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Anzio Annie German K5(E) 280-mm RR Artillery piece |
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There were two guns that
made up the German K-5 RR battery that shelled the Anzio Beachhead.
"Robert" and "Leopold" were the names the Germans
gave the two guns.
Together, they composed "Anzio Annie." When the Allies broke out of the Anzio Beachhead, the guns were moved to Civitavecchia, located just north of Rome. There "Robert" and "Leopold" were spiked with explosives and blown in place. |
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On 07 June
1944, the 168th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Division captured the
guns.
Leopold was the less damaged piece and was moved to Naples and embarked aboard the liberty ship Robert R. Livingston and shipped to APG. |
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Photos from "Smitty" Northern California, USA |
| Country of Origin: | Germany |
| Caliber: | 11.02 inches (280 mm) |
| Barrel Length: | 70.08 feet |
| Overall Length: | 135.28 feet |
| Weight in Action: | 214.59 tons |
| Elevation: | 0° to 50° |
| Traverse: | 2° |
| Shell and Weight: | HE; 563.38 lbs |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 3,700 fps |
| Maximum Range: | 38.64 miles |
| Notes: |
This was one of the best workaday railway guns ever built. The K5(E) formed the background of the German railway artillery force during World War II and saw wide use. Two examples of the K5(E) survived World War II. One K5(E) is on display at Cap Griz Nez in France, the other "Anzio Annie" (above) is on display at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds Museum, Aberdeen Maryland. This particular gun is the one that was used in the shelling of the US troops during their landing at Anzio, Italy. |
