Colour photo of 3 Canadian troops inspecting captured artillery

3 Canadian troops pose for the camera "inspecting" German artillery captured in the Haut-Mesnil area.

To the right is a 7.62 cm F.K. 39 (r) Antitank Gun, itself originally captured from the Russians where it was known as Divisional Gun M1939 76.2mm, a field gun used by the divisional artillery. They were converted into Anti-Tank weapons in German service.

To the left is a 7.5cm Pak 40 anti tank gun. Behind that is another piece originally captured from the Russians, a 122mm Howitzer M1942.

Behind that is a Gw. Lr. S. für 15 cm s.F.H. 13: S.P. Heavy Field Howitzer (on French Lorraine Chassis), a German 15cm howitzer on a captured French tractor.

All this formed the equipment of the German 89 Infantry Division commanded by General Conrad Heinrichs. The division formed part of the occupation forces in Norway, being moved to France in July 1944 and arriving south of Caen in August.

The soldier at the front wears the badge of the RCOC (Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps) of the 1st Canadian Army.

The Haut-Mesnil area was captured from the Germans on August the 8th as part of Operation Totalize by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, 1st Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Armoured Division.

http://www.lonesentry.com/ordnance/7-62-cm-f-k-39-r-antitank-gun-ex-russian.html

http://www.lonesentry.com/ordnance/gw-lr-s-fr-15-cm-s-f-h-13-s-p-heavy-field-howitzer-on-french-lorraine-chassis.html