Field artillery materiel

This volume offers a thorough grounding for anyone studying field artillery, blending historical perspective with practical insight. Beginning with the evolution of gunpowder weapons—from ancient Roman catapults to the sleek French 75—the text traces how technological advances shaped modern firepower. It then moves into the fundamentals of gun construction, explaining breech mechanisms, recoil systems, and the intricate parts that keep a cannon reliable in the field.

The heart of the book is a detailed guide to the most common pieces of artillery used by U.S. forces, from the three‑inch field gun to the 155‑mm howitzer, complete with dimensions, operation, and maintenance tips. Readers also learn about ammunition types, explosives, fuzes, and the careful procedures required for cleaning, preservation, and transport. Designed as a single reference for ROTC cadets and junior officers, it combines clear explanations with enough depth to build confidence in handling any piece of field materiel.