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Post 1945, South East Asia, Vietnam, Bien Hoa Province,105 Battery, 1966

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Overview

Digital Image of photograph of 105 mm L5 Pack Howitzer of 105 Battery, RAA in action during Operation Silver City, South Vietnam 1966

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

Operation Silver City was planned as a sweep of the southwestern sector of War Zone D by the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. The goal of the operation was to destroy the headquarters of the B2 Front's Military Region 1, a five-province area east and north of Saigon, and to engage the five major units currently under its command: the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) 9th Division's 271st and 273rd Regiments; the Viet Cong 5th Division's 274th and 275th Regiments; and the 308th Main Force Battalion, totaling almost nine thousand soldiers.

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 It was withdrawn from service in 1992.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

Registration number

cwa-org-32-57-330

Inscriptions and markings

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.

Geotag

10.912352055467, 106.93269737285

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Last modified

Monday, 23 June, 2025

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Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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