M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage (Obusier M8)
Details:
This M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage is located in the room called "Les Alliés Seconde Guerre mondiale" (The Allies during the Second World War) in the back of the museum. Combat Vehicle
The M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage (HMC) was a response to the problem of moving artillery at the same pace as infantry and armored vehicles. Unlike other U.S.-developed armored vehicles, which were used by other Allied forces, the M8 was primarily employed by the U.S. Army and the Marines and saw action in nearly all theaters. However, it was employed by the French in India-China following World War II. The M8 housed a four person crew, but left them vulnerable to enemy fire because the vehicle lacked a proper roof. The M8 earned the nickname "Scott" and featured a machine gun in addition to the main gun so that the crew could defend itself.
*Note: "Obusier" is the French word for "Howitzer."
Monument Text:
"The howitzer M8 was built by Cadillac on the basis of the light tank M5. Its turret was opened on its top. This vehicle equipped the reconnaissance units and it made up one first fire-support facing the enemy. It was to stand on service in the Armour for a long time in India-Cina and then in Algeria where it was to be very helpful."
