M44 155mm Self-propelled Howitzer in BW Service

[Guardian 5]

Gents,

I'm not all that into artillery, but I have to admit that I find the unusual running gear of the M44 155mm Self-propelled Howitzer quirky and appealing.

Here we see "Drache" (Dragon), Bundeswehr registration number Y-431442, sitting on a wash rack somewhere in "West" Germany.

Here's a blurb on the vehicle from olivedrab.com http://olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_pho...4_howitzer.php

The M44 was standardized in 1953, after prototyping as the T99E in 1952 and then the T194. The M44 was used by US and allied forces until replaced in 1962 by the M-109 155mm Self-propelled Howitzer.

The 31 ton M44 was powered by a Continental A05-895-3 500hp gasoline engine. It could travel at 35 mph on the road and 11 mph cross country. In addition to its 155mm gun it was armed with a .50 cal. machine gun.

In this first picture, note the M113G parked alongside the howitzer.

All the best,

TJ

[Guardian 5]

Photo 2

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Photo 3

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Photo 4

[Guardian 5]

Photo 5

[Guardian 5]

Does anyone recognize what appears to be the unit insignia?

It looks like a mailed fist wielding a club (or a large chicken leg...)

Many thanks,

TJ

[speedytop]

Hi TJ,

I think, that it is a "Panzerhaubitze M55 203mm".

Uwe

[Proud Kraut]

Does anyone recognize what appears to be the unit insignia?

It looks like a mailed fist wielding a club (or a large chicken leg...)

Many thanks,

TJ

It`s the Verbandsabzeichen (insignia) of Feldartilleriebataillon 31 in Lüneburg.

https://www.google.de/search?q=felda...FQOP2wodluwKfA

And yes, it` the M55 203 SPH. I`m away from my files but if memory serves right, the Bundeswehr had only 12 of theses howitzers. Not one piece survived (except the remains of a M55 `hard target` in the Artillery School`s museum. Very nice pictures!!!

[Guardian 5]

Ach Scheisse!

Thanks for the help Kameraden!

[Guardian 5]

Gents,

Here is a picture of the unit crest.

My thanks to Uwe and Lars for their assistance.

All the best,
TJ