British and South African updates

To reduce the number of blog entries for minor updates, I'll start to combine them when I can. Here's some minor updates for the following:

• South Africa: Marmon-Herrington

• United Kingdom: Crusader Mk I, Valentine Mk II, Universal Carrier, Cruiser Mk II

Britain's Matilda II Infantry Tank updated

Added some minor updates and some clean up for the Matilda II.

Britain's Matilda I Infantry Tank updated

I've made some minor updates to the Matilda I Infantry Tank page.

Britain's Bren Gun Carrier updated

I've made some updates to the British Bren Carrier.

Britain's Morris CS8 Truck and CS9 Armored Car added

The British Expeditionary Force was the first to use the Morris CS8 GS 15cwt truck and the Morris CS9 Armored Car in it's units. The British armored forces continued to use them after the fall of France.

Britain's Handley Page Hampden bomber photos added

I've added a couple of photos, from Usenet, of the Handley Page Hampden bomber.

Britain's Cruiser Mk IV, A13 Mk II updated

The Cruiser Mk IV has some minor updates made to it.

Britain's Light Tank Mk VI updated

I've made some minor updates for the Light Tank Mk VI.

Britain's Bedford OYD GS 3-Ton truck added

I've added a page for the Bedford OYD GS 3-ton truck.

Britain's Number of Tanks in Units, May 10, 1940 added

Definitely only an approximation of the number of tanks in Britain's units as of May 10, 1940.

Britain's Fairey Battle and Swordfish photos added

A couple more photos via USENET. This time of the Fairey Battle bomber and the Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber.

Britain's Avro Anson trainer photo added

Over 10,000 Ansons were produced, with about 1/3 produced in Canada. Here's a new photo via USENET.

Britain's Armstrong Whitworth Whitley bomber photos added

I've added some new photos, that came via USENET, of the Whitley bomber.

Britain's Gun Penetration Tables updated

I've made some additions to Britain's Gun Penetration tables.

Britain's Supermarine Spitfire fighter photo added

I've added a picture of what many (including me!) think is one of the most elegant fighters to come out of the World War II period, the Spitfire.

Britain's Infantry Mk III, Valentine, more photos

Here's the last of the photos added for the Valentine to be added this go around.

Britain's Valentine photos added

I've now added some photos of the Valentine:

Valentine I:

Valentine II:

Valentine V:

Valentine X:

Valentine XI:

Britain's Infantry Tanks, Valentine and Valiant updated

I've added additional information on the Valentine variants and the Valiant.

Britain's Valentine updated

Added some new info on the Valentine series. Will be adding more info on the variants and probably add some photos over the next week.

Britain's Cruiser Mk I and Cruiser Mk II updated and photos added

Before World War II started Sir John Carden designed the first of the Cruiser series of tanks. The Cruiser Mk I, A9 and the Cruiser Mk II, A10.

Mk Is:


Mk I and Mk II:

Mk IIs:

Britain's Infantry Mk IV Churchill, A22 updated

I've updated the pages for the Churchill, but mostly organized them not so much new content.

Britain's Cruiser Mk VIII, A27M, Cromwell updated

Wow, guess I was 1/2 asleep when I posted the last two entries! They are now corrected! Sheesh!
I've now made some updates to the Cromwell pages.

Britain's Cruiser Mk VIII, A27L, Centaur updated

I've now made some updates for the Centaur.

Britain's Cruiser Mk VII7, A247, Cavalier updated

I've made some minor updates for the Cavalier.

United Kingdom's Cruiser Tanks updated

I did a few updates yesterday and forgot to get them posted to the Blog, so here they are.

• Cruiser Mk II
  
• Crusader
  
• Cruiser Mk V
  
• Cruiser Mk IV
• Cruiser Mk III

Britain's Cruiser Mk I, A9 updated

The philosophy of the British tank corps was to have Cruiser tanks that would act like cavalry and exploit by driving into and beyond the front lines of the enemy. The first of that breed was the Cruiser Mk I (A9).

United Kingdom's Light Tanks, more updates

A couple more updates to finish off the light tanks.

• Vickers 6 Ton
• Harry Hopkins

United Kingdom's Light Tanks updated

Now starting on the source that was my very first one used in building the site. Hoping to find some new tidbits to add that I didn't initially. Also to properly attribute it as a source.
I've now made some modifications to the Light Tanks used by the United Kingdom. More to come!

• Tetrarch
  
• Light Tank Mk VI
• Light Tank Mk I

Britain's history and production updated

I've made some minor updates to Britain's history and vehicle production.

