Report of Fire Isle de Cezembre

SUBJECT: Report of Firing on Isle de Cezembre. 31 Aug thr 2 Sep 44.

TO: Commanding General, 83rd Division Artillery

1. 54 Missions fired.

2. a. 970 Rounds shell M107 expended.

b. Fuzes M51A3 and M51A1 used.

3. Performance of Material.

a. Weapons: Satisfactory except as noted in par. 5 below.

b. Ammunition:

(1) Shell: Satisfactory

(2) Fuzes: Satisfactory

(3) Powder: Satisfactory

4. Results of Firing.

a. Targets designated for destruction were two boats, beach obstacles and rock wall. One of the boats, apparently of wood, was destroyed to the water line. The other boat of steel was partially destroyed. The rock wall was battered to water line at about mean sea level. The beach obstacles were either destroyed or thrown on the beach.

Targets for neutralization were tunnel and bunker entrances. One tunnel appeared to have been closed by use of high angle fire. Observers reported no use of it after three direct hits.

b. (1) All targets were taken under fire using precision registration methods.

(2) (a) Approximately 20% of missions were taken under high angle fire. Proved difficult to adjust in gusty weather.

(b) 80% of missions were taken under low angle fire.

(c) No direct fire used.

(3) Fuzes: 50% of fuzes were fired set for quick action and 50% for delay action.

c. Some observers reported quick fuze more effective than delay fuze on some targets, such as one of the boats, a rock wall, barbed wire entanglements and beach defenses. on the other hand 45 hits, with quick fuze, on the boat, destroyed deck structures, with only superficial damage to the hull itself, as far as could be observed. Delay fuze used on the landing barge resulted in partial destruction of the hull.

d. No inspection of targets was made.

5. Malfunctions noted.

a. When primer is in firing mechanism block, the mechanism is very hard to screw into housing. Examination of primers show definite marks on the primers as though it scrapes the sides when being screwed in. The primers appear to be too large because firing mechanism block screws in very easily without the primer.

b. On some pieces it is difficult to bring down the operating lever when opening the breechblock. This malfunction appeared on one piece prior to this operation and with the help of some ordnance personnel the two screws holding the cam were taken out, the cam removed and then replaced with a "home made" shim. that operating lever has functioned well since.

c. One of the pieces will not elevate beyond 900 mils. Inspection by executive officer and artillery mechanic could not reveal the cause. Ordnance personnel has been requested.

d. Three firing pins broken, due to too small aperture in firing pin suide.

6. Recommendations: None

For the Battalion Commander:

Boleslaw H. Pokigo

Major, F.A. S-3