Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

L5 Pack Howitzer

Subcollections
MOBILITY AND FIREPOWER
Overview

105 mm howitzer, with a two-wheel carriage, split trail folding trail and a splinter-proof shield. Recoil system is hydro-spring controlled. Rate of fire: 5 rounds per minute, with a crew of 7. Breech: Vertically-sliding wedge.

Historical information

The L5 is a pack howitzer designed by OTO Melara of Italy and capable of being broken down into several loads which could be carried on pack mules, man pack or slung from a helicopter. Introduced into service in the Australian Army in 1963 a total of 120 guns were delivered from three purchases. The gun was issued to regular and reserve (CMF) artillery units and saw active service during the Confontation with Indonesia in Malaysia and in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967, including firing support to D Company 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment during the battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966. It was replaced in Vietnam in 1967 due to the stresses imposed on the gun from firing numerous rounds of ammunition. It was withdrawn from service in 1992.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-32-LTO 006
Inscriptions and markings

The displayed examples are positioned in the two legs straight high and the three legs straight low configuration

Geotag
-32.045005606296, 115.75423251066

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Last modified
Monday, 23 June, 2025
Completeness
72
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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L5 Pack Howitzer
L5 Pack Howitzer in 3 legs straight low position

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