16. The French artillery was collection of several weapons
The primary weapon of the French artillery against infantry was the 75 mm field cannon, which used shrapnel shells triggered by a timed fuse to attack enemy troops. It was also the primary means by which the French delivered poison gas shells to their enemies’ formations. The French 75, as it became known to their English-speaking allies, was one of the most famous weapons of the war. The French manufactured about 12,000 of the gun during the course of the war, and when the American Expeditionary Force arrived in France it received about 2,000 of the weapons. Several calibers of howitzers and heavy mortars supplemented the French artillery.
As useful as the French 75 was, it was ineffective against entrenched and fortified positions. The French developed modified Naval guns over 1914-15, with barrels bored out to 155mm, known as St. Chamonds for the company accomplishing the modifications. The heavier guns had longer ranges as well, and played a large role in engaging German artillery throughout the battle. These guns were supported by 14 and 16-inch railway guns, which threw shells 25,000 yards and more, which roared overhead with the sound of a train. Essentially, they allowed for heavy naval bombardment of targets too far inland for ships to reach, though they were operated by troops of the French Army.