South East Asia, Vietnam, Hanh Province, 105 Battery, RAA, 1968
Digital image of photograph of L5 105mm gun of 105 Battery in action at Quan Kheim, Hanh Province, 1968. 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.
The 105th Field Battery was formed in 1955. It was the first artillery battery to leave Australia for active service in Vietnam and the first to return there for a second twelve-month tour of duty. he 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 It was withdrawn from service in 1992.
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Details
The original of this image is in the Collection of the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Society of Western Australia. A Memorial exhibit summarising105 Battery's Vietnam service is located in the Archives of the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia.
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Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
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