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.

Germany's Tables of Organization and Equipment (TOE) updated

I've added TOEs for the 1939 and 1944 Infantry Divisions. These are by no means complete of everything a division had, or even based on the reality of the front lines. But it does give what was intended to be the makeup of the particular unit.

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.

United States' Aircraft Aces updated

I've additional aces to the list.

Soviet Union's Tank Units Table of Organization added

I've added a table of organization for the Soviet Tank Division of June 1941.

Soviet's Foreign Vehicles updated

The Soviet Union received a great number of vehicles built by Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. I've updated the list of which vehicles were received.

Soviet Union's heavy tanks updated

The Soviets had to continue to upgrade their designs to combat the latest German designs. The KV-85 was a stop gap until the IS-1 became available. The IS series was to be the Soviet heavy tanks to take on the heaviest of German designs.

• IS-3
  
• IS-2
• IS-1
  
• KV-85

Soviet Union's ISU-122 and ISU-152 updated

The Soviet's upgraded their assault guns to use better guns and the IS-2's chassis and hull.

• ISU-122
• ISU-152

Soviet Samokhodnaya Ustanovka (self propelled guns) updated and photo added

The Soviets saw how successful the self propelled guns were for the Germans and the need to mount larger weapons persuaded them to produce the SU series.

• SU-76
• SU-122
• SU-152

Soviet KV heavy tanks updated

The Soviets fielded heavy tanks at the start of the German invasion in 1941. These came as quite a shock to the Germans as most of their guns were ineffective against the KV's front armor.

• KV-1-S
• KV-2
• KV-1

Soviet heavy tanks updated

Here come the heavies!
The Soviets had an early obsession with heavy multi-turreted tanks. They turned out to be quit ponderous and practically unusable in battle.

• SMK
• T-100
  
• T-35
  
• TG

Soviet medium tanks and tank destroyers updated

The Soviets wisely stuck to the basics with their tank designs. They had a successful chassis in the T-34 and with modifications created more power medium tanks and some very potent tank destroyers.

• SU-100
• SU-85
• T-44
• T-34/85

Soviet Union's T-34/76 medium tank updated

The most famous Soviet tank of World War II was probably the T-34/76. It came as a complete shock the the invading Germans. Large factories were moved out of the way of the Germans and Soviet citizens produced them in massive quantities under very trying conditions.

Soviet Union's A-32 and T-32 medium tank updated

Next in line, leading up to the T-34, were the A-32 and T-32. As a result of the war with Finland it was found that the existing models had too little armor and not a big enough gun so it was decided by Stalin to proceed with the development of the new medium tank.

Soviet Union's A-20 medium tank updated

The A-20 was one, though not the only, of the precursors to probably the most famous of all the Soviet tanks to come out of World War II, the T-34/76. It did run on tracks or wheels like the BT series, and only could carry a 45 mm gun.

Soviet BT series updated

The Soviet Union, due to its wide spaces needed a tank that could go long distances. The Soviets adopted the Christie design for their BT series. I've made quite a few updates to the BT series.

• BT-7
  
• BT-5
• BT-4
• BT-3
• BT-2
• BT-1

Soviet Union's T-28 medium tank updated

The T-28 was designed to be an infantry support tank. The crews gave them the nicknames: Betka (beetle), Betushka or Tri-Tankista (three tank men).

Soviet Early Medium Tanks added and updated

Stalin was very supportive of the burgeoning tank designs that were developed during the 1920s and 1930s. I've now added two new pages and updated a couple more. If anyone has photos I'd be happy to use them!
More to come!

• T-12
  
• T-22
  
• T-24
• MS-3

Soviet Union's SU-76 Samokhodnaya Ustanovka updated

The Soviet Union produced over 12,000 of the SU-76 self propelled guns during World War II. They weren't popular with their crews and earned the nicknames Suka (bitch) and Golozhopil Ferdinant (naked ass Ferdinand) which was a reference to it being similar to the German Ferdinand tank destroyer.

Soviet T-70 and T-80 light tanks updated

The Soviets kept on trying to improve their light tank designs. The next one was the T-70, which many felt wasn't an improvement over the T-60. The last one, the T-80 was built in small numbers in 1943. Unfortunately I don't have much information on it.

Soviet T-40 and T-60 light tanks updated

The T-40 was a decent amphibious reconnaissance vehicle that was too often, used as a regular tank. The T-60 was a much better light tank that was easier to build in large numbers. I've added some historical and specification updates.

Another batch of Soviet Union light tanks updated

Here's the next set of light tank updates for the Soviet Union.

