"TO: Commanders of Artillery of Rifle Corps, Rifle Divisions, and Artillery Regiments
29th Rifle Corps only
On the causes of premature detonation of 122 mm HEAT rounds
Several cases of premature detonation of HEAT (armour burning) ammunition in barrels of model 1938 122 mm howtizers with the subsequent destruction thereof have been recorded in 1944. Investigations show that in half of the cases firing was done with the full propellant charge instead of #4 charge as required by the firing tables for HEAT ammunition.
To execute the orders of the Artillery Commander of the Front, the Commander of Artillery of the Army orders that:
All personnel of artillery units armed with 122 mm howitzers must be instructed that HEAT (armour burning) ammunition must be fired with propellant charge #4 only. It is categorically forbidden to use the full charge or charges ##1, 2, or 3, as premature detonation in the gun barrel is possible.
Chief of Staff of Artillery in the 48th Army, Colonel Shestoperov
Deputy Chief of Staff of Artillery in the 48th Army, Guards Major Deriy
January 6th, 1945"