Britain's Sherman Firefly VC updated

Though when the Sherman first came on the scene it was quite comparable to the German vehicles it was going up against. However, the Germans continued advancing their designs, whereas the Americans felt it was better to mass produce than interrupt production with newer designs. In retrospect this was probably a mistake, at least in the eyes of the crews. However, the British did figure out that by upgunning the Sherman with a 17 pdr gun, called the Sherman Firefly, they would have a main gun that could take on the best the Germans put against them.

Britain's Supermarine Seafire naval fighter bomber updated and photos added

Several countries, including the British, had a doctrine that aircraft would slow down an enemy's vessels, and the battleships would move in to finish them off. Eventually it was decided that the Royal Navy needed a fighter that was on par with the enemy and the Spitfire was a logical choice. After modifications the Seafire was born.

Aces updates

I've added updates for several of the Aces of these countries:

Finland: Aces
France: Aces
Germany: Aces
United Kingdom: Aces
United States: Aces

Britain's Royal Air Force Squadrons and Wings updated

While I was at it, I added a bunch of Sunderland squadrons to the list.

Britain's Royal Air Force Squadrons and Wings updated

Added a bunch of English squadrons that used Blenheim's during World War II.

Britain's Avro Lancaster bomber updated and photos added

I've updated my Avro Lancaster page and added some photos.

Britain's Short Sunderland Flying Boat updated

I've added some additional historical information for the Short Sunderland flying boat.

Britain's De Havilland DH.98 Mosquito updated

I've added some additional information on the Mosquito (reconnaissance, fighter, fighter-bomber)and reorganized the information a little.

Britain's Royal Air Force Squadrons and Wings updated

I've added some more Mosquito Squadrons.

Britain's Royal Air Force Operations and Losses

I've added statistics on the operations, losses, and tonnage done by the RAF bombers during World War II.

Britain's Royal Air Force Units updated again

Added even more info on the Lancaster Squadrons of World War II.

Britain's Royal Air Force Units updated

I've added the Lancaster squadrons that were used in the middle years of the war.

Britain's Aces updated

The British military was made up of people from all over the world and some even became Aces. I've added a few more of the top scorers.

Britain's Aces and Squadrons of Malta added

I've now added the Aces and the Squadrons and Wings that fought on Malta. As I find more sources I'll be adding them to the lists.

Britain's Westland Whirlwind fighter updated

The Westland Whirlwind's page is now updated with additional specifications and historical information.

Britain's Westland Lysander observation updated

I've now updated the Westland Lysander that was well known for its exploits in occupied Europe.

Britain's Vickers Warwick air sea rescue added

I've now added an aircraft that I wasn't even aware of until I added it here, the Vickers Warwick, which was supposed to be a successor to the Wellington.

Britain's Vickers Wellington bomber updated

I've now separated out some of the main models of the Wellington bomber onto their own pages.

• Wellington Mk I
• Wellington Mk II
• Wellington Mk III
• Wellington GR.VIII

Britain's Loyd Carrier updated

I've added specifications and additional design information for the Loyd Carrier.

Britain's Lanchester (Admiralty Turreted Pattern) updated

The Lanchester was originally developed for use in World War I but it did see some service in World War II.
I've made some minor updates. Still don't have any photos but if someone has some, please send them my way!

Britain's Indian Pattern Armored Car updated

The India Pattern Armored Car was used well before World War II but did see service in India and the Middle East during World War II.
I've now added some additional information to my page.

Britain's Humber Armored Cars updated

The most numerous British armored car in World War II was the Humber. I've now updated my page with additional specification and historical information.

Britain's Guy Lizard Command Vehicle added

The British produced another command vehicle, the Guy Lizard in the early years of World War II. Only 21 were built and there are very few photos as it was on a security list that prevented their photos from being taken.

Britain's Guy Armored Cars updated

The Guy Armored Car was built in limited numbers and only a few were used in France in 1940. It however has the distinction of being the first 4 x 4 armored car produced for the British Army.
Unfortunately no pictures.

Britain's Dorchester Command Vehicle added

The British used Dorchester Command Vehicles as their command vehicles. A couple were even captured and used by Rommel in North Africa (known as Mammutes).
I've added a new page but don't have any photos. Feel free to send me some if you have them.

Britain's Daimler 'Dingo' Scout Car updated

The Daimler Dingo Scout Car was used throughout World War II. Early models were hard to steer with its 4 wheel drive, but later models were 2 wheel drive and easier for the inexperience driver.
I've now added some additional specifications for the Mk III and historical information.

