St Chamond 75mm Field Gun: From Mondragon to WW1 Tanks to Israel

Published on April 13, 2026
Duration: 16:39

This video provides an in-depth review of the Sashimon Model 1904 75mm field gun, originally designed by Manuel Mondragon. Ian McCollum details its historical context, including its adoption by Mexico and its later use by French tanks in WWI. The review covers the gun's technical specifications, screw breech mechanism, recoil system, ammunition types, and operational features like the fuse setting machine. It also touches upon its post-WWII service in Israel's War of Independence, highlighting its rarity and historical significance.

Quick Summary

The Sashimon Model 1904 75mm field gun, designed by Manuel Mondragon, was adopted by Mexico and later saw service in French WWI tanks. Its screw breech mechanism and rapid fire capability made it effective, though its recoil system was later adapted for tank use. The gun also served in Israel's 1948 War of Independence, highlighting its historical significance and rarity.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction to the Sashimon Model 1904 75mm Field Gun
  2. 00:29Design Origins: Manuel Mondragon and Sashimon Factory
  3. 01:14Mexican Adoption and Service History
  4. 01:44World War I French Orders and Tank Deployment
  5. 04:17Technical Details: Breech Block and Markings
  6. 04:54Screw Breech Mechanism Explained
  7. 06:13Ammunition Types and Specifications
  8. 06:58Firing Operation and Rate of Fire
  9. 07:29Recoil and Recuperator System
  10. 07:51Carriage Features: Trail Spade and Brakes
  11. 08:51Crew Roles and Responsibilities
  12. 09:12Elevation Control and Range Gauge
  13. 10:07Armored Shield and Crew Protection
  14. 10:51Gunner's Position: Elevation and Windage Controls
  15. 11:20Unique Windage Mechanism
  16. 12:44Sighting Systems: Optical and Iron Sights
  17. 14:09Fuse Setting Machine Demonstration
  18. 15:14Post-WWII Service in Israel
  19. 15:53Rarity and Surviving Examples
  20. 16:06Conclusion and Historical Significance

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the Sashimon Model 1904 75mm field gun?

The initial design brief for the Sashimon Model 1904 75mm field gun came from Manuel Mondragon, the same individual who designed the Mondragon semi-automatic rifle. He had a long history of working with Sashimon in France on artillery designs.

What was the role of the Sashimon 75mm gun in World War I?

While initially ordered by France, the Sashimon 75mm gun's recoil system proved insufficient for WWI front-line bombardments. It was subsequently installed in French St Chamond tanks, serving as their primary armament from tank number 49 onwards.

How does the screw breech mechanism of the Sashimon 75mm gun work?

The Sashimon 75mm gun utilizes a screw breech with an interrupted thread design. The breech block rotates to unlock, then slides back. An integrated extractor automatically ejects the spent shell case as the breech opens, aiding in rapid operation.

What types of ammunition did the Sashimon 75mm gun fire?

The Sashimon 75mm gun fired two main types of ammunition: shrapnel shells, weighing approximately 7.25 kg (16 lbs), and high-explosive shells, weighing about 5.5 kg (12 lbs). Muzzle velocity was around 500 m/s (1,650 ft/s).

Where did the Sashimon 75mm field gun see service after World War II?

After World War II, Mexico sold 32 of these guns to the nascent state of Israel. They were utilized in Israel's initial War of Independence in 1948, demonstrating the gun's continued relevance in later conflicts.

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