In early 1941 the first examples of the SPG were produced. It was proposed that all 47mm anti-tank guns would be mounted on this chassis eventually. This orginal design called for no overhead cover, though, later models were provided with overhead covers. Conceived as a light assault and support vehicle, it was to be used in conjunction with light tanks and reconnaissance vehicles and against strongpoints as well. Though not designed to be a tank destroyer, it soon fell easily into that role. This was the largest Italian SPG sent to the Russian Front. A command version was produced in which the main gun was replaced with a Breda Model 38 8mm MG (disguised as a 47mm gun). This allowed for more interior room for the commander and extra radio equipment. A total of 300 were produced between 1941 and 1943.
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This superior self propelled gun/howitzer was the first Italian SPG produced in series during WW2. The prototype was tested in early 1941, and production models were assigned to operational units later in the same year. The first vehicles of this type to participate in combat were assigned to two SPG artillery "gruppi" of the Ariete Division, and received their "baptism by fire" in early 1942. The machine was used in much the same way as the Germans used the Jagdpanzer, thus, the tank served as a anti-tank vehicle rather than it's originally designed purpose of a infantry artillery support vehicle. When introduced, the armament was considered formidable in comparison to both German and British units. The effectiveness of the gun was further enhanced by the use of an excellent shaped charge shell. The first units were built on the M 13/40 chassis with successive units built on the M 14/41 and M 15/42. Production was halted in September 1943. After the armistice, the Germans employed any of these vehicles that they could find. Only about 200 of these units were ever made. The Italians used these vehicles in the post war Italian army until they were replaced by American equipment.
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Each "gruppo" of 75/18 self propelled guns assigned to the armored divisions had a varying number of command vehicles (carri commando) which were modifications of the M.13 and M.14 consisting basically of a turretless version of the tank.
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Limited numbers of this SPG were produced as an interim measure during 1943. The regular 75/18 gun was replaced by the 75/32 only because of the lack of 75/34 guns. Only a few were delivered to operational units prior to the surrender on 8 September 1943. Those that were delivered were used against the Germans outside of Rome. Those captured were used by the Germans. Only about 25 units were equipped with the 75/32 gun. It is not known how many were finally equipped with the 75/34 gun. It is not known how many were produced under German authority.
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The M42M was designed as an assault gun to be used in conjunction with the P.40 tank. The vehicle was to use the same chassis as the P.40 but due to production delays, the chassis of the M 15/42 was used. Production models were delivered too late to be used by Italian units prior to the armistice. The Germans and some units of the RSI did employ these vehicles however. Area of service was Yugoslavia and Italy only.
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Like the M 42M, the M 42L was planned and designed to be built on the P.40 chassis. Instead, owing to production problems, the vehicle was built on the M 15/42 chassis, but slightly enlarged. This was the heaviest armored vehicle built by the Italians during WW2. Owing to it's width and low silhouette, Italian armored artillerymen affectionately called it "Dachshund". Only one "gruppo" was operational prior to 8 September. This unit fought the Germans outside of Rome for control. Surrendering vehicles were used by the Germans and RSI armored elements in Italy. There was a modified M 42L fitted with a 13.2MM MG in liew of the main gun and configured in a manner like the carro commando on the M 14/41 chassis.
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After the armistice, control of the Ansaldo works fell under German control. The Germans ordered the production of a modified version of the M 42L and a 75/46 was the gun of choice. The resulting vehicle was named the M 42T da 75/46 (the T signified Tedesco or German). Only a limited number were produced and these were used exclusively by the Germans. Only about 15 were ever made.
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This was an impressive piece of equipment! The gun was orginally developed as a naval cannon and was a native Italian design very similar to the famous German 88. The gun even had a higher muzzle velocity than the 88 and was adapted/designed specifically for use against Soviet armor. None were ever sent to the Eastern Front. 24 units did see service against the Allies in the 10 Ragruppamento Semoventi which was stationed in Sicily. The sole surviving unit is located at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland USA. Also shown is the accompanying tracked armored ammunition carrier that was a modification of the L.6 tank. The carrier had a 26 round capacity and it towed a 2 wheeled caisson which had a 40 round capacity. A total of 30 were produced.
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The 149mm SPG was a large vehicle by Italian standards. It was built on a special Ansaldo chassis which used a strengthened P.40 suspension system. Only one was built in 1943 and series production was cancelled because of the armistice. The only gun is located at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland USA. It is not known if this gun ever saw action.
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Last Update: Thursday, February 13, 2003 |
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