The PzKpfw IB was the first and the smallest of Germany's mass-produced tanks. Production started in 1934, and by 1937 it had already seen combat in the Spanish Civil War. Though intended as a training vehicle, having only a two-man crew and a negligible anti-tank capability, it was pressed into service when Poland was invaded in 1939 due to a general shortage of tanks, and was still in widespread use during the invasion of France in 1940. By the time Germany attacked the USSR, however, only 74 were still being used in the panzer regiments. A small number were converted in 1940 to self-propelled infantry and anti-tank guns. A total of 1493 (Models A and B) were built. "PzKpfw" stands for "Panzer-Kampfwagen" (Armored Battle Vehicle).
ARMAMENT
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
13mm
WEIGHT
5.8 tonnes
P01077
The PzKpfw II was another of Germany's pre-war light tanks pressed into battle due to the lack of more modern vehicles. It fought as a main battle tank during the invasion of Poland, but due to its small gun and thin armor it was afterwards relegated to a reconnaissance role in tank companies and battalions. The A model was the initial production version, appearing in mid 1937. It was followed by the B and C models, which differed from the A in minor details only. 1113 of these three types were built. They were used as main battle tanks in Poland, after which most were uparmored (these are represented by the Pz IIF in the game) and shifted to a reconnaissance role in tank companies and battalions.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
16mm
WEIGHT
8.9 tonnes
P01002
The PzKpfw II was another of Germany's pre-war light tanks pressed into battle due to the lack of more modern vehicles. It fought as a main battle tank during the invasion of Poland, but due to its small gun and thin armor it was afterwards relegated to a reconnaissance role in tank companies and battalions. The IIF model was the 1941-42 production version, with thicker front armor than its predecessors. 1780 Pz II tanks were built, of which 524 were the IIF. Beginning in 1942 the Pz II was gradually phased out of service and, like most other pre-war tanks, was rebuilt to carry field guns and anti-tank weapons.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
35mm
WEIGHT
9.5 tonnes
P01004
The PzKpfw IIL "Lynx" was a light tank whose primary role was as a fast recon vehicle. It featured an extensively reworked Pz II chassis with all new running gear to give it excellent cross-country performance. Out of an original order for 800, only about 100 were built, with production starting in 1943. All Pz IIL were issued to the armored recon battalions of certain panzer divisions.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
13 tonnes
P01005
The PzKpfw 35(t) was the German designation for the Czech LT vz 35 light tank produced in the mid '30s. When Germany invaded Czechoslovakia in 1939, 219 LT vz 35s were incorporated into German service. They served in the Polish and French campaigns, and were still in action with the 6th Panzer Division during the invasion of Russia in 1941, where during the subsequent winter it was found that the vehicle's pneumatic transmission was prone to freezing up. By the end of 1941 most had been lost.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
25mm
WEIGHT
10.5 tonnes
P01080
The PzKpfw 38(t)A was a Czech light tank (the LT vz 38) just going into production when Czechoslovakia was occupied in 1939. The Germans found it to be a rugged and reliable vehicle, and kept it in production for their own use. 150 of the initial model A were produced, followed by 325 of the Models B, C and D (which the A also represents in the game). Originally the tank had been designed to have a three-man crew, but the Germans added a fourth crewman to ease the work load of the vehicle commander. The Pz 38(t)A served as a main battle tank on all fronts except North Africa; and its rugged chassis would be utilized for many different kinds of armored vehicles throughout the war. This unit represents a three-tank platoon as used in 1939-40.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
25mm
WEIGHT
9.4 tonnes
P01006
The PzKpfw 38(t)A was a Czech light tank (the LT vz 38) just going into production when Czechoslovakia was occupied in 1939. The Germans found it to be a rugged and reliable vehicle, and kept it in production for their own use. 150 of the initial model were produced, followed by 325 of the Models B, C and D. Originally the tank had been designed to have a three-man crew, but the Germans added a fourth crewman to ease the work load of the vehicle commander. The PzKpfw 38(t) served as a main battle tank in the invasions of Poland, France and Russia; and its rugged chassis would be utilized for many different kinds of armored vehicles throughout the war. This unit represents a five-tank platoon as used after 1940.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
25mm
WEIGHT
9.4 tonnes
P01076
The PzKpfw 38(t)E was an uparmored version of its original predecessor the PzKpfw 38(t)A. The additional armor resulted in a heavier vehicle but did not impair its speed. In the game, this unit also represents the later (and equivalent) Models F and G. A total of 846 of these three types were built between late 1940 and mid 1942, when use of the 38(t) chassis was switched to the production of self-propelled anti-tank guns. At the start of the invasion of Russia, six of the seventeen panzer divisions participating in the attack were equipped with the PzKpfw 38(t).
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
50mm
WEIGHT
9.9 tonnes
P01007
The AufklΣrer 38(t) was a light reconnaissance tank based on the rugged and dependable chassis of the Pz 38(t). In this case the superstructure was redesigned, and the original turret was replaced by that of the PSW 234/1 armored car. The intent was to continue providing armored reconnaissance units with a fully tracked recon vehicle after production of the PzKpfw IIL had ceased. 50 were built, all in early 1944.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92 machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
50mm
WEIGHT
9.75 tonnes
P01078
The PzKpfw III was Germany's primary main battle tank through 1942. Limited production began in 1937, but at a slow pace as the vehicle underwent development. By early 1938 ten Model A, fifteen Model B and fifteen Model C had been built. Thirty Model D were then constructed. In the game the D represents all the early models as used in Poland. A few Pz IIIDs also participated in the Norwegian campaign. All were withdrawn from active duty during 1940.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
3 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
15mm
WEIGHT
16 tonnes
P01081
The PzKpfw III was Germany's primary main battle tank through 1942. Production began in 1937, but at a slow pace as the vehicle underwent development. With 435 built between September 1939 and July 1940, the F model was the first mass-production version (following 96 examples of the very similar Pz IIIE, which the IIIF also represents in the game). Even in 1940, however, its gun was seen as being too weak; and in 1941 it was hopelessly outclassed by the Russian T-34 and KV tanks. "PzKpfw" stands for "Panzer Kampfwagen" (Armored Battle Vehicle). This unit represents a three-tank platoon as used in 1939-40.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
3 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
19.8 tonnes
P01008
The PzKpfw III was Germany's primary main battle tank through 1942. Production began in 1937, but at a slow pace as the vehicle underwent development. With 435 built between September 1939 and July 1940, the F model was the first mass-production version (following 96 examples of the very similar Pz IIIE, which the IIIF also represents in the game). Even in 1940, however, its gun was seen as being too weak; and in 1941 it was hopelessly outclassed by the Russian T-34 and KV tanks. "PzKpfw" stands for "Panzer Kampfwagen" (Armored Battle Vehicle). This unit represents a five-tank platoon as used after 1940.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
3 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
19.8 tonnes
P01009
The PzKpfw IIIG was an uparmored and upgunned version of the Pz IIIF, with other minor improvements. The G model introduced the 50mm L/42 cannon, which was basically a lower-velocity version of the army's new PaK 38 50mm anti-tank gun. Unfortunately for the Germans, in 1941 both weapons were found to be inadequate vs. Russian T-34s and KVs. 600 Pz IIIG were built, with production ending in February 1941.
ARMAMENT
1 x 50mm L/42 cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
37mm
WEIGHT
20.3 tonnes
P01010
The PzKpfw IIIH was based on the Pz IIIG, with extra armor plates bolted on to the front and rear of the hull. The drive train and running gear were also improved to increase reliability. The bolted-on armor was an expedient, inefficient method of increasing the tank's protection, and only 308 of the IIIH were built before the improved Model J appeared.
ARMAMENT
1 x 50mm L/42 cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
30+30mm
WEIGHT
21.8 tonnes
P01011
The PzKpfw IIIJ was a significant improvement in the Pz III series. The armor thickness was decreased to 50mm but, being made of a single plate instead of two 30mm plates bolted together, its effectiveness was just as great with an overall reduction in the vehicle's weight as a bonus. Initially the IIIJ carried the same medium velocity 50mm L/42 gun as the IIIH, and 1549 of this type were built. (In the game these are represented by the IIIH.) The more powerful L/60 gun was then introduced, and 1067 of this version were produced. The new gun, a modified version of the towed 50mm anti-tank gun, gave the IIIJ considerably more hitting power but still not enough to deal satisfactorily with the Russian T-34s and KVs.
ARMAMENT
1 x 50mm L/60 cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
50mm
WEIGHT
21.5 tonnes
P01067
The PzKpfw IIIL tank featured yet another increase in armor. This took the form of "spaced" armor added to the front of the vehicle in anticipation of the Allies' use of the new hollow-charge (HEAT) projectile which the Germans were already using. 653 of the Pz IIIL were produced, after which 250 of the PzKpfw IIIM were built, which differed from the IIIL only in having special modifications for deep wading.
ARMAMENT
1 x 50mm L/60 cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
50+20mm
WEIGHT
22.7 tonnes
P01012
By mid 1942 the short-barreled 75mm L/24 gun of the Pz IV was being replaced by a longer and much more powerful weapon. The surplus L/24 guns were installed on the Pz IIIL, thus creating the PzKpfw IIIN. This gave the vehicle a better anti-personnel capability, and the 75mm gun's hollow-charge rounds increased its anti-tank effectiveness. The downside was that the gun's low muzzle velocity gave it a shorter effective range vs. enemy armor. 700 of the PzKpfw IIIN were produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/24 cannon
2 x 7.92 machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
70mm
WEIGHT
23 tonnes
P01013
The PzKpfw III(Fl) flamethrower tank was a medium tank outfitted with a flamethrower instead of a main gun. 100 of these tanks, based on the Pz IIIM chassis, were produced in early 1943. These vehicles shot a sticky black oil that had a range of 55-60 meters. They were very effective in removing stubborn pockets of resistance, but their drawback was the very limited range of the flamethrower.
ARMAMENT
1 x Flamethrower
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
50+30mm
WEIGHT
23 tonnes
P01014
The PzKpfw IV medium tank was designed in the mid '30s as a close-support vehicle for tank units. Its 75mm L/24 cannon was effective against soft targets, but its low velocity gave it a mediocre anti-tank capability. The Pz IVD and IVE were the two most common models at the start of the Russian campaign in 1941, at which time two four-tank platoons were included in the medium company of the panzer battalion. 229 of the Pz IVD were built, with production beginning in October 1939.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/24 cannon
2 z 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
35mm
WEIGHT
20 tonnes
P01015
The PzKpfw IVE was an uparmored version of the Pz IVD. The two types were in production simultaneously from September 1940 till April 1941, by which time 223 of the Pz IVE had been built. In the game, this unit also represents the Pz IVF, which featured single-plate 50mm armor instead of bolted-together 30mm plates. 462 of the Model F were produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/24 cannon
2 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30+30mm
WEIGHT
21 tonnes
P01016
In response to the well armored T-34s and KVs of the Red Army, The Germans began designing a much more powerful gun for the Pz IV in late 1941. When it was ready, it was introduced during production of the Pz IVF, thus creating the PzKpfw IVF2. This changed the basic role of the Pz IV from support tank to main battle tank, with a gun more powerful than any then being carried in Allied tanks. Though still under-armored, the Pz IVF2 provided a great increase in the striking power of panzer formations. 200 of these tanks were produced. In the game, this unit also represents about half the production of its successor, the PzKpfw IVG.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/43 cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
50mm
WEIGHT
23 tonnes
P01017
The PzKpfw IVH was the next evolutionary step in the development of the Pz IV series. It featured a substantial increase in the front armor and a longer, more powerful L/48main gun. The Model H was by far the most numerous of the series, with 3774 produced. In addition, this unit represents part of the production run of the Pz IVG with the new gun and increased armor, plus the 1758 PzKpfw IVJ that were built subsequent to the Pz IVH. Having been built from October 1937 through March 1945, the Pz IV was the only German tank to remain in production throughout the war, proving the soundness of its design.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/48 cannon
2-3 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
25 tonnes
P01018
The appearance of the Russian T-34 tank had made all German tanks obsolete overnight, and a crash program was begun to give the panzer troops something better. The result two years later was the PzKpfw V "Panther", with a truly outstanding main gun and frontal armor that could defeat all but the most powerful Allied tank and anti-tank guns. It was big, complicated and expensive, and initially suffered serious reliability problems due to being rushed into combat, but on the battlefield it proved to be one of the best tanks of the war. During 1944-45 a panzer regiment was authorized one battalion of Panthers and one of Pz IVs.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/70 cannon
2-3 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
110mm
WEIGHT
43-45.5 tonnes
P01019
When first committed to large-scale combat at the end of 1942, the PzKpfw VIE "Tiger" was the heaviest and most powerfully armed production tank in the world. Contemporary Allied weapons were ineffective at all but point blank range against its stout armor, while its dreaded 88mm gun could destroy almost any enemy tank at maximum range. It quickly gained a fearsome reputation, and dominated the scene wherever it appeared until the advent of the Russian 122mm and 152mm guns. Tigers were usually allotted to independent heavy panzer battalions, though certain favored panzer divisions eventually had their own Tiger companies. 1354 PzKpfw VIE were built. Tiger crews were considered the creme de la creme of the panzer troops.
ARMAMENT
1 x 88mm L/56 cannon
2-3 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
110mm
WEIGHT
57 tonnes
P01020
The PzKpfw VIB King Tiger, also known as the Tiger II or Royal Tiger, was one of the ultimate tank designs of WWII. At 68 metric tons, it was the heaviest tank put into production by any nation during the war. Its great weight, slow speed and mechanical unreliability were serious disadvantages, and it was most effective as a defensive weapon. However, it carried an extremely powerful 88mm gun, and its massive frontal armor - the thickest of any WWII production tank - was all but impervious to Allied guns. 489 King Tigers were built between January 1944 and March 1945, and were issued to independent heavy tank battalions.
ARMAMENT
1 x 88mm L/71 cannon
2-3 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
180mm
WEIGHT
68 tonnes
P01021
The StuG IIIB assault gun was designed primarily as an infantry support vehicle. It was based on the PzKpfw III chassis, and like most other assault guns it had no turret. This made it more difficult to engage a fast-moving target or one on its flank, but turretless vehicles were faster and cheaper to build while their low silhouette made them harder to hit and easier to conceal. 320 of the B version were built. In the game this unit also represents the earlier A and the later C-E models. These StuGs were used in assault gun batteries and battalions. "StuG" stands for "Sturmgeschⁿtz" (Assault Gun).
ARMAMENT
1 x 75 L/24 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
50mm
WEIGHT
20.2 tonnes
P01075
The StuG IIIG assault gun was based on previous versions of the PzKpfw III chassis. The original StuG III had been designed as an infantry support tank, but by 1943, StuGs were being used increasingly in an anti-tank role. This was made possible by the introduction of a longer barreled 75mm cannon and additional armor. The G model was the most common StuG built. Production started in late 1942 and continued through the end of the war, with some 7800 examples produced. In the game this unit also represents the earlier F and F/8 models, of which 359 and 354 were built respectively..
ARMAMENT
1 x 75 L/48 cannon
1 or 2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
23.9 tonnes
P01022
The StuG IIIG assault gun was based on previous versions of the PzKpfw III chassis. The original StuG III had been designed as an infantry support tank, but by 1943, StuGs were being used increasingly in an anti-tank role. This was made possible by the introduction of a longer barreled 75mm cannon and additional armor. The G model was the most common StuG built. Production started in late 1942 and continued through the end of the war, with over 7000 examples produced. This unit represents the StuG IIIG in its anti-tank role.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75 L/48 cannon
1 or 2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
23.9 tonnes
P01023
The StuH 42 assault gun was based on the StuG IIIG. The StuH was created in answer to requests from the front for a vehicle with more anti-personnel firepower than currently available with the 75mm cannon. The extra firepower was gained by installing a 105mm howitzer. Other than the bigger gun, the StuH was more or less identical to the StuG IIIG. Around 1200 units were constructed by the end of the war.
ARMAMENT
1 x 105mm gun
1 or 2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
24 tonnes
P01025
The StuPz IV "BrummbΣr" (Grizzly Bear) assault gun was another effort at mounting a 150mm close-support weapon in a fully-tracked armored vehicle. By using the larger Pz IV chassis the StuPz could carry heavier armor and more ammunition. Production lasted almost two years from April 1943, with about 300 vehicles built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 150mm howitzer
1 x 7.92 machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
100mm
WEIGHT
28.2 tonnes
P01026
The PzJg I was the first German modification of a standard tank chassis to create a non-turreted tank destroyer. It paired an ex-Czech 47mm anti-tank gun with the chassis of a Pz I with its turret removed, in order to increase the mobility of the towed gun. The drawbacks to the arrangement were the vehicle's poor armor protection and its high silhouette which made it easier to spot. 202 were built from early 1940 through early 1941. "PzJg" stands for "Panzer-JΣger" (Tank Hunter).
ARMAMENT
1 x 47mm cannon
MAX. ARMOR
14.5mm
WEIGHT
6.4 tonnes
P01027
The Marder II Tank Destroyer was based on the PzKpfw II chassis. The PzKpfw II as a tank was obsolete by this time and a new use for the vehicle was found by eliminating the turret and mounting a 75mm anti-tank gun in its place. This gave the vehicle quite a punch, but it suffered from a lack of heavy armor. In addition, the PaK 40 75mm anti-tank gun was a fairly large piece and the only way to mount it was to place it on top of the superstructure. This resulted in a relatively tall vehicle which was not easy to hide. In the game this unit also represents the early Marder III, 66 of which were shipped to the German forces in North Africa.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/46 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
10.8 tonnes
P01028
The Marder III Tank Destroyer was based on the PzKpfw 38(t) chassis. At the time of its creation there was a serious need for a weapon capable of knocking out Russian tanks. Better armed German tanks were in the pipeline but still several months away. In the interim it was decided to marry the Pz-38(t) chassis with the PaK 40 75mm anti-tank gun. Ready for service by mid-1943, it was effective at killing tanks though seriously under-armored.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/46 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
10.6 tonnes
P01029
The PzJg Tiger "Ferdinand" (later also called the "Elefant") was a heavy tank destroyer. Competition between Henschel and Porsche for the new heavy tank "Tiger" contract had resulted in an early order for 90 of the new Porsche tanks. After more testing it was decided that the Henschel was the better vehicle, so the Porsche contract was canceled. Then in early 1943 Hitler ordered that 90 Porsche Tiger hulls were to be built to carry an 88mm cannon. These were completed in time for use during the battle of Kursk. The Ferdinand has the distinction of being one of the most heavily armored vehicles ever to enter production, and was one of the few with tracks driven by electric motors.
ARMAMENT
1 x 88mm L/71 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
200mm
WEIGHT
65 tonnes
P01030
The PzJg III/IV Tank Destroyer "Nashorn" (Rhino) or "Hornisse" (Hornet) was based on extensively modified Pz III or Pz IV chassises. It was created in order to mount the excellent 88mm PaK43/1 anti-tank gun to an armored chassis. The 88mm cannon was well suited to the Russian steppes and was often able to kill targets up to 5km away. On the other hand the open crew compartment and poorly armored superstructure was a serious weak point in close fighting.
ARMAMENT
1 x 88mm L/71 cannon
1 z 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
24 tonnes
P01031
The JgdPz 38(t) "Hetzer" (Troublemaker) was a light tank destroyer based on the Pz 38(t) tank. Though the tank itself was obsolete by 1942, its simplicity and proven reliability kept the basic chassis in production for a variety of self-propelled guns. For the Hetzer, a modified version of the Pz IV 75mm gun was mounted in the front superstructure, and the armor on all four sides of the vehicle was sloped as much as possible. Unlike the open-topped Marder II and III, the Hetzer was completely enclosed, and its well-sloped armor and low profile greatly enhanced its survivability. It was not especially popular with its crews, however, due to its extremely cramped interior. "JgdPz" stands for "Jagd-Panzer" (Hunting Panzer).
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/48 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
60mm
WEIGHT
15.7 tonnes
P01032
The JgdPz IV was a tank destroyer based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. It was intended as the replacement for the StuG assault gun in its anti-tank role. Its low height and sloped armor enhanced its survivability. With production occurring throughout 1944, 769 were produced. By late 1944 the JgdPz IV had been largely superseded by the JgdPz IV/70 with the more powerful gun of the Panther tank.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/48 cannon
1-2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
60mm
WEIGHT
25 tonnes
P01033
The JgdPz IV/70 was an upgunned version of the JgdPz IV tank destroyer which was based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. It was fitted with the same main gun used in the Panther tank, the 75mm L/70. When compared to the 75mm L/48, the L/70 was able to fire a 75mm shell at higher velocity which in turn, allowed the penetration of thicker armor over greater distances. The downside to this weapon was its very long barrel and its increased weight on an already overloaded Pz IV chassis. By late 1944 the panzerjΣger battalion of (SS-) panzer divisions was theoretically equipped entirely with these vehicles, but in reality only one or two of its companies actually had them.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/70 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
26 tonnes
P01034
The JgdPz V "JagdPanther" (Hunting Panther) was a heavy tank destroyer based on the PzKpfw V "Panther" chassis. One of the best tank destroyers of the war, it combined the proven 88mm PaK 43 anti-tank gun with thick and well-sloped front armor. Like most other tank destroyers it had no turret, the main gun being mounted in the front superstructure. Its only major shortcomings were in its large size and the gun's limited traverse (the vehicle itself had to be aimed in the general direction of the target). By the time production stopped in March 1945, 392 had been produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 88mm L/71 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
46 tonnes
P01083
The Jagdtiger was based on the King Tiger chassis. In place of the latter's turret, however, it had a fixed superstructure mounting a 128mm high-velocity gun. With armor up to 250mm, and weighing some 70 metric tons, it was the heaviest and most heavily armed and armored production AFV of WWII. 77 were built, and were issued to schwere PanzerjΣgerabteilung 653 and schwere Panzerabteilung 512.
ARMAMENT
1 x 128mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
250mm
WEIGHT
70 tonnes
P01035
The SPW 250/9 "Caesar" was a halftrack reconnaissance vehicle. It was an SPW 250 halftrack mounting a turret with a 20mm cannon, and was intended as the replacement for the SdKfz 222 armored car. The 250/9 was just what the German Army needed to combat the lack of roads on the Russian front. Though lightly armed and armored, it served as a recon vehicle on all fronts until the end of the war.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
14.5mm
WEIGHT
6 tonnes
P01036
The SPW 251/1 was the standard armored personnel carrier of the German Army. Designed primarily for transporting troops accompanying tanks in an advance, the 251/1 used a combination of wheels and tracks to give the vehicle fairly good cross-country performance. Each 251/1 could carry up to 13 men, and had mounts for its panzergrenadier squad's two light machineguns. This unit also represents the similar but smaller SPW 250/1, which was used in halftrack-equipped (SS-) panzer recon companies.
ARMAMENT
0-2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
14.5mm
WEIGHT
8 tonnes
P01037
The SPW 251/2 was an SPW 251 halftrack carrying with a GrW 34 81mm mortar that could be fired from the vehicle. A section of two was part of the heavy platoon in a halftrack-equipped (SS-) panzergrenadier company. This unit also represents the similar but smaller SPW 250/7, which was used in halftrack-equipped (SS-) panzer recon companies.
ARMAMENT
1 x 81mm mortar
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
14.5mm
WEIGHT
8 tonnes
P01038
The SPW 251/9 "Stummel" (Stump) was an SPW 251 halftrack fitted with a low-velocity 75mm cannon. It was used primarily for infantry support in the heavy companies of halftrack-equipped panzergrenadier formations. This unit also represents the similar but smaller SPW 250/8, which was used in halftrack-equipped (SS-) panzer recon companies.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/24 cannon
1 or 2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
14.5mm
WEIGHT
8.5 tonnes
P01039
The SPW 251/16 flamethrower halftrack was based on the SPW 251 armored personnel carrier. Instead of transporting infantry, the 251/16 carried two flamethrowers (flammenwerfer), one mounted on each side of the vehicle. The "flammenwerfer" was good for around 80 shots using 1 to 2 second bursts. With a maximum range of 35 meters, it was truly a "close support vehicle".
ARMAMENT
2 x flamethrowers
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
14.5mm
WEIGHT
8.6 tonnes
P01040
The SPW 251/22 anti-tank halftrack was based on the SPW 251 chassis. By late 1944 the role of the German Army had switched to the defensive. To combat the ever increasing numbers of tanks, any and all means were used to mount anti-tank guns. A complete(minus the wheels) PaK 40 anti-tank gun was mounted on the SPW 251 chassis, thus creating yet another version of this versatile halftrack.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/46 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
14.5mm
WEIGHT
9.5 tonnes
P01085
In late 1941, nine SdKfz 6 halftracks were converted to carry a captured Russian FK36 76m gun for use in a mobile anti-tank role. A box-shaped superstructure of 10mm armor plate replaced the passenger compartment of each halftrack, and the gun was mounted to fire over the vehicle's hood. All nine vehicles were shipped to the Afrikakorps in early 1942, where they were issued to PanzerjΣgerabteilung 605.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76mm L/51.5 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
10mm
WEIGHT
10.5 tonnes
P01082
The Kfz 13 was a 4x4 passenger car chassis with an open-topped armored body. Its armament consisted of a machinegun mounted on a pedestal behind the driver. 147 were built between 1932 and 1934. They were used in the reconnaissance units of non-motorized (primarily infantry) divisions. Most were withdrawn after the Polish campaign, but a few served on into 1940.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
8mm
WEIGHT
2.1 tonnes
P01041
The PSW 221 was a light armored car designed in the mid 1930s. It was basically an armored body and turret mounted on a standard, four-wheel heavy passenger car chassis. Its role in the German Army was as a reconnaissance vehicle operating in conjunction with PSW 222 armored cars. Most were eventually replaced by more capable vehicles, though some managed to serve out the war. With production lasting for five years ending in 1940, approximately 340 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
8mm
WEIGHT
4 tonnes
P01042
The PSW 222 armored car was based on the PSW 221. Designed as an reconnaissance vehicle, its main difference from the 221 was an increase in armament. In addition a more powerful motor was added along with many minor upgrades. In production from 1936-43, almost 1000 examples were constructed. They were issued to the armored car companies of reconnaissance battalions.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
8mm
WEIGHT
4.8 tonnes
P01079
The PSW 231 (6 rad) armored car was an armored reconnaissance vehicle built on a 6x4 truck chassis. It had two sets of driving controls - one in the front operated by the driver, and the other at the rear used by the radio operator. This allowed the car to be driven out of a dangerous situation quickly without having to turn around. Production started in 1932 and lasted until 1937, with 123 (including the PSW 232 variant with a long-range radio) built. They were issued to the reconnaissance units of motorized forces, but after service in Poland in France were withdrawn due to their limited off-road mobility.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92 machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
8mm
WEIGHT
5.35-6 tonnes
P01043
The PSW 231 (8 rad) was an armored car designed for reconnaissance. Its 8-wheeled chassis, which featured all-wheel drive and steering, gave it excellent off-road performance. It had two sets of driving controls - one in the front operated by the driver, and the other at the rear used by the radio operator. This allowed the car to be driven out of a dangerous situation quickly without having to turn around. Production started in 1936 and lasted until 1943, with over 600 built. They were issued to the heavy platoon of armored car companies in motorized reconnaissance battalions.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92 machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
18mm
WEIGHT
8.3 tonnes
P01044
The PSW 233 was based on the PSW 231 (8 rad) chassis. It featured a 75mm cannon mounted in an open topped, fixed position. It was created to give reconnaissance vehicles an ability to engage area targets and tanks. The low muzzle velocity of the cannon made tank killing a chancy operation. Produced from December 1942 through October 1943, a little over 100 were produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/24 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
8.7 tonnes
P01045
The PSW 234/1 was an 8-wheeled armored car. A relatively late war vehicle, it was based on the Puma chassis. A new turret was installed that carried a 20mm cannon - capable of anti-aircraft fire - instead of the 50mm cannon found on the Puma. Like the other vehicles in the 234 series, it used a 12-cylinder diesel engine that gave it a respectable top speed and range. Between June 1944 and January 1945, around 200 were produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
11.5 tonnes
P01046
The PSW 234/2 "Puma" was an 8-wheeled armored car carrying a 50mm L/60 cannon mounted in a fully enclosed turret. Like the other vehicles in the 234 series, it used a 12-cylinder diesel engine which provided a respectable top speed and range. Approximately 100 were built out of an initial order for 1500.