• T-38, T-37, T-50, T-46, T-38, T-60, T-26

More Soviet Union updates!

I'm starting through another source of Soviet armored vehicles and these are the updates so far:

• ISU-152
• T-27
  
• T-18, MS-3
  
• History

Soviet self propelled guns updated and photo added

The next self propelled guns produced were the ISU-122 and the ISU-152. The penetration tables have also had some minor updates added.

Soviet Heavy Tanks updated

I've added some updates for the following heavy tanks used by the Soviet Union in World War II.

• IS-1
• IS-2
• IS-3

Soviet Union's SU-152 self propelled guns photo added and updated

The Soviets saw the successful application of the German self propelled guns and worked on a design of their own. The result was the affective SU-152. It had a 152.4 mm howitzer-cannon that was very successful.

Soviet Union's Su-85 and SU-100 Tank Destroyers and T-44 Medium Tank updated

I've made some additions to the following Soviet vehicles:

• T-44, SU-100, SU-85

United States' Douglas C-47 Skytrain transport photo added

The C-47 was the work horse of the air. It transported supplies to remote places and dropped paratroopers behind enemy lines.

United States' Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress photos added

The B-17 Flying Fortress was an amazing airplane. It could take an amazing amount of damage and still get the crew back to base.

I've added some photos, including one where in the distance (above the tail) you can see a Me 110 starting its pass.

Soviet tanks and self propelled gun updates

Ok, last updates for today! Yes, more Soviet vehicles!

• SU-122, T-34/85

United States' Vought F4U Corsair fighter photo added

Initially the Vought F4U Corsair was considered too dangerous for carrier operations and was relegated to land based Marine Corps units. Later it was shown to be quite safe the United States Navy started to use it in carrier operations.

I've added a photo of a F4U firing it's rockets at Japanese positions.

United States' North American B-25 Mitchell bomber photo added

The Americans were looking for a way to take the war to Japan and the idea to bomb Japan by B-25 medium bombers was eventually decided upon. The B-25s took off from the carrier USS Hornet and did very minor physical damage to Japan but ultimately it lead to the attack on Midway which was the turning point in the war in the Pacific.

I've now added a photo from that mission.

Soviet tanks and self propelled gun updates

I'm still working my way through updating Soviet vehicles used during World War II.

• T-34
• T-34 1940
• T-34 1941
• T-34 1942
• T-34 1943
• T-43
• A-20
• T-32
• SU-76
• T-80
• T-70

United States' T17 Armored Car updated

After seeing the success of the Germans in Europe, the United States Army wanted to have armored cars to use for reconnaissance. However, several models were in the running when the Palmer Board recommended that only one model be the main focus of production. The T17 and T17E1 were in the running but were not selected. However, the British were in need of armored cars and ordered the T17E1.

Japan's Nakajima J1N Gekko escort fighter updated

The J1N Gekko was originally intended to escort bombers on long range missions for the Imperial Japanese Navy. However, they ended up being night fighters.

Japan's Kawanishi Interceptor Shiden (Lightning Flash) updated

The N1K Shiden may have been the best Japanese fighter produced in large numbers during World War II.

Japan's Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (Thunderbolt) fighter updated

The J2M Raiden was probably the best of the land based fighter planes used by the Imperial Japanese Navy in World War II. It could climb better and was more maneuverable than any other. It also had a deadly punch with four 20 mm cannons. One of its primary tasks was to intercept B-29 bombers attacking the Japanese home islands.

Japan's Mitsubishi Type 96 Carrier Fighter updated

The new source I was taking the information from only called what I've known as the A5M, the Type 96 so I'm not sure if a Type 96 Model 1 corresponds with the A5M1 or not. So for now until I learn otherwise I'll list them separately.

Japan's Nakajima Type 95 Carrier Fighter added

The Nakajima Type 95 was to be the last of the Imperial Japanese Navy's biplane fighters.

Japan's Nakajima Type 90 Carrier Fighter added

The Nakajima Type 90 Carrier Fighter was also an early biplane used by the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Japan's Nakajima Type 3 Carrier Fighter added

The Nakajima Type 3 Carrier Fighter was a biplane fighter designed for carrier operations. Unfortunately I don't have much information or any pictures.

Japanese Naval Aces, Ranks, and Aircraft Code Names updated

I've made the following updates for the Japanese Naval Air Force in World War II.

• Aces
• Aircraft code names
• Ranks

Soviet Union's light tanks updated

The Soviets made use of thousands and thousands of light tanks during World War II. I've made some updates to these:

• T-60
• T-50
• T-40

Soviet Union's T-35 heavy tank updated

The T-35 was a massive heavy tank that was built in small numbers before World War II.

