The 42-line siege gun M1877 could fire high explosive (HE) or shrapnel shells of 15.6 kg (34.3 lbs) weight at a distance of 9.6 km (6 miles).
[3][4] Notice in the image on right top of page the equipment around wheels used to reduce recoil.
The Japanese Army successfully attacked the hill and captured several 42-line siege guns.
Due to the lack of heavy artillery the Japanese took the guns in service during the rest of the conflict.
Many of the 42-line siege guns were captured by the Imperial German Army and reissued to nine Landwehr Foot Artillery Battalions, equipping 22 Batteries.