Bag charge gun, so no brass cartridge cases. Item being loaded into the chamber in the second photograph is the shell, which is then being rammed home in the first photograph.
No camouflage! Most unusual given that artillery reconnaissance aircraft were active from early in the war on both sides. Maximum range of this howitzer was only 10km so it wasn't emplaced far behind the front lines. Camouflage was a priority.
It may be that the 'graves' in front are either the camouflage net and it has been removed for firing, or it is a wire entanglement with the stakes protruding.
I assume if the ground was hard the trail spade would be dug in, the 6" 26 cwt howitzer weighed about 3.5 tons and you would never maintain the rate of fire having to run all that back into position. The detachment would be exhausted before they started, particularly as it was common to use reduced detachments in 'shifts' to rest the men from the gun position.
Wheels are the standard iron rimmed tyres, no wooden pedrails there, just a wooden plank platform.
Structure to the left of the gun is most unusual and very prominent. It is not a shell or splinter-proof shelter of any type, too open.
I tend to agree that this may be a school or training establishment well behind the lines.
Keith
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