This 8-in How had
"Persuaders" stenciled on its barrel, and
was probably part of 17th FAB firing in support of
BCD (British Commonwealth Division) during
Operation Commando in October 1951. Whether or not
this is actually the time the photo was taken is
not known for sure, but here is a comment from
Vince Gilligan, 3rd Battalion Royal Australian
Regiment, who did not know of the existence of this
photo when he wrote.
Date sent: Fri, 07 Sep 2001 12:07:19 +1000
From: Vince GILLIGAN
To: korteng@rt66.com
Subject: Korean War Artillery
G'Day Bert,
... My home is in Australia.
My Query is,What was the largest
field artillery piece in use by the UN in that
conflict?
There was an American artillery
unit supporting us after Maryangsang, I can just
recall that they were about 2ks behind us when we
were entrenched on hill 355 (Little Gibraltar). I
think they may have been 155mm and they called
themselves "The Persuaders". They were
great support to us and I have been trying to find
out the actual name of that unit. Hope you can help
in this matter.
As noted, it was actually an 8-in
how.
From: "Richard L. Carter"
To: Bert Kortegaard
Subject: Support Fire
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 20:13:28 -0600
The Heavy Artillery you are asking
about " Persuaders" is an 8"
Howitzer. I was with this unit in Korea in 1950 and
51. We gave support fire for several units while I
was there. I came Home in August of 1951.
Richard Carter
