Fort Sill in Comanche County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

French Saint Chamond 194mm GPF Gun

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

1. French Saint Chamond 194mm GPF Gun Marker

Inscription. The Saint Chamond self-propelled French gun was introduced late in World War I. The GPF designation, Grand Puissance Filloux, translates as High-Power Filloux. The vehicle was designed by Louis Filloux at the Schneider works. The weapon consisted of two tracked units that were linked and moved together. The first one carried the 194mm gun and its fire control. The second tractor carried 60 rounds of ammunition, 60 propelling charges, a gasoline engine and an electrical generator. The gasoline engine powered the generator that provided electricity for two electric motors, one electric motor for each track. The electric motors provided power to move the vehicles. The gross weight of both vehicles at over 61 tons, resulted in a top speed of only 5 mph. Approximately 50 were produced by 1939 when World War II began. A number of these guns were taken into German service and designated as the 19.4cm Kanone 485 (f) auf Selbsfahrlafette. This particular gun was one of two given to the Italian Army in 1941. After the Italian surrender in September 1943, it was taken by the Germans who used it for coast defence at Civitavecchia,

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a port town west of Rome. It was captured in 1944 and taken to Abderdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. It came to the Artillery Museum in 2012 and is the sole surviving example of the 194mm gun.

Caliber - 7.64 in. - 194 mm
Weight - 65,255 lb. - 29,600 kg
Range - 22,747 yds. - 20,800 m
Shell Weight - 202 lb. - 92 kg
Muzzle Velocity - 2,378 ft/sec. - 725 m/sec.
Elevation - (0 to +36 degrees) - (0 to + 640 mils)
Rate of Fire - 2-4 rpm
Maximum Speed - 5 mph - 8 kph
Engine - 5 mph Panhard SUK4 M2 gasoline, 120 hp
CCN# 74791

Erected by U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum. (Marker Number 69.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World I • War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1943.

Location. 34° 39.981′ N, 98° 23.044′ W. Marker is in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in Comanche County. It is at the intersection of Corral Road and Randolph Road, on the right when traveling west on Corral Road. The marker is located in the eastern section of Artillery Park at the U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Sill OK 73503, United States of

The side view of the French Saint Chamond 194mm GPF Gun and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

2. The side view of the French Saint Chamond 194mm GPF Gun and Marker

America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Kiowa Tribe,

in the Comanche Nation,

and in Southwest Oklahoma.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: German 100mm Gun, M1914 (a few steps from this marker); German 100mm Gun, M1917 (a few steps from this marker); German 100mm Field Gun, Model 1904 (a few steps from this marker); German 170mm Medium Mine Projector, M1916 (Old Pattern) (a few steps from this marker); German M1916 77mm Light Field Gun (a few steps from this marker); German 250mm Heavy Mine Projector (old model) (a few steps from this marker); 280mm Heavy Motorized Gun M65 (a few steps from this marker); French M1917 150mm Trench Mortar (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map

The main view of the French Saint Chamond 194mm GPF Gun image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

3. The main view of the French Saint Chamond 194mm GPF Gun

of all markers in Fort Sill.

More about this marker. Marker and Museum are located on Fort Sill, an active U.S. military installation. The museum is open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access for Fort Sill.

Also see . . . U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum. (Submitted on March 6, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 554 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 6, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.