The War Machines
2 total works
This fascinating in-depth dossier is based on classified wartime reports issued by the US Military Intelligence Services, and examines the main weapon types - pistols, rifles, grenades, machine guns and mortars as well as anti-tank guns and infantry howitzers.
The equipment of the German Army in 1939 reflected the High Command's policy of having the smallest variety of weapon types consistent with meeting operational requirements. Initially the emphasis was on developing only selected types for mass production. As the battle fronts widened and the theatres of operations became more varied, they were forced to increase the variety of their weapons. Detailed descriptions and specifications are accompanied by diagrams and photographs to provide an invaluable resource on Germany's infantry weapons.
The equipment of the German Army in 1939 reflected the High Command's policy of having the smallest variety of weapon types consistent with meeting operational requirements. Initially the emphasis was on developing only selected types for mass production. As the battle fronts widened and the theatres of operations became more varied, they were forced to increase the variety of their weapons. Detailed descriptions and specifications are accompanied by diagrams and photographs to provide an invaluable resource on Germany's infantry weapons.
Once described as the worst tank that ever won a war it was built in the States by car factories, railway works and vast purpose-built factories. The M4 Sherman saw service in all theatres of the Second World War as well as in later conflicts in Korea and Israel. It came in many variants. The British gave it a bigger gun, they made 'funnies' that could throw flames or swim ashore and wade rivers or ditches, they were used to lay bridges, clear minefields and even launch rockets. Many Sherman's were sold overseas to countries such as Uganda, Italy, Paraguay, Argentina and Mexico.