ARMAMENT
1 x 50mm L/60 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
11.7 tonnes
P01047
The PSW 234/3 was an 8-wheeled armored car. Using the same chassis as the Puma, the turret was replaced with a 75mm cannon mounted in an open topped fixed position. Created to give other reconnaissance vehicles close support, it also had a limited tank killing ability. With under a hundred produced, relatively few of these vehicle saw service. Like the other vehicles in the 234 series, the 234/3 used a 12-cylinder diesel engine, which provided a respectable top speed and range.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/24 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
11.5 tons
P01048
The PSW 234/4 was an 8-wheeled armored car. Using the same chassis as the Puma, the turret was replaced with the 75mm PaK 40 anti-tank gun mounted in an open-topped fixed position. With the PaK 40 cannon, the 234/4 was able to provide a fairly potent anti-tank presence for the other reconnaissance vehicles it was intended to support. Like the other vehicles in the 234 series, it used the robust Tatra diesel engine, which provided a respectable top speed and range.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm PaK 40 L/56 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
11.5 tonnes
P01049
The sIG IB was a self-propelled howitzer on the PzKpfw I chassis. The sIG 33 150mm infantry gun (sans wheels) was simply attached to the turretless superstructure. To provide some protection for the crew (which had to stand on the engine deck), they and the gun were shielded on the front and sides by armor plate. With a tall profile and thin armor, the sIG IB was top-heavy and vulnerable to even anti-tank rifles. 38 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 150mm infantry gun
MAX. ARMOR
13mm
WEIGHT
8.5 tonnes
P01084
The sIG II was a self-propelled howitzer on a widened and lengthened PzKpfw II chassis. The turret was removed and a low open-top superstructure mounted in its place to carry the sIG 33 150mm infantry gun. Twelve of these vehicles were built, and all were sent to the Afrikakorps in early 1942 where they equipped Heavy Infantry Gun Companies (SP) 707 and 708.
ARMAMENT
1 x 150mm infantry gun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
11.2 tonnes
P01050
The sIG 38(t) "Bison" was a self-propelled howitzer that used the PzKpfw 38(t) chassis to carry a 150mm infantry gun mounted in a thinly armored superstructure which replaced the original turret of the 38(t). Mounted on a chassis that was more appropriate for the weight of the infantry gun, the Bison proved to be a reliable weapons platform. It was limited by the relatively few rounds of ammo that it could carry and was still found to be lacking in armor. Production started in early 1943 and continued through late 1944, with close to 400 built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 150mm L/12 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
12 tonnes
P01086
The PzA LrS was an early attempt at producing a self-propelled artillery piece on a captured vehicle. The French Tracteur BlindΘ 37L (known to the Germans as the "Lorraine Schlepper") was the vehicle utilized, modified by the addition of an open-top compartment housing an sFH 13 150mm howitzer. 94 were converted in mid-1942, and were first issued to the 21st Panzer Division in North Africa. Others equipped panzer artillery units stationed in Western Europe.
ARMAMENT
1 x 150mm L/17 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
12mm
WEIGHT
8.5 tonnes
P01051
The PzA II "Wespe" (Wasp) was a self-propelled howitzer that mounted a 105mm field piece on the PzKpfw II chassis. One of the more successful self-propelled howitzers, the Wespe earned a good reputation from the crews that worked with it. Somewhat better armed then previous self-propelled vehicles, the Wespe still suffered from the open top that was common with this type of vehicle. With production starting in early 1943, over 600 were produced by late 1944.
ARMAMENT
1 x 105mm L/28 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
11 tonnes
P01052
The PzA III/IV "Hummel" (Bumblebee) was a self-propelled howitzer mounting a 150mm field piece on an extensively modified PzKpfw IV chassis. Originally intended as a temporary solution for providing an armored, fully tracked chassis for artillery, it none the less proved to be a good design. The Hummel was introduced to combat at Kursk in 1943, and remained in service for the duration of the war. The artillery regiment of a panzer division generally contained one Hummel battery. A total of 319 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 150mm L/30 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
24 tonnes
P01068
The Panzerwerfer 42 "Maultier" (Mule) was a halftracked armored truck that had been modified to mount the 150mm Nebelwerfer, which fired a rocket propelled artillery shell. When fired the rockets emitted a great deal of smoke, which made them an easy target for counter-battery fire. Being mounted on a halftrack allowed the vehicle to move and scoot, thus permitting a good deal of protection. With production starting in April 1943, around 300 were produced by early 1944.
ARMAMENT
1 x 150mm Nebelwerfer 42
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
8mm
WEIGHT
7.1 tonnes
P01053
The FlaKPz 38(t) was an anti-aircraft tank developed in late 1943 as an interim solution to the lack of full-tracked AA vehicles. It carried a 20mm FlaK 38 on a modified Marder III Ausf M chassis. The single 20mm gun was lacking in firepower, but the vehicle was needed until more heavily armed AA tanks could be produced. Constructed from late 1943 until early 1944, around 140 were built. They were assigned to the AA platoons in panzer regiments.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
MAX. ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
9.8 tonnes
P01054
The FlaKPz IV "M÷belwagen" (Furniture Van) was an anti-aircraft tank based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. With Panzer units in dire need of protection from Allied air attacks, the M÷belwagen was developed to accompany them. With the gun crew perched on top of an open deck, absolutely no protection was given. Intended as a temporary solution, it ended up serving till the end of the war. Production started in early 1944 and lasted for one year with around 240 produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm L/60 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
24 tonnes
P01055
The FlaKPz IV "Wirbelwind" (Whirlwind) was an anti-aircraft tank based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. It was designed to accompany Panzers on the battlefield so as to give some protection against Allied ground attack aircraft. Mounting four 20mm cannons in an octagonal, open-top turret, it provided an impressive amount of firepower; however, by late in the war 20mm shells weren't powerful enough to bring down Allied aircraft. On the other hand, it was a devastating weapon vs. ground troops. With production starting in mid 1944, less than 100 were produced by November 1944.
ARMAMENT
4 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
22 tonnes
P01056
The FlaKPz IV "Ostwind" (East Wind) was an anti-aircraft tank based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. It was similar to the Wirbelwind, which it was intended to replace, but carried the more powerful 37mm AA gun in a different turret. 43 were constructed.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
25 tonnes
P01057
The SdKfz 10/4 was an anti-aircraft halftrack. It carried a single 20mm cannon which was mounted on the back of a Demag D7 halftrack. One of the first self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicles produced it was very poorly armored, and as the war progressed the 20mm cannon became obsolete. Between 1938 and 1944, a little over 600 were constructed.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm L/112.5 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
5.5 tonnes
P01058
The SdKfz 6/2 was an anti-aircraft halftrack. It carried a single 37mm cannon which was mounted on the back of a Bⁿssing-NAG BN9 halftrack. Intended to provided more firepower then what the SdKfz 10/4 was capable of , it suffered due to a complete lack of armor. With production starting in 1939, over 300 were produced by 1943 when production stopped.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm L/98
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
10.4 tonnes
P01059
The SdKfz 7/1 was an anti-aircraft halftrack. Using the Zgkw 8t chassis, a flat platform was installed on the back of the vehicle, which permitted the mounting of the 20mm Flak 38. A much larger vehicle then the SdKfz 10/4, the 7/1 (like most anti-aircraft halftracks) still lacked any protection for the gun or crew. By late 1944, production ended with a little over 300 constructed.
ARMAMENT
4 x 20mm L/112.6 cannons
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT 11.5
tonnes
P01060
The FlaK LKW 20mm was an anti-aircraft truck. With the ever increasing need for air-defense vehicles, the German Army started mounting Flak weapons on the back of specially modified 4-wheeled trucks. These vehicles used a variety of chassis and had no armor for either the gun or crew. In addition, their cross-country performance was lacking.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
4 tonnes
P01061
The FlaK LKW 37mm was an anti-aircraft truck. With the ever increasing need for air-defense vehicles, the German Army started mounting Flak weapons on the back of specially modified heavy 4 wheel drive trucks. Several chassis were used but for the most part the Bⁿssing-NAG carried the heavier 37mm cannon. Like other AA trucks, the LKW had no armor for gun or crew.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
7.5 tonnes
P01069
The Kⁿbelwagen was a small passenger vehicle generally used for a variety of light duties. Most all military units had them and were mainly used by the commanding officers. Powered by a 998cc air-cooled engine, speed was not the Kⁿbelwagen's strong point. In addition most early vehicles lacked 4-wheel drive though overall, they did earn a good reputation for reliability. Over 50,000 of these were produced during the course of the war and remained in production long after the war ended. In the game, the vehicle appears in its reconnaissance role.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
1 tonne
P01062
Trucks were used for transporting troops and equipment. They consisted of many different brands and just as many different styles. Just before the war started they were over 100 different types of trucks being produced or used in Germany. In 1938 the Schell plan was implemented to reduce this to a more practical number. Though this helped a great deal, Germany always needed more trucks and consequently pressed into service everyone it could find. Generally most trucks had no armor or armament, which made them easy victims.
P01063
The RSO prime mover was intended as an artillery tractor. Experience on the East Front had shown that the SdKfz prime movers required too much maintenance. Hitler ordered that an inexpensive replacement be designed, and thus the Raupenschlepper-Ost (RSO) was born. Well suited for cross-country work, its top speed of around 10 mph was very slow. Despite its shortcomings, some 27,000 were built by the end of the war.
ARMAMENT
none
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
3.5 tonnes
P01064
The SdKfz 7 prime mover was a light halftrack designed to move, mount or carry a wide variety of military equipment. Many varieties of prime movers were built and the SdKfz 7 represents the 3-ton model. Utilizing a halftrack chassis it initially had good off-road performance, but Russian mud and ice was able to bring out the shortcomings in this design. Somewhat complicated it required a good deal of maintenance to keep it in a reliable running condition.
ARMAMENT
none
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
10 tonnes
P01065
The SdKfz 11 prime mover was a medium halftrack designed to move, mount or carry a wide variety of military equipment. Many varieties of prime movers were built and the SdKfz 11 represents the 8-tonne model. Utilizing a halftrack chassis it initially had good off-road performance, but Russian mud and ice was able to bring out the shortcomings in this design. Somewhat complicated it required a good deal of maintenance to keep it in a reliable running condition.
ARMAMENT
none
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
6 tonnes
P01066
This unit represents a variable number of horses, wagons and/or artillery limbers used for transport. Throughout the war the vast majority of German divisions (i.e., the infantry-type divisions) relied almost entirely on horse-drawn transport. For example, a volksgrenadier division was authorized some 3000 horses but only 150 vehicles. The artillery in infantry and volksgrenadier divisions was entirely horse-drawn.
P01070
This unit represents a number of horses sufficient to carry a platoon of cavalrymen. A 1939 platoon had 45-50 horses.
P01071
Bicycles are one of the least demanding forms of transportation available to any army. Requiring neither fuel nor fodder, bicycles can move troops on improved roads about as fast as can be tactically prudent, and are easily discarded at no great loss in the event of prolonged engagement. They do, however, require reasonably well surfaced roads - something not as common in Russia as in western Europe during the 1940s.
P01072
This unit represents a variable number of motorcycles used for the transport of infantry. Comprising many different brands and types, they were used for a variety of purposes but could be found most often affiliated with some type of recon unit.
P01073
This unit represents a variable number of unarmed and unarmored powered boats used to transport infantry and equipment across water.
P01074
This unit represents a variable number of rafts used to transport infantry and equipment across water.
P01101
The GrW 34 81mm mortar was a smoothbore, muzzle loading, and portable weapon that allowed shells to be fired at a high angle of attack. Generally it was broken down into pieces and carried by the men that made up a mortar crew. In motorized outfits the mortars were carried in trucks, but in foot-infantry units they could be transported in wagons. The GrW 34 lacked the range of the U.S. 81mm mortar but fired a heavier shell.
MAX. RANGE
2200m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
56.7kg
P01102
The GrW 34 81mm mortar section represents two 81mm mortars. By 1944 a section was normally found in the heavy platoon of all infantry-type companies. The mortar was a smoothbore, muzzle loading, and portable weapon that allowed shells to be fired at a high angle of attack. Generally they were broken down into pieces and carried by their crew. In motorized units the mortars were carried in trucks, but in foot-infantry units they could be transported in wagons. The GrW 34 lacked the range of the U.S. 81mm mortar but fired a heavier shell.
MAX. RANGE
2200m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
56.7kg
P01103
The GrW 42 120mm mortar was basically a direct copy of the excellent Russian 120mm mortar. Due to its weight it could not be carried by its crew, so like its Soviet counterpart it came with a small two-wheeled trailer that allowed it to be towed by a vehicle. Generally four mortars could be found in the mortar platoon of the infantry battalion. 3510 were in service on October 1, 1944.
MAX. RANGE
6050m
SHELL WEIGHT
16kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
281kg
P01104
The leIG 18 75mm infantry gun was a light, low-velocity artillery piece designed to provide advancing troops with artillery support. Six were normally found in the infantry-gun company of the infantry regiment. Overall the weapon was light and very easy to conceal due to its small size. The 1eIG 18 was introduced into the army in the late 1920s and served throughout the war.
MAX. RANGE
3475m
SHELL WEIGHT
6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
400kg
P01105
The sIG 33 150mm infantry gun was a low-velocity artillery piece designed to provide direct or indirect fire support for infantry. Two were normally found in the infantry-gun company of the infantry regiment. Almost three times heavier than its companion piece the 1eIG 18 75mm infantry gun, it was also more durable and effective. First introduced to the army in 1933, it served throughout the war. The sIG series of vehicles mounted this gun for use in armored formations.
MAX. RANGE
4700m
SHELL WEIGHT
38kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1680-1800kg
P01106
The sPzB 41 was a 28mm anti-tank weapon. Generally classified as a heavy anti-tank rifle it required a crew of two and needed to be broken down into several smaller pieces in order for it to be transported. A unique feature of this weapon was the tapered bore that the barrel used. It was pretty much obsolete by the time it entered service in 1941, as most all tanks were immune to the 20mm APCR shell it fired. Less then 200 of these weapons were produced.
ARMOR PENETRATION
66mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
630 grams
WEIGHT IN ACTION
118kg
P01107
The PaK 35/36 37mm was the standard German anti-tank weapon at the beginning of the war. Proving adequate for the job when Poland was overrun, it was almost obsolete one year later when France was invaded. By the time the invasion of Russia started it had earned the nickname of "door knocker" as the shells simply bounced off of medium and heavy Russian tanks. It was a relatively light weapon that could be pushed around for short distances by its crew and due to its small size, it was easy to conceal.
ARMOR PENETRATION
50mm at 500m (APCR ammo)
SHELL WEIGHT
0.97kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
435kg
P01108
The lePaK 41 was a 42mm anti-tank weapon. It featured a "squeeze-bore" barrel that accepted a 42mm shell in the breech but tapered to a 29mm bore at the muzzle. The outer casing of the shell collapsed inward as it traveled down the barrel. This raised its muzzle velocity (and armor penetration) substantially, but at the expense of greatly increased barrel wear. Production was halted when the tungsten needed for its projectiles became in short supply.
ARMOR PENETRATION
87mm at 500m (APCR ammo)
SHELL WEIGHT
1.52kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
642kg
P01109
This unit represents an infantry PanzerjΣger ("Tank Hunter") platoon of three towed PaK 38 50mm anti-tank guns. The PaK 38 was developed in the late 1930s, and entered service in 1941. At the start of Operation Barbarossa a little over a thousand were available. Despite being some 200kg heavier than the 37mm anti-tank gun, the PaK 38 could still be manhandled by its crew. On the Eastern front it proved inadequate against the well-armored T-34 and KV tanks, and was replaced by 75mm guns as quickly as possible.
ARMOR PENETRATION
120mm at 500m (APCR ammo)
SHELL WEIGHT
2.73kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
986kg
P01110
The PaK 97/38 was a 75mm anti-tank gun based on the famous Model 1897 French field piece. In 1941, when the standard German anti-tank guns were found to be ineffective against the Russian T-34 and KV tanks, some 700 of these French gun barrels were adapted to the PaK 38 carriage, thus creating the PaK 97/38. They were rushed to the Eastern Front, where they served until replaced by the more powerful PaK 40 75mm anti-tank gun. Many were then put to use as artillery pieces.
ARMOR PENETRATION
75mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.98kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1190kg
P01111
The PaK 40 was a 75mm anti-tank gun introduced at the start of 1942. Basically it was an enlarged version of the PaK 38 50mm gun. It proved to be a very successful design, and remained the standard divisional anti-tank gun for the remainder of the war. One drawback was its weight, which was too great to allow its crew to manhandle it. This made it difficult to change positions quickly to meet new enemy threats. The gun's usual towing vehicle was the SdKfz 11 halftrack or RSO prime mover.
ARMOR PENETRATION
154mm at 500m (APCR ammo)
SHELL WEIGHT
9.55kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1425kg
P01112
This unit represents an Anti-Tank Platoon of four PaK 43 88mm anti-tank guns. This weapon was essentially the same gun as mounted in the King Tiger tank, but on a four-wheeled platform towed by an SdKfz 7 unarmored halftrack. In action the wheels were removed, and the gun could be fired through a 360-degree arc. It was probably the finest anti-tank gun ever produced. The demand for it was so great that other versions (the PaK 43/41) were built using a normal artillery-type carriage. These guns were used in independent towed heavy panzerjΣger battalions, with four guns per platoon and three platoons per battalion.
ARMOR PENETRATION
274mm at 500m (APCR ammo)
SHELL WEIGHT
23kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
3700kg
P01113
The PaK 43/41 had the same barrel as the PaK 43, but mounted on a modified howitzer carriage. Demands from the front for more 88mm anti-tank guns necessitated this expediency, which negated most of the PaK 43's qualities (the new version was so big it was nicknamed the "barndoor") - though not its deadly ability to kill targets over 3000 meters away. These guns were used in independent towed heavy panzerjΣger battalions, with four guns per platoon and three platoons per battalion.
ARMOR PENETRATION
274mm at 500m (APCR ammo)
SHELL WEIGHT
23kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
4380kg
P01114
The K81/1 was a 128mm anti-tank weapon that saw very limited use during World War II. Originally intended for production as the PaK 44, the K81/1 was hastily created in the last months of the war by mounting the PaK 44 barrel on the carriage of the French GPF 155mm gun. Some barrels were mounted instead on captured Russian 152mm carriages.
ARMOR PENETRATION
230mm at 1000m
SHELL WEIGHT
28.3kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
12150kg
P01115
The leFK 16na was a 75mm field gun that was basically a modified version of the World War One era 77mm FK 16. In 1919 there were over 3000 77mm guns still in service in the German Army where they served as the basic divisional gun during the post war years. During the early 1930s it was decided to standardize the caliber of artillery pieces. The leFK 16na was created when the barrel of the 77mm gun was replaced with a new design utilizing a caliber of 75mm. Overall the gun was obsolete by 1940 standards, but it continued to be used by any and all formations that needed a light gun.
MAX. RANGE
12875m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.83kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1524kg
P01139
The PaK 97/38 field gun was the PaK 97/38 anti-tank gun used as a field artillery piece. It was often found in the artillery regiment of Luftwaffe field divisions.
MAX. RANGE
11000m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.98kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1190kg
P01116
The FK 40 75mm field gun was the PaK 40 anti-tank gun used in the field artillery role; a situation brought about by the chronic shortage of true field guns late in the war.
MAX. RANGE
7680m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.74kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1425kg
P01117
The leFH 18 105mm Howitzer was an artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. Originally entering service in 1935, it was to replace the older leFH 16. This was the most commonly used light field howitzer used by the German army. It was well praised for its ease of set-up, rate of fire, and reliability.
MAX. RANGE
10670m
SHELL WEIGHT
14.8kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1985kg
P01118
The leFH 18M 105mm Howitzer was an artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. Originally entering service in 1941, it was virtually identical to the leFH 18. The main difference being the addition of a muzzle brake, which increased performance about 18% when compared to the older leFH. It was well praised for its ease of setup, rate of fire, and reliability.
MAX. RANGE
12315m
SHELL WEIGHT
14.25kg (long-range shell)
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1985kg
P01119
The sK 18 105mm was the standard medium artillery gun. It used the same mount as the sFH 18, but supported a much longer barrel. Originally developed in the late 1920s it entered service in 1933. It was a large weapon for its caliber size, and difficult to operate off-road unless some type of mechanized assistance was available.
MAX. RANGE
19000m
SHELL WEIGHT
15.14kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
5642kg
P01120
The sFH 18 150mm Howitzer was an artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. It was introduced to the troops in the mid 1930s. Similar in design to the leFH 18, the sFH was quite a bit bigger and much heavier. Though an effective weapon, it was not well liked by its crew as it was very difficult to move in the mud and ice on the Russian front.
MAX. RANGE
13250m
SHELL WEIGHT
43.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
5512kg
P01121
The sFH 36 150mm Howitzer was an artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. The sFH 36 was a much improved version of the sFH 18, as it only weighed half as much which allowed it to be transported in one load. This reduction was accomplished by shortening the barrel by four feet and through the extensive use of alloys. Shortly after production began, it soon ended in 1942 due to a shortage of alloy materials In addition a muzzle brake was fitted which enhanced the performance of the gun, but not enough to make up for the shortened barrel.
MAX. RANGE
12300m
SHELL WEIGHT
43.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
3280kg
P01122
The K 18 150mm gun was a heavy artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. Design work started on this piece in 1933 and was accepted into service by 1938. Originally intended as a replacement for the World War One era, 150mm K 16, performance was only marginally better. In addition, transportation and set-up was a tedious and drawn-out operation.
MAX. RANGE
24500m
SHELL WEIGHT
43kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
12760kg
P01123
The K 18 170mm gun was a heavy artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. Entering service in 1941 it soon became the backbone of the German heavy artillery. Designed by Krupp, the weapon was noted for its stability and ease of operation, and for the most part, replaced the K 18 150mm heavy artillery gun.
MAX. RANGE
29600m
SHELL WEIGHT
68kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
17520kg
P01124
The LG 40 75mm recoilless gun was an artillery piece that had been specially engineered for light weight so that it could be parachuted with airborne forces. The low weight was achieved by eliminating the recoil mechanism and through the use of light alloys. The first of this type to enter production, it was unique in that the recoil mechanism was no longer needed because the propellant gases were emitted to the rear of the unit. The gases were directed through a venturi attached to the rear of the barrel, which made it dangerous to stand behind, when it was fired.
MAX. RANGE
6800m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.83kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
145kg
P01125
The LG 42 105 recoilless gun was an artillery piece that had been specially engineered for light weight so that it could be parachuted with airborne forces or carried by pack. The low weight was achieved by eliminating the recoil mechanism. The recoil mechanism was no longer needed because the propellant gases were emitted to the rear of the unit. The gases were directed through a venturi attached to the end of the barrel, which made it dangerous to stand behind, when it was fired. This weapon also saw service with mountains units. More then 3 times heavier then the LG 40 75mm, the LG 42 was almost 1400kg lighter then the leFH 18 105mm Field Howitzer.
MAX. RANGE
3400m
SHELL WEIGHT
14.8kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
540kg
P01126
The GebG 36 75mm mountain gun was the standard light mountain howitzer. First entering service in 1938, it had been designed so that it could be easily broken down into 11 loads (none of which weighed more then 114kg) so that mules could carry the weapon on narrow mountain passes. Overall the GebG 36 was well liked by its crew and the weapon served until the end of the war. Another 75mm gun used by German mountain troops was a specially modified version of the leIG 18 75mm infantry gun.
MAX. RANGE
9200m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.75kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
750kg
P01138
The GebH 16 100mm mountain howitzer was an old Czech gun used by the Germans to fill the gap caused by the absence of any domestically produced model in the 1930s. It was large and heavy, but quite serviceable despite its age.
MAX. RANGE
9280m
SHELL WEIGHT
13.4kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1235kg
P01127
The GebH 40 105mm mountain howitzer was introduced later in the war. Designed so that it could be easily broken down into 9 loads (none of which weighed more then 250kg) so that mules could carry the weapon on narrow mountain passes. The barrel, which was equipped with a muzzle brake, was attached to a split-trail carriage that was supported by two light alloy wheels. Considered by many to be the best mountain gun ever built, it remained in service with many countries long after the war was over.
MAX. RANGE
16740m
SHELL WEIGHT
14.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1663kg
P01129
NbW 41 150mm Nebelwerfer (Smoke Projector) rocket launcher was an artillery piece that fired rockets instead of the traditional artillery shells. With no recoil to absorb, the Nebelwerfer could be produced for one-third the cost and in one-half the time that it took for a comparable artillery piece. The NbW 41 was a six-barreled launcher that was mounted to a light two-wheeled trailer. Generally all six rockets could be fired virtually simultaneously, thus creating quite an impact at the receiving end. The rocket shells were initially used for laying smoke, but could also fire HE shells.
MAX. RANGE
6900m
ROCKET WEIGHT
34.15kg
P01136
NbW 42 210mm Nebelwerfer (Smoke Projector) rocket launcher was an artillery piece that fired rockets instead of the traditional artillery shells. With no recoil to absorb, the Nebelwerfer could be produced for one-third the cost and in half the time it took for a comparable artillery piece. The NbW 42 was a five-barreled launcher based on the NbW 41. It fired a shell that was three times heavier than, and carried four times the explosive charge of, the NbW 41. Mounted to a small two-wheeled trailer, it was easily manhandled by the weapon's crew.
