Type 38 75 mm field gun

The  was a field gun used by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA).This field gun type was named "thirty-eight" because it was ordered in 1905; and 1905 was the 38th year of the reign of Emperor Meiji -- 1905 (Meiji 38).  It became a standard field gun of the IJA after the end of the Russo-Japanese War."Model 38 75 mm field gun," US Technical Manual, pp. 222-223; retrieved 2012-2-18.

History
Japan had experience with artillery in its war with Russia in 1904-05.Neuffer, William. "What Lessons In The Employment Of Field Artillery Should Be Deduced From The Experiences Of The Russo-Japanese War?" Artilleristische Monatshefts (The Field Artillery Journal), No. 35, November 1909; (British) General Staff, War Office. "The Russo-Japanese War," Reports From British Officers Attached To The Russian Forces In The Field, Vol. III, July 1907, pp. 106- 117.

In 1905 (Meiji 38), the Imperial Japanese Army selected Krupp's artillery design.  At first, the field guns were imported.Mayer, Sydney L. (1984) The Rise and Fall of Imperial Japan, p. 97.

Over 2000 guns were produced under license at the Army’s Osaka Arsenal.

After World War I, the weapon was re-designed in Japan.US Department of War. (1994). TM 30-480, Handbook on Japanese Military Forces.

Plans to replace the Type 38s with Type 90 75 mm field guns went forward in 1931.Mayer, pp. 57-59.   However, Type 38s continued to be used.Bishop, Chris. (1998).  "75-mm Field Gun Type 38 (Improved)," The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II, p. 142.

Combat record
Type 38s were used in the Second Sino-Japanese War and in World War II.

Related pages 
 Artillery of Japan
 List of field guns

Notes

Other websites

 Type 38 on Taki's Imperial Japanese Army page 
 US Technical Manual E 30-480

Category:Japanese weapons
Category:Artillery