The following report on German light artillery was originally printed in Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 17, January 28, 1943. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

GERMAN LIGHT-WEIGHT ARTILLERY It is reported that there are two types of specially constructed light-weight German guns, the L.G.1 and L.G.2 (L.G. being the abbreviation for Leichtes Geschutz or light gun). L.G.1 still remains rather an unknown quantity. It seems probable that the caliber is 75-mm and there are indications that it is modelled on the lines of the normal 75-mm infantry gun. There is evidence that this weapon is very low and compact, with a very light split trail, exceedingly small wheels, and a small light shield. It is most unlikely that such a gun could achieve a reasonable degree of accuracy except at very close range, and economy in material appears to have been carried to such lengths that the strength, reliability, and life of the weapon must be seriously affected. L.G.2 is known to be of 105-mm caliber and has been reported as similar in design to L.G.1. There may also be an L.G.3. The development of parachute and airborne warfare by the Germans made inevitable the development of special artillery weapons. It may also become necessary to provide antitank guns, built on similar lines, of sufficient velocity and caliber to be effective against modern armor. The probable use of hollow-charge ammunition by the existing light-weight artillery guns is not likely to relieve this requirement, and it is probable that normal types of antitank guns will have to be modified or redesigned if large-scale airborne operations should be contemplated.

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