ARTILLERY REGISTER

         
L5 Pack Howitzer
Type of Gun: L5 Pack Howitzer
Location: Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club, 18 Hallards Road, Central Mangrove, NSW
GPS Location: 33° 17' 27.00" S - 151° 14' 12.80" E
Serial Number: 0507006P
Date of Manufacture: 1961
Manufacturer: Oto Melara
Calibre: 105 mm
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Historical Specifics: The guns at Central Mangrove were purchased by the Mangrove Mountain RSL Sub Branch in 1994. They were transported by the Army Reserve to the present site from Salisbury in South Australia. No Gun history books came with the gun.

The L5 is a pack howitzer designed by the Italians and capable of being broken down into several loads which could be carried on pack mules or man pack. Introduced into service in the Australian Army in 1963 a total of 120 guns were delivered from three purchases. The gun was issued to regular and reserve (CMF) artillery units and saw active service during the Confontation with Indonesia in Malaysia and in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967, including firing support to D Company 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment during the battle of Long Tan 0 18 August 1966. It was replaced in Vietnam in 1967 due to the stresses imposed on the gun from firing numerous rounds of ammunition. It was withdrawn from service in 1992.
         
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