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, 92° 24.188′ W. Marker is in Pineville, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. Marker is on F Street
this page online
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 (within shouting distance of this marker); 88th Engineer Heavy Ponton Battalion (within shouting distance of this marker); Third Armored Division Remembers France, Belgium & Germany (within shouting distance of this marker); Louisiana Army National Guard Desert Storm Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pineville.
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.
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, April 21, 2022
2. M1897A4 Field Gun Marker
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 54 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 2, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