Soviet Union medium tanks updated

Yes, you guessed it, more Soviet Union updates.

• T-29
• T-28
• BT-7

Soviet Union's BT series updated

I'm starting to make my way through the BT series of tanks that were used by the Soviet Union before and during the early years of World War II.

• BT-5
• BT-4
• BT-2

Soviet Union's T-26 light tank updated

Over 12,000 T-26s were constructed before World War II. It was used in the Spanish Civil War, in Finland, and against the Japanese.

More Soviet Union updates

Continuing the updates to the Soviet Union's section.

• T-34/76
• A-20
• T-32
• History
• T-29
• T-28

Soviet Union updates

I've done a bunch of minor updates to the following:

• BT-7
• BT-5
• T-35
• T-28
• T-37
• T-26
• T-27

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.

Soviet Union's T-70 and T-80 light tank updates

Last of the specification updates for the Soviets is now done! Whew! Don't worry there will be more updates! The T-70 and T-80 light tanks finish it off for this round.

Soviet Union's T-60 light tank updated

Have added additional specification information for the Soviet T-60 light tank.

Poland updates

Working my way through some sources on Poland. So far have added additional divisions, information on the TKS, and the 7 TP. I'm also still working on historical information.

Poland's Divisions added

It's been pointed out to me that my information isn't very accurate or extensive on Poland, so today I'm going to start working on updating the information on Poland, starting with listing the Polish Divisions that were formed after 1939. Hopefully I'll find more information on the ones used in 1939.

Japan's Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank, photo added

The Type 97 Chi-Ha was also used all over the Pacific theater. It's chassis was used in several different variants.

Japan's Type 95 Ha-Go light tank photo added

The Type 95 Ha-Go light tank had several thousand produced and was used all over the Pacific and mainland Asia.

Japan's Type 93 Light Tank photo added

Unfortunately I have very little information on the Type 93 Light Tank.

Japan's Tankette Type 94 Te-Ke photo added

The Type 94 Te-Ke was only used in the first phases of the Japanese expansion into south east asia. After that it was withdrawn from service.

Japan's Type 92 photo added

Unfortunately I have very littler information on the Type 92 tankette.

Japan's Type 97 Te-Ke photo added

The Type 97 Te-Ke was used all over China and the Pacific.

Japan's Type 89 Medium, Chi-Ro, and Type 94 photos added

The Type 89 was one of the main medium tanks in the Japanese forces during the early years of World War II.

Type 94:

Soviet Union's T-50 light tank updated

The T-50 was found to take as much effort as it was to build a medium tank so it was never put into major production like many of the other Soviet light tanks in World War II.

Soviet Union's T-40 light tank updated

Most models of the T-40 were amphibious. Probably under 500 were produced.

Soviet Union's T-46 light tanks updated

The T-46 was similar to the T-26, but had the familiar Christie suspension that many Soviet designs had.

Soviet Union's T-26 light tank updated

The Soviets built nearly 12,000 T-26 light tanks that were used in the Spanish Civil War and in the war with Finland.

Soviet Union's T-38 light tank updated

Continuing with the progression of Soviet designs, next came the T-38, which was also an amphibian.

Soviet Union's T-37 light tanks updated

The Soviets, more so than any other country during World War II, developed a long line of light amphibious tanks. Which seems to make sense since the Soviet Union did have a lot of areas crisscrossed by water without roads, so to get quickly around those obstacles an amphibious tank was used. One of the earliest models was the T-37.

Japan's Mitsubishi A6M and A5M updated

From a new source I've added a ton of new information on the A6M Zeke and some minor additions for the A5M Claude.

Japan's Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen fighter updated

Like the Tiger tank in Europe, the Zeke or Zero was the boogie man of the Pacific. The Zeke did dominate in the first 6 months or so of the Pacific War, but after that newer and better American fighters appeared on the scene. I've added some additional specification information.

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.

Japan's Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka ("Cherry Blossom") added

In desperation, the Japanese came up with the Ohka suicide aircraft to go against the overwhelming United States Navy. It was basically a rocket or jet with a pilot to guide it to its target.

Japan's Yokosuka P1Y Ginga ("Milky Way") added

The Japanese Navy developed a two engine multirole aircraft, the P1Y Ginga that never met its full potential due to poor engines.
It now has a page.

Japan's Yokosuka D4Y Suisei dive bomber, "Judy" updated

Though the Japanese started World War II out with some excellent aircraft, they weren't always able to keep up with the latest advances that the Americans were able to produce. The Yokosuka D4Y Suisei "Comet" dive bomber was an ok dive bomber that ended up being used in the Kamikaze role.

