Classic Military Auctions in Normandy have a large auction upcoming on the 3rd and 4th of June where this will go on sale. CLICK HERE to see more.
Estimate €80,000 – €150,000.
This auction will is crammed full of amazing vehicles so well worth checking out.
The M7 Priest was a self-propelled artillery vehicle used by the United States during World War II. It was developed on the chassis of the M3 Lee/Grant tank and was primarily designed to provide mobile artillery support to armored and infantry units.
Here are some key details about the M7 Priest:
- Role: The M7 Priest served as a self-propelled howitzer, providing indirect fire support to ground troops. It was designed to deliver high-explosive shells onto enemy positions and fortifications.
- Armament: The main armament of the M7 Priest was a 105mm howitzer, which could fire a variety of ammunition, including high-explosive, smoke, and illumination rounds. The vehicle carried a total of 69 rounds for the main gun.
- Crew: The crew of the M7 Priest consisted of a commander, gunner, driver, and loader. The commander and gunner operated the main gun, while the driver was responsible for maneuvering the vehicle.
- Armor: The M7 Priest had armor protection that varied in thickness from 12mm to 51mm. While it provided some protection against small arms fire and shell fragments, it was not heavily armored compared to tanks.
- Mobility: The vehicle was powered by a Wright R975 radial gasoline engine, which provided a top speed of around 24 miles per hour (39 kilometers per hour). The M7 Priest had a range of approximately 125 miles (201 kilometers) on roads.
- Production and Service: The M7 Priest was produced in large numbers during World War II, with over 4,000 units built. It saw service with the U.S. Army as well as other Allied nations, including the British Army.
- Combat History: The M7 Priest played a significant role in various theaters of World War II, including the North African Campaign, the Italian Campaign, and the Western Front. It provided crucial artillery support during offensive and defensive operations.
- Post-WWII Service: After World War II, the M7 Priest remained in service with many countries around the world. It was used in conflicts such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Some nations continued to use it well into the late 20th century.
The M7 Priest was an important artillery piece for the U.S. Army during World War II, offering effective fire support to ground forces and contributing to the success of numerous military operations.
