World War II Vehicles, Tanks, Airplanes, and Guns
World War II, a time in history of great upheaval the world over. Found here in are some of the machines used in that time by the men and women who fought the battles, delivered the supplies, and transported the wounded. Look around and enjoy the historical information, the specifications, pictures and videos of the machines of war that were used in World War II.
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Sweden's Strv m/31 light tank
In the 1920s the Swedes decided to design and manufacture their own tanks. The first of these was the Strv m/31.
Sweden's Strv m/21 light tank
German engineer Joseph Vollmer designed the Strv m/21.
France's Somua S-35
Probably the best French tank of World War II was the SOMUA S-35. Its one man turret was its greatest weakness.
Czechoslovakia's TNH P-S light tank
The tank that made up 25% of the German tank forces in 1940 and 1941 was the TNHP (later called the PzKpfw 38(t)). It was very reliable and easy to maintain.
Czechoslovakia's LT vz 35 medium tank
The Czechoslovakian's had an excellent armaments industry including tanks. One of them was the Skoda LT vz 35 medium tank that the Germans used in many of its Panzer Divisions in the early campaigns.
Soviet Union's SMK (Sergei Mironovich Kirov) heavy tank
The SMK was another of the Soviet multi-turreted tanks that was developed in the late 1930s. It was used against Finland but was found to be lacking in armor. The SMK was abandoned and the KV-1 became the favorite heavy tank.
Poland's Czolg lekki 7TP (7 ton) light tank
Though if there had been more of the 7TPs they could have potentially proven to be a thorn in the German sides when they invaded Poland. But there just wasn't enough of them to make a difference.
The Defense of Moscow 1941 The Northern Flank, Jack Radey & Charles Sharp, 2012
One, of the many, key battles of World War II was the Soviet Union stopping the German army at Moscow in December 1941. In The Defense of Moscow 1941 we learn of just the northern portion of that battle.
Jack Radey and Charles Sharp do an excellent coverage of both sides of the conflict. The Germans who hope one last push will take them around Moscow and the Soviets in their last ditch defense nearly at the gates of their capital.
After the war the German generals wanted to blame "general mud" on their defeat, which though did contribute some to their demise, but in reality it was the tenacious defense of the Soviet soldiers (though poorly led) that won the day.
This Stackpole book was a rather good read and I'd recommend it.
Australia's Australian Cruiser 1
With Great Britain focused on Europe, Australia decided to build their own cruiser tank. This was the AC Sentinel series. For a country that didn't even have an automobile industry it was quite an achievement to design and then produce around 66 tanks. Once American tanks became available the ACs were no longer needed.
France's Renault Modèle R-35
The R-35 was another outdated tank produced in large numbers by France. Some were exported to Poland, Romania, Turkey, and Yugoslavia.
France's Renault FT-17 Light Tank
The first tank with a completely revolving turret, the FT-17 was first used in May 1918. Even though it was outdated, there were still a few FT-17s being used at the start of World War II.
Germany's Jagdtiger, SdKfz 186
Just like the King Tiger, the Jagdtiger was too monstrous for offensive operations. The Jagdtiger did have a deadly 12.8 mm PaK 44 L/55 gun that could cut through just about any Allied tank. Almost 80 were built before the fall of the Third Reich.
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