Post 1945, South East Asia, Malaya, L5 Operations, 1965
Digital image of photograph showing L5 howitzer being rigged for helicopter lift. 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.
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 It was withdrawn from service in 1992.
Details
Details
Original image in the collection of the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Society of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Other items from Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
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Post 1945, Western Australia, Perth, 3 Field Regiment RAA, Anzac Day parade, 1960
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World War 2, South West Pacific, Borneo, Tarakan, 2/7 Field Regiment, 1945
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Post 1945, South East Asia, Vietnam, 12 Field Regiment, 1968
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Post 1945, South East Asia, Vietnam, 12 Field Regiment RAA, 1968
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Post 1945, South East Asia, Vietnam, Fire Support Base Horseshoe, 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery, 1966
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Post 1945, South East Asia, Vietnam, Fire Support Base Horseshoe, 1967
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Post 1945, South East Asia, Vietnam, Fire Support base Horseshoe, 1967
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Post 1945, South East Asia, Vietnam, Fire Support Base Horseshoe, 1967
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Post 1945, South East Asia, Vietnam,Fire Support Base Horseshoe, 1967
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Post 1945, South East Asia, Vietnam, Nui Dat, 12 Field Regiment,1967
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Post 1945, South East Asia, Vietnam, 161 Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery, 1966
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Post 1945, South East Asia, Vietnam, Nui Dat, 161 Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery, 1967
