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M110 Howitzer in action. 32 Regiment RA
In Kuwait, the Artillery Raids preceded the ground offensive by several days. The Raids began on 17 February 1991 and lasted until the offensive (24 February). 32 Regiment Royal Artillery was equipped with M110 self-propelled howitzers.
The gun detachment consisted of seven men (3 on the gun and four on the ground). The prism is fixed into the ground (at left). During the Artillery Raids the ammunition wagon would drive close to the rear of the gun, unload its ammunition and withdraw. In the loading tray on the ground is the next shell to be fired; it will be followed into the breech by the white bag charge (held by a gunner at the left side). The No. 1 has pulled the lanyard to fire the gun, and immediately the long-handled sponge is thrown up to the gun platform.
During the fighting period, each gunner wore body armour over his NBC suit. Black, rubber NBC over-boots were worn early on in the campaign. (NBC gloves were not worn). The respirator was in its pouch at the left hip. Ear defenders (very small, and not visible) are worn by the men standing on the gun; when the gun is about to fire, they put their hands over their ears and lean forward. Some ammunition numbers behind the gun don’t wear ear defenders as a rule, so that they can hear shouted instructions. Due to the rapid advance during the conflict, the usual practice of erecting camouflage netting (draped on poles) over the gun was dispensed with. The men’s webbing and small arms (Self Loading Rifles and Sub Machine Guns) were laid out on a tarpaulin along the right side of the gun.
During the busy first two days of the conflict, the men were dirty and unshaven, being continuously on the move.
The CO was Lt Col Peter Marwood RA.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Printed image size(s): B3 only (approx 43 x 27 cm)
Owner: 32 Regiment RA
Price(s): £70
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