To: 
From: "Vern Humphrey" 
Reply-To: r_catholic-l{at}yahoogroups.com

To: Eric Williams [mailto:me{at}egwilliams.net]
>
> I could probably easily look this stuff up...but you are the expert(s)
> :-)
>
> What is a "Howitzer" exactly? How does it differ, from say, a
> "non-howitzer?" ...and who was "Howitzer?"

A howitzer is a relatively low-velocity gun capable of high-angle fire
(above 800 mils or 45 degrees).  A howitzer differs from a gun by having a
shorter barrel and a carriage that allows greater elevation.  In modern
artillery, the distinction is becoming blurred, however, and many howitzers
have high velocity, while many guns have high elevation capabilities.

In general, howitzers are zoned -- that is, they have a powder charge made
up of multiple increments, allowing fewer increments to be used when low
velocities are desirable.

The term "Howitzer" is from a middle European word meaning
"sling."
>
> I assume it is bored differently?
>
> Also, what is a "Field Gun?"

A field gun is one on a carriage that can be towed for long distances.  It
can accompany an army in the field, as opposed to being kept in a fort, or
used only for static situations, like seiges.
>
> Can anyone offer an artillery primer?
>
> The reason I ask is, I play a WWII RTS game called "Sudden
Strike" quite
> often, and I'm sometimes given (or capture) many different artillery
> pieces and I'd like to know the difference between them. For example, if
> I'm the Germans, I have Lefeld Howitzers, Pak8 guns, field guns and
> mobile guns. If I'm the Brits, I have Howitzers, field guns, something
> called a "17 Pounder," etc. etc.
>
> One more thing...In the game there are a variety of "Tank Destroyers"
> such as the Stugs, ISUs and Wolverines. I thought ALL tanks were "Tank
> Destroyers"...what is the difference other than not having a rotating
> turret?

That's basically it -- a tank destroyer did not have a turret.  It was an
attempt to produce armor on the cheap, and wasn't all that successful.
>
> BTW, the Pak38 is useless against Soviet heavy Armor :-)
>
Not surprising.  In WWII, the Soviet tanks were the best of all.


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