Britain's Daimler Armored Cars updated

I've updated the page for the Daimler.

Britain's Crossley India Pattern Armored Car photo added

I've added a photo of the Crossley India Pattern armored car.

Britain's Bren Gun Carrier updated

The British used the Carriers extensively, in all theaters, in World War II.
I've updated, added photos, and reorganized my web page. I definitely need a more complete reference on the different Carriers used.

Britain's Bishop Self Propelled Gun Mk I updated

The Bishop resulted from the British seeing the German Army using self propelled guns with success in North Africa. However, the Bishop was very tall which left it at a disadvantage in the dessert.
I've now updated the historical information for the Bishop.

Britain's Bison Concrete Armored Vehicle added

Another type of vehicle that was developed and assembled during the time when at any moment the Germans might invade Britain was the Bison Concrete Armored Vehicles. These were basically truck chassis with a wooden frame built on them, then concrete poured over the top. This would provide some protection for the occupants from shells up to 37 mm.
Again, unfortunately, no pictures. If anyone has any feel free to send them my way.

Britain's Bedford Cockatrice added

To defend their airfields the British cam up with some interesting designs. One of these was basically an armored truck with a flame thrower in a small turret, the Bedford Cockatrice. It was used to guard Royal Navy airfields.
To me it just seems excessive to use a flame thrower as it's main armament, but I can only imagine they used the weapons that were available to them at the time. Unfortunately I have no photos.

Britain's Beaverette Light Reconnaissance Car added

After the British withdrew from France in 1940 there was a rush to build vehicles. The Beaverette was ordered by Lord Beaverbrook, the Minister of Aircraft Production, to provide security for the airfields in Britain in the event of a German invasion or sabotage.
I've now added a page and photos.

Britain's Archer Self Propelled 17 pdr updated

Britain's Archer self propelled gun was of a unorthodox design, but was well liked by its crews by it's low silhouette and ability to quickly move out of position as the gun faced towards the rear.
I've added some additional information for it.

Britain's Associated Equipment Company (AEC) Armored Cars updated

The AEC armored car was used by British forces in North Africa, Italy, and northwest Europe. The last version, the Mk III, had a 75 mm gun and was primarily used to support other armored cars.

Britain's radios updated

I've added additional information on radios that were used by British forces in World War II. If anyone has photos of radios, send'em my way!

Britain's Military Ranks updated

I've now updated the military ranks and added their typical duty for Britain.

United Kingdom's Vickers Wellesley bomber added

The Vickers Wellesley bomber was used quite a bit in the Middle East and North Africa during the first couple years of World War II.
I've added a new page for it.

United Kingdom's Vickers Vildebeest torpedo bomber, Vincent general purpose added

In the years leading up to World War II the British started their rearmament programs later than some countries. As a result some of the out dated aircraft of the early 1930s were still being used by the military. One such aircraft was the Vickers Vildebeest and the Vickers Vincent.
I've now added a page for them.

United Kingdom's Supermarine Spitfire fighter updated

I've added a ton of new specification, production, and historical information for many of the Supermarine Spitfire models. There are now individual pages for the main variants.

United Kingdom's Supermarine Walrus amphibian added

The United Kingdom's Supermarine Walrus "Shagbag" was used extensively to rescue downed pilots. Approximately 7,500 were rescued by these biplanes.

United Kingdom's Short Stirling Bomber updated

First of the big 4 engine bombers used by the Royal Air Force in World War II was the Short Stirling. It was unfortunately hampered by its small wing as it couldn't go to the higher altitudes that were needed.
I've added additional specifications for some of the different models of Stirling.

United Kingdom's Short Sunderland Flying Boat updated

The United Kingdom's Short Sunderland flying boat was nicknamed the "Flying Porcupine" for it's tough defensive armament.
I've added additional specification and production information to its page.

United Kingdom's Miles Master and Martinet trainer added

The Miles Master was the premier advanced trainer for the Royal Air Force during World War II. The Miles Martinet was used as a target tug.

Germany's Heinkel He 219 Uhu night fighter updated

Also luckily for the Allies, especially the RAF, the Heinkel He 219 Uhu night fighter was only built in limited numbers. It was quite capable of even shooting down Mosquitos at night.
I've now added some additional specifications and historical information.

United Kingdom's Hawker Tempest fighter updated

I've added some additional specifications for the Tempest.

United Kingdom's Hawker Typhoon ("Tiffy") fighter updated

The Typhoon page is now updated.

