The 24 cm Kanone M. 16, a super-heavy siege gun, left an indelible mark on both World War I and World War II. Originally commissioned by Austria-Hungary during the Great War, this behemoth of artillery played an important role on multiple fronts. While only two were completed during World War I, the remaining six found their place in the post-war era and even saw action in the hands of Germany during the Second World War.
In response to the need for a long-range siege gun capable of reaching deep into enemy territory, the Austro-Hungarian Army turned to Škoda in 1916. The result was the 24 cm Kanone M. 16, featuring a 40-caliber barrel constructed from twelve intricately designed parts. With a maximum range of 26 km and a hefty 198 kg shell, this siege gun promised to be a game-changer.
Mounted on a rotating platform, the gun carriage boasted dimensions of 6.5 meters in length, 5.2 meters in width, and 1.4 meters in height. Loading required lowering the gun to a 6-degree angle, facilitated by a crane and cart system. Transported in four loads by an electric-powered trailer, assembling the gun in the field took 1-2 days, with disassembly requiring approximately 6 hours.
During World War I, only two guns were delivered, one each serving on the Western and Italian Fronts. Despite their limited deployment, these siege guns showcased their prowess in battle, impressing the Austro-Hungarian Army with their long-range capabilities. As the Great War concluded, four more guns were under construction, all of which were completed by the end of 1921. The newly formed Czechoslovak Army decided to acquire these guns, demonstrating their continued relevance in the post-war era.
In 1939, Germany acquired all six guns and their electric trucks. Renamed the Schwere 24 cm Kanone(t) in German service. These siege guns were assigned to the Second Battalion of Artillery Regiment 84. They saw action by the Somme during the Battle of France and later they were stationed neat Calais to utilise their long range to attack British coastal convoys in the English Channel and to protect German ones. During Operation Barbarossa these artillery pieces were part of the Heeresgruppe Nord (Army Group North) and the siege of Leningrad. However, midway through the siege, all six guns had to be returned to Škoda for repairs. They were redeployed in 1943 and 1945 to the Army and fought on the eastern front until the end of the war finishing their service in the Courland Pocket.
The 24 cm Kanone M. 16 stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Škoda and its contribution to two major conflicts. This siege gun demonstrated its enduring effectiveness and relevance in artillery warfare, from its deployment in the trenches of World War I to its use in the wide battlefields of World War II.
