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

German K-18 170mm Gun

17cm Kanone 18in Mörserlafette

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

1. German K-18 170mm Gun Marker

Inscription. Designed by the German famous arms company, Krupp, this powerful gun entered service in 1941. It was primarily used for long-range counter-battery fire at the corps level. The K-18 used the same carriage as the 21cm Mörser 18, which has a dual recoil system. Not only did the gun recoil as usual, but the gun platform recoiled to the rear on rails greatly reducing stress on the carriage. Once in firing position, the gun was easily traversed 360 degrees by one gunner. One drawback was the need to separate the gun into two loads for transport except for very short distances. This gun is exhibited with the limber used for short moves. Nevertheless, the gun was very successful and was the primary piece of heavy artillery batteries. Production of the gun at Hanomag Works in Hannover was badly disrupted by Allied bombing and resulted in a total production of only 338, far below requirements. In 1944, captured K-18s were used by Allied batteries against their former owners when Allied ammunition became scarce due to the long distance from Normandy to the front lines.

Caliber - 6.79 in. - 172.5 mm
Weight - 38,602 lb. - 17,510

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kg
Range - 32,382 yds. - 29,600 m
Shell Weight - 149.9 lb. - 68 kg
Muzzle Velocity - 3,035 ft/sec. - 925 m/sec.
Elevation - (0 to +50 degrees) - (0 to +889 mils)
Traverse - 360 degrees - 6,400 mils
Rate of Fire - 1-2 rpm
CCN#74446

Erected by U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum. (Marker Number 220.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.

Location. 34° 39.99′ N, 98° 23.083′ 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 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,

German K-18 170mm Gun and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

2. German K-18 170mm Gun and Marker

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 56 150 and 300mm Rocket Launcher (a few steps from this marker); Czechoslovakian VZ 37 149mm Howitzer (a few steps from this marker); British 25-Pounder Field Gun/Howitzer (a few steps from this marker); German 88mm Anti-Aircraft 36 Gun (a few steps from this marker); Austro-Hungarian 75mm Mountain Cannon Model 15 (within shouting distance of this marker); 155mm Howitzer Model of 1917/18 (Schneider) (within shouting distance of this marker); German GrW 69 210mm Heavy Mortar (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. 8-Inch Howitzer, M1/M115 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map 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 to Fort Sill.

Also see . . . U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

3. German K-18 170mm Gun and Marker

(Submitted on March 9, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 980 times since then and 121 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.