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The Military Department has placed several of the guns used in the Field Artillery R. O. T. C., courses on exhibition in the Sever Quadrangle, near the steps of Widener, in order that visitors to the College, new students and men contemplating taking the R. O. T. C. course, may gain some idea of the work of the department. Besides the new guns, there are some war-worn pieces of material that have been presented to the College by the French Government as a slight appreciation of the service rendered to France by Harvard men during the war. These guns have been turned over to the Military Department, and until suitable permanent places can be found for them they have been placed, two in front of, and one on each side of the library steps.
Newer Guns Government Issue
The newer guns are the property of the government, and have been issued to the University by the department for instruction purposes.
Directly in front of the center of the library steps is a 155 millimeter rifle, designed by Filloux, a Frenchman, and manufactured in France, a gun used to a large extent by our artillery during the war, when it was especially effective during the St. Mihiel attack, and in the Meuse-Argonne advance. Although it weighs only 10 tons, making it easily movable by tractor; it has a range of 11 miles and shoots a projectile weighing 95 pounds, with an initial velocity of 2400 feet per second. The gun in the Yard has seen service in France.
American "75" Near 155 mm. Rifle
Directly in the near of the 155 millimeter is an American "75," copied from the British 18-pounder, and improved by the addition of a split trail, rendering high angle fire possible. It is intended for ordinary use in the divisional artillery and for emergency use against aircraft.
Under the tube of the "155" is a 37 millimeter gun used by our infantry as an accompanying gun. It also is a French piece. The gun is very accurate, very mobile, and capable of firing about 30 shots a minute.
Near University Hall is one of the well-known French "75s," which saw action in France. It has been proved and it is admitted by artillerymen of all nations that this gun, after 20 years, has never been surpassed by any gun of approximately its calibre.
The guns given to the University by the French include a battered "French 75," a captured German light field piece, and two captured trench mortars.
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