Finish howitzer - ID help wanted

[Haegg]

Hi

Can anyone help me with the identification of this Finish howitzer? I guess that it might have a Soviet origin but I can't find a perfect match.



Picture source: http://ultimate.freehosting.net/armeija

[Jack Nisley]

Following info from Ian Hogg's "Allied Artillery of World War One" and a website I browsed a while back when looking for info on Finnish Artillery and the Winter War. Unfortunately, can't find it now.
During WWI, The British developed a series of 8" howitzers (MK I to MK VIII). Midvale Steel Co in USA made some under contract. After USA entered war, US Army adopted the 8" howitzer and used it in WWI. From reserve stocks, US sold a small number to Finland during the Winter War. Don't believe they got to Finland until after the war (spring/summer 1940). Used in Continuation War. IIRC.
The traction wheels, recoil slide, and barrel of your picture match the picture on page 80 of Hogg's book.

[Haegg]

Jack

Thanks. I went out on the net looking for artillery pieces made by Midvale Steel Co and found some pictures. Not great pictures but I see the similarities.







Pucture source: http://freepages.military.rootsweb.com/ ... itzer.html

[Ike_FI]

This one can be found outside War Museum in Helsinki:

[Juha Hujanen]

Jack,i belive you are right.It sure looks like American 8".It was typed as 203/H/17 in Finland.32 were buyed by Finns from USA,and they arrived after Winter War.27 of them were in use in 41 and 18 in 44.
It weghted 8700 kg and had range of 9.5 km.Rate of fire was only 2 ronds/minute.

Cheers/Juha