Soviet Yakovlev Yak-9 fighter updated

The Yak-9 saw service starting with the Battle of Stalingrad in late 1942 and into the Korean War in 1950.
I've updated it's specs and history too.

Soviet Yakovlev Yak-7 fighter updated

The next in the Yakovlev line was the Yak-7. It started out to be a trainer but was developed into a very capable ground attack and low level fighter.
The specifications and historical information is now updated.

Soviet Yakovlev Yak-3 fighter updated

Where I only had a photo before, there's now historical and specification information on one of the top Yakovlev fighters produced during World War II, the Yak-3.

Soviet Yakovlev Yak-1 fighter updated

The Soviets started the was with an excellent fighter aircraft, the Yak-1 that paved the way for the most successful designs during World War II.
I've added additional historical and specification information.

Soviet Union's Tankette T-27 updated

The Soviets also produced carriers (or tankettes) in large numbers during World War II. One of these the T-27 was a copy of the British Carden-Loyd carrier.

Soviet Union's IS-1 and IS-2 heavy tanks updated

In the ever increasing arms race on the Eastern Front the Soviet Union developed a new series of heavy tanks, the IS-1 and IS-2. Though they had a heavy gun and heavy armament they were handicapped by the large shell sizes of their main armament allowing only a small number of shells to be carried.

Soviet Union's KV-2 heavy tank updated

The Soviets designed the KV-2 to go up against field fortifications, specifically the ones they went up against in Finland.

Soviet Union's KV-85 heavy tank upgraded

In an attempt to carry a bigger weapon, the KV-85 was created to carry an 85 mm gun. However, once the IS series came into production the KV-85 was phased out.

Soviet Union's KV-1s heavy tank updated

The Soviets tried to update their KV-1s to be less heavy and more maneuverable by creating the KV-1s. But the T-34/76 still outperformed the KV-1s so production concentrated on the T-34s.

Soviet Union's KV-1 heavy tank updated

When the Germans went up against the KV-1 Heavy Tank they were in for quite a shock. Nearly invulnerable to all anti-tank weapons the infantry had (except for large caliber anti-aircraft and artillery guns) a single KV could stop the progress of the Germans for hours if not days.

Soviet Union's T-35 heavy tank updated

The Soviets definitely liked to design very large heavy tanks. The T-35 was a multi-turreted beast that was to go through the heavy defenses of the enemy. It was built in small numbers.

Soviet Union's T-32 heavy tank updated

I have very little information on the T-32 heavy tank but I was able to update some of the specifications.
If anyone has photos or more information, by all means, send it my way!

Soviet Union's T-44 Medium Tank updated

It was going to be the successor to the T-34/85, but the T-44 wasn't as successful so it only produced in very limited quantities.

Soviet Union's T-34/85 Ob 1943 medium tank updated

Probably one of the few tanks developed during World War II that went on to being used into the 1990s, the T-34/85 was produced in large quantities and was well rounded in the sense of being fast, having good armor, and a good gun.

Soviet Union's T-43 medium tank updated

The Soviets worked on upgrading the armor on the T-34/76 and came up with the T-43. It was produced in small numbers as the T-34/85 was to replace the T-34/76 series.
Unfortunately I don't have any photos, so if anyone has some they can send me. . .

Soviet Union's T-34/76 medium tank updated

The Soviets were able to produce an incredible amount of tanks before and during World War II, far out producing the Germans. The T-34/76 had over 35,000 produced which was far more than any model of German tanks produced.

Soviet Union's T-28 medium tank updated

The Soviets also produced some very large tanks, the T-28 was one of them. It was much too big and slow for the fast paced war fought against the Germans.

Soviet Union's BT-7 Bystrochodnij Tankov (Fast Tank) updated

If the Soviet military hadn't been decimated by Stalin's purges, and given enough training in better tactics, the Soviets, using such tanks as the BT-7 might have made a better showing against the invading Germans. They might have not stopped them, but maybe slowed them down more? Of course one will never know.

Soviet Union's BT-5 Bystrochodnij Tankov (Fast Tank) updated

Another in the line of the BT series was the BT-5 which had around 5,000 produced.

Soviet Union's BT-3 Bystrochodnij Tankov (Fast Tank) updated

The BT-3 was the next in the series of Fast Tanks developed by the Soviets in World War II.

Soviet Union's BT-2 Bystrochodnij Tankov (Fast Tank) updated

The Soviet Union was very progressive in its tank development between the World Wars. One class of tanks that they produced a great many of was the BT series. The first one to go into major production was the BT-2.