MAX. RANGE
7850m
ROCKET WEIGHT
112.6kg
P01130
The sWG 40 280mm rocket launcher was an artillery piece that fired rockets instead of the traditional artillery shells. This weapon was a very simple design as it used a wooden crate to provide the launching platform for the rocket shell. A variety of simplistic methods were used to aim the weapon. Wooden stakes were driven into the ground to provide a base for the launching platform to lean against or pits could be dug into the ground which allowed the launching platform to lean against the earthen walls. All methods were very time consuming and slow to reload. Carrying 110 pounds of TNT, the sWG 40 was a potent weapon.
MAX. RANGE
2000m
ROCKET WEIGHT
79-82kg
P01137
The RW 56 300mm rocket launcher consisted of a six-rocket launcher rack on the carriage of a PaK 38 50mm anti-tank gun. To give an idea of the immense firepower of such a weapon, in just ten seconds it could fire over 1670 lbs. (762kg) in projectile weight.
MAX. RANGE
4550m
ROCKET WEIGHT
127kg
P01131
The FlaK 38 20mm was a single-barreled anti-aircraft weapon. It entered service in 1939 and was intended as the replacement for the Flak 20mm. Generally carried on a small two-wheeled trailer the FlaK 38 could be found in every theater of the war and mounted on a huge variety of equipment. Its high rate of fire made it useful against low flying aircraft and "soft" ground targets. During the last years of the war the FlaK 38 lost most of its effectiveness against the increasingly well armored Allied aircraft.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
2000m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.3kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
405kg
P01132
The FlaKvierling 38 was a quadruple-barreled 20mm anti-aircraft weapon. First entering service with the German navy in 1940, it quickly earned a good reputation for being able to fire an impressive amount of shells. Quickly adopted for use by all branches of the German military it was generally towed into place or could found mounted on a variety of vehicles. What the FlaKvierling lacked in punch, it more then made up with its volume of fire. Well liked by its crews, it served throughout the war on all fronts.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
2000m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.3kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1520kg
P01133
The FlaK 36 37mm was a single barreled anti-aircraft weapon. It had an automatic action that operated off of gas pressure and barrel recoil. It took a multi-round ammo clip that allowed the gun to have a practical rate of fire of 80 rounds per minute. Mounted on a triangular platform it was generally carried by a two-wheeled trailer, but could also be found mounted in a wide variety of vehicles.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
2000m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.635kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1544kg
P01134
The FlaK 43 37mm was a single barreled anti-aircraft weapon. Very similar in appearance to the FlaK 36, the FlaK 43 had a completely different mechanism for feeding and loading the shells. This fully automatic action allowed it to have almost twice the practical firing rate of the FlaK 36. Somewhat small in size it had a pedestal mount and generally came equipped with a shield that gave the crew some protection.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
4200m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.635kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1392kg
P01135
The FlaK 18 was a single barreled 88mm anti-aircraft weapon. One of the more famous weapons developed by Germany, it first entered service in the mid 1930s. Originally intended strictly for anti-aircraft purposes only, it was soon discovered that its rapid rate of fire and pinpoint accuracy allowed it to accomplish many jobs. It was often used for destroying bunkers and for turning back armored assaults. Overall a very effective weapon it was much appreciated by the crews that served it.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
10,600m
SHELL WEIGHT
9-9.6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
5150kg
P01201
This unit represents a standard 1939-43 rifle platoon. It generally consisted of around 50 men armed with rifles, a few submachineguns, one light machinegun per squad, and a 50mm light mortar. For game purposes the platoon is also assumed to have an anti-tank rifle attached from its parent company. Unlike other armies, the Germans considered the machinegun - not the rifle - to be the prime infantry weapon, and based all their infantry tactics around it.
P01202
This unit represents the basic rifle platoon in a 1944 German infantry division. It consisted of three squads and a small HQ, with a total of about 33 men. The platoon was armed with rifles, submachineguns and four MG 42 light machineguns. For game purposes the platoon is also assumed to have several Panzerfaust or Panzerschreck hand-held anti-tank weapons, which enabled an ordinary soldier to eliminate a 40-ton tank with a single shot - though only at close range.
P01203
This unit represents a 1941-42 rifle platoon of the Waffen (armed) SS. Like its regular army counterpart, it generally consisted of around 50 men armed with rifles, a few submachineguns, light machineguns and a 50mm mortar. For game purposes it is also assumed to have an anti-tank rifle attached from its parent company. Most SS infantry was motorized; this unit represents the minority that was not.
P01204
This unit represents an early-war motorized rifle platoon. It generally consisted of around 50 men armed with rifles, a few submachineguns, two light machineguns per squad, and a 50mm light mortar. For game purposes the platoon is also assumed to have an anti-tank rifle attached from its parent company. Transportation was provided by trucks or halftracks. With a total of eight light machineguns in its four squads, the motorized infantry platoon possessed an impressive amount of anti-personnel firepower for its size.
P01205
This unit represents an early-war motorized rifle platoon of the Waffen (armed) SS. Like its regular army counterpart, it generally consisted of around 50 men armed with rifles, a few submachineguns, two light machineguns per squad, a 50mm light mortar, and an anti-tank rifle attached from its parent company. Transportation was provided by trucks or halftracks. Fierce and ruthless in combat on the Eastern Front, SS troops often took no prisoners - and in return were shown no mercy or quarter by the Russians.
P01206
This unit represents a FallschirmjΣger (parachute infantry) platoon in the early-to-mid period of the war. Parachute troops were actually part of the Luftwaffe, and as in other nations were an elite, so were generally better equipped and motivated than regular infantry.
P01225
This unit represents a 1944-45 FallschirmjΣger (parachute infantry) platoon. It was generally equipped with three squads and a small HQ; about 40 men in all. The platoon was armed with rifles and assault rifles, six MG 42 light machineguns and one Panzerschreck. The older parachute formations, with their core of hardened veterans, retained their elite edge throughout the war and were regarded as some of the best German troops in the field.
P01207
This unit represents a late-war second-line FallschirmjΣger (Parachute Infantry) platoon. It was generally equipped with three squads and a small HQ; about 40 men in all. The platoon was armed with rifles and assault rifles, six MG 42 light machineguns and one Panzerschreck. By late 1944 most of the men in the parachute divisions were replacements with no jump training; and moreover, those in the recently raised formations lacked the experience, leadership and esprit de corps of the older outfits.
P01208
This unit represents a Luftwaffe field infantry platoon, found in the field infantry divisions fielded by the German Air Force and manned by excess ground personnel. Hermann G÷ring refused to make the men available as replacements to the army, and created these divisions instead. Poorly trained and led by inexperienced officers, the Luftwaffe field formations had limited combat effectiveness.
P01209
This unit represents a Panzergrenadier platoon. This was the new name given to the motorized infantry in mid-1942. No organizational change occurred. The new name was both an honorific and a reflection of their special training to work with the panzer forces.
P01210
This unit represents a an SS Panzergrenadier platoon. This was the new name given to the SS motorized infantry in mid-1942. No organizational change occurred. The new name was both an honorific and a reflection of their special training to work with the panzer forces.
P01211
This unit represents a Volksgrenadier platoon. It generally contained three squads and a small HQ; about 33 men in all. They were armed with rifles (one squad), submachineguns (two squads), three MG 42 light machineguns and several Panzerschreck. The volksgrenadier regiment had no anti-tank gun platoon; instead, it had an extra volksgrenadier company armed with Panzerschreck. In the game these troops are assumed to be split up and attached to the platoons. Volksgrenadier troops were formed in the latter half of 1944. Some were regular army units simply renamed, while others were second-class replacements with little training.
P01212
This unit represents a Volkssturm platoon. By 1944 Germany's manpower losses were becoming very difficult to replace. An order went out in October 1944 that all civilian males between the ages of 16 and 60 were to join the Volkssturm (home guard). Each district was expected to form at least one battalion for the defense of the surrounding area. The recruits were either old veterans of WWI or children, usually led by young officers of the Hitler Youth group. Generally 45 men made up a platoon, and were armed with whatever small arms happened to be available - but usually with a large number of deadly Panzerschreck or Panzerfaust hand-held anti-tank weapons.
P01213
This unit represents a generic machinegun platoon, with about 30 men and three or four heavy machineguns. The weapon was the revolutionary MG 34 (or later the even better MG 42) fitted to a tripod that provided a stable platform for long-range fire. The MG 42 was the most advanced design in the world, with up to twice the rate of fire (as much as 20 rounds per second) of Allied weapons.
P01214
This unit represents a generic machinegun platoon of the Waffen SS, with about 30 men and three or four heavy machineguns. The weapon was the revolutionary MG 34 (or later the even better MG 42) fitted to a tripod that provided a stable platform for long-range fire. The MG 42 was the most advanced design in the world, with up to twice the rate of fire (as much as 20 rounds per second) of Allied weapons..
P01215
This unit represents a generic assault engineer platoon. It generally consisted of 40-50 men with rifles, submachineguns, light machineguns, satchel charges, flamethrowers, and later one or more Panzerfaust or Panzerschreck hand-held anti-tank weapons. The main function of this platoon was to lead the assault on fortified positions. The German term for assault engineers was Pionere ("Pioneers").
P01216
This unit represents a generic assault engineer platoon of the Waffen SS. Like its counterpart in the regular army, it generally consisted of 40-50 men with rifles, submachineguns, light machineguns, satchel charges, flamethrowers, and later one or more Panzerfaust or Panzerschreck hand-held anti-tank weapons. Its main role was to lead the assault on fortified positions. The German term for assault engineers was Pionere ("Pioneers").
P01217
This unit represents a cavalry platoon of about forty men in three squads. The Germans used only one cavalry division during the invasion of Russia, and the division was disbanded in late 1941. Additional cavalry was found in the recon battalion of the older infantry divisions, but in 1943 these mounted squadrons were consolidated into brigades controlled by each army group. These were used mainly to combat the ever-present threat of partisans.
P01218
This unit represents a Waffen SS cavalry platoon of about forty men in three squads. One SS cavalry division was formed in 1942 to fight partisans. Several more created late in the war were destroyed almost immediately by the Russians.
P01219
This unit represents a motorcycle platoon. Generally, it was an infantry platoon that had been assigned motorcycles to increase their mobility so that they could keep pace with armor. The goal was to provide an inexpensive form of transportation, as the construction of halftracks was never able to keep up with demand. They were issued a variety of brands, which included the traditional two-wheeled model and sidecars. Often they were part of a reconnaissance company, and worked with other forms of motorized infantry to scout for the main force. Typically, 35-40 men made up a platoon and they were issued around 9-12 motorcycles. They were armed with all types of small arms, which included rifles, grenades and light machineguns.
P01220
This unit represents an SS motorcycle platoon. The SS troops were generally all volunteers, and when compared to other army units, they typically received better training and the latest weapons. Considered an elite unit, they received more food and ammo, but also got the hardest jobs. Generally, the motorcycle platoon was an infantry unit that had been assigned motorcycles to increase their mobility so that they could keep pace with armor. The goal was to provide an inexpensive form of transportation, as construction of halftracks was never able to keep up with demand. They were issued a variety of brands, which included the traditional two-wheeled model and sidecars. Often they were part of a reconnaissance company, and worked with other forms of motorized infantry to scout for the main force. Typically, 35-40 men made up a platoon and they were issued around 9-12 motorcycles. They were armed with all types of small arms, which included rifles, grenades and light machineguns.
P01223
This unit represents a motorcycle machinegun platoon, with heavy MG 34 or MG 42 machineguns carried in sidecars. Motorcycle machinegun platoons were sometimes found in bicycle as well as motorcycle units.
P01224
This unit represents an SS motorcycle machinegun platoon, with heavy MG 34 or MG 42 machineguns carried in sidecars. Motorcycle machinegun platoons were sometimes found in bicycle as well as motorcycle units.
P01221
This unit represents a Bicycle platoon. It generally consisted of a platoon leader who was in charge of three squads, of 12 men each. Rifles, pistols, hand grenades and a few light machineguns were typically assigned to this unit. For transportation the Wehrmacht Bicycle 38 was issued. This bike, which had racks to enable the carrying of most of the light weapons, was useful only on a prepared surface. Bicycles were generally used to increase the road mobility of infantry who had no other means of transport. For obvious reasons their mobility was severely hampered by inclement weather.
P01222
This unit represents an SS Bicycle platoon. The SS troops were generally all volunteers, and were considered an elite unit. When compared to other army units, the SS typically received better training and the latest weapons. This allowed them to maintain a higher moral level. It generally consisted of a platoon leader who was in charge of three squads, of 12 men each. Rifles, pistols, hand grenades and a few light machineguns were typically assigned to this unit. For transportation they were issued the Wehrmacht Bicycle 38. This bike, which had racks to enable the carrying of most of the light weapons, was useful only on a prepared surface.
P01226
This unit represents the later-war panzergrenadier platoon, with three squads and a small HQ; about 40 men in all. They were armed with rifles and submachineguns, six MG 42 light machineguns and a panzerschreck (the German equivalent of the bazooka, though much more powerful than the American weapon). They are also assumed to possess a number of panzerfausts - hand-held anti-tank rockets that could easily destroy any existing vehicle. In theory all panzergrenadiers were "armored" infantry, but normally in a late-war panzer division only one of its four panzergrenadier battalions was equipped with armored halftracks. The other three were still transported in trucks.
P01227
This unit represents an SS-panzergrenadier platoon, with three squads and a small HQ; about 40 men in all. They were armed with rifles, submachineguns and/or assault rifles, six MG 42 light machineguns and one panzerschreck (the German equivalent of the bazooka, though much more powerful than the American weapon). They are also assumed to possess a number of panzerfausts - hand-held anti-tank rockets that could easily destroy any existing vehicle. In theory all panzergrenadiers were "armored" infantry, but even in the SS - which received preferential treatment in supplies and equipment - only one battalion per panzergrenadier regiment was equipped with armored halftracks in a late-war panzer division. The other panzergrenadier battalions were still transported in trucks.
P01301
This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01302
This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01303
This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01304
This unit represents a non-motorized (i.e., infantry type) battalion headquarters. During the war, headquarters staffs were able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01305
This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01306
This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01307
This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01401
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly could catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01402
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly could catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01403
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly could catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01404
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01405
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01406
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01407
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01408
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01409
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01410
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P02001
The L3/35 Tankette was developed along the lines of the British Carden-Loyd Mk VI and first appeared as the L3/33 in 1933, but was retrofitted in 1935 and became the L3/35. In June 1940, when Italy entered the war, this tankette was found in all three armored divisions (except for two tank battalions), the tank battalions in the motorized divisions, the light tank squadron group in each Celere (Fast or Rapid) division, and numerous independent tank battalions. In addition to seeing action in the Ethiopian War and Spanish Civil War, the L3 was used everywhere Italians fought in WWII. Some 2000-2500 were built in different models and variants.
ARMAMENT
2 x 8mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
15mm
WEIGHT
3.5 tonnes
P02002
The L3 cc ("controcarro"; anti-tank) was a basic L3 tankette with a Solothurn 20mm anti-tank rifle mounted in place of its normal machinegun armament. Only a few were so modified, and they saw action only in North Africa.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm anti-tank rifle
MAX. ARMOR
15mm
WEIGHT
3.5 tonnes
P02003
The L3 Lf ("Lanciafiamme"; flamethrower) was another variant of the L3. Development began in 1935. The flamethrower nozzle replaced one of the mavchineguns, and the flame fuel was carried in an armored trailer towed by the tankette. Later versions had the fuel carried in a box-shaped tank mounted above the L3's engine compartment. The L3 Lf saw action in Spain, France, the Balkans, North Africa and Italian East Africa.
ARMAMENT
1x flamethrower
1 x 8mm machine gun
MAX. ARMOR
15mm
WEIGHT
5 tonnes
P02004
The L5 was Italy's first series production tank. Based loosely on the French FT-17, the FIAT 3000, as it was originally designated, was armed with two coaxially mounted machineguns. A later version carried a 37mm gun instead, and was used as a platoon- and company-commander's vehicle. Eventually their designations were changed to L5/21 and L5/30 respectively. The L5 was considered a first- line tank until mid 1939, seeing action in Libya in 1926 and in Ethiopia in 1936. It also fought along the French-Italian border in 1940 and in Sicily in 1943. Some 100 were built.
ARMAMENT
2 x 8mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
16mm
WEIGHT
5.5 tonnes
P02005
The L6/40 Light Tank was developed to replace the L3/35 in the role of cavalry or reconnaissance. It was developed from the chassis of the L3 and provided an increase in firepower, protection and mobility. By 1942, however, it was hopelessly obsolete and production was canceled in favor of the Semovente L40 47/32. 283 L6/40 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm L65 Gun
1 x 8mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
40mm
WEIGHT
6.8 tonnes
P02006
The M11/39 was intended as the standard medium tank for the Italian armored divisions. Carrying two turret-mounted 8mm machineguns and a superstructure-mounted 37mm gun, it was fairly well armed. However, the limited traverse of the 37mm gun proved unsatisfactory and soon the search for a design with a turret-mounted gun began. The result was that only 100 of these vehicles were built. The M11/39 saw action in Italian East Africa and Libya.
ARMAMENT
1x 37mm L40 gun
2 x 8mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
11 tonnes
P02007
The M13/40 was designed as a replacement for the M11/39. Ordered in January 1940, it was in action by the second half of the year. Though basically the same as the M11/39 mechanically, the M13/40 carried a bigger gun in a fully rotating turret. Its weaknesses were slow speed and a cramped two-man turret. The M13/40 saw action in North Africa and the Balkans. 785 were built. Four M13/40 made up a platoon until August 1941.
ARMAMENT
1 x 47mm L32 gun
3 x 8mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
42mm
WEIGHT
14.3 tonnes
P02008
The M13/40 was designed as a replacement for the M11/39. Ordered in January 1940, it was in action by the second half of the year. Though basically the same the M11/39 mechanically, the M13/40 carried a bigger gun in a fully rotating turret. Its weaknesses were slow speed and a cramped two-man turret. The M13/40 saw action in North Africa and the Balkans. 785 were built. After August 1941, five M13/40 were authorized per medium tank platoon.
ARMAMENT
1 x 47mm L32 gun
3 x 8mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
37mm
WEIGHT
14.3 tonnes
P02009
The M14/41 was essentially an up-engined M13/40, fitted with the 15 TM41 V-8 diesel in an attempt to remedy the slow speed of the M13/40. Some 895 of these AFVs were built, seeing action in North Africa. By late 1942 they had supplanted the M13/40 as the standard medium tank in Italian armored divisions.
ARMAMENT
1 x 47mm L32 gun
3 x 8mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
37mm
WEIGHT
14.3 tonnes
P02011
The MR/35 was a captured French R35, 124 of which Italy received from Germany in 1941. The Italians installed radios and designated them MR/35. Their only action in Italian service was in Sicily in July 1943.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm L21 gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
45mm
WEIGHT
10 tonnes
P02012
Taking note of the success of the Sturmgeschⁿtz III, the Italians designed a similar vehicle in early 1941, which they called the Semovente M40 da 75/18. Based on the M13/40 hull and chassis, it mounted a 75mm howitzer in a box-shaped superstructure. Although sometimes used as a tank destroyer, the SMV 75/18 was intended primarily to provide support and flank protection for Italian medium tank units. It saw action in North Africa and Italy. About 60 were produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L18 howitzer
MAX. ARMOR
50mm
WEIGHT
14.8 tonnes
P02013
The Semovente M41 da 75/18 differed from the M40 da 75/18 in that it was based on the faster M14/41 tank. 162 of these vehicles were produced. Semoventi were normally used in batteries of four vehicles.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L18 howitzer
MAX. ARMOR
50mm
WEIGHT
14.8 tonnes
P02017
The Semovente L40 da 47/32 Tank Destroyer was derived from the L6/40 Light Tank to increase the mobility of the 47mm gun. It was employed mostly in "Gruppi Semoventi 47/32" anti-tank battalions, but was often relegated to the role of infantry support since its anti-tank capabilities were limited. About 300 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 47mm L32 gun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
6.5 tonnes
P02018
The Semovente M41M da 90/53 was developed in 1942 by placing a 90mm AA gun on a modified M14/41 hull. The hull and chassis were lengthened, and the engine was moved from the rear of the vehicle to the center. The design proved unsatisfactory due to the stresses caused by the large and powerful gun, and by a very limited ammunition stowage capacity. Originally intended for use in Russia, the Semovente M14M da 90/53 saw action only in Sicily. Thirty were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 90mm L53 gun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
15.7 tonnes
P02019
The AS 42 "Sahariana" Scout Car was developed for long-range desert reconnaissance. It was unarmored, but had excellent cross country range. It saw action in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. Some 200 were built.
ARMAMENT
varied (MG, 20mm, etc.)
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
4.5 tonnes
P02021
The Lancia 1ZM Armored Car began development in 1912. It saw action in World War I, and in 1928 was fitted with more modern machineguns. An interesting feature of the IZM was a set of rails that allowed the vehicle to drive through and cut barbed wire. The vehicle saw action during the Spanish Civil War, in Ethiopia and in Italian East Africa.
ARMAMENT
2 x 8mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
6mm
WEIGHT
4 tonnes
P02022
The AB 611 Armored Car was based on a FIAT 6x4 truck. It carried four machineguns: two in the front of the turret, and one each at the rear of the turret and hull. Some, however - apparently platoon- and company-command vehicles - mounted a 37mm L40 gun in place of the two turret-front machineguns. The AB 611 saw action in Ethiopia and Italian East Africa. 46 were built.
ARMAMENT
4 x 8mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
15mm
WEIGHT
7 tonnes
P02024
The AB 40's advanced automotive design filled the needs of the Italian Army for a modern armored car. It featured 4x4 drive, fully independent suspension, four-wheel steering, free-spinning spare wheels in the middle on both sides to prevent 'bellying' on obstacles, and a rear driving position (so the vehicle could get out of a sticky situation without having to turn around). Twenty-four were built before the design was changed to the more heavily armed AB 41.
ARMAMENT
3 x 8mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
18mm
WEIGHT
7 tonnes
P02025
The AB 41's advanced design fulfilled the needs of the Italian Army for a modern armored car. It featured 4x4 drive with four-wheel steering, a fully independent suspension, a free-spinning rotating spare wheel on both sides in the middle to prevent bellying when crossing obstacles, a rear driving position, and increased horsepower over its sister, the AB 40 armored car. The primary purpose of the AB 41 was reconnaissance and it was therefore allocated to reconnaissance units of armored, motorized and cavalry divisions as well as independent recon companies. About 560 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm L65 gun
2 x 8mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
18mm
WEIGHT
7.5 tonnes
P02026
The Autocannone da 65/17 was based on the British Morris CS 8 15-cwt truck, 24 captured examples of which were modified by the Italians to carry the 65mm infantry gun as a self-propelled artillery piece. They saw action in North Africa.
ARMAMENT
1 x 65mm L17 gun
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
3 tonnes
P02027
The Autocannone da 20/65 was a flatbed truck - often a captured British vehicle - carrying the Italian 20mm AA gun. These SP guns saw action primarily in North Africa.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm L65 AA gun
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
3 tonnes
P02028
The Autocannone da 75/27 CK dated back to the First World War when the Italians modified trucks to carry the Krupp 75mm AA gun. In 1927 the Italians mounted this same gun on the Ceirano truck. Some of these vehicles saw action during the early fighting in North Africa.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L27 AA gun
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
7 tonnes
P02029
The Autocannone da 90/53 resulted from modifying 4x4 (and later 6x6) heavy trucks to carry the 90mm AA gun. The vehicle was designed to serve in both the anti-aircraft and anti-tank roles. About 57 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 90mm L53 AA gun
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
12 tonnes
P02030
From 1926 the Italians developed various wheeled prime movers (which they called tractors) to tow artillery. Three common models were the Trattore Leggero 37 (light), Trattore Medio 40 (medium) and the Trattrice Pesante 32 (heavy). Each had 4x4 drive with oversized wheels and four-wheel steering. Most also had fully independent suspension.
P02031
The Italians originally moved their light guns "en portee" (carried on the back of trucks) in motorized units. When this fell out of favor they developed special light trucks to tow them. This unit is a generic representation of these vehicles.
P02032
The Italians used many different types of trucks, which they categorized as Leggero (light), Medio (medium) or Pesante (heavy). Beginning in 1937 the Army set standards for manufacturers to follow along the lines of payload capacity and minimum top speed. The Army never had enough motor transport during the war, but made an effort to fully motorize the armies in North Africa and Russia. They used captured British trucks to help alleviate shortages within their North African forces, and were also supplied with Opel Blitz and French Citroen trucks by the Germans. Despite all efforts, they were never able to fully meet the motorization needs of their troops.
P02033
This unit represents a variable number of wagons sufficient to move a battery of guns or a platoon of infantry. A 1940 non-North-African-type infantry division was authorized 154 wagons (and 121 motor vehicles), with all of its divisional artillery and regimental infantry guns horse-drawn.
P02034
This unit represents a number of horses sufficient to carry a plotone (platoon) of cavalrymen. A 1940 cavalry regiment contained 818 horses.
P02035
Bicycles are one of the least demanding forms of transport available to any army. Requiring neither fuel nor fodder, bicycles can move troops on improved roads as fast as is tactically prudent, and they are easily discarded at no great loss in the event of prolonged engagement. Their main drawback is that they do require improved roads.
P02036
This unit represents a variable number of motorcycles used for the transport of infantry - generally Bersaglieri.
P02037
This unit represents a variable number of unarmed and unarmored powered boats used to transport infantry and equipment across water.
P02038
This unit represents a variable number of rafts used to transport infantry and equipment across water.
P02101
The Mortaio da 81/14 81mm mortar fired both light (7-lb.) and heavy (15-lb.) HE rounds, and had the longest range of any medium mortar used during the war. Like most other derivatives of the classic French Brandt mortar, the 81/14 could fire smoke, and in a pinch could fire German, American and French 81mm rounds as well. Infantry regiments in Regular, Motorized and Autotrasportabile (truckable) infantry divisions were usually allocated a company of medium mortars. 1942 Tipo-AS (North African) infantry regiments and Alpini regiments were allocated one company per battalion. Infantry and Autotrasportabile divisions (except Tipo-AS) were also allocated a divisional mortar battalion of three companies. The Pasubio and Torino divisions in Russia were allocated two such battalions. Cavalry, Libyan, and Bersaglieri regiments contained no mortars (though later in North Africa, some of them did). An 81mm mortar company generally consisted of three platoons of two mortars each.
MAX. RANGE
4000m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.3kg & 6.9kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
50kg
P02125
The Mortaio da 81/14 81mm mortar fired both light (7-lb.) and heavy (15-lb.) HE rounds, and had the longest range of any medium mortar used during the war. Like most other derivatives of the classic French Brandt mortar, the 81/14 could fire smoke, and in a pinch could fire German, American and French 81mm rounds as well. Each Blackshirt Legion was authorized one mortar company, which generally consisted of three platoons of three mortars each.
MAX. RANGE
4000m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.3kg & 6.9kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
50kg
P02102
The Cannone da 65/17 dated back to 1913, when it was first used as a mountain gun by the Alpini troops. By mid-1940 this 65mm piece was the standard infantry support weapon of the Italian Army. Infantry regiments in regular and Autotrasportabile (truckable) infantry divisions were each allocated one battery of four 65/17 guns, as was each Blackshirt Legion. About 700 were in service in 1940.
