Japanese Defenses atop Sohkes Mountain on Pohnpei Island
by Stan Gajda
127mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
The recoil cylinders are giant shock
absorbers that prevent the barrels from slamming back violently when
the guns are fired. The tubes on top of the 127s are the recuperating
cylinders that let the barrels return to battery in a controlled manner
after the recoil stroke has reached its end. Many guns don't have recuperators,
the 127s have a really massive recoil cylinder under each barrel, you
may be able to pick it in the rear view I sent. Both barrels fire together
of course because they are fired electrically and they belch much fire
and smoke.
127mm Anti-Aircraft Gun (No. 1)
Emplaced atop Sohkes mountain located along the center of the flat top of the ridge.
127mm Anti-Aircraft Gun (No. 2)
Emplaced atop Sohkes mountain located along the center of the flat top of the ridge.
Shell casings and range finder
6" Naval Gun
The guns were dragged up in pieces and assembled
on-site. Took the Japanese months to get them up there.
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