The M7 Priest was a WW2 self-propelled howitzer which entered service with the US Army in April 1942. It was based on the standard M3 Lee medium tank chassis. It had a large open topped structure that replaced the original turret. It first saw combat action in North Africa, and later in Italy in 1943, and Normandy in 1944. It was also fielded by the British Army.
The M7 Priest featured a 105-mm M2A1 howitzer, which was mounted slightly to the right of the tracked vehicle. The artillery piece had a 45 degrees traverse and a -5 to +35 degrees elevation. The first production batch of the Priest could carry 57 rounds, but later production variants could carry 69 shells. The increase was possible because they reduced the number of folding crew seats.
The M7 105-mm howitzer could fire a full range of ammunition types, such as high explosive (HE), high explosive anti-tank (HEAT), white phosphorous (WP), and smoke. It had a maximum range of 10,424 m (11,400 yards), with a sustained rate of fire of 8 rounds per minute. The Priest was also fitted with a 12.7mm (.050-cal.) M2 Browning machine gun, which was mounted on ring located on forward right side of vehicle.
The M7 self-propelled howitzer was powered by a Continental R975 air-cooled radial engine. It moved at the maximum speed of 38.6 km/h (24 mph), with a range of 193 km (120 miles), using 175 gallons of gasoline. It weighed 23 tons. It featured a three-piece transmission housing and a vertical volute suspension, with the return roller centered around the bogie assembly.
Below, the M7 Priest Howitzer Motor Carriage, as it was officially called, in 1942.
Top view of the M7
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