MAX. RANGE
6500m
SHELL WEIGHT
4.2kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
556kg
P02103
The Cannone da 70/15 was an ancient weapon dating back to 1902. It lacked any kind of recoil mechanism. Originally designed as a mountain gun, it was replaced by the 65/17 and relegated to the infantry support role. It was used mostly in Italian East Africa, apparently as a regimental support piece.
MAX. RANGE
6600m
SHELL WEIGHT
4.84kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
387kg
P02104
The Cannone-cc da 37/45 anti-tank gun was the German 37mm PaK 35/36 built under license by the Italians. Apparently not widely used, it was encountered by the British in the early desert campaigns. It was usually transported en portee (carried in a truck).
ARMOR PENETRATION
48mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.97kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
435kg
P02105
The Cannone da 47/32 47mm anti-tank gun was the Austrian B÷hler M1935 that Italy produced under several licenses. It was used as an anti-tank gun, for infantry support, as pack artillery, and was also used in the M13-14 tanks and the Semovente 47/32 tank destroyer. Drawbacks were that it contained no gun shield and those built before 1939 had no towing eyelet, so they had to be portaged en portee (carried in trucks) or manhandled. A 47/32 company normally consisted of eight guns in four platoons. About 3000 of these weapons were built.
ARMOR PENETRATION
43mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
1.44kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
277kg
P02109
The Cannone da 75/27 75mm field gun was the standard light field piece in the artillery regiment of most Italian divisions during the war. This gun actually represents four pre-WWI gun types; the 75/27 m06, m11 and m12, and the 77/28. The m06 was a Krupp design built under license; the m11 was a French import; the m12 was a modified m06. The Skoda-built 77/28 was a combination field/mountain gun that was allocated to Italy's two Libyan divisions. A battery consisted of four guns. Over 3000 were in service by 1940.
MAX. RANGE
10240m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.35kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
900-1080kg
P02111
The Obice da 75/18 75mm howitzer consisted of two gun types: the 75/18 m34 (a modern mountain howitzer developed in 1934) and the 75/18 m35 (a normal field howitzer based on the m34). Both were used as divisional artillery in a few select units, mostly in North Africa and Russia. This same ordnance was used as the main gun in the Semovente 75/18 assault gun. About 350 (230 m34 and 122 m35) were produced.
MAX. RANGE
9560m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.3kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
780-1050kg
P02112
The Obice da 100/17 field howitzer combines three gun types: the Austro-Hungarian Skoda 10cm vz 14 howitzer (taken over by Italy in 1918), the Skoda 10cm vz 16 mountain howitzer, and (from Germany) the 10cm vz 14/19 howitzer (designated 100/22). The Italians used the 100/17 along with the 75/27 in the artillery regiments of various divisions. Each battalion of 100/17 guns consisted of twelve guns in three batteries. Over 1900 saw service during the war.
MAX. RANGE
9280m
SHELL WEIGHT
13.65kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1417kg
P02113
The Cannone da 105/28 field howitzer was a license-built version of the French 105mm mle 1913 (also known as the L 13 S). It was used by the Italians primarily as corps artillery, and occasionally was employed at divisional level in place of the 100/17. In mid 1940 the Italians had 956 in service.
MAX. RANGE
12000m
SHELL WEIGHT
15.74kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2300kg
P02114
The Obice da 149/13 150mm howitzer mainly represents two types of guns confiscated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire after WWI, which the Italians renamed the 149/12 and 149/13. Both were used primarily as corps artillery. In mid 1940 there were 1082 in Italian service.
MAX. RANGE
8790m
SHELL WEIGHT
40-41kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2344-2765kg
P02115
The Obice da 149/28 was the German 15cm sFH 18 field howitzer, 38 of which were sold to Italy in 1941. These guns were used to augment the Italians' lack of large-caliber Army-level guns, and saw action in North Africa and Russia.
MAX. RANGE
13250m
SHELL WEIGHT
43.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
5512kg
P02116
The Cannone da 149/35 was yet another example of an ancient gun still in service with the Italian Army during WWII. First produced around the turn of the century, this gun lacked a recoil mechanism and needed ramps behind the wheels to stop it from rolling too far backwards when fired. It also had large wooden plates strapped to the wheels to prevent rolling. Some 895 were in the Italian inventory in 1940. These guns saw action in North Africa and the Balkans, employed at army level.
MAX. RANGE
10,600m
SHELL WEIGHT
46kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
8220kg
P02117
The Cannone da 149/40 150mm howitzer was developed in 1935 to replace the older large-caliber army-level guns, but production was unable to meet demands. By 1942 only 51 were in service. Due to its superior quality, however, production of the 149/40 was maintained by the Germans after 1943. This howitzer saw action in Russia and North Africa.
MAX. RANGE
23700m
SHELL WEIGHT
46kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
11340kg
P02110
The Obice da 75/13 75mm mountain howitzer was the Skoda 7.5cm vz 15, perhaps the most successful mountain howitzer ever produced. Many were acquired after WWI and designated the 75/13, and were issued to the Alpini divisions to replace the 65/17 gun. An Alpini regiment, whose structure permitted independent operations away from its parent division, normally had a 75/13 battalion directly attached. One battery of four 75/13 guns could be assigned directly to each of the Alpini regiment's infantry battalions. The three Alpini divisions sent to Russia in 1942 were each allocated two 75/13 battalions in their artillery regiment. Other divisions occasionally used the 75/13 as divisional artillery. About 1200 were in service by 1940.
MAX. RANGE
8250m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.4kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
613kg
P02124
The Obice da 105/11 105mm mountain howitzer was the French "Canon Court de 105 M mle 1919" (or the very similar mle 1928) mountain gun built by Schneider. Its primary use by the Italians was in the elite Alpini divisions.
MAX. RANGE
7850m
SHELL WEIGHT
12kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
750kg
P02119
The Cannone-mitragliera da 20/65 20mm anti-aircraft gun was the standard light anti-aircraft gun of the Italian Army, which also viewed it as a heavy machinegun and light anti-tank gun. It was adopted into service in 1935. Production of the 20/65 was maintained after 1943 by the Germans. Over 2750 had been produced by September 1942.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
2500m
SHELL WEIGHT
.135kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
307kg
P02120
The Cannone-aa da 75/46 75mm anti-aircraft gun was adopted by the Italian Army in 1934. It saw action as an AA gun and as an anti-tank gun, and performed both roles very effectively. The Germans continued to use the 75/46 after 1943 when Italy switched sides. 226 had been built by late 1942.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
8300m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
3300kg
P02121
The Cannone-aa da 88/56 was the German 88mm FlaK 18 anti-aircraft gun. A number of these were provided to Italian forces in North Africa.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
10,600m
SHELL WEIGHT
9-9.6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
5150kg
P02122
The Cannone-aa da 90/53 was the best anti-aircraft gun produced by Italy and arguably comparable to the German "88". It exceeded the "88" in maximum effective ceiling, and its armor penetration was nearly as good. Unfortunately for the Italian cause, the 90/53 was never available in sufficient numbers to meet the demands of the army. Only 539 had been produced by July 1943, and most were employed in fixed emplacements.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
11,400m
SHELL WEIGHT
10.33-11.25kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
6240kg
P02123
The Cannone da 47/32 Field Gun was the Austrian Bohler M1935 that Italy produced under several licenses. Light weight, it could be para-dropped and was used by the Folgore Parachute Division as divisional artillery.
MAX. RANGE
4100m
SHELL WEIGHT
1.44kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
277kg
P02201
This unit represents the standard rifle platoon. It comprised about 40 men in two squads, each of which contained a squad leader, a nine-man rifle group and an eight-man light machinegun group with two light machineguns. The rifles were often 6.5mm carbines with low muzzle velocity and inferior stopping power. The Breda modello 30 light machinegun, also of 6.5mm caliber, was a fragile design prone to jamming.
P02202
The Bersaglieri were light infantry transported on trucks, motorcycles or bicycles. A Bersaglieri platoon had the same organization as that of the regular infantry: about 40 men in two squads, each of which contained a squad leader, a nine-man rifle group and an eight-man light machinegun group with two LMGs. A Bersaglieri regiment formed the infantry element of the armored divisions, and one was present in several of the motorized divisions.
P02203
The Alpini were a recognized elite unit, recruited from Italy's alpine regions and specializing in mountain warfare. Three Alpini divisions were sent to Russia in the fall of 1942. During the great Russian counteroffensive around Stalingrad they performed admirably but were too lightly armed to withstand the Soviet onslaught, and all suffered heavy casualties.
P02204
This unit represents a typical Italian parachute infantry platoon. The Italians trained around 18,000 paratroops. These were mainly in the Folgore and Nembo divisions as well as a number of infantry, marine and colonial units.
P02205
The CCNN were the the Italian Fascist Militia (aka the Blackshirts). They were grudgingly accepted as fighting forces by the army due to its manpower needs. Though summarily trained and lightly armed, they were often used as assault troops. From 1940 one CCNN Legion or regiment (of two Cohorts or battalions) was authorized in each infantry division, though not all divisions actually received one.
P02206
An Italian machinegun platoon generally contained four tripod-mounted machineguns. The weapons themselves varied in type, caliber, age and reliability. All suffered from inherent design flaws, and even the best - the 8mm Breda modello 37 - was less than unsatisfactory. These guns were yet another example of the poor equipment Italian soldier were forced to use.
P02207
This unit represents an anti-tank rifle section armed with two Solothurn s18-1100 semi-automatic 20mm anti-tank rifles, each with a crew of three men. The weapon itself weighed about 120 pounds (54.7kg), but came with a small two-wheel carriage for easier manhandling. It could be fired from the carriage or a bipod. The gun was introduced in early 1941, with a section generally being allotted to each infantry and Bersaglieri battalion. Later as many as three sections were authorized per battalion, but as the weapon was increasingly obsolete its use declined. Its Italian designation was "Fucile Anticarro S".
P02208
Like other nationalities, the Italians had many different types of engineers. Combat engineers were called "Guastatori", and carried a variety of assault equipment such as satchel charges and flamethrowers.
P02209
This unit represents a cavalry platoon of 40-45 men armed with sabers, rifles or carbines and three light machineguns.
P02210
Most Italian motorcycle troops were Bersaglieri. A Bersaglieri regiment often contained one or more motorcycle companies, which were often detached and used as recon units.
P02211
This unit represents primarily a platoon of four machineguns carried in motorcycle sidecars. A Bersaglieri motorcycle company usually contained one such platoon.
P02213
This unit represents a Bicycle platoon. Rifles, pistols, hand granades and a few light machineguns were typically allotted to units of this type. The bicycle was only useful on prepared surfaces and was hampered by inclement weather.
P02307
An Italian army headquarters generally might control, in addition to its subordinate corps, several motorized artillery battalions of 150mm or greater, several AA battalions, various engineer formations (bridging, construction, signals, etc.), and air liaison units.
P02306
An Italian corps headquarters generally might control, in addition to its subordinate divisions, several motorized artillery battalions of 105-150mm (the latter generally being howitzers, only occasionally field guns), one or two machinegun battalions, several engineer battalions including one of assault engineers (Guastatori), an anti-tank battalion, and several anti-aircraft batteries.
P02301
An Italian division headquarters generally contained several hundred men. Motorization consisted mostly of automobiles, motorcycles (probably for messengers) and light trucks. Most radio equipment was not up to date and could not be operated on the move.
P02302
The Italians did not make much use of brigades per se. There were a number of coast-defense brigades and several brigades of armor or artillery, but the latter were special formations formed for a specific purpose rather than standard formations. In fact, many "brigades" referred to in English sources were actually termed Raggruppamenti by the Italians, which translates more akin to "task forces".
P02303
The headquarters of an infantry regiment typically consisted of the commanding officer and a command platoon (his staff), a signals platoon and a service platoon. Together they totaled about 250 men. Transport was a mixture of cars, trucks and motorcycles. Italian infantry divisions were unusual in being binary; i.e., they contained only two infantry regiments instead of the normal three.
P02304
An Italian infantry battalion headquarters typically consisted of the commanding officer and a command (staff) and service platoon, a signals platoon and a recon platoon. Together they totaled about 140 men.
P02305
This unit represents a motorized battalion headquarters with a number of motor vehicles sufficient to carry its men and equipment.
P02401
The Italian Army suffered from a failure in leadership. Junior officers in the Active (regular) Army were proficient, but many middle and higher commanders were WWI veterans too set in their ways. In addition, many battalion and regimental commanders were reservists called back to active duty with insufficient experience in contemporary tactics. To make matters worse, promotions were based almost entirely on seniority, so such officers were often left in command even when their lack of ability became apparent. Indeed, many of the Italian Army's failures in WWII were rooted in the combined effects of poor equipment too many ineffective officers.
P02402
The Italian Army suffered from a failure in leadership. Junior officers in the Active (regular) Army were proficient, but many middle and higher commanders were WWI veterans too set in their ways. In addition, many battalion and regimental commanders were reservists called back to active duty with insufficient experience in contemporary tactics. To make matters worse, promotions were based almost entirely on seniority, so such officers were often left in command even when their lack of ability became apparent. Indeed, many of the Italian Army's failures in WWII were rooted in the combined effects of poor equipment too many ineffective officers.
P02403
The Italian Army suffered from a failure in leadership. Junior officers in the Active (regular) Army were proficient, but many middle and higher commanders were WWI veterans too set in their ways. In addition, many battalion and regimental commanders were reservists called back to active duty with insufficient experience in contemporary tactics. To make matters worse, promotions were based almost entirely on seniority, so such officers were often left in command even when their lack of ability became apparent. Indeed, many of the Italian Army's failures in WWII were rooted in the combined effects of poor equipment too many ineffective officers.
P02404
The Italian Army suffered from a failure in leadership. Junior officers in the Active (regular) Army were proficient, but many middle and higher commanders were WWI veterans too set in their ways. In addition, many battalion and regimental commanders were reservists called back to active duty with insufficient experience in contemporary tactics. To make matters worse, promotions were based almost entirely on seniority, so such officers were often left in command even when their lack of ability became apparent. Indeed, many of the Italian Army's failures in WWII were rooted in the combined effects of poor equipment too many ineffective officers.
P02405
The Italian Army suffered from a failure in leadership. Junior officers in the Active (regular) Army were proficient, but many middle and higher commanders were WWI veterans too set in their ways. In addition, many battalion and regimental commanders were reservists called back to active duty with insufficient experience in contemporary tactics. To make matters worse, promotions were based almost entirely on seniority, so such officers were often left in command even when their lack of ability became apparent. Indeed, many of the Italian Army's failures in WWII were rooted in the combined effects of poor equipment too many ineffective officers.
P02406
The Italian Army suffered from a failure in leadership. Junior officers in the Active (regular) Army were proficient, but many middle and higher commanders were WWI veterans too set in their ways. In addition, many battalion and regimental commanders were reservists called back to active duty with insufficient experience in contemporary tactics. To make matters worse, promotions were based almost entirely on seniority, so such officers were often left in command even when their lack of ability became apparent. Indeed, many of the Italian Army's failures in WWII were rooted in the combined effects of poor equipment too many ineffective officers.
P02407
The Italian Army suffered from a failure in leadership. Junior officers in the Active (regular) Army were proficient, but many middle and higher commanders were WWI veterans too set in their ways. In addition, many battalion and regimental commanders were reservists called back to active duty with insufficient experience in contemporary tactics. To make matters worse, promotions were based almost entirely on seniority, so such officers were often left in command even when their lack of ability became apparent. Indeed, many of the Italian Army's failures in WWII were rooted in the combined effects of poor equipment too many ineffective officers.
P02408
The Italian Army suffered from a failure in leadership. Junior officers in the Active (regular) Army were proficient, but many middle and higher commanders were WWI veterans too set in their ways. In addition, many battalion and regimental commanders were reservists called back to active duty with insufficient experience in contemporary tactics. To make matters worse, promotions were based almost entirely on seniority, so such officers were often left in command even when their lack of ability became apparent. Indeed, many of the Italian Army's failures in WWII were rooted in the combined effects of poor equipment too many ineffective officers.
P02409
The Italian Army suffered from a failure in leadership. Junior officers in the Active (regular) Army were proficient, but many middle and higher commanders were WWI veterans too set in their ways. In addition, many battalion and regimental commanders were reservists called back to active duty with insufficient experience in contemporary tactics. To make matters worse, promotions were based almost entirely on seniority, so such officers were often left in command even when their lack of ability became apparent. Indeed, many of the Italian Army's failures in WWII were rooted in the combined effects of poor equipment too many ineffective officers.
P02410
The Italian Army suffered from a failure in leadership. Junior officers in the Active (regular) Army were proficient, but many middle and higher commanders were WWI veterans too set in their ways. In addition, many battalion and regimental commanders were reservists called back to active duty with insufficient experience in contemporary tactics. To make matters worse, promotions were based almost entirely on seniority, so such officers were often left in command even when their lack of ability became apparent. Indeed, many of the Italian Army's failures in WWII were rooted in the combined effects of poor equipment too many ineffective officers.
P08001
The FT-17 Tankette was of WWI design. With its rear engine compartment and turret-mounted armament, it pioneered the layout for all future tank designs. The French Army had some 1600 available in May 1940; however, around 500 were in service in metropolitan France. Most were deployed in independent tank companies (CACC).
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
or
1 x 37mm gun
MAX ARMOR
16mm
WEIGHT
6.7 tonnes
P08002
The AMR 33 was designed with local reconnaissance in mind. Lightly armed and armored, it also suffered from weak tracks and suspension. 120 were built. They were found mainly in the motorized dragoon regiments (RDP) of cavalry divisions (DLC).
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
13mm
Weight
5.5 tonnes
P08003
The AMR 35 incorporated several significant improvements over the AMR 33. This included a more powerful engine and better suspension which imparted greater speed and maneuverability. 167 were built. About half of these carried a 13.2mm machinegun, the rest the standard French 7.5mm machinegun. AMR 35 were found mainly in the motorized dragoon regiments (RDP) of light mechanized divisions (DLM).
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
or
1 x 13.2mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
13mm
WEIGHT
6.5 tonnes
P08004
The R35 Light Tank was designed to replace the FT-17 as the main infantry support tank in the French Army. As such, it was issued to some 20 independent tank battalions (BCC) which supported the infantry divisions. 900 were in service in May 1940.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
45mm
WEIGHT
10 tonnes
P08005
The H35 was the French Army cavalry tank. Although slightly larger than the R35, the H35 had the same combat abilities and performance. The H35 and R35 were very similar in appearance; indeed, they used the same turret. 400 were built. They were employed mainly in cavalry and light mechanized divisions.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
45mm
WEIGHT
12 tonnes
P08006
The FCM 36 Light Tank was another French infantry support vehicle. It possessed some innovative features, however, setting it apart from the R35 and H35 tanks. Its hull and turret were of all-welded construction. It was the only production model French tank with a diesel engine, and its armor was well sloped, providing greater ballistic protection. Due to its high production cost, however, only 100 were built. They were issued to the 4th and 7th Independent Tank Battalions (BCC).
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
40mm
WEIGHT
12.5 tonnes
P08007
The H39 Light Tank was an improved H35. Improvements included a more powerful engine, a much improved suspension and a longer L/33 gun. Around 600 were in service in May 1940, and a further 100 were built before the armistice. The H39 saw action with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Armored Divisions (DCR) in France; it also saw action in Norway and with the Free French in Syria.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
45mm
WEIGHT
12 tonnes
P08008
The R40 Light Tank was an improved R35, featuring a new track and suspension. Interestingly, these improvements were developed partly from the Char B medium tank. The R40 was also fitted with the more powerful L/33 gun. No exact numbers are available for how many of these tanks were produced. French Army sources indicate that some 80+ were issued to the 40th and 48th Independent Tank Battalions (BCC) and 1st Polish Tank Regiment.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
45mm
WEIGHT
12 tonnes
P08009
The Char Moyen D1 Medium Tank was originally classified as a light tank and was intended as a replacement for the FT-17. After its production run ended it was redesignated as a medium tank. The D1 saw action in France with the 67th Independent Tank Battalion (BCC), but most were sent to Tunisia. Some 160 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 47mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
40mm
WEIGHT
14 tonnes
P08010
The Char Moyen D2 Medium Tank was basically an upgraded D1. Originally intended to succeed the D1 for infantry support, the D2 was larger, faster and better armored. The D2 served with de Gaulle's 4th Armored Division (DCR). 100 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 47mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
40mm
WEIGHT
19.5 tonnes
P08011
The Somua S35 Medium Tank was based somewhat on the Char D2 and was adopted as the main medium tank of the DLM (Light Mechanized Divisions). It was considered the best tank to oppose the Germans in 1940, totally outclassing the Pz IIIE and F. Made entirely of cast construction, the S35 was rugged, fast, and well armed and armored. Some 430 were available to the French Army in 1940.
ARMAMENT
1 x 47mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
56mm
WEIGHT
20 tonnes
P08012
The Char B1-bis Medium Tank was the principal medium tank in service with the French Army in 1940. Although heavily armed and armored, it suffered from numerous impediments. Firstly, it was a very complex machine, so much so as to create problems in mass production. In the field, its drawbacks were the one-man turret, short range of operation, relatively slow speed and poor communications equipment. The bow-mounted 75mm gun had no lateral traverse capabilities. Yet, in spite of these problems, the Char B1-bis was a powerful weapon, easily a match for any panzer of the time. 368 were built. They were employed as the main battle tank of the Armored Divisions (DCR), and some were issued to independent tank companies (CACC).
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
1 x 47mm gun
2 x 7.5mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
60mm
WEIGHT
32 tonnes
P08013
The AMD 50 Armored Car was a modernized version of the White Armored Car used in WWI. Also known as the White-Laffly or Laffly 50 AM, it completed its production run in 1934. Intended for long-range reconnaissance, most were used in French North Africa. The AMD 50 featured an additional rear facing driver's position. 98 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
MAX ARMOR
7mm
WEIGHT
6.5 tonnes
P08014
The AMD 80 Armored Car was a modernized version of the White Armored Car used in WWI. Also known as the Laffly-Vincennes or Laffly 80 AM. This armored car completed its production run in 1935. Intended for long-range reconnaissance, it was sent to Tunisia. The AMD 80 featured an additional, rear facing driver's position. Twenty-eight were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 13.2mm machinegun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
7.5 tonnes
P08015
The AMD 35 Armored Car, nicknamed Pan-Pan, and sometimes called the Panhard 178 or P-178, was one of the finest medium armored cars anywhere in 1940. Featuring four-wheel drive, a rear mounted engine, front and rear driving positions, a 25mm main gun, and excellent speed (72km/h) and range (300km), the AMD 35 was a potent reconnaissance vehicle. Its only drawbacks were no independent suspension and radios in command vehicles only. About 525 were built, but only about 400 were issued to units in the field.
ARMAMENT
1 x 25mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
26mm
WEIGHT
8.5 tonnes
P08016
The Laffly W15T was a truck-mounted 47mm AT Gun, used in independent anti-tank batteries. Built between 24 May and 17 June 1940, some seventy were rushed into service. Although the original design called for the vehicle to be fully armored, only the gunshield was installed (and even this was often dispensed with). The W15T performed well in the field, achieving some notable successes against German armor, but suffered very heavy losses in the process.
ARMAMENT
1 x 47mm gun
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
5 tonnes
P08017
The Autocannon de 25 CA AA was the 25mm anti-aircraft gun mounted on a light truck. These vehicles were mostly field modifications rather than factory produced. Exact numbers are unknown, but it is generally accepted they were few in number. A few saw action with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Armored Divisions, and some were deployed with W15T anti-tank batteries. An Autocannon de 25 CA AA platoon consisted of four vehicles.
ARMAMENT
1 x 25mm gun
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
7 tonnes
P08018
The Autocannon de 75 mle 13/34 was a modified version of a WWI self-propelled 75mm AA gun. Modifications incorporated in the 1930s allowed the gun to engage ground targets as well as aircraft. This vehicle carried no ammunition; it was accompanied by a second vehicle carrying ammunition instead of a gun. A battery consisted of four vehicles. 236 were available to the French Army on 10 May 1940.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
6 tonnes
P08019
The AMC 29 Halftrack Armored Car was an armored, closed-top halftrack with turreted armament. Designed in 1923, it underwent a series of improvements until it reached its final form in 1932. 100 were built for the cavalry. Other names for this vehicle were the M29 or P16.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
11mm
WEIGHT
7 tonnes
P08020
The SOMUA MCG Halftrack Prime Mover was used for towing 105mm and 155mm artillery pieces. It was developed from the 1920s-vintage SOMUA-KΘgresse repair and recovery halftrack. This vehicle had several drawbacks: slow speed, noisy engine and tracks, and most notably, the fact that it required two such vehicles to move a gun along with its crew and ammunition. This unit also represents the Citroδn-KΘgresse P17 halftrack. Some 3000 of both types were available in May 1940.
ARMAMENT
none
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
2.5 tonnes (P17)
6.5 tonnes (MCG)
P08021
The Unic P107 Halftrack first appeared in 1935. It was used to tow 75mm field guns and 105mm howitzers. With 3276 built it was the most numerous French halftrack. This unit also represents the Citroδn-KΘgresse P19 halftrack, of which 600 were built.
ARMAMENT
none
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
5 tonnes (P107)
3 tonnes (P19)
P08023
The Lorraine 38L Armored Personnel Carrier was an unusual infantry transport vehicle. It carried four passengers, and towed an armored, fully tracked trailer that carried the rest of the infantry squad. A stopgap design, only 150 had been delivered by May 1940. They were issued to infantry formations of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd DCR.
ARMAMENT
none
MAX ARMOR
10mm
WEIGHT
9 tonnes
P08024
The Latil TAR H2 Gun Tractor was adopted in 1934 for towing heavy artillery and guns. It had 4x4 drive and four wheel steering. 600 were built.
ARMAMENT
none
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
9.5 tonnes
P08025
The French used a variety of trucks from the Citroδn 1.5-ton Type 23 to the Studebaker K30 5-ton 4x4. Trucks were used for a variety of purposes, such as towing guns, carrying guns en portee, transporting troops, etc. This unit is a generic representation of these trucks and includes all special types (Laffly, etc.)
P08026
This unit represents a variable number of wagons sufficient to move a battery of guns or a platoon of infantry.
P08027
This unit represents a number of horses sufficient to carry a platoon of cavalry.
P08028
This unit represents a variable number of motorcycles used to transport infantry. Most often they were affiliated with some type of recon unit.
P08029
This unit represents a variable number of unarmed and unarmored boats used to transport infantry and equipment across water.
P08030
This unit represents a variable number of rafts used to transport troops and equipment across water.
P08101
The mle 35 60mm Mortar was designed by the Edgar Brandt company. Motorized infantry companies were issued one each, as were cavalry and reconnaissance squadrons. Some 4900 were in service in May 1940. The 60mm mortar could fire both light and heavy bombs.
