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THE ILLUSTRATED WAR NEWS, NOV. 18, 1914--23


[Illustration: "BLACK MARIA'S" LITTLE BROTHER: ONE OF THE GERMAN
15-CENTIMETRE HEAVY POSITION-GUNS IN THE ACT OF FIRING.]

The German heavy "batteries of position" are for the most part armed-with
the 15 cm., or 6-inch howitzer, throwing a shell of 90 lb. with an
approximate range of 6650 yards. The howitzer type of mobile heavy gun is
much favoured for defensive work in both the German and the Austrian
armies. The howitzer is capable of elevation up to 65 deg., the idea of
this high elevation being, it is stated, to obtain a steep angle of
descent for the shells at comparatively short ranges, in combination with
a high remaining velocity so as to ensure the penetration of overhead
cover. These howitzers are also employed in siege and fortress defence
warfare. They have been used along the Aisne positions as auxiliaries to
the giant Krupp siege-howitzers.




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24--THE ILLUSTRATED WAR NEWS, NOV. 18, 1914.


[Illustration: CHARGING ON FOOT WITH THE LANCE: BENGAL LANCERS ATTACK