M2 Cannister Shells

[Forever Babra]

Ever-interested in getting the most out of my pet AFV, the Stuart, I have to ask: Where is the M2 Cannister shell for anti-personnel work?

Oops - Shoulda done the search FIRST.

Originally Posted by Big Time Software

As for the canister shot. We had a discussion about this a while ago. From what I recall it was not common at all in the ETO. Seems it was used, and used effectively, in the PTO to a much greater degree. So no, I don't think it will be in CM.

Steve

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"Za Rodentia!"

[This message has been edited by Forever Babra (edited 03-11-2001).]

[Stuka]

Whooheyyy! this all sounds a bit too 'groggy' for me........

Not to mention "gamey"

Muahhaahahaahaaaahaaaa!!

[gunnergoz]

Without starting up what's obviously been thrashed over before, I did think it interesting that the WW2 history of the US 2nd Armored Division mentions use of canister by the M-5A1 light tanks on a frequent basis against German infantry and crew-served weapons.

Since the light tanks were often utilized to escort the armored infantry half-tracks (mostly when German tank presence was known to be minimal), they used the canister to good effect suppressing the enemy anti-infantry support weapons while the GI's took on the AT weapons that threatened the lights.

While it might be tough to simulate the use of canister, it would be worth doing based upon what I've read about its actual use in action in the ETO.

[rexford]

Advanced Squad Leader states that U.S. 37mm cannister is available on all fronts after July 1942.

75mm U.S. cannister available 44-45 but not in Italy.

105mm U.S. cannister 44-45 but only in Pacific.

ASL gives 37mm cannister fair availability, 58% chance it is there first time gunner reaches for it.

[Claus B]

Just to throw a spanner in the works. There was also a cannister round for the 7,5cm KwK 37 L/24 used in the Panzer IV, Panzer III, SdKfz 251/9, SdKfz 233 and SdKfz 234/3.

Of availability I know nothing.

Claus B

[busboy]

I read a first hand account of a gunner using the 37mm canister shot, he said he fired 3 rounds at a group of 8 german infantry at close range. The noise scared 'em into surrendering without a scratch on 'em. In other things I have read, I have never gotten the impression that it was a very useful weapon from such a small caliber

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busboy

CO, 99th Dragons

A Warbirds Squadron

'We will heat you up'

"It is well that war is so terrible, else we would grow too fond of it."

-Robert E. Lee

[Guest 66cubalibre]

Quoting from Ian V. Hogg's "Infantry Weapons of World War II":

(in the entry for the 37mm M3A1) "An interesting point was the provision of case shot for this gun, a shotgun-like round filled with lead balls for close-range anti-personnel firing. It was also found to be an excellent method of clearing away jungle foliage and undergrowth to clear fields of fire and to flush out snipers."

[This message has been edited by 66cubalibre (edited 03-11-2001).]

[Jeff Duquette]

I was reading through After Action reports for the 38th Cav Squadron (ETO 1944-45...pdf files over on the USMHI web site), and there are several references to Stuarts Employing canister against German Infantry.

[Guest Michael emrys]

Seems like a few hundred threads back someone mentioned it being used for hedgerow clearing in Normandy. Should be a definite improvement on the relatively small HE round for anti-personnel work.

Michael