MAX RANGE
1700m
SHELL WEIGHT
1.3kg & 2.2kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
17.8kg
P08102
The mle 35 60mm Mortar was designed by the Edgar Brandt company. The 5th (heavy weapons) squadron of each cavalry regiment in the French Army included a platoon of four 60mm mortars. Some 4900 were in service in May 1940. The 60mm mortar could fire both light and heavy bombs.
MAX RANGE
1700m
SHELL WEIGHT
1.3kg & 2.2kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
17.8kg
P08103
The mle 27/31 81mm Mortar Group used a mortar designed by the Edgar Brandt company. A mortar "groupe" (two mortars) was authorized for the heavy weapons platoon of each motorized infantry battalion. Around 5000 were in service in 1940. The 81mm mortar could fire light and heavy bombs, and smoke.
MAX RANGE
2850m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.25kg & 6.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
59.7kg
P08104
The mle 27/31 81mm Mortar was designed by the Edgar Brandt company. In French cavalry formations, the heavy weapons company of each battalion was assigned a platoon of four 81mm mortars. Around 5000 were in service in 1940. The 81mm mortar could fire light and heavy bombs, and smoke.
MAX RANGE
2850m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.25kg & 6.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
59.7kg
P08105
The SA-L mle 34 25mm Anti-Tank Gun was built by Hotchkiss, and served as the standard battalion and regimental anti-tank gun of the French Army. The light weight of this weapon made it unsuitable for high-speed towing, so it was usually either horse-drawn or carried en portee. In the game this unit also represents the lighter mle 37 version. Some 6100 of both types were built, but this amount did not meet the demands of the army. The support company of each motorized infantry battalion was authorized two 25mm AT guns.
ARMOR PENETRATION
50mm at 600m
SHELL WEIGHT
.32kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
310-496kg
P08106
The SA-L mle 34 25mm Anti-Tank Gun was built by the Hotchkiss company and served as the standard battalion and regimental anti-tank gun of the French Army. This unit also represents the lighter mle 37 version. Some 6100 of both types were built. The heavy weapons company of each motorized infantry regiment was authorized six 25mm AT guns in two three-gun platoons.
ARMOR PENETRATION
50mm at 600m
SHELL WEIGHT
.32kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
310-496kg
P08107
The SA-L mle 34 25mm Anti-Tank Gun was built by the Hotchkiss company and served as the standard battalion and regimental anti-tank gun of the French Army. Each DLM (light mechanized division) and DLC (light cavalry division) was authorized a divisional 25mm anti-tank squadron of twelve guns. This unit also represents lighter mle 37 version. Some 6100 of both types were built.
ARMOR PENETRATION
50mm at 600m
SHELL WEIGHT
.32kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
310-496kg
P08108
The SA mle 37 APX 47mm Anti-Tank Gun was a powerful weapon, firing tungsten-core AP shot. Although 841 were manufactured, many were never issued due to a shortage of ammunition. All non-alpine divisions in metropolitan France were authorized a divisional 47mm anti-tank battery of twelve guns. In practice this number was usually six, and sometimes as few as four.
ARMOR PENETRATION
89mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
1.725kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1070kg
P08109
The mle 97/35 75mm Anti-Tank Gun was based on the famous Model 1897 field piece. Modified by fitting a circular platform under its wheels (similar to the British 25pdr), this weapon was thus able to traverse more rapidly than in its original form. No numbers are available as to how many of these guns were so modified. It was issued to the divisional anti-tank batteries of several French divisions. The guns were not popular with their crews due their extra weight and the longer time needed to get the gun in or out of action. This was in spite of its very potent tank killing abilities.
ARMOR PENETRATION
75mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.98kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1190kg
P08110
The mle 16 TR 37mm Infantry Gun was designed in 1916 as an infantry support weapon. Still in service in 1940, it was sometimes pressed into the anti-tank role due to shortages of the 25mm anti-tank gun. Issued mainly to second-line and reserve divisions, it was also issued to the weapons company of reconnaissance groups in the motorized infantry divisions, each company being authorized one gun. 1036 were available at the time of the German invasion.
MAX RANGE
2400m
SHELL WEIGHT
.55kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
108kg
P08111
The mle 1897 75mm Field Gun was the famous Model 1897 field piece, the first gun with a modern recoil system and fast-acting breech block. It revolutionized field artillery, and became the most widely used field gun ever produced. At the start of WWII the French had some 4500 of these guns in their inventory. It was the standard light artillery piece in most French divisions, and was also used in the Maginot Line fortresses.
MAX RANGE
11,100m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.2kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1140kg
P08112
The mle 35 B 105mm Howitzer was the design chosen to replace France's WWI-vintage 155mm howitzers. Two groupes (battalions) of four three-gun batteries were issued to the armored and mechanized divisions. Some cavalry divisions and motorized infantry divisions were authorized one groupe each. This unit also represents the similar 105 C mle 34 S. 376 were available in May 1940.
MAX RANGE
10,700m
SHELL WEIGHT
15.6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1627-1722kg
P08113
The mle 13 S 105mm Field Gun was based on a Russian 107mm design. First produced in 1914, some 897 of these pieces were available in May 1940, used mainly as corps artillery.
MAX RANGE
12,000m
SHELL WEIGHT
15.7kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2300kg
P08114
The mle 36 S 105mm Field Gun was the intended replacement for the L 13 S and was the most modern artillery piece in the French inventory. It was used primarily as corps artillery. 145 were in service in May 1940.
MAX RANGE
16,000m
SHELL WEIGHT
15.7kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
3540-3920kg
P08115
The mle 17 S 155mm Howitzer C 17 S was originally designed as a 152mm howitzer for Czarist Russia. Adopted for use by France during WWI, over 1800 pieces were still in service in May 1940. French infantry divisions were authorized a regiment consisting of two twelve-gun groupes. Most C 17 S were horse-drawn.
MAX RANGE
11,300m
SHELL WEIGHT
43.6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
3300kg
P08116
The 155mm GPF Gun first saw action in 1917. With some modernization, it was still in service with the French Army in May 1940. The GPF was one of best pieces in the French inventory. It was employed at the corps level in twelve-gun groupes. 402 were available at the time of the German invasion.
MAX RANGE
18,600m
SHELL WEIGHT
43kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
10,750kg
P08117
The mle 06 65mm Mountain Gun was used to equip several mountain artillery and fortress units. This weapon had an unusual recoil mechanism. Called the counter- or soft-recoil system, the barrel travels forward when the lanyard is pulled, and the gun fires when the barrel's forward travel limit is reached. This allows the barrel's momentum to offset the recoil. About seventy of these guns were in service in France in May 1940.
MAX RANGE
6500m
SHELL WEIGHT
4.4kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
400kg
P08118
The mle 28 75mm Mountain Gun was designed as a replacement for the mle 06 65mm mountain gun. It was used to equip mountain and colonial artillery "groupes" (battalions). 156 were available in May 1940. In the game this unit also represents the earlier 75mm mle 19 M.
MAX RANGE
9000m
SHELL WEIGHT
7.25kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
660kg
P08119
The mle 28 105mm Mountain Gun was designed to complement the mle 28 75mm. Only 24 of these guns were in France in May 1940 (in the Alps defense positions). In the game this unit also represents the earlier 105mm mle 19 M.
MAX RANGE
7850m
SHELL WEIGHT
12kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
750kg
P08120
The mle 39 O 20mm Anti-Aircraft Gun was ordered from the Swiss Oerlikon company in late 1939. By May 10, 1940 357 had been delivered. Organized into four-gun platoons, they were issued to infantry-type divisions. The support company of the infantry battalions operated these guns.
MAX EFFECTIVE CEILING
1100m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.3kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
400kg
P08121
The mle 38 25mm Anti-Aircraft Gun was developed to provide the French Army with a light anti-aircraft gun larger than a machinegun and capable of engaging aircraft at higher altitudes. Organized in two-gun platoons, they were issued to several French divisions. This unit also represents the heavier CA mle 39 which had a stronger gun platform and carriage. 829 guns of both types were produced.
MAX CEILING
5000m
SHELL WEIGHT
.29kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
850kg
P08122
The mle 38 25mm Anti-Aircraft Gun was developed to provide the French Army with a light AA gun larger than a machinegun and capable of engaging aircraft at higher altitudes. Organized into three-gun platoons, they were issued to all manner of French divisions. This unit also represents the heavier CA mle 39, which had a stronger gun platform and carriage. 829 guns of both types were produced.
MAX CEILING
5000m
SHELL WEIGHT
.29kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
850kg
P08123
The mle 32 75mm Anti-Aircraft Gun was the most numerous mobile anti-aircraft gun in the French Army in May 1940. Organized into four-gun batteries, it was deployed as follows: 356 mobile units and some 600 static mounts.
MAX CEILING
8200m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.44kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
4100kg
P08201
This unit represents a standard French rifle platoon. It generally consisted of about forty men armed with rifles, pistols, grenades and three Chatellerault 7.5mm light machineguns. The platoon was divided into three squads, and each squad was additionally equipped with a rifle grenade launcher.
P08202
This unit represents the infantry machinegun "groupe". It usually consisted of about twelve men with rifles and two Hotchkiss mle 14 8mm air-cooled machineguns. Two machinegun groupes made a machinegun platoon.
P08203
This unit represents the infantry machinegun platoon. Made up of two machinegun "groupes", it consisted of about thirty men with rifles and four Hotchkiss mle 14 8mm air-cooled machineguns.
P08204
This unit represents a French cavalry platoon. Usually made up of three squads, it had about 37 men, rifles, pistols, grenades and two light machineguns.
P08205
This unit represents motorcycle platoon. Usually employed in the reconnaissance role, it had 32 men, rifles, pistols and three light machineguns.
P08206
This unit represents a French engineer platoon. French combat engineers have a long and distinguished history, and are the oldest organized professional engineering corps in the world. During the reign of Louis XIV(1643-1715), the Marquis de Vauban organized and systematized the tasks of engineers, creating the world's first professional engineering corps. The combat engineers represented here are a direct result of this. The combat engineer platoon had 45 men, small arms, and an array of combat engineering equipment.
P08207
The Anti-Aircraft Machinegun Section had 15-20 men with two AA machineguns. The weapon primarily used was the 13.2mm Mitrailleuse Hotchkiss de mle 1930. It was roughly equivalent to the US .50-cal machinegun, with a somewhat lower rate of fire and muzzle velocity. Sometimes a dual mount was used, with two machineguns mounted side by side on a heavy (300kg) tripod. The 13.2mm machinegun could also be used in a ground support role.
P08307
This unit represents an army HQ. Pre-war French doctrine was geared toward the defensive. The war envisaged by the French was one similar to WWI. This situation was compounded by a very poor communications system. The result was that French field headquarters were largely unprepared to cope with the mobile type of warfare waged by the Germans in 1940.
P08306
This unit represents a corps HQ. Pre-war French doctrine was geared toward the defensive. The war envisaged by the French was one similar to WWI. This situation was compounded by a very poor communications system. The result was that French field headquarters were largely unprepared to cope with the mobile type of warfare waged by the Germans.
P08301
This unit represents a divisional HQ. Pre-war French doctrine was geared toward the defensive. The war envisaged by the French was one similar to WWI. This situation was compounded by a very poor communications system. The result was that French field headquarters were largely unprepared to cope with the mobile type of warfare waged by the Germans.
P08302
This unit represents a brigade HQ. Pre-war French doctrine was geared toward the defensive. The war envisaged by the French was one similar to WWI. This situation was compounded by a very poor communications system. The result was that French field headquarters were largely unprepared to cope with the mobile type of warfare waged by the Germans.
P08303
This unit represents a regimental HQ. Pre-war French doctrine was geared toward the defensive. The war envisaged by the French was one similar to WWI. This situation was compounded by a very poor communications system. The result was that French field headquarters were largely unprepared to cope with the mobile type of warfare waged by the Germans.
P08304
This unit represents a non-motorized (usually infantry) battalion HQ. Pre-war French doctrine was geared toward the defensive. The war envisaged by the French was one similar to WWI. This situation was compounded by a very poor communications system. The result was that French field headquarters were largely unprepared to cope with the mobile type of warfare waged by the Germans.
P08305
This unit represents a motorized battalion HQ. Pre-war French doctrine was geared toward the defensive. The war envisaged by the French was one similar to WWI. This situation was compounded by a very poor communications system. The result was that French field headquarters were largely unprepared to cope with the mobile type of warfare waged by the Germans.
P08401
To generalize, French Army officers were well trained, brave, and capable of leading France's armed forces in the roles for which it was intended. This role was defined in 1925 by War Minister Paul PainlevΘ as able "to achieve a rational system of national defense, adequate in times of danger but unsuited to adventures and conquests". With some notable exceptions, French officers found it difficult to deal with fluid situations brought about by German mobile warfare.
P08402
To generalize, French Army officers were well trained, brave, and capable of leading France's armed forces in the roles for which it was intended. This role was defined in 1925 by War Minister Paul PainlevΘ as able "to achieve a rational system of national defense, adequate in times of danger but unsuited to adventures and conquests". With some notable exceptions, French officers found it difficult to deal with fluid situations brought about by German mobile warfare.
P08403
To generalize, French Army officers were well trained, brave, and capable of leading France's armed forces in the roles for which it was intended. This role was defined in 1925 by War Minister Paul PainlevΘ as able "to achieve a rational system of national defense, adequate in times of danger but unsuited to adventures and conquests". With some notable exceptions, French officers found it difficult to deal with fluid situations brought about by German mobile warfare.
P08404
To generalize, French Army officers were well trained, brave, and capable of leading France's armed forces in the roles for which it was intended. This role was defined in 1925 by War Minister Paul PainlevΘ as able "to achieve a rational system of national defense, adequate in times of danger but unsuited to adventures and conquests". With some notable exceptions, French officers found it difficult to deal with fluid situations brought about by German mobile warfare.
P08405
To generalize, French Army officers were well trained, brave, and capable of leading France's armed forces in the roles for which it was intended. This role was defined in 1925 by War Minister Paul PainlevΘ as able "to achieve a rational system of national defense, adequate in times of danger but unsuited to adventures and conquests". With some notable exceptions, French officers found it difficult to deal with fluid situations brought about by German mobile warfare.
P08406
To generalize, French Army officers were well trained, brave, and capable of leading France's armed forces in the roles for which it was intended. This role was defined in 1925 by War Minister Paul PainlevΘ as able "to achieve a rational system of national defense, adequate in times of danger but unsuited to adventures and conquests". With some notable exceptions, French officers found it difficult to deal with fluid situations brought about by German mobile warfare.
P08407
To generalize, French Army officers were well trained, brave, and capable of leading France's armed forces in the roles for which it was intended. This role was defined in 1925 by War Minister Paul PainlevΘ as able "to achieve a rational system of national defense, adequate in times of danger but unsuited to adventures and conquests". With some notable exceptions, French officers found it difficult to deal with fluid situations brought about by German mobile warfare.
P08408
To generalize, French Army officers were well trained, brave, and capable of leading France's armed forces in the roles for which it was intended. This role was defined in 1925 by War Minister Paul PainlevΘ as able "to achieve a rational system of national defense, adequate in times of danger but unsuited to adventures and conquests". With some notable exceptions, French officers found it difficult to deal with fluid situations brought about by German mobile warfare.
P08409
To generalize, French Army officers were well trained, brave, and capable of leading France's armed forces in the roles for which it was intended. This role was defined in 1925 by War Minister Paul PainlevΘ as able "to achieve a rational system of national defense, adequate in times of danger but unsuited to adventures and conquests". With some notable exceptions, French officers found it difficult to deal with fluid situations brought about by German mobile warfare.
P08410
To generalize, French Army officers were well trained, brave, and capable of leading France's armed forces in the roles for which it was intended. This role was defined in 1925 by War Minister Paul PainlevΘ as able "to achieve a rational system of national defense, adequate in times of danger but unsuited to adventures and conquests". With some notable exceptions, French officers found it difficult to deal with fluid situations brought about by German mobile warfare.
P09001
Mark VIB & VIC Light Tank: Designed for reconnaissance , these vehicles, which were the mainstay of British armored strength in 1939-40, were often used as main battle tanks by necessity - with often disastrous results. Both models carried a water-cooled .303-caliber machinegun, but the B model also featured a water-cooled .50-caliber machinegun, whereas the C model used an air-cooled 15mm Besa machinegun. Armored and light tank squadrons used these tanks in troops of three. Mk VI models were used in Belgium, France, North Africa, Greece and Crete. Approximately 1180 were built. This unit also represents the earlier light tanks taken from training units and used in Egypt and the UK for home defense following the fall of Dunkirk.
ARMAMENT
1 x .12.7mm machinegun
1 x 7.65mm machinegun
or
1 x 15mm machinegun
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
5.5 tonnes
P09002
The Light Tank Mk VII was designed with the intention of its replacing the Light Tank Mk VI. However, during its development period the decision was taken to move from light tanks to armored cars for use in the traditional light tank role. Additionally the factory building them was bombed in 1940 resulting in there being only 177 of this type being built. Unsuitable for use in the desert due to inadequate cooling arrangements, it was first used operationally during the invasion of Madagascar. The tank's main claim to fame, though, was its part in the invasion of Europe where a squadron of Tetrarchs, as they had now been named, were landed by the giant British Hamilcar gliders. Their overall effect was low due to the small numbers involved.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2pdr (40mm) gun
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
7.5 tonnes
P09003
This was the Close Support version of the Tetrarch. Like most British tanks with a 2pdr main armament, the Light Tank Mk VII was produced in two basic versions: the gun tank and the close support tank. The difference was only in the main armament, the CS version having a 3-inch howitzer capable of firing both smoke and high explosive.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76mm howitzer
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
12.5 tonnes
P09004
The U.S. M3 Stuart I Light Tank was lend-leased to the British beginning in early 1941. Better known to the British as the "Honey" because of its reliability and handling, the Stuart was the first U.S.-built tank to see action in WWII. During Operation Crusader, Stuarts fully equipped the 4th Armoured Brigade of the 7th Armoured Division and were used in the cruiser tank role. By early 1942, U.S.-made medium tanks had arrived in sufficient numbers to relegate the Stuarts to recon and screening role. Regardless of its role, the Stuart gave excellent service and saw action on all fronts.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
2-3 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
38mm
WEIGHT
12.25 tonnes
P09027
The Stuart III was the U.S. M3A1 Light Tank as lend-leased to the British. Better known to the British as the "Honey" because of its reliability and handling, the Stuart served in a variety of roles. It was used as a cruiser tank, recon and screening vehicle and as an armored escort. Regardless of its role, the Stuart gave excellent service and saw action on all fronts. The M3A1 incorporated detail improvements over the M3. This unit represents a two-tank section.
.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
2-3 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
38mm
WEIGHT
12.25 tonnes
P09005
The Stuart III was the U.S. M3A1 Light Tank as lend-leased to the British. Better known to the British as the "Honey" because of its reliability and handling, the Stuart served in a variety of roles. It was used as a cruiser tank, recon and screening vehicle and as an armored escort. Regardless of its role, the Stuart gave excellent service and saw action on all fronts. The M3A1 incorporated detail improvements over the M3. This unit represents a three-tank troop.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
2-3 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
38mm
WEIGHT
13 tonnes
P09076
The Stuart V was the U.S. M3A3 Light Tank as lend-leased to the British. The M3A3 was an improved version of the M3A1, featuring a redesigned hull with sloped armor. The Stuart gave excellent service and saw action on all fronts, though it was hopelessly outdated by 1943. This unit represents a two-tank section.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
2-3 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
38mm
WEIGHT
13 tonnes
P09006
The Stuart V was the U.S. M3A3 Light Tank as lend-leased to the British. The M3A3 was an improved version of the M3A1, featuring a redesigned hull with sloped armor. The Stuart gave excellent service and saw action on all fronts, though it was hopelessly outdated by 1943. This unit represents a four-tank troop.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
2-3 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
38mm
WEIGHT
13 tonnes
P09913
The Stuart VI was the U.S. M5A1 light tank as lend-leased to the British. The M5A1 was a complete redesign of the M3A1, featuring thicker armor, sloping front hull plates, and twin Cadillac engines with an automatic transmission. Regardless of the role in which it was used, the Stuart gave excellent service and saw action on all fronts. This unit represents a four-tank troop.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
3 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
38mm
WEIGHT
13 tonnes
P09007
This was the U.S. M22 "Locust" Light Tank, designed from the outset as an air-transportable tank following a design competition between J Walter Christie, GMC and Marmon-Herrington. The Marmon-Herrington version was chosen and, after evaluation as the Light Tank T9, was put into production. Between March 1943 and February 1944, 830 tanks of this type were built. Seriously handicapped in U.S. service by the lack of a suitable American carrier aircraft (it could be carried by the C-54, but only if its turret was removed), a number were supplied to the British who could carry the tank in their Hamilcar glider.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
25mm
WEIGHT
7.4 tonnes
P09008
Properly known as the Cruiser Tank Mk I (A9), this was a light-weight development of the discontinued Medium Tank Mk III. Powered by a commercial engine, the A9 was developed to meet a 1934 proposal to produce a fast Cruiser (Medium) tank for use within the tank regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps. Powerfully armed for its day with three machineguns (two in independent turrets on the hull front) and a 2pdr main gun, effective both in an anti-armor and anti-infantry role, this tank was disadvantaged only by its slow speed and thin armor. The A9 was used extensively in France 1940 and in the Western Desert until 1941.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2pdr (40mm) gun
3 x 7.65mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
13 tonnes
P09009
The main drawback of British tanks of the early war period was that the 2pdr main gun they were usually armed with had no high explosive or smoke capability. While it was considered that tank-mounted machineguns could deal with enemy infantry and the main gun could easily deal with any contemporary enemy armored vehicle, the lack of smoke was considered a serious problem. Whilst all British tanks of the period were issued with smoke candles for self concealment, they had no means of projecting smoke cover. The CS (or Close Support) tank addressed this problem with a 3.7-inch howitzer that fired a 4.77kg smoke shell replacing the 2pdr gun of the "Gun Tanks".
ARMAMENT
1 x 94mm howitzer
3 x 7.65mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
13 tonnes
P09010
The Cruiser Tank Mk II (A10) was a progressive development of the A9 with the same boat-shaped hull and "slow motion" suspension. As a development of the A9 it was intended that the A10 would rectify some of the shortcomings of the earlier design, particularly in the area of protection with 30mm of frontal armor as opposed to the 14mm of the A9. The increase in armor was gained by bolting on new face plates to the basic A9 structure around the hull front and turret, this being the first time this technique was used on a British tank. This increase in protection was not gained without cost. Speed dropped to about half that of the A9, too slow to be considered a true cruiser tank. But since it was still too lightly armored to be considered an infantry tank, the A10 was given the new designation of "Heavy Cruiser". The multi-turreted approach of the A9 was dropped with this model. This was done as a weight saving measure, not as an indication of a change of tactical doctrine. Both the A9 and A10 were considered "stop-gap" vehicles because in 1937, prior to A10 production, the decision had already been made to develop new cruiser types based upon the designs of Walter Christie.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2pdr (40mm) gun
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
14 tonnes
P09011
Hand in hand with the production of the A10 gun tank was the A10 CS. Only 30 of this variant were built, and like the A9 CS, they were armed with the 3.7-inch Mortar (howitzer) OQF Mk I, a single-use weapon in that it could only fire smoke. In battle, CS (Close Support) tanks would accompany the squadron headquarters of the tank regiments, protecting the gun tanks by laying smoke screens for the gun tanks to maneuver behind. As a general point regarding the armor of the A9/A10 series tanks it is true to say that although the armor was comparatively thin it was well laid out and generally well sloped, especially around the turret - a design feature well in advance of many competing designs.
ARMAMENT
1 x 94mm howitzer
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
14.4 tonnes
P09012
The Cruiser Tanks Mk III and IV (A13) were inspired by the Russian BT tank, which was in turn inspired by the designs of Walter Christie. The A13 was built at the insistence of Lt. Colonel G. Le Q. Martel to be faster than the previous Cruiser tanks. At almost twice the speed of the A9 this was the first tank to be fitted with an engine governor to keep the speed down and thus avoid mechanical complications. In the field the governors were on occasion disabled by the crews to allow better running speed. It was produced in three main versions: the Mk I, Mk II, and a CS (Close Support) version. The main difference between the Mk I (65 built) and Mk II (655 built) was that the Mk IIs were built to the new cruiser standard of having 30mm of armor protection in vulnerable areas. It was a measure of the basic quality of this design that although the Mk II was over 1000kg heavier it suffered no noticeable drop in achievable speed. Armament of both types was identical but turrets differed. The A13 Mk I (Cruiser Mk III) was issued with a standard A10 type turret but the A13 Mk II (Cruiser Mk IV) had a redesigned turret fitted with a distinctive hexagonal appearance, spaced armor facing, another first for the tank. Both the Mk I and Mk II are represented in the game. Figures below are for the more numerous Cruiser Mk IV (A13 Mk II).
ARMAMENT
1 x 2pdr (40mm) gun
1x 7.65mm or 7.92mm MG
MAX ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
15 tonnes
P09013
Approximately one in ten of all British tanks of the period were CS (Close Support) tanks, a figure born of necessity as the British 2pdr gun with which Cruiser and Infantry Gun Tanks were fitted were incapable of firing smoke or high explosive. The 3.7-inch smoke mortar fitted in this tank could fire smoke but not high explosive, a disadvantage that rapidly became apparent during early engagements with the Germans and consequentially this was the last tank to be issued with this gun.
ARMAMENT
1 x 94mm howitzer
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
15 tonnes
P09099
The Cruiser tank Mk VI (A15) was a progressive development of the unsuccessful Cruiser tank Mk V (A13 Mk III, Covenanter). Popularly known as the Crusader, this tank featured a longer hull with a modified Christie suspension. Built too late to incorporate the lessons learnt in France in 1940, the early Crusader Mk Is had their bow machinegun fitted in an independent turret but this was quickly deleted from later types. Well respected by the Germans for its speed, it was nevertheless no match for the German Mk IIIs and IVs in either hitting power or armor. With a five-man crew and roomy turret it could sustain a high rate of fire from its 2-pounder main armament, but mechanically it was unreliable. Differences between the Crusader Mk I and Mk II (both represented by this unit) included a slightly thicker frontal armor in the Mk II and the elimination of the frontal independent MG turret at the production stage. Total production for Mk Is and Mk IIs was over 5,300 vehicles. This unit represents the more early tank regiment organization in which three tanks were issued per troop (platoon). Figures below are for the Mk II.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2pdr (40mm) gun
1-2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
49mm
WEIGHT
19.3 tonnes
P09014
The Cruiser tank Mk VI (A15) was a progressive development of the unsuccessful Cruiser tank Mk V (A13 Mk III, Covenanter). Popularly known as the Crusader, this tank featured a longer hull with a modified Christie suspension. Built too late to incorporate the lessons learnt in France in 1940, the early Crusader Mk Is had their bow machinegun fitted in an independent turret but this was quickly deleted from later types. Well respected by the Germans for its speed, it was nevertheless no match for the German Mk IIIs and IVs in either hitting power or armor. With a five-man crew and roomy turret it could sustain a high rate of fire from its 2-pounder main armament, but mechanically it was unreliable. Differences between the Crusader Mk I and Mk II (both represented by this unit) included a slightly thicker frontal armor in the Mk II and the elimination of the frontal independent MG turret at the production stage. Total production for Mk Is and Mk IIs was over 5,300 vehicles. This unit represents the more early tank regiment organization in which four tanks were issued per troop (platoon). Figures below are for the Mk II.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2pdr (40mm) gun
1-2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
49mm
WEIGHT
19.3 tonnes
P09015
Like the earlier Cruisers equipped with the 2pdr gun as main armament, the Crusader was incapable of firing HE. To rectify this situation a close support version of the Crusader was placed in production, this time armed with a 3-inch howitzer. Approximately one in ten of all Crusader tanks were CS (Close Support) versions, and were issued to HQ elements to provide fire support to gun tanks. The Crusader CS was produced in both Mk I and Mk II versions alongside the corresponding Crusader 2pdr gun tanks. Figures below are for the Mk II version.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76mm howitzer
1-2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
49mm
WEIGHT
19.3 tonnes
P09016
The Crusader Mk III was a development of the earlier Mks I and II wherein the 2pdr main gun was replaced with the much more powerful 6pdr (57mm) gun. This change was not made without cost. The larger gun required much more turret room and ammunition stowage space, and crew numbers dropped by two, weight also rose and speed dropped as the armor was increased. In production from May 1942, 144 being completed by July of the same year. There was no CS (Close Support) version of this model but the chassis was used for a family of vehicles including gun-towers, anti-aircraft tanks and other non-combat versions. Issued at a rate of four tanks per troop.
