In 1900, the German Army asked Krupp to design for its Metz fortified area a heavy and long range gun, easily moveable on pre-built firing positions with its armoured shield, for firing against ennemy siege artillery.

The result was delivered in 12 items from 1903, and was named "15cm KiSL" ("15cm Kanone In SchirmLafette" - 15cm gun in shielded carriage ), and is considered by the WW1 artillery specialists as the precursor of the future powerful German Railway Heavy Artillery, even if it was not able to fire directly from its wagon

In August 1914 indeed, 8 such guns were dispatched into 4 batteries of two guns of the Rheinisches Fussartillerie Regiment 8, and used in Nancy, Antwerp, Flanders (where they fired on the 'Majestic' battleship !). Afterwards, these guns were dispersed on the front line, and installed in Argonne, Verdun, Hattonchatel, and in the Saint Mihiel Salient.

These tubes were quite efficient : on July 6, 1916, a single one nightly fired more than 200 rounds in less than 2 hours, in order to prepare an assault.

Main characteristics :

• Weight in firing position : 12360 kg (22500 kg in movement)
• Calibre : 150 mm
• Tube length : 40 calibres
• Projectile weigth : 51.5 / 52.5 kg
• Initial velocity : 688 / 750 m/s
• Range : 15400 a 19500 m
• Elevation range : -0 / +30 degres
• Direction range : 184 degres (330 on metallic platform)