Japanese 305mm (30cm) Howitzer Type 7 (1918)
Technical Information
Background
The Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) 305mm (30 cm) Howitzer Type 7 (1918) 七式 三十 榴 弾 砲 Shichi-nenshiki sanjū-senchi ryūdanhō was a low-velocity howitzer firing a large shell at a high-angle shell for anti-ship or to fire at a ground target during a siege. Also designated 300mm Short Howitzer, Type 7 by the U.S. Army.
Wartime History
The 305mm howitzer was used by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) during the Second Snio-Japanese War and Pacific War.
In February 1940, two Type 7 long barrel howitzers were moved to the Kotō Fortress (Hutou Fortress) in eastern Manchukuo (Manchuria). In August 1945 when the Soviets attacked the Japanese positions around the Kotō fortress, the entire fortress crew and all guns were lost.
Some sources incorrectly claim the Type 7 were used on Luzon in the Philippines during 1942, this is incorrect.
During 1944, the 4th Independent Heavy Artillery Battalion with Type 7 short-barreled howitzers were sent to Luzon in the Philippines and emplaced in anticipation of the U.S. landings. A pair of 305mm Howitzer Type 7 at Damortis and one 305mm Howitzer Type 7 at Mount Macolod.
During 1945, four were emplaced on Honshu in anticipation of a U.S. landing on Japan but never used in combat.
Production
A total of 30 guns were manufactured including 20 long barrel
howitzers and 10 short barrel howitzers.
References
CINCPAC Bulletin 152-45 Japanese Artillery Weapons July 1, 1945 pages 63 (photos), 64 (technical information)
Catalog Of Enemy Ordnance Materiel August 1, 1945 [PDF] page 116e3 (photos, technical information)
The Field Artillery Journal January 1946 [PDF] pages 20, 22, 23 (photo)
Technical Details
Crew 9+ gunners, loaders
Caliber 305mm / 30cm / 12"
Weight 60 Tons (short barrel), 97 Tons (long barrel)
Elevation +2° to +73°
Traverse 360°
Muzzle Velocity 400 m/s (1,312 ft/s) short barrel
Shell 399 kg (880 lb) separate loading cased charges and projectiles
Maximum Horizontal Range 11.8 km / 7.3 miles short barrel
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