8inchHowitzerMkIRecoiling during World War I

Photograph of British 8 inch howitzer, a converted 6 inch naval gun, recoiling after firing, Wagonlieu.
The 2 small recoil cylinders above the barrel are fully extended. They were incapable of fully absorbing the gun's recoil, and the whole carriage would then move backwards a short distance up the ramp provided by the "scotches" behind the wheels before returning to the firing position.
The gun is concealed by camouflage netting and branches.
Other photographs in the same sequence :

File:BL 8 inch howitzer firing NLS 74546002.jpg
File:Englische schwere Haubitze in Gefecht.jpg