The trail is tubular. The top carriage houses bearings to receive the cradle trunnions and in travel it is locked to the trail. The bronze cradle pivots on the top carriage. The cradle trunnions support the sight.

The recoil system is of the hydraulic-spring type. The recoil cylinder is surrounded by the counter-recoil springs which in turn are enclosed by a steel case—all of which is screwed on top of the cradle above the gun. The system operates in the same manner as the 3” materiel with the exception that it possesses the additional feature of a gravity tank which replaces oil lost during firing.

75-mm. Gun Carriage, Model of 1917. (British)
Recoil Controlling System

75 mm. Gun Carriage, Model of 1917. (British)
Plan

The elevating mechanism is of the doubled-ended screw type with the independent angle of site. The gears are so arranged that the elevation for range can be made without disturbing the laying for difference in elevation of the gun and the target, that is, the line of sight. The handwheel on the right is for range to the target while the handwheel on the left is for the angle of site.

The traversing mechanism is of the pintle type, consisting of a crosshead, link nut, and an actuating screw with a handwheel. It permits of a 72 mil. traverse either side of the center. A scale strip and a pointer indicate the angle of traverse.

The firing mechanism like that of the American 75 is located on the left side of the gun instead of the right side as on the 3” and the French 75. The gun can be fired when it is within 2 inches of the “in battery” position, which increases the possible speed of firing.