Initially it was classified as fortress howitzer (Russian: kryepostnaya gaubitsa), compared to the lighter Schneider design, 152 mm howitzer M1910, which was adopted as a field howitzer. However, during World War I it started to be used as a field howitzer as well.[1] It was later developed by the Soviet Union into the 152 mm howitzer M1909/30 which saw service throughout the Great Patriotic War.