United Kingdom's Hawker Hurricane fighter updated

I've added a lot of new information on the Hawker Hurricane fighters that were used by Britain in the early years of World War II. I've also separated out into separate pages the major variants.

• Hurricane Main Page
• Hurricane Photos
• Hurricane Mk I
• Hurricane Mk II
• Hurricane Mk IV
• Hurricane Mk X
• Sea Hurricane

United Kingdom's Handley Page Halifax bomber updated

I've made quite a few updates for the Halifax.

United Kingdom's Handley Page Hampden bomber updated

I've made some minor additions to the page for the Handley Page Hampden.

United Kingdom's Handley Page Harrow bomber added

Before World War II the Handley Page Harrow was originally designed as a transport was designated to be a bomber. Though it never was truly used as a bomber, it was mostly used as a transport from 1940 - 1945.

United Kingdom's Gloster Meteor fighter updated

I've added some additional specifications and information for the only Allied jet fighter to be deployed operationally during World War II, the Gloster Meteor.

United Kingdom's Gloster Gladiator fighter updated

The Gloster Gladiator was used by many countries during World War II.
I've now updated my page with additional specifications, production, and historical information.

United Kingdom's General Aircraft Hamilcar glider added

The General Aircraft Hamilcar was used in a few airborne operations bringing in heavy equipment.
I've now added a page for it.

United Kingdom's Fairey Firefly fighter, fighter bomber updated

I've updated my page for the Fairey Firefly.

United Kingdom's Fairey Barracuda torpedo bomber / dive bomber updated

The Fairey Barracuda was used by the Fleet Air Arm starting in September 1943 at the Salerno beach landings.
I've made additional updates to the specifications and historical information.

United Kingdom's Hawker Hurricane fighter updated

The Hurricane was the primary aircraft that defended Britain during the Battle of Britain. It shot down more enemy planes than all other defenses combined.

United Kingdom's Supermarine Spitfire fighter updated

Another one of the top fighter aircraft used during World War II was the Spitfire that was produced by Britain.

United Kingdom's De Havilland DH.98 Mosquito updates

I've finished the updates/additions to the Mosquito pages.

• Fighter / Night Fighter versions
• Fighter Bomber versions
• Photo Reconnaissance versions

United Kingdom's De Havilland DH.98 Mosquito updated

I've made a new page for the Mosquito Photo Reconnaissance plane and updated my existing Mosquito page.

Lee and Grant Medium Tanks photo added

I've added a new photo for the M3 Medium tank used by the United Kingdom.

United Kingdom's de Havilland DH.89 Dominie trainer added

Several countries used the United Kingdom's de Havilland DH.89 Dominie trainer.

United Kingdom's De Havilland Tiger Moth trainer added

The de Havilland Tiger Moth was one of the main trainers of the Allies.

United Kingdom's Bristol Beaufighter updated

I've made separate pages for the different models of the Bristol Beaufighter and added specifications, production and additional historical information.

• Beaufighter Mk I
• Beaufighter Mk II
• Beaufighter Mk VI
• Beaufighter Mk X
• Beaufighter Mk XI
• Beaufighter Mk XXI

United Kingdom's Bristol Beaufort torpedo-bomber updated

Now finished with this round of changes on the Bristol Beaufort that were produced in Australia.

United Kingdom's Bristol Beaufort torpedo-bomber updated

The Royal Air Forces' primary torpedo bomber from 1940 - 1943 was the Bristol Beaufort.

I've updated the information for the Mk I and II. I'll be updating more of the different models later.

United Kingdom's Bristol Blenheim bomber updated

Added additional information on the Bristol Blenheim Mk IV, Mk IVF, and Mk V.

United Kingdom's Bristol Blenheim bomber updated

The Bristol Blenheim was a mainstay of the Royal Air Force during the first years of World War II.
I updated the specifications for the Mk I and Mk IF.

United Kingdom's Bristol Buckingham B.1 bomber and C.1 transport added

The United Kingdom developed the Bristol Buckingham during World War II. It was used as a bomber and later a tranport. Only 119 were built.
I've added a new page for the Buckingham.

United Kingdom's Bristol Bombay transport added

The Bristol Bombay had only 50 production models built. It was used in the Middle East and in England mostly as a transport, but sometimes as a bomber.
I've now added a new page for the Bombay.

United Kingdom's Boulton Paul Defiant fighter updated

One of the more unusually designed planes used in World War II was the Boulton Paul Defiant.

I've now updated specifications and variant information on my web page for the Defiant.