Pineville in Rapides Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
M1897A4 Field Gun
"The French 75"
| | Production---1897-1940 | |
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, April 21, 2022
1. M1897A4 Field Gun Marker
Type: Field Artillery
Manufacturer: American made French gun
Weight: 3,404 lbs (1.7 tons)
Rate of fire: 15-30 rpm burst; 3-4rpm sustained
Range: 9,300 to 12,000 yards
Ammunition: 75 mm, high explosive, high explosive anti-tank, schrapnel
Crew: 6
Number Built: 21,000+
Commonly known as the French 75, this gun is widely regarded as the first modern artillery piece. The French 75 was designed as an anti-personnel weapon system for delivering large volumes of time-fused shrapnel shells on enemy troops advancing in the open. By 1918, it became the main delivery for toxic gas shells. It was the first field gun to include a hydro-pneumatic recoil mechanism, which kept the gun's trail and wheels still during the firing sequence. Since it did not need to be re-aimed after each shot, the crew could reload and fire quickly. The American Expeditionary Forces were supplied about 2,000 during World War I. This gun was used as a training piece during the Louisiana Maneuvers of World War II.
SN: 2620E; Object# 666944
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military.
Location. 31° 22.2′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana and in Acadiana Cajun Country. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: M1987A 75mm Field Gun "French 75" (here, next to this marker); Louisiana National Guard Korean War Memorial (here, next to this marker); M3 37mm Anti-Tank Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Beauregard - 761st Tank Battalion (within shouting distance of this marker); UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" Helicopter
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, April 21, 2022
2. M1897A4 Field Gun Marker
More about this marker. Streets given are inside Camp Beauregard. Located on the grounds of the Louisiana National Guard, Camp Beauregard base. The Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum is located on site. Highly recommend checking before a visit to make sure base/museum is opened and accessible to civilians, as it is an active military base.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 268 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 2, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
