched for it and found here here http://www.artillery.net/beta/105how/:

Canada modified 96 of its 105mm C1 howitzers in 1995 to 1997 through RDM Industries of the Netherlands, primarily for equipping the Reserve Force units.

In return for the favour of all those CMP trucks you guys left behind in '45!?!

H.

[rob love]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

I knew there was a Dutch connection, so I searched for it and found here here http://www.artillery.net/beta/105how/

Only problem is that the extra weight and force on the 50 year old carriages is taking it's toll. There was an instance a few years ago in Gagetown where a cradle actually broke in half. Cracking has been found on a few of the cradles now that the techs are looking for it.

The 105s only have a few uses these days: training guns for the artillery school, primary gun for the reserve forces, avalanche control, and ceremonial. Many are now being given out as gate guardians. The shorter range of the 105 round has made it pretty much obsolete in the theater of war.

[rob love]

Happy days. A scrapyard find today netted me 5 of the remaining 9 pieces I need for the gun, as well as a couple pieces that will replace my home made copies.