ARMAMENT
1x 6pdr (57mm) gun
MAX ARMOR
51mm
WEIGHT
20 tonnes
P09017
This tank could be described as a life saver for the British. Supplied directly to the 8th Army struggling in the desert in their darkest hour, the Grant helped stem the tide of Rommel's advance. With its turret-mounted 37mm anti-tank gun, it was capable of engaging the early German panzers with a reasonable degree of success, and with its 75mm main gun mounted in the front superstructure it was capable of engaging both German anti-tank guns with HE and German armor with armor-piercing rounds. This unit represents both the Anglicized M3 Grant and standard production American M3 Lee.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
1 x 37mm gun
3-4 x 7.62mm MGs
MAX ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
28.2 tonnes
P09018
Built on the chassis of the M3 Lee, the M4 Sherman was quite possibly the most famous tank of the war. Built in massive numbers and supplied to all of the Allies, this tank fought in every theater of the war. In West Front, this unit represents all of the generic Sherman Is, IIs, IIIs and Vs, all armed with the 75mm dual-purpose anti-tank/high-explosive gun. Differences in model numbers really relate (in this instance) to variations in powerplant and internal arrangements. At Alamein the M4 Sherman made up half of the total tank strength committed to the battle by the British. The great advantage of this tank was its main gun. While it is true to say that it could not penetrate armor the way the 6pdr could, it could fire HE - something most British tanks of the period could not do. In effect it could take on both infantry and armor with equal ease. Not without cost though, it was known to the Germans as "The Tommy Cooker" because of its tendency to explode when hit. Its relatively thin armor and lack of hitting power became apparent as the Germans developed new tanks and weapons from 1943 onwards. The deficiencies of the Sherman became quickly apparent when matched against Tigers or Panthers. This unit represents an early to mid period British tank troop equipped with three tanks.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
30.2-32.3 tonnes
P09905
Built on the chassis of the M3 Lee, the M4 Sherman was quite possibly the most famous tank of the war. Built in massive numbers and supplied to all of the Allies, this tank fought in every theater of the war. In West Front, this unit represents all of the generic Sherman Is, IIs, IIIs and Vs, all armed with the 75mm dual-purpose anti-tank/high-explosive gun. Differences in model numbers really relate (in this instance) to variations in powerplant and internal arrangements. At Alamein the M4 Sherman made up half of the total tank strength committed to the battle by the British. The great advantage of this tank was its main gun. While it is true to say that it could not penetrate armor the way the 6pdr could, it could fire HE - something most British tanks of the period could not do. In effect it could take on both infantry and armor with equal ease. Not without cost though, it was known to the Germans as "The Tommy Cooker" because of its tendency to explode when hit. Its relatively thin armor and lack of hitting power became apparent as the Germans developed new tanks and weapons from 1943 onwards. The deficiencies of the Sherman became quickly apparent when matched against Tigers or Panthers. This unit represents a later period British tank troop equipped with 4 tanks.
ARMAMENT
1x 75mm M3 gun
2 x 7.62mm MGs
MAX ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
30.2-32.3 tonnes
P09098
Built on the chassis of the M3 Lee, the M4 Sherman was quite possibly the most famous tank of the war. Built in massive numbers and supplied to all of the Allies, this tank fought in every theater of the war. In West Front, this unit represents all of the generic Sherman Is, IIs, IIIs and Vs, all armed with the 75mm dual-purpose anti-tank/high-explosive gun. Differences in model numbers really relate (in this instance) to variations in powerplant and internal arrangements. At Alamein the M4 Sherman made up half of the total tank strength committed to the battle by the British. The great advantage of this tank was its main gun. While it is true to say that it could not penetrate armor the way the 6pdr could, it could fire HE- something most British tanks of the period could not do. In effect it could take on both infantry and armor with equal ease. Not without cost though, it was known to the Germans as "The Tommy Cooker" because of its tendency to explode when hit. Its relatively thin armor and lack of hitting power became apparent as the Germans developed new tanks and weapons from 1943 onwards. The deficiencies of the Sherman became quickly apparent when matched against Tigers or Panthers. This unit represents a tank troop equipped with two tanks as used by some formations in the Italian campaign.
ARMAMENT
1x 75mm M3 gun
2 x 7.62mm MGs
MAX ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
30.2-32.3 tonnes
P09019
By mid 1943 the Sherman with its 75mm gun was almost entirely incapable of penetrating the frontal armor of contemporary German armor. To counter this the British using typical ingenuity mounted the superb 17pdr gun in a modified Sherman turret and called it the Firefly. The modification was a success and a massive conversion program was undertaken. Modifications to the basic Sherman included the removal of the bow machinegun to provide room for ammunition storage and an extension to the rear of the turret to make room for the massive breech of the 17pdr. At the same time crew numbers were dropped to three. It was an emergency solution but it did work. At last British troops had a tank that could engage a late model panzer with a reasonable prospect of success. The only drawbacks were that the Firefly tended to burn just as easily as any other Sherman and, with reduced crew numbers dealing with heavier shells, fatigue became an issue. This unit represents a British tank troop (platoon) organized along early lines with a three tank troop, two of the tanks being 75mm gunned Shermans and the third having the longer ranged more powerful 17pdr. Figures below are for the Firefly.
ARMAMENT
1 x 17pdr (76mm) gun
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
32 tonnes
P09906
By mid 1943 the Sherman with its 75mm gun was almost entirely incapable of penetrating the frontal armor of contemporary German armor. To counter this the British using typical ingenuity mounted the superb 17pdr gun in a modified Sherman turret and called it the Firefly. The modification was a success and a massive conversion program was undertaken. Modifications to the basic Sherman included the removal of the bow machinegun to provide room for ammunition storage and an extension to the rear of the turret to make room for the massive breech of the 17pdr. At the same time crew numbers were dropped to three. It was an emergency solution but it did work. At last British troops had a tank that could engage a late model panzer with a reasonable prospect of success. The only drawbacks were that the Firefly tended to burn just as easily as any other Sherman and, with reduced crew numbers dealing with heavier shells, fatigue became an issue. This unit represents a mid period tank troop when the Firefly was still new and was only available in small numbers and was issued on a scale of one Firefly per troop of three tanks, the other two being standard Shermans with the 75mm dual-purpose gun. Figures below are for a Firefly.
ARMAMENT
1 x 17pdr (76mm) gun
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
32 tonnes
P09907
By mid 1943 the Sherman with its 75mm gun was almost entirely incapable of penetrating the frontal armor of contemporary German armor. To counter this the British using typical ingenuity mounted the superb 17pdr gun in a modified Sherman turret and called it the Firefly. The modification was a success and a massive conversion program was undertaken. Modifications to the basic Sherman included the removal of the bow machinegun to provide room for ammunition storage and an extension to the rear of the turret to make room for the massive breech of the 17pdr. At the same time crew numbers were dropped to three. It was an emergency solution but it did work. At last British troops had a tank that could engage a late model panzer with a reasonable prospect of success. The only drawbacks were that the Firefly tended to burn just as easily as any other Sherman and, with reduced crew numbers dealing with heavier shells, fatigue became an issue. This unit represents a mid period tank troop when the Firefly was available in greater numbers and issued on a scale of two per four tank troop. Figures below are for a Firefly.
ARMAMENT
1 x 17pdr (76mm) gun
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
32 tonnes
P09020
The British/Commonwealth forces were also issued with a quantity of 76mm gunned Shermans. Known in British service as the Sherman IIA, these 76mm gunned Shermans whilst still not having the firepower of a 17pdr were considerably more powerful than the 75mm gunned Shermans. Unlike the Firefly this increase in power was not gained at the expense of some of the more useful aspects of the 75mm gunned Sherman; for instance, it continued to have a five man crew, the bow machinegun was retained and weight (when compared to the 75mm gunned version) did not rise significantly. Available to the British only in small numbers, this unit represents a standard three tank troop of Shermans stiffened somewhat by the substitution of a 75mm gunned Sherman with a 76mm gunned Sherman. This type of troop was used primarily in Italy.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76mm
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
89mm
WEIGHT
31.8 tonnes
P09021
The British/Commonwealth forces were also issued with a quantity of 76mm gunned Shermans. Known in British service as the Sherman IIA, these 76mm gunned Shermans whilst still not having the firepower of a 17pdr were considerably more powerful than the 75mm gunned Shermans. Unlike the Firefly this increase in power was not gained at the expense of some of the more useful aspects of the 75mm gunned Sherman; for instance, it continued to have a five man crew, the bow machinegun was retained and weight (when compared to the 75mm gunned version) did not rise significantly. As production of this new 76mm gunned model rose it became available in greater and greater numbers. This unit represents a tank troop with its full establishment of three tanks wholly made up of 76mm gunned Shermans. This type of troop was used primarily in Italy.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76mm
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
89mm
WEIGHT
31.8 tonnes
P09022
This unit represents the CS (close support) troop attached to all British HQ tank formations. Designated Sherman 1B, this model of Sherman was equipped with a 105mm howitzer. Acting in concert with the gun tanks, CS tanks provided close support by disrupting enemy anti-tank positions and infantry in improved positions.
ARMAMENT
1 x 105mm howitzer
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
30.2-31 tonnes
P09023
This was the "Liberty"-engined model of the A27 design and was known as the Cruiser tank Mk VIII or A27L. Given the popular name Centaur it was regarded as an interim type until the A27M, the Meteor-engined version could be got into production. Early production Centaur Mk Is were armed with the 6pdr gun, but later Mk IIIs had a new 75mm. By 1943 existing Centaur gun tanks were either converted into A27Ms (Cromwells) or special purpose variants such as AA tanks, Kangaroos and OP tanks. The Centaurs represented in the game are the close support Mk IV version armed with the new 95mm gun. These vehicles were extensively used on D-Day by the Royal Marine Armoured Support Group, being landed over the beaches to provide close support to the landing. This was the only Centaur type to be used in action other than the special purpose variants.
ARMAMENT
1 x 95mm howitzer
1-2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
28.8 tonnes
P09908
The "Meteor"-engined version of the A27 design retained the same designation as the slightly earlier Centaur, being known in official circles as the Cruiser Tank Mk VIII. Known as the Cromwell, this tank can be regarded as the British Sherman. Initially issued with the 6pdr, production swiftly switched to a version with a British 75mm dual-purpose gun. Additionally many of the earlier A27Ls were converted to A27M standard by installing the new powerplant. Later versions lost their bow machinegun to make space for additional ammunition storage. Armor protection also increased during its life from a maximum of 76mm to 101mm with the addition of appliquΘ armor. This armor was first applied by the simple expedient of bolting on additional plates but later models had welded armor. Within the game this unit represents a troop of Cromwells forming part of an armoured reconnaissance regiment.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
1-2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
76-101mm
WEIGHT
28-28.5 tonnes
P09909
This unit represents the tank troops of the 7th Armoured Division. Following D-Day it became rapidly apparent that the Cromwell-equipped troops of the armoured regiments were no match for late-model German tanks. To stiffen the firepower of the Cromwell troops, a Sherman Firefly was added on a scale of one per troop. With its 17pdr gun it was able to give a measure of long range anti-tank capability.
ARMAMENT
(Cromwell)
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
and
(Firefly)
1 x 17pdr (76mm) gun
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
76-101mm (Cromwell)
76mm (Firefly)
WEIGHT
28-28.5 tonnes (Cromwell)
33 tonnes (Firefly)
P09024
Just as in the armoured regiments it was found that the Cromwell was no match for late model German tanks, the same was also true of the armoured reconnaissance regiments. To alleviate the plight of the recce. Regiments, the Cruiser tank A30 Challenger was issued on a scale of one per troop. The A30 was an expedient design mounting the 17pdr gun. Compared to the A27 Cromwell/Centaur design, the A30 had a stretched and widened hull with an extra road wheel. On top of this new hull was placed the 17pdr turret, first developed for the experimental tank the TOG2. The Challenger had a high silhouette and because of its larger size (compared to the A27 design), whilst still retaining the same powerplant, the vehicle was slow and unwieldy. It also required a six-man crew. The only saving grace of the Challenger was its 17pdr gun.
ARMAMENT
(Cromwell)
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
and
(Challenger)
1 x 17pdr (76mm) gun
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
76-101mm (Cromwell)
101mm (Challenger)
WEIGHT
28-28.5 tonnes (Cromwell)
33 tonnes (Challenger)
P09025
This was the close support version of the Cromwell tank, armed with a 95mm howitzer. All British armoured regiments had CS (close support) tanks attached to HQ formations throughout the war. The 95mm howitzer fitted in this model was capable of firing HE and was the Cromwell equivalent of the Centaur IV. Depending upon availability, two or three CS tanks were attached to each squadron (U.S. company) and regimental (U.S. battalion) HQ.
ARMAMENT
1 x 95mm howitzer
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
76-101mm
WEIGHT
28-28.5 tonnes
P09026
The Comet was the best British tank of World War II (with the exception of the six prototype Centurions dispatched to Germany just before the end of hostilities). Developed from the A27 series, it featured a widened hull (without any significant increase in length) coupled with a new suspension based on the Christie type, but with return rollers added. Its most significant feature though (fitted in a low silhouette turret) was the brand new 77mm high velocity gun. Developed from the superb 17pdr, the 77mm OQF had both a shorter chamber and barrel enabling the weapon to be fitted in what was a comparatively small turret. The 77mm, despite its apparent disadvantages when compared to its illustrious parent, had to all intents and purposes more or less the same hitting power. This tank can be seen from the British viewpoint as being the final nail in the coffin of the panzer. Of all-welded construction, mechanically reliable, hard hitting, the Comet can be viewed as a contender for the title "Best tank of The War". More reliable than the Panther, fully crewed and equipped when compared to the T-34, it was a war winner. First issued to fighting units in December 1944, it did not appear in any real quantities until March 1945.
ARMAMENT
1 x 77mm gun
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
101mm
WEIGHT
33.7 tonnes
P09028
The Crab was a British-designed device used to clear mines. An M4 Sherman was fitted with a rotating drum to which were attached 43 flailing chains which beat the ground in front of the vehicle to explode the mines. In addition, wire cutters were located at the sides of the drum to cut barbed wire. The Americans used only a small number of these vehicles.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
33 tonnes
P09029
The Infantry Tank Mk I, Matilda I (A11) to give it its full title, was a small but very heavily armored two-man tankette. Designed by Sir John Carden as an infantry support tank, it was armed only with a single machinegun and crept along at a measly 5 mph top speed. Prior to 1940, however, it was invulnerable to all known tank and anti-tank weapons likely to be deployed by a prospective enemy. Regarded as an interim type only, it was nevertheless built in what was for the period large numbers (140 excluding prototypes) and was deployed in France 1940. Following the withdrawal from Dunkirk the Matilda I was used only for training purposes; however, some were again deployed as a result of the invasion scare of September 1940.
ARMAMENT
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
or
1 x 7.65mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
60mm
WEIGHT
11.1 tonnes
P09030
The Infantry Tank Mk II, Matilda II, (A12) was a much larger tank than the Matilda I. With its four-man crew serving its 2pdr gun, protected by the heaviest armor, it was more than a match for any tank in existence. Produced in large numbers (2,987 until 1943) and used in all theaters of the war and even used post-war by Australian reserve forces, it roundly deserved its epitaph of being "Queen of The Battlefield". Sometimes known as the Matilda Senior, it was first used in any quantity against the Germans at the battle of Arras in France. Wherein, a small number of Matildas advancing in the dawn's cold light blunted the tip of Hitler's armored spearhead. Scattering German soldiers to the four winds in rout, the attack stalled only as the Matildas, advancing now without support, bore down on Rommel's own divisional headquarters where they were stopped by the might of 88mm AA guns nearby. What had been only the day before a race to the Channel became a cautious advance, and the BEF was saved. Using the time gained, the majority of the BEF was able to withdraw to Dunkirk. Employed in nearly all the important desert battles, this tank was often called upon to act in the cruiser role where despite its slow speed it distinguished itself.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2pdr (40mm) gun
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
78mm
WEIGHT
26.9 tonnes
P09032
Strangely for an infantry support tank, the Matilda II's main gun the 2pdr had no HE capability. To rectify this the Matilda III was introduced, carrying a 3-inch howitzer. Acting in direct support of the gun tanks, the CS (close support) tanks were issued on a scale of two per HQ troop (platoon).
ARMAMENT
1 x 3-inch (76mm) howitzer
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
78mm
WEIGHT
26.9 tonnes
P09031
The Matilda Scorpion I was a Matilda II adapted to mine clearing, based on the ideas of Major Du Toit, an engineer serving with the South African forces. He suggested that a weighted chain spun against the ground ahead of a slowly advancing tank would detonate land mines. He was sent to England where he set to work developing the Baron, a turretless Matilda derivative. Meanwhile forces in the desert could not afford to wait for this new weapon. Acting on their own initiative they developed the Matilda Scorpion. A 30 hp Bedford engine and operator's position was attached to the forward right hull front of a standard Matilda gun tank, the additional engine drove a flail device ahead of the tank to detonate mines. The same system was later adapted for use on both Grant and Valentine tanks. Scorpions were first used at the 2nd Battle of Alamein where 32 of them drove across minefields opening wide gaps in what were believed by the Germans to be secure flanks, thus forcing a leak that was soon to be a deluge as British forces drove the Germans back--in what was to be their last retreat in Africa--all the way to Tunisia. Of Alamein, Churchill wrote in his memoirs that prior to Alamein Britain never achieved victory and after Britain never suffered defeat.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2pdr (40mm) gun
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
78 mm
WEIGHT
29 tonnes
P09033
Based on the chassis and suspension of the A9/A10 series of cruiser tanks, the Infantry Tank Mk III Valentine was developed as a private venture by Vickers and as such never received an ordnance designation ("A" number). Often mistaken as being a light tank because of its diminutive size, the Valentine was in fact a slow moving heavily armored infantry tank. Built in very large numbers, by 1943 the Valentine made up a quarter of British tank strength. Built both in Britain and Canada, this type was also an important Lend-Lease type with all of the Canadian production bar 30 retained for training being sent to Russia. First deployed to the Western Desert, the Valentine was initially used in the Cruiser role due to lack of other types. Initially produced with a 2pdr gun in a two-man turret, production swiftly changed to one with an improved three-man turret. This unit represents all these early production 2pdr gun tanks issued to armoured regiments in troops of three.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2pdr (40mm) gun
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
65mm
WEIGHT
17.7 tonnes
P09034
By 1942 it was apparent that the Valentine with its low speed and lack of hitting power was reaching the end of its useful life. In order to extend the usefulness of the tank the turret was again redesigned and fitted with a 6pdr gun. Whilst the 6pdr was a considerable improvement on the 2pdr, its larger size necessitated a reduction of the turret crew to two men and the loss of the vehicle's coaxial machinegun. This unit represents a troop of these newer 6pdr Valentines.
ARMAMENT
1 x 6pdr (57mm) gun
MAX ARMOR
65mm
WEIGHT
18.6 tonnes
P09035
The Infantry Tank Mk IV Churchill was developed to meet a War Office specification set in 1939 and given the ordnance number A22. Initially envisaged as a throwback to the "Shelled Area" tanks of The Great War, the A22 design was developed into one of the most important British tanks of the war. Rushed into service before development was fully completed the Churchill quickly gained a reputation for poor reliability. Churchill himself was incensed that a vehicle bearing his name should perform so badly and consideration was given to discontinuing production. Engineers from the factories were sent to front line units and a redesign program was instated along these measures together with an extensive re-work program brought the tank up to standard. The most heavily armored of any Allied standard production tank the Churchill was for many years nearly invulnerable to German AT weapons, but again in common with most early British tanks, it didn't have the power to effectively fight back. This unit represents very early production Churchill Mk 1s with a 3-inch howitzer mounted in the bow and a 2pdr in the turret. Only used operationally during the Dieppe Raid the Mk I was quickly superseded in production by separate Gun/CS types.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2pdr (40mm) gun
1 x 3-inch (76mm) howitzer
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
102mm
WEIGHT
39.6 tonnes
P09036
A development of the Churchill II, the Churchill III featured a 6pdr gun fitted in a new turret. This together with a host of detailed improvements was the turning point for the Churchill series of tanks. Proving themselves in the hills of Tunisia they were the only Allied tank which showed any degree of survivability when engaged in combat with the German Panzertruppen. Plans to discontinue Churchill production were shelved and development of the basic design was reinstituted.
ARMAMENT
1 x 6pdr (57mm) gun
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
102mm
WEIGHT
39.8 tonnes
P09901
Progressive development of the basic Churchill III lead to this, the Churchill IV. The main feature of this design was the introduction of a new "cast" as opposed to the welded turret previously seen on the Mk III. Other than this new turret, this tank was otherwise identical to the earlier 6pdr model. First produced in mid 1942 early production models had the Mk5 6pdr with its lighter, longer barrel than the Mk 3 6pdr the majority were fitted with. This model is notable for two other reasons. Firstly, it was chosen as the model from which Churchill Crocodiles (q.v.) would be based on; and secondly, of more pressing importance to troops in the field, 120 of this model were modified by the Brigade workshops of the 8th Army to mount the American 75mm dual purpose gun. Starting in January 1943 both the gun and mounting of redundant and war weary M4s were removed and fitted to the turrets of Churchill IVs. Thus making the Churchill the first British tank to mount this or any other dual purpose main gun. The modified Churchill's were known as Churchill Mk IV (NA75) and proved to be a great success.
ARMAMENT
1 x 6pdr (57mm) gun
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
102mm
WEIGHT
39.9 tonnes
P09037
Complying with standard British procedures the Churchill was also produced in a CS (close support) version. The Churchill V was fitted with a 95mm howitzer capable of firing HE, Smoke and HEAT ammunition. Only 10% of Churchill production amounted to CS versions. CS tanks were attached to all tank HQ formations primarily for the purpose of laying smoke screens to protect the gun tanks. As the war progressed though, CS tanks found themselves actively attacking enemy anti-tank defenses and even using their HEAT in self defense or in defense of the HQs.
ARMAMENT
1 x 95mm howitzer
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
102mm
WEIGHT
39.6 tonnes
P09038
This was a Churchill IV with a base modification to bring the vehicle roughly up to Mk VII standard. Following the success of the Churchill NA75 with the 8th Army, Churchill IVs in Britain were modified by replacing the 6pdr with a British built 75mm gun. Other improvements included the addition of a cupola to the turret and introducing vane sights. Churchill VIs were used during the liberation of Western Europe. Within the game this unit also represents the Churchill IV (NA75) where starting in January 1943 both the gun and mounting of redundant and war weary M4s were removed and fitted to the turrets of Churchill IVs, thus making the Churchill the first British tank to mount this or any other dual purpose main gun. The modified Churchill's were known as Churchill Mk IV (NA75) and proved to be a great success and was used during the Italian Campaign.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
102mm
WEIGHT
40 tonnes
P09039
Introduced to service in time for the Campaign in Europe the Churchill VII (A22F) was a major redesign of the basic Churchill design. Improvements were made to the gearbox, escape hatches, turret design, suspension and with the wargamer in mind it featured a 75mm British built main gun and much heavier armor. This tank later redesignated A42 was considered such a good design that many continued in service postwar with British forces both at home and abroad. With a maximum armor thickness of 152mm and nowhere less than 25mm, it was the most heavily armored standard production allied tank of World War II.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
152mm
WEIGHT
40.6 tonnes
P09040
Built and issued alongside the Churchill Mk VII was this, the Mk VIII. Like the Churchill V this was a CS (close support) tank armed with the same 95mm Howitzer. It was however built to the same standard as the Mk VII with its thicker armor base and numerous detail improvements.
ARMAMENT
1 x 95mm howitzer
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
152mm
WEIGHT
40.6 tonnes
P09042
Second of "The Funnies", the Churchill AVRE (Armoured Vehicle, Royal Engineers) was a specially converted Churchill Mk III or IV where the 6pdr main gun was replaced by a 290mm spigot mortar. This device was especially designed for the purpose of "Bunker Busting" and their presence along with the other "Funnies" on the British and Canadian beaches on D-Day effectively prevented the disaster that afflicted the Americans on "Omaha". Chosen by the engineers for its roomy interior and side escape hatches (allowing egress under fire) the AVRE was much more than a bomb thrower. All AVREs were fitted to take anti-mine devices such as CIRD (the Canadian Indestructible Roller Device) and were put to a whole host of uses such as carrying the combat store of engineers, tow Snake and Viper (anti-mine explosives), carry fascines, lay carpets over soft sand or even lay explosives such as the "carrot" device intended to blow holes through sea walls. It will, though, be best remembered as acting in close companionship with its sister vehicle the Crocodile for its role in demolishing the armored ratholes of the Nazis both on the Atlantic and West Walls. Hitler's "Fortress Europe" dissolved in ash and smoke in the face of vehicles such as these.
ARMAMENT
1 x 290mm projector
1 x 7.92mm Besa MG
MAX ARMOR
102mm
WEIGHT
39.6 tonnes
P09043
First of the "Funnies" the Churchill Crocodile was an adaptation of a standard Churchill IV for the flamethrowing role. The Crocodile equipment comprised a flame projector fitted in place of the bow machinegun connected by an under-chassis link to an armored fuel trailer packed with enough napalm for eighty one-second bursts. Powered by pressurized nitrogen, the Crocodile equipment had the impressive (for a flamethrower) range of 120 yards. Like the AVRE this weapon was especially developed for the purpose of clearing bunkers and heavily entrenched infantry. The flame weapon killed by means of depriving the nearby air of oxygen and thus asphyxiating its unfortunate victims.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
1 x flamethrower
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
102mm
WEIGHT
45 tonnes
P09044
An armored version of the AEC Matador MAT (Medium Artillery Tractor), the Deacon was designed to be a faster, better protected self-propelled anti-tank gun than the 2pdr Portees first used in the early desert battles. It mounted a 6pdr gun in a partially open turret. Although it was successful on many occasions, it was slow and had an overloaded chassis. 176 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 6pdr (57mm) gun
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
8 tonnes
P09045
This was an unmodified American M10 tank destroyer supplied by Lend-Lease to British forces. Issued in troops of four to the anti-tank battalions of armoured divisions and equipped with the 3-inch gun it was a useful device by which the heavier German tanks could be engaged. Based on the chassis of the M4 but built to a thinner armor base, the M10 suffered no real loss of protection due to its well designed and sloped hull. It was however (like many vehicles of its type) open topped, which did make the crew highly vulnerable to air-burst artillery and fire from above.
ARMAMENT
1 x 3-inch (76mm) gun
1 x 7.65mm Bren MG
MAX ARMOR
57mm
WEIGHT
29.6 tonnes
P09046
A British adaptation of the American M10, the 3-inch gun of the American vehicle was replaced by a 17pdr anti-tank gun in a slightly modified turret. Known as the Achilles, this was a highly successful adaptation with the hitting power of the 17pdr being obtained without significant increase in weight or loss of maneuverability. Like the M10 it was issued to the anti-tank battalions of armoured divisions.
ARMAMENT
1 x 17pdr (76mm) gun
1 x 7.65mm Bren MG
MAX ARMOR
57mm
WEIGHT
29.6 tonnes
P09047
Originally conceived as a means to get the 17pdr into service as quickly as possible, the Self-Propelled Gun "Archer" was a converted late model Valentine Infantry Tank. The turret was removed and an open topped fighting compartment was built up around the front of the vehicle, the 17pdr main gun was fitted so that its barrel pointed backwards, obliging the crew to "advance backwards" into battle. This though was not a great problem because, like all tank destroyer designs, this vehicle worked best from an ambush position and was never intended for offensive operations. First used in action in October 1944 this vehicle proved so useful and capable in its role it remained in service with the British (and many other) Armies for many years.
ARMAMENT
1 x 17pdr (76mm) gun
1 x 7.65mm Bren MG
MAX ARMOR
60mm
WEIGHT
16.75 tonnes
P09048
The Daimler Scout Car was a result of a War Office request for a small, partially armored vehicle, for use in scouting and liaison roles. More commonly known as the Dingo, this vehicle incorporated some very advanced design concepts for its time. The design was so successful 6,626 vehicles of five different Marks were built. This unit represents one scout car for use with airlanding units
ARMAMENT
1 x machinegun
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
3 tonnes
P09049
The Daimler Scout Car was a result of a War Office request for a small, partially armored vehicle, for use in scouting and liaison roles. More commonly known as the Dingo, this vehicle incorporated some very advanced design concepts for its time. The design was so successful 6,626 vehicles of five different Marks were built. Additionally, Ford of Canada produced a copy of the Daimler called the Lynx, 3225 were built. Humber also answered the called for scout cars, building 4300 units. This unit represents a two-car section.
ARMAMENT
1 x machinegun
MAX ARMOR
14-20mm
WEIGHT
3-4.5 tonnes
P09050
The Stuart Recce was a Stuart light tank with its turret removed for use in the reconnaissance role. It was also fitted with a pintle-mounted machinegun. The resulting vehicle was lighter, faster and much less conspicuous.
ARMAMENT
2 x machineguns
MAX ARMOR
38mm
WEIGHT
12 tonnes
P09051
The Humber III and Otter Light Reconnaissance Cars evolved from the many wheeled AFV (armored fighting vehicle) designs rushed into production in the summer of 1940. Based on the Humber 4x4 8-cwt truck, the Humber was lightly armored and carried a turreted machinegun. The Otter was the General Motors of Canada equivalent of the Humber. These vehicles were used for reconnaissance by infantry units and for reconnaissance and scouting with engineers. 5361 of both types were built. This unit represents a two-car section.
ARMAMENT
1 x machinegun
MAX ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
3.5-4.5 tonnes
P09052
The Morris CS9 Armoured Car was a converted Morris 4x2 15-cwt truck. This was a stopgap measure until more advanced designs could be developed. 99 were constructed in 1938. The CS9 saw action with the 12th Lancers in France and the 11th Hussars in North Africa. This unit represents a three-car troop.
ARMAMENT
1 x anti-tank rifle
1 x machinegun
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
4.5 tonnes
P09053
The Roll Royce Armoured Car was based on the Rolls Royce 1914-Pattern of WWI. These vehicles were modified by the 11th Hussars by replacing the machinegun turret with an open topped turret containing an anti-tank rifle, a light machinegun and smoke dischargers. They saw action in the early stages of the desert war. This unit represents a three-car troop of two Rolls Royces and one Morris AC.
ARMAMENT
1 x anti-tank rifle
1 x machinegun
MAX ARMOR
9mm
WEIGHT
4 tonnes
P09054
The Marmon-Herrington Armoured Car was truly an example of combined production effort. It was based on a Canadian Ford 4x2 chassis, used British armament, South African armor and a U.S. 4x4 conversion kit. This vehicle was simple in design, poorly armed, and lightly armored, but proved to be solidly reliable. This unit includes both the Mark II ME and the Mark III ME. It was intended for use in the Middle East, hence the "ME". It saw action in North Africa, Syria and East Africa. This unit represents a three-car troop.
ARMAMENT
1 x anti-tank rifle
2 x machineguns
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
5.5 tonnes
P09055
The Marmon-Herrington Armoured Car was truly an example of combined production effort. It was based on a Canadian Ford 4x2 chassis, used British armament, South African armor and a U.S. 4x4 conversion kit. This vehicle was simple in design, poorly armed, and lightly armored, but proved to be solidly reliable. Desiring to redress its weak armament, forces in the field began replacing the turret with any number of different weapons. These included captured Italian 20mm anti-air or 47mm anti-tank, German 37mm anti-tank and some even had British 2-pounders. This unit represents a two-car section.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm AA
or
1 x 47mm AT
or
1 x 37mm AT
or
1 x 2pdr (40mm) AT
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
5-6 tonnes
P09056
The Humber II Armoured Car was based on the Quad Field Artillery Tractor. A relatively unsophisticated vehicle, the Humber was still reliable and performed well in the field. This unit includes the Mark II and Mark III versions. The Mark II version had a two man-turret, the Mark III version had a larger three-man turret. Some 5300 were built. This unit represents a two-car section.
ARMAMENT
1 x 15mm machinegun
1 x light machinegun
MAX ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
7 tonnes
P09902
The Humber II Armoured Car was based on the Quad Field Artillery Tractor. A relatively unsophisticated vehicle, the Humber was still reliable and performed well in the field. This unit includes the Mark II and Mark III versions. The Mark II version had a two man-turret, the Mark III version had a larger three-man turret. Some 5300 were built. This unit represents a three-car troop.
ARMAMENT
1 x 15mm machinegun
1 x light machinegun
MAX ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
7 tonnes
P09903
The Humber II Armoured Car was based on the Quad Field Artillery Tractor. A relatively unsophisticated vehicle, the Humber was still reliable and performed well in the field. This unit includes the Mark II and Mark III versions. The Mark II version had a two man-turret, the Mark III version had a larger three-man turret. Some 5300 were built. This unit represents a troop of two Humber ACs and one Daimler AC.
ARMAMENT
1 x 15mm machinegun
1 x light machinegun
MAX ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
7 tonnes
P09057
The Humber IV was actually a Humber III fitted with a U.S. 37mm gun. The size of the gun's breech assembly forced a reduction in the turret crew from three to two. These vehicles were usually deployed in the squadron and regimental HQs of armored car regiments. This unit represents a two-car patrol.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x machinegun
MAX ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
7 tonnes
P09058
The Daimler Armoured Car is basically a larger version of the Daimler Scout Car. This vehicle used the turret and main gun from the Tetrarch light tank. This was a huge improvement in firepower over earlier British armored cars. The Daimler proved itself to rugged and reliable and was used mainly in the reconnaissance and escort roles. The Daimler saw action in North Africa and ETO. 2,694 were built. This unit represents a two-car section.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2-pdr gun
1 x machinegun
MAX ARMOR
25mm
WEIGHT
7.5 tonnes
P09059
The AEC I Armoured Car was little more than a tank on wheels. Based on the AEC Matador medium artillery tractor, the AEC I was large, slow, and heavily armed. It carried the turret and main armament of the Valentine II tanks. The AEC I was used in North Africa as a heavy support vehicle. This unit represents a two-car section.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2-pdr gun
1 x machinegun
MAX ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
11 tonnes
P09060
The AEC III Armoured Car was little more than a tank on wheels. Based on the AEC Matador medium artillery tractor, the AEC III was large, slow, and heavily armed. It incorporated some improvements over the AEC I, most notably a more powerful engine and three-man turret with a 75mm main gun. The AEC III was the most heavily armed and armored car of the war. This unit represents a two-car section.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
1 x machinegun
MAX ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
13 tonnes
P09061
The Staghound Armored Car was a U.S.-built vehicle lend-leased to the British. Intended for desert use, the Staghound was large and rather heavy. While these characteristics were not a problem in the desert, in the narrow lanes and streets of continental Europe they were a liability. 2,844 were built, all of which were used by the British and the Commonwealth. This unit represents a two-car section.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
3 x machineguns
MAX ARMOR
32mm
WEIGHT
14 tonnes
P09062
The Staghound Armored Car was a U.S.-built vehicle lend-leased to the British. Intended for desert use, the Staghound was large and rather heavy. While these characteristics were not a problem in the desert, in the narrow lanes and streets of continental Europe they were a liability. The British modified some of the Staghounds by installing a 76mm close-support howitzer. This vehicle was renamed the Staghound II armored car. This unit represents a three-car troop.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76mm howitzer
2 x machineguns
MAX ARMOR
32mm
WEIGHT
14 tonnes
P09904
The Greyhound Armored Car was actually the U.S. M8 Armored Car. Lend-leased to the British via in-theatre transfer, the Greyhound was only used in Italy. The Greyhound was reasonable well armed and armored and was mechanically reliable. It also featured 6x6 drive and had excellent cross-country capabilities. This unit represents a two-car section.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
19mm
WEIGHT
7.9 tonnes
P09063
The Bishop was an expedient design built around the chassis of a Valentine Infantry Tank. With a certain visual similarity to the Russian KV2, it had a high slab-sided turret fitted with a 25pdr Field Gun. This was Britain's first attempt to produce a self propelled gun in WW II. And was an unsuccessful design. Coming into service at about the same time as Lend-Lease M7 the Bishop was quickly relegated to second line duties.
ARMAMENT
1 x 25pdr Mk II gun
1 x 7.65mm Bren MG
MAX ARMOR
60mm
WEIGHT
17.7 tonnes
P09064
The M7 Howitzer Motor Carriage was a modified M3 Medium Tank with a 105mm howitzer carried in an open-top compartment. It first saw action in Tunisia; where it began to replace the T19 HMC Halftrack in the armored field artillery battalions of the 1st Armoured Division. Serving in batteries of six, it soon equipped all armored field artillery battalions. This unit represents a battery of four Priests.
ARMAMENT
1 x 105mm howitzer
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
51mm
WEIGHT
23 tonnes
P09065
Visually similar to the American M7 the Sexton was built in vast numbers in Canada. Based on the chassis of the Ram tank (as was the M7) visually it could be distinguished from the M7 by the stepped appearance of its upperworks, the large muzzle brake on the 25pdr and of course the driver sat on the right. Sexton's entirely replaced M7s in 21 Army Group (NW Europe) shortly after D-Day in order to free up 105mm ammunition for American forces.
ARMAMENT
1 x 25pdr Mk II gun
1 x 7.65mm Bren MG
MAX ARMOR
25mm
WEIGHT
25.9 tonnes
P09066
The White 75mm Gun Halftrack was actually the U.S. M3 GMC halftrack. Once the M10 GMC tank destroyers become available in sufficient number to American forces, they began turning over the M3 GMC to the British via in-theater transfer. Designated the 75mm SP, Autocar by the British, they were used to equip the heavy troops in British armored car squadrons. This unit represents a two-vehicle section.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
MAX ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
9 tonnes
P09067
Officially known as "Tank, Light AA Mk II" it was a converted Mark VIB Light Tank with its main gun replaced with four machineguns. Although it was capable of pouring out massive firepower, it was not as effective as it could have been, due to the one-man turret that placed too many responsibilities on the commander. British tank units had a four tank anti-aircraft troop attached throughout the war until about August/September 1944 when air superiority had been permanently achieved.
ARMAMENT
4 x 7.92mm Besa MGs
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
5.3 tonnes
P09068
The Crusader anti-aircraft tank was issued to tank Regiments. In two main versions, the Mk I was equipped with a single 40mm Bofors gun in an open backed but shielded mount. The second type being the Mks II and III (the difference being the location of the radio) where two 20mm Oerlikon cannon were mounted in an armored high elevation turret; the latter are the type represented in the game. British tank units had a four tank anti-aircraft troop attached throughout the war until about August/September 1944 when air superiority had been permanently achieved.
ARMAMENT
2 x 20mm AA guns
MAX ARMOR
49mm
WEIGHT
19.3 tonnes
P09069
The White Quad .50-cal Anti-Aircraft Halftrack was actually the U.S. M17 MGMC. Not available to the British until the closing months of the war, they were used primarily as infantry support as the Luftwaffe was practically non-existent. It was in the infantry support that this vehicle gained its nickname of "The Chopper". This was because its four 12.7mm machineguns could literally chop up unarmored or soft targets. This unit represents a two-vehicle section.
ARMAMENT
4 x 12.7mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
16mm
WEIGHT
9.5 tonnes
P09070
The Humber Quad-MG Anti-Aircraft Armored Car was a Humber Mark I or II armored car fitted with the turret from a MK VI anti-aircraft light tank. These vehicles were attached to the regimental HQs of armored car and tank regiments. By late 1944 most anti-aircraft armored cars had been phased out. This unit represents a two-car section.
ARMAMENT
4 x machineguns
MAX ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
7 tonnes
P09071
The Staghound anti-aircraft armored car was a Staghound I with its normal turret removed and replaced with one mounting two 12.7mm machineguns. Some 1000 were built. These vehicles were attached to the regimental HQs of armored car and tank regiments. By late 1944 most anti-aircraft armored cars had been phased out. This unit represents a two-car section.
ARMAMENT
2 x 12.7mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
32mm
WEIGHT
12 tonnes
P09072
The British were lend-leased large numbers of U.S.-built halftracks. They were used as command vehicles, prime movers, engineer vehicles and armored personnel carriers. Most of these halftracks were built by the International Harvester Co. This unit includes the M5, M5A1, M9 and M9A1. Over 10,000 were lend-leased. This unit represents a platoon of six vehicles.
ARMAMENT
1 x machinegun
MAX ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
8.5 tonnes
P09073
The Universal Carrier can trace its origins to the pre-war Carden Loyd Tankettes and Bren Carriers. This unit, being the ultimate wartime development, represents two air-landed Carriers intended to be used as towing vehicles for air-landed anti-tank guns.
ARMAMENT
1 x Bren light MG
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
4.1 tonnes
P09074
This unit represents a section of three Carriers used in infantry battalions. One carried a Bren light machinegun, another an anti-tank rifle, and the third a 2-inch mortar.
ARMAMENT
1 x Bren light MG
or
1 x anti-tank rifle
or
1 x 2-inch mortar
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
4 tonnes
P09914
The Windsor was a Canadian-built version of the standard British Universal Carrier. It was a bit larger than the latter, and was used primarily as a towing vehicle for the 6pdr anti-tank gun.
ARMAMENT
1 x Bren light MG
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
4 tonnes
P09075
This unit represents a specialized version of the Universal Carrier issued to machinegun battalions. It was specially adapted to carry the Vickers medium machinegun on top of the engine compartment, a gun which although heavy was incredibly reliable and accurate. The Australians fielded a different version, with a Vickers gun in the front superstructure.
ARMAMENT
2 x 7.65mm MMG
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
4.5 tonnes
P09077
Priest Kangaroo: As Priests (the U.S. M7 HMC) self-propelled 105mm howitzers were withdrawn from front-line British service they were stripped of their gun, fitted with bench seats and returned to the front line to serve as armored personnel carriers. This was a very common occurrence and by war's end many British infantry battalions were carried into battle both in NW Europe and Italy in "Kangaroos" of one type or another.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.65mm Bren LMG
MAX ARMOR
62mm
WEIGHT
18.5 tonnes
P09078
The Canadian Ram tank was based on the old American M3 chassis just like the early M4 Shermans, also like the M4 it mounted a dual purpose 75mm Gun. Despite being built in quite large numbers it was not accepted for service as a gun tank. Consequently many Rams had their turrets stripped from them and after minor internal conversion work were put to use as Kangaroos thus becoming the worlds first fully tracked armored personnel carriers.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.62mm MG
MAX ARMOR
62mm to 87mm
WEIGHT
22 tonnes
P09079
The White Scout Car was actually the U.S. M3A1 Scout Car lend-leased to the British. Not considered a true scout car by the British, it was used to fill a variety of roles it had never been intended to fill. The White SC was used as a command/liaison vehicle. In infantry divisions it was used a forward artillery observer. In some motor battalions it was used as an armored personnel carrier. The latter is its role in the game.
ARMAMENT
1 x machinegun
MAX ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
5.5 tonnes
P09080
The official designation of this vehicle was "Armoured Carrier, Wheeled, Indian Pattern", because it was built in India. It was used by Indian units in Africa and Italy, and performed the same roles as the basic Universal Carrier. This unit represents a platoon of six vehicles.
ARMAMENT
1 x anti-tank rifle
or
1 x machinegun
MAX ARMOR
10mm
WEIGHT
5.5 tonnes
P09910
The 15-cwt Armoured Truck was used by the Canadians as an armored personnel carrier in some motor battalions. In this role it replaced the White Scout Car. This vehicle was a 15-cwt, 4x2 truck fitted with armor plate.
ARMAMENT
none
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
4.5 tonnes
P09082
The Wasp is another example of the adaptability of the ubiquitous Universal Carrier. In this version the bow machinegun was replaced with a flamethrower. The fuel and propellant tank were stowed within the vehicle. A Wasp platoon was included as part of the support company for most British infantry battalions by 1945. This unit represents a platoon of six Wasps.
ARMAMENT
1 x flamethrower
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
4.5 tonnes
P09083
The Badger was a turretless Ram Kangaroo modified to carry a flamethrower. The flame projector replaced the bow machinegun and all the associated equipment was stowed internally. The Badger served with 4th Canadian Armored Brigade. This unit represents a platoon of six Badgers.
ARMAMENT
1 x flamethrower
1 x 7.65mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
62mm
WEIGHT
24.5 tonnes
P09084
The Buffalo MK II LVT2 (Landing Vehicle, Tracked) was a partially armored amphibious armored personnel carrier. These vehicles were used for river crossings and for the assault elements of the Royal Engineers. They saw action along the Rhine and in Italy. In Italy they were referred to as Fantails. This unit represents a troop of six Buffaloes.
ARMAMENT
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
or
1 x 20mm cannon
MAX ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
14 tonnes
P09085
The Buffalo MK IV LVT4 (Landing Vehicle, Tracked) was an armored amphibious armored personnel carrier. The LVT4 was a logical evolution of the LVT2. In addition to the features of the LVT2, the LVT4 had a rear-opening ramp. These vehicles were used for river crossings and for the assault elements of the Royal Engineers. They saw action along the Rhine and in Italy. In Italy they were referred to as Fantails. This unit represents a troop of six Buffaloes.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
or
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
14.5 tonnes
P09086
Duplex Drive Sherman tanks: First tested on Tetrarch Light Tanks and Valentine Infantry Tanks, the Duplex Drive system was the brainchild of Hungarian born military engineer Nicholas Straussler. By encasing the tank within a floatation screen the tank could be made to float and by fitting a propeller to a power-take-off from the main engine the tank could be made to swim. DD Sherman tanks were the only type to be used operationally, first used on D-Day by both American and British units. DD Shermans remained in use throughout the campaign in NW Europe with the 79th Armoured Division.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
62mm
WEIGHT
31.3 tonnes
P09087
The DUKW was a U.S.-built amphibious truck. First used by the British in Sicily, it was used through-out the war. It was used to shuttle troops and stores from ship to shore and in river crossings. The DUKW had fairly good land mobility and carried a payload of up to 2275kg. This unit represents a platoon of six DUKWs.
P09088
The Terrapin MK I amphibious truck was produced by the British to supplement the DUKW. The Terrapin was an eight-wheeled vehicle, had two engines and carried a payload of 4100kg. In the water each of its engines drove a separate propeller. On land, only the four center wheels touched the ground and its lack of a suspension system made for a rough, slow ride. It was used to ferry men and stores in support of amphibious assaults. This unit represents a platoon of six Terrapins.
P09081
In the desert, light anti-tank guns were often damaged while being towed. To solve this problem, the unlimbered gun was mounted on the bed of a specially modified truck. The Bofors 37mm Portee is an example of this. An additional benefit of this system was the mobility it gave the gun. More often than not the gunners fought directly from the portee. This unit represents a platoon of six vehicles.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm Bofor
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
5 tonnes
P09089
In the desert, light anti-tank guns were often damaged while being towed. To solve this problem, the unlimbered gun was mounted on the bed of a specially modified truck. The 2-pounder Portee is an example of this. An additional benefit of this system was the mobility it gave the gun. More often than not the gunners fought directly from the portee. This unit represents a platoon of six vehicles.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2-pounder gun
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
5 tonnes
P09090
Officially termed the "Carrier, SP, 4x4, 40mmAA", the Morris C9/B was a 40mm Bofors AA gun mounted on a Morris quad field artillery tractor. This vehicle was the most numerous of the British SPAA. This unit represents a six-vehicle troop, one of three such troops which made up a battery.
ARMAMENT
1 x 40mm Bofors
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
9 tonnes
P09091
Built to transport infantry and tow light guns, the Loyd Carrier saw only limited service prior to 1943. As the portee system was in use for anti-tank guns, the Loyd was only used as an infantry transport during these years. After 1943 it was adopted as the standard towing vehicle for the 6-pounder gun and the 4.2-inch mortar. The Loyd was designed to have armor plates attached, but they were rarely fitted. This unit represents a platoon of six vehicles.
P09092
The Quad Field Artillery Tractor was a purpose-built towing vehicle for the 18-pounder and 25-pounder guns. After the introduction of the 17-pounder, the Quad was used to tow this gun as well. Some 28,000 Quads were built. This unit represents a platoon of six vehicles.
P09912
The Long Range Desert Group's trucks were usually Chevrolet 30-cwt trucks armed with various combinations of Vickers, Lewis and Browning machineguns, plus the occasional anti-tank rifle. The armament of these vehicles was not standardized; they were generally armed according to preference of the crew. As these vehicles were often used for patrols and raids deep behind enemy lines, they had a range of operation of up to 1100 miles (1775km) and carried about three weeks supply of food and water.
ARMAMENT
3 to 5 machineguns
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
4.5 tonnes
P09093
A Jeep scout section included six jeeps. Three had a mounted machinegun, and three carried 60mm mortars and their crews. They served as standard equipment in mechanized cavalry recon platoons from 1943 onward.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
or
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
1.5 tonnes
P09911
This unit represents a section of two Jeeps used by the British SAS. More heavily armed than the conventional Jeep, these vehicles typically carried a Browning machinegun and two Vickers K model twin-barreled machineguns.
ARMAMENT
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
2 x 7.65mm Vickers K MGs
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
2 tonnes
P09094
Derived from the "GP" (General Purpose) designation by Ford, the Jeep was a 1/4-ton 4x4 utility vehicle that served many roles: command, liaison, and recon. By the end of World War II, a total of 639,245 Jeeps had been built. In the game this unit represents a number of Jeeps used for towing light guns or carrying light mortars.
P09095
The British used a variety of British and American made trucks and lorries. During the war, some 900,000 trucks were used for all manner of purposes. This unit represents a variable number of trucks sufficient to transport a platoon of infantry.
P09096
This unit represents a variable number of unarmed and unarmored powered boats used to transport infantry and equipment across water.
P09097
This unit represents a variable number of unarmed and unarmored rafts used to transport infantry and equipment across water.
P09601
The Landing Craft, Personnel, was a military adaptation of a commercial motor boat built by the Higgins Company of New Orleans. It had a wooden hull, and troops had to climb over its sides to (dis)embark. The unit in the game represents the LCP(L), which was a large version of the boat. 2193 of these were built, followed by 2631 LCP(R) which had a narrow bow ramp to facilitate loading and unloading.
P09602
The Landing Craft, Vehicle, was an unarmored (and unarmed) craft with a bow ramp which allowed it to carry a light vehicle or gun. 2366 were built in 1942. Due to their vulnerability to enemy fire, they were quickly superseded by the armored LCVP.
P09603
The Landing Craft, Vehicle Personnel, was an improved version of the LCV, featuring armor plating and twin .30-cal machinegun armament. As with its predecessor, a bow ramp allowed the LCVP to carry a light vehicle or gun. 23,358 LCVPs were built, beginning in 1943.
P09604
The Landing Craft, Assault, was a 1939 British design. It was slower than the LCVP and less well armed, but offered its passengers superior protection against light weapons and shell splinters. 2030 LCA were built, and it was the standard infantry landing craft of British forces. Small numbers were used by U.S. forces as well.
P09605
The Landing Craft, Mechanized, was a British design originally intended for the transport of a light tank. The most common model was the LCM(3), built mainly by the Higgins Company of New Orleans. This version could carry a medium tank. All LCMs were armored.
P09606
The Landing Craft, Tank, was a British design intended for the transport of several light or medium tanks. The original model was the LCT(1), and by the end of the war the British were using the much larger LCT(4). In the meantime the U.S. produced the LCT(5) and LCT(6).
P09101
The OML 3-inch mortar was descended from the famous Stokes 3-inch trench mortar of WWI. A serviceable weapon, the OML 3-inch was in widespread service by 1939. However, it lacked the range of its Axis counterparts. British infantry battalions in 1940 were issued two of these mortars.
MAX RANGE
1500m
SHELL WEIGHT
4.54kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
57.2kg
P09102
The OML 3-inch mortar was descended from the famous Stokes 3-inch trench mortar of WWI. A serviceable weapon, the OML 3-inch was in widespread service by 1939. However, it lacked the range of its Axis counterparts. By 1942 improvements in the ammunition and to the mortar itself had, to a degree, redressed this problem. This unit represents a two-mortar section.
MAX RANGE
2550m
SHELL WEIGHT
4.54kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
57.2kg
P09103
In 1941 the OSB 4.2-inch mortar was developed to fire chemical rounds. The fighting in North Africa made it clear that a mortar with greater range than the 3-inch was sorely needed. Consequently HE rounds were quickly developed for the 4.2-inch. Initially the range of an HE shell was unsatisfactory (about 3100m) but new ammo soon corrected this problem. In North Africa the 4.2-inch was used by Royal Engineer mortar companies and in the ETO was issued directly to the infantry units. This unit represents a two-mortar section.
MAX RANGE
3900m
SHELL WEIGHT
10.9kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
286kg
P09104
In 1941 the OSB 4.2-inch mortar was developed to fire chemical rounds. The fighting in North Africa made it clear that a mortar with greater range than the 3-inch was sorely needed. Consequently HE rounds were quickly developed for the 4.2-inch. Initially the range of an HE shell was unsatisfactory (about 3100m) but new ammo soon corrected this problem. In North Africa the 4.2-inch was used by Royal Engineer mortar companies and in the ETO was issued directly to the infantry units. This unit represents a four-mortar platoon.
MAX RANGE
3900m
SHELL WEIGHT
10.9kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
286kg
P09105
This was the French "Canon lΘger de 25 antichar SA-L mle 1934" issued in 1940 to British infantry brigade anti-tank companies in France. It was inferior in performance to most contemporary anti-tank guns both in ranges and penetrative performance. It was however small, easy to conceal and light to maneuver. All British guns were left behind in France following the British withdrawal at Dunkirk and were later taken over by the Germans for use by coastal defense purposes. This unit represents a section of two guns.
ARMOR PENETRATION
50mm@600m
SHELL WEIGHT
.32kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
496kg
P09106
This was the French "Canon lΘger de 25 antichar SA-L mle 1934" issued in 1940 to British infantry brigade anti-tank companies in France. It was inferior in performance to most contemporary anti-tank guns both in ranges and penetrative performance. It was however small, easy to conceal and light to maneuver. All British guns were left behind in France following the British withdrawal at Dunkirk and were later taken over by the Germans for use by coastal defense purposes. This unit represents a platoon of three guns.
ARMOR PENETRATION
50mm@600m
SHELL WEIGHT
.32kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
496kg
P09107
This was the French "Canon lΘger de 25 antichar SA-L mle 1934" issued in 1940 to British infantry brigade anti-tank companies in France. It was inferior in performance to most contemporary anti-tank guns both in ranges and penetrative performance. It was however small, easy to conceal and light to maneuver. All British guns were left behind in France following the British withdrawal at Dunkirk and were later taken over by the Germans for use by coastal defense purposes. This unit represents a platoon of four guns.
ARMOR PENETRATION
50mm@600m
SHELL WEIGHT
.32kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
496kg
P09108
This was the standard British anti-tank gun of the early war years. Heavy for its caliber, it featured a mount capable of all-round traverse permitting an all-round defense against armor. It was issued to the anti-tank battalions forming part of either an infantry or armoured division on a scale of 36 guns per battalion. Except for anti-tank rifles infantry battalions did not have their own organic anti-tank capability until 1942 when they were issued with a platoon of the much more powerful 6pdr. Seriously handicapped by its lack of HE shell and hitting power, it nevertheless continued to soldier on until quite a late period of the war. This unit also represents the Bofors 37mm anti-tank gun issued to British troops forming part of the Western Desert Force during the early war period.
ARMOR PENETRATION
52mm@500m
SHELL WEIGHT
1kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
757kg
P09128
This gun was introduced as the replacement for the earlier 2pdr guns. Of nominal 57mm caliber this weapon was an effective tank during the mid-war period. Introduced in mid 1942 as an answer to the German Pz IIIs and IVs that were impervious to the earlier British anti-tank weapons. From mid 1942 6pdrs were also issued to anti-tank platoons within infantry battalions on a scale of four per platoon. Anti-tank battalions within divisional organizations were also re-equipped within this weapon from mid 1942 on the same scale as the 2pdr of 36 guns per battalion. The most serious drawback of this weapon was that when initially issued, no HE shell was available for it. This unit represents a section (half a platoon) of two guns.
ARMOR PENETRATION
83mm@500m
SHELL WEIGHT
2.72-3.18kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
500kg
P09129
OQF 6pdr. Of nominal 57mm caliber this weapon was an effective tank during the mid-war period. Introduced in mid 1942 as an answer to the German Pz IIIs and IVs that were impervious to the earlier British anti-tank weapons. From mid 1942 these anti-tank guns were also issued to anti-tank platoons within infantry battalions on a scale of four per platoon. Anti-tank battalions within divisional organizations were also re-equipped within this weapon from mid 1942 on the same scale as the 2pdr of 36 guns per battalion. The most serious drawback of this weapon was that when initially issued, no HE shell was available for it. This unit represents a platoon of four guns.
ARMOR PENETRATION
83mm@500m
SHELL WEIGHT
2.84kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
500kg
P09130
By 1944 the 6pdr gun was hopelessly outclassed as an anti-tank weapon. To rectify the situation an APDS (Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot) shot was developed for it. With this new shell the weapon was given a new lease on life. The super high velocity APDS shell was capable of penetrating most enemy armored vehicles although the newer vehicles still had to be attacked from the flank or rear. An increase in the production of HE shells also allowed limited infantry support to be given. This unit represents a section of two guns.
ARMOR PENETRATION
136mm@1000m (APDS)
SHELL WEIGHT
1.47kg (APDS)
WEIGHT IN ACTION
500kg
P09109
By 1944 the 6pdr gun was hopelessly outclassed as an anti-tank weapon. To rectify the situation an APDS (Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot) shot was developed for it at the same time an HE shell was introduced. With this new shell the weapon was given a new lease of life. The super high velocity APDS shell was capable of penetrating most enemy armored vehicles although the newer vehicles still had to be attacked from the flank or rear. An increase in the production of HE shells also allowed limited infantry support to be given. This unit represents a platoon of four guns.
ARMOR PENETRATION
136mm@1000m (APDS)
SHELL WEIGHT
1.47kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
500kg
P09110
By autumn of 1942 the 17-pounder was in production, but delays in carriage production were keeping it from being issued to units in the field. British Army Intelligence suspected that the Tiger was about to make its appearance and determined that the 17pdr had to be rushed into service. As a result, its barrel and breech assembly were fitted to the 25pdr carriage. Test-firing showed the carriage just able to withstand the recoil of the gun, and the combination was accepted for service. It was designated the 17/25-pounder and was nicknamed the "Pheasant" after its code name. About 100 were built. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
ARMOR PENETRATION
120mm@500m
SHELL WEIGHT
7.73kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2200kg
P09111
In 1943 the British introduced a new weapon, the 17pdr anti-tank gun. Considered by many to be the ultimate World War II anti-tank gun, it had a higher penetrative ability then either the American 90mm or the fabled German 88. This weapon could penetrate the frontal armor of a Tiger I at over 1000m. This weapon was initially issued only to anti-tank battalions; infantry anti-tank platoons having to soldier on with the 6pdr. At the same time as the 17pdr was introduced the size of anti-tank battalions was increased to a nominal 48 guns organized in four companies each of 12 guns.
ARMOR PENETRATION
120mm@500m
SHELL WEIGHT
7.73kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2920kg
P09131
In mid 1944 the already superb 17pdr gun was given an APDS (Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot) shell. From this point on no German tank was safe. Capable of penetrating the frontal armor of Panthers and Tiger IIs at significant ranges, the British army had at long last a weapon capable of exorcising the specter of the panzer. By the time the APDS round was coming into service the infantry battalion anti-tank platoons were being re-equipped with this weapon. Also issued at this time was an HE shell, doubling the usefulness of this already superb gun. This unit represents a platoon of four guns issued with the APDS and HE shells.
ARMOR PENETRATION
186mm@500m (APDS)
SHELL WEIGHT
3.70kg (APDS)
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2920kg
P09132
Forming the backbone of British artillery in WWI, the OQF 18-pounder was still in service in 1939. Modified for vehicle towing, they were used in the anti-tank role by Commonwealth units. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
ARMOR PENETRATION
40mm @500m
SHELL WEIGHT
8.18kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1595kg
P09112
The OQF M1A1 75mm pack howitzer was a U.S.-made light artillery piece lend-leased to the British. In the ETO, it was used by the British 1st and 6th Airborne Divisions. Each regiment of these divisions was authorized 27 pack howitzers. This unit represents a three-gun troop.
MAX RANGE
8700m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
585-609kg
P09113
The mle 1897 75mm Field Gun was the famous Model 1897 field piece of WWI. British use of these weapon appears to be limited to action on Crete. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX RANGE
11100m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.2kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1140kg
P09114
The OQF 18-pounder field gun formed the backbone of British artillery during WWI. Modified for vehicle towing, the 18-pdr served with British forces in France (BEF) and North Africa as divisional artillery. It served in this role until replaced by the 25-pounder. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX RANGE
8520m
SHELL WEIGHT
8.18kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1595kg
P09115
The OQF 25-pounder Field Gun was by all accounts one of the finest light artillery pieces of the war. It became the standard artillery piece in all ETO British infantry divisions. The 25-pounder was usually mounted on a turntable platform giving it 360 degrees of traverse. This was a very versatile weapon, firing high explosive, armor piercing and smoke ammunition. This unit represents a four-gun troop.
MAX RANGE
12500m
SHELL WEIGHT
11.34kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1840kg
P09116
The OQF 3.7-inch mountain howitzer was a pack designed for use with the Indian Army. This gun had an unusual feature in that the barrel and breech screwed into the opposite ends of a special junction. This feature gave the gun its nickname, "The Screwgun". It saw action in Norway, Crete, North Africa, Sicily and Italy. This gun was in the Mountain and Light Mountain artillery regiments. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX RANGE
5480m
SHELL WEIGHT
4.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
844kg
P09117
The OQF 4.5-inch howitzer was a WWI piece modified for vehicular towing. It was used by some BEF divisions as part of their artillery compliment. It also saw action in several early North African campaigns. It was eventually replaced by the 25-pounder. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX. RANGE
6040m
SHELL WEIGHT
15.66kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1494kg
P09141
The M1918 155mm Howitzer was a U.S.-made heavy artillery piece lend-leased to the British. The M1918 was a WWI vintage weapon still in service at the start of WWII. It fired its heavy shell extremely accurately, even at long range.
MAX RANGE
19500m
SHELL WEIGHT
43kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
10750kg
P09142
The OBL 60-pounder was built prior to 1914. It was a long-barreled 127mm weapon, few of which were in service at the start of the war. In the inter-war years the carriages were revamped to allow for higher towing speeds and when war broke out in 1939 the 60-pounder was ready for action. Some 16 of these gun saw action in France in 1940. A few other were used in North Africa, and all were removed from service by the end of 1941. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX RANGE
13,816m
SHELL WEIGHT
27.24kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
5470kg
P09118
The OBL 4.5-inch gun was a medium artillery piece assigned to artillery regiments of British corps. Extremely accurate at very long ranges, its shell size and low HE content of the shell were generally considered liabilities. Consequently, it began to be phased out of service during 1944. This unit includes both the MK I and MK II versions. This unit represents a four-gun troop. OBL stands for "Ordnance, Breech Loading" , which meant the projectile and propellant charge were loaded separately.
MAX RANGE
19200m
SHELL WEIGHT
25kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
5850kg
P09119
The OBL 5.5-inch gun-howitzer was a medium artillery piece assigned to artillery regiments of British corps. The 5.5-inch used the same carriage as the 4.5-inch gun and in appearance, the two weapons were nearly identical. This unit represents a four-gun troop. OBL stands for "Ordnance, Breech Loading" , which meant the projectile and propellant charge were loaded separately.
MAX RANGE
16560m
SHELL WEIGHT
45.4kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
6200kg
P09120
The OBL 6-inch howitzer was another WWI piece still in service in 1940. It served with the BEF in France and also saw action in North Africa. It was eventually replaced by the 4.5-inch gun and the 5.5-inch gun/howitzer. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX RANGE
10400m
SHELL WEIGHT
39kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
4210kg
P09121
In the summer of 1940 it was decided to replace the barrel liners of the existing WWI 8-inch howitzers with ones in the 7.2-inch caliber, designating it the OBL 7.2-inch Howitzer MK I. This resulted in an increased range, but at the expense of an increased recoil. As a result, ramps had to be placed behind the wheels when firing. This was not a good system as the gun had to be re-aimed after every shot. Sometimes the gun rolled over the ramps and considerable time was lost man-handling it back into position. This unit represents a battery of four guns
MAX RANGE
15440m
SHELL WEIGHT
91.7kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
10345kg
P09122
The OBL 7.2-inch Howitzer MK VI is a marriage of a long barreled 7.2-inch howitzer to the carriage of the U.S. 155mm M2 "Long Tom." This was an excellent heavy artillery piece. It possessed none of the drawbacks of the earlier Marks and had even greater range. This unit represents a four gun battery.
MAX RANGE
18000m
SHELL WEIGHT
91.7kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
14,794kg
P09143
The OBL 8-inch howitzer was a leftover from WWI. This weapon was probably developed from the naval weapon of the same bore size. Its use was usually confined to major campaigns. It was used during the breakout from Normandy and was also used against the last organized defense west of the Rhine.
MAX RANGE
9500m
SHELL WEIGHT
90kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
9112kg
P09123
The OQF 20mm anti-aircraft gun was actually any one of three different guns. The British used the Oerlikon, the Hispano-Suiza and the Polsten designs. Although authorized for almost every branch of the British Army, few actually saw action until late in the war due to production delays and ammunition problems. The HE ammo did not self-destruct after a pre-determined flight time and commanders were concerned that 20mm shells falling back to earth may cause casualties among friendly forces. This unit represents a four-gun section.
MAX EFFECTIVE CEILING
4560m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.3kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
400kg
P09124
The OQF 40mm Anti-Aircraft Gun was actually the Swedish 40mm Bofors AA gun. The British purchased several of these superb weapons from Sweden, Poland, Belgium and Hungary. In 1941 this gun went into production in British factories, as well as factories in Canada and Australia. Fully automatic, the Bofors provided fast, accurate, saturating fire against low-flying aircraft. It had a full 360 degree traverse and maximum 90 degree elevation. The Bofors was used to equip light anti-aircraft regiments through-out the ETO. This unit represents a pre-1943 four-gun troop.
MAX EFFECTIVE CEILING
5600m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.9kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2654kg
P09125
The OQF 40mm Anti-Aircraft Gun was actually the Swedish 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun. The British purchased several of these superb weapons from Sweden, Poland, Belgium and Hungary. In 1941 this gun went into production in British factories, as well as factories in Canada and Australia. Fully automatic, the Bofors provided fast, accurate, saturating fire against low-flying aircraft. It had a full 360 degree traverse and maximum 90 degree elevation. The Bofors was used to equip light anti-aircraft regiments through-out the ETO. This unit represents a six-gun troop.
MAX EFFECTIVE CEILING
5600m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.9kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2654kg
P09126
The standard British AA gun of WWI, the 3-inch was still in service in 1939. Although considered obsolescent by 1940 standards, this gun gave good service in the British heavy anti-aircraft regiments. This was not designed for firing at ground targets and gradually replaced by the 3.7-inch anti-aircraft gun through-out the war. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX EFFECTIVE CEILING
4800m
SHELL WEIGHT
7.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2727kg
P09127
The OQF 3.7-inch anti-aircraft gun was a superb weapon. As an anti-aircraft weapon, this gun was lethal; however, its design characteristics were such that direct firing on ground targets was extremely difficult. It could and did fire on ground targets in the indirect artillery role. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX EFFECTIVE CEILING
9760m
SHELL WEIGHT
12.7kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
9337kg
P09201
This unit represents a section of Glider-borne infantry equipped with airlanded Universal Carriers. This represents a most powerful section, armed with two Bren light machineguns and well equipped with submachineguns, giving the section useful attack qualities at any usual infantry engagement range.
P09202
This is a section of armored infantry, usually carried into battle by means of Universal Carriers or a derivative thereof. The section comprised of nine men generously equipped with three Bren light machineguns was a powerful unit in its own right. Equipped with an anti-tank weapon and 2-in. mortar in addition to the soldiers' personal weapons, this infantry section possessed a level of firepower quite disproportionate to its size. In later years this section could be seen transported into battle by one of the new generation of armored personnel carriers, the Kangaroo. Prior to 1943 the anti-tank weapon would be a Boys anti-tank rifle. After this date the weapon would be a PIAT HEAT projector.
P09203
Like in all other armies the British Infantry was the backbone of the army. By 1939 the British army had been continuously involved in colonial and continental warfare for a period of nearly 300 years. As a consequence the infantry arm of the British army could be regarded as probably the best trained and most experienced service in the world. This added to the strong Regimental system that helped maintain morale through difficulties great and small made the British infantry a force to be reckoned with. Armed with the superlative Lee-Enfield bolt action rifle which in trained hands could be fired as quickly (and more accurately) than most semi-automatic weapons and stiffened with the equally superb Bren light machinegun the firepower available to a standard infantry platoon was truly awesome. This unit represents a standard infantry platoon of the period comprising of three rifle sections and a HQ section. Each rifle section comprised 10 men, 8 or 9 of which would be armed with the Lee-Enfield rifle, one with a Bren light machinegun and one who may, depending upon supply arrangements would have a Sten submachinegun. As the war progressed the issue of submachineguns became standardized and it became usual practice for two to be issued per section, one for the section commander and one other. The HQ section comprised the platoon commander, his sergeant, a runner/radioman, a two man 2-in. mortar team, two men with an anti-tank weapon and one other. In the period prior to 1943 the anti-tank weapon would be the Boys anti-tank rifle.
P09204
Like in all other armies the British Infantry was the backbone of the army. By 1939 the British army had been continuously involved in colonial and continental warfare for a period of nearly 300 years. As a consequence the infantry arm of the British army could be regarded as probably the best trained and most experienced service in the world. This added to the strong Regimental system that helped maintain morale through difficulties great and small made the British infantry a force to be reckoned with. Armed with the superlative Lee-Enfield bolt action rifle which in trained hands could be fired as quickly (and more accurately) than most semi-automatic weapons and stiffened with the equally superb Bren light machinegun the firepower available to a standard infantry platoon was truly awesome. This unit represents a standard infantry platoon of the period comprising of 3 rifle sections and a HQ section. Each rifle section was comprised of 10 men, 8 or 9 of which would be armed with the Lee-Enfield rifle, 1 with a Bren light machinegun and 1 who may, depending upon supply arrangements would have a Sten submachinegun. As the war progressed the issue of submachineguns became standardized and it became usual practice for 2 to be issued per section, 1 for the section commander and 1 other. The HQ section comprised of the Platoon Commander, his Sgt., a runner/radioman, a two man 2-inch mortar team, two men with an anti-tank weapon and one other. The anti-tank weapon would be in this later period the PIAT anti-tank hollow charge projector.
P09205
Like in all other armies the British Infantry was the backbone of the army. By 1939 the British army had been continuously involved in colonial and continental warfare for a period of nearly 300 years. As a consequence the infantry arm of the British army could be regarded as probably the best trained and most experienced service in the world. This added to the strong Regimental system that helped maintain morale through difficulties great and small made the British infantry a force to be reckoned with. Armed with the superlative Lee-Enfield bolt action rifle which in trained hands could be fired as quickly (and more accurately) than most semi-automatic weapons and stiffened with the equally superb Bren light machinegun the firepower available to a standard infantry platoon was truly awesome. This unit represents a standard airborne infantry platoon drawn from one of the newly formed parachute regiments. Comprising of 3 rifle sections and a HQ section. Each rifle section was comprised of 8 men, 6 of which would be armed with the Lee-Enfield rifle, 1 with a Bren light machinegun and 2 with Sten submachineguns. The HQ section comprised of the Platoon Commander, his Sgt., a runner/radioman, a two man 2-inch mortar team and a an anti-tank gunner. Despite the smaller numbers employed within a para-platoon when compared to a standard infantry platoon it suffered no loss of effective firepower.
P09206
This unit represents a standard airborne infantry platoon drawn from one of the parachute regiments or newly converted late war glider regiments. Like in all other armies the British Infantry was the backbone of the army. By 1939 the British army had been continuously involved in colonial and continental warfare for a period of nearly 300 years. As a consequence the infantry arm of the British army could be regarded as probably the best trained and most experienced service in the world. This added to the strong Regimental system that helped maintain morale through difficulties great and small made the British infantry a force to be reckoned with. Armed with the superlative Lee-Enfield bolt action rifle which in trained hands could be fired as quickly (and more accurately) than most semi-automatic weapons and stiffened with the equally superb Bren light machinegun the firepower available to a standard infantry platoon was truly awesome. Comprising of 3 rifle sections and a HQ section. Each rifle section was comprised of 8 men, 6 of which would be armed with the Lee-Enfield rifle, 1 with a Bren light machinegun and 2 with Sten submachineguns. The HQ section comprised of the Platoon Commander, his Sgt., a runner/radioman, a two man 2-inch mortar team. The mortar team would also be responsible for the anti-tank weapon, which would be in this later period the PIAT anti-tank hollow charge projector.
P09207
This unit represents a section drawn from a machinegun platoon attached to either an independent machinegun battalion or Battalion HQ of a standard infantry battalion. This unit was equipped with two of the old yet powerful Vickers Medium machineguns fitted with sights for indirect fire at up to ranges of three miles.
P09208
This unit represents a Medium Machinegun Platoon found in the Machinegun Battalions of the British army. This unit is equipped with four of the old but reliable and accurate Vickers machinegun. Unusual for a weapon of this type it was fitted with sights enabling the gunners to engage in indirect fire in addition to the more conventional direct fire mode. This platoon was additionally equipped with an anti-tank weapon which depending upon the period would be either a Boys anti-tank rifle or a PIAT hollow Charge projector. Alternatively platoons of this organization could be found attached to many infantry Battalion HQs.
P09209
This unit represents a company drawn from the divisional combat engineer battalions attached to all British divisions. Like the combat engineers to be found in many armies, combat engineers or "Sappers" were provided with a wide variety of specialist equipment. Deployed in the field to deal with those obstacles considered to awkward or dangerous for regular troops, Sappers would clear and lay minefields, destroy bridges and attack fortifications. Equipment included not only standard infantry equipment but also flamethrowers, demolition charges and specialist clearing equipment like Bangalore torpedoes. Like all British infantry units the Sappers could be relied upon to show great measures of skill, determination and reserves of morale. One important factor to bear in mind was that front line engineering tasks were often performed by the pioneer platoons attached to infantry battalions and it would only be after these smaller less well equipped units had tried and failed that these heavyweight units would be brought in.
P09210
Representing an airlanded combat engineer company these companies were quite small in terms of manpower being only about the size of two infantry platoons. Like the combat engineers to be found in many armies, these combat engineers or "Sappers" were provided with a wide variety of specialist equipment. Deployed in the field to deal with those obstacles considered to awkward or dangerous for regular troops Sappers would clear and lay minefields, destroy bridges and attack fortifications. Equipment included not only standard infantry equipment but also flamethrowers, demolition charges and specialist clearing equipment like Bangalore torpedoes. Like all British infantry units the Sappers could be relied upon to show great measures of skill determination and reserves of morale. Just as skilled and determined as their more conventionally deployed comrades they were unable to carry as much in the way of combat stores due to their method of deployment.
P09211
This unit represents a light machinegun section of eight men armed with two Bren guns. The prime purpose of this unit is to represent the light anti-aircraft section attached to many HQ formations throughout the army. They can also be used to represent "carrier" crews who have disembarked in order to provide close fire support to the troops they carry and finally they represent the guard units deployed in local defense of HQs, artillery parks and the like.
P09213
Whoever said that Britons were endowed with a sense of fair play and honest decency has never heard of these fellows. Many British "special" units were created during the war amongst the best well known being the Commando Battalions of the Special Service Brigade. Known for their love of the dark and willingness to use the stiletto dagger with which they were issued Commando units were sent in ever increasing numbers to wreak havoc on the shores of occupied Europe from 1941 onwards. Heavily armed and liberally equipped with explosives, the men of this organization, amongst their other exploits, stole parts of secret German Radar installations, destroyed a heavy water plant and ruined the greatest harbor in France. For game purposes this unit also represents the hardly less infamous Royal Marine Commandos, SAS and other specialist units from Britain's secret armies. Typical equipment for a commando unit of around 30 men would be around 15 submachineguns, 4 Bren light machineguns, 10 Rifles and a Boys anti-tank Rifle, not for tank stopping though, but fired from a standing position and used as a sniping rifle, something that was supposedly guaranteed to break the firer's shoulder. All "special" units had a high quantity of automatic weapons, explosives and determination and should be considered formidable assault units.
P09307
British HQs at every level tended to be highly adaptable to suit ever changing circumstances. One feature of the British army of this period that is often forgotten is that it was the first (and for many years the only) army in the world to be entirely motorized. This in turn allowed local commanders to show great flexibility in deploying local resources. There were drawbacks, though, to the British regimental system. All arms coordination in the early years tended to be poor with armor and infantry tending to act independently to no overall plan although this was not particularly evident when the armored forces were drawn from the Royal Tank Regiments first formed in the First World War. Coordination tended to be better at the small unit level where years of experience fighting "low intensity" colonial wars could be best brought to bear. However the lack of coordination at higher levels for many years allowed enemy forces to often defeat in detail what would otherwise be an overwhelming force. However as a final summary the British HQ units, coordinated by radio, liberally supplied with recce assets and a supply train only marginally less than late war American forces, performed well in their appointed role.
P09306
British HQs at every level tended to be highly adaptable to suit ever changing circumstances. One feature of the British army of this period that is often forgotten is that it was the first (and for many years the only) army in the world to be entirely motorized. This in turn allowed local commanders to show great flexibility in deploying local resources. There were drawbacks, though, to the British regimental system. All arms coordination in the early years tended to be poor with armor and infantry tending to act independently to no overall plan, although this was not particularly evident when the armored forces were drawn from the Royal Tank Regiments first formed in the First World War. Coordination tended to be better at the small unit level where years of experience fighting "low intensity" colonial wars could be best brought to bear. However the lack of coordination at higher levels for many years allowed enemy forces to often defeat in detail what would otherwise be an overwhelming force. However as a final summary the British HQ units, coordinated by radio, liberally supplied with recce assets and a supply train only marginally less than late war American forces, performed well in their appointed role.
P09301
British HQs at every level tended to be highly adaptable to suit ever changing circumstances. One feature of the British army of this period that is often forgotten is that it was the first (and for many years the only) army in the world to be entirely motorized. This in turn allowed local commanders to show great flexibility in deploying local resources. There were drawbacks, though, to the British regimental system. All arms coordination in the early years tended to be poor with armor and infantry tending to act independently to no overall plan although this was not particularly evident when the armored forces were drawn from the Royal Tank Regiments first formed in the First World War. Coordination tended to be better at the small unit level where years of experience fighting "low intensity" colonial wars could be best brought to bear. However the lack of coordination at higher levels for many years allowed enemy forces to often defeat in detail what would otherwise be an overwhelming force. However as a final summary the British HQ units, coordinated by radio, liberally supplied with recce assets and a supply train only marginally less than late war American forces, performed well in their appointed role.
P09302
British HQs at every level tended to be highly adaptable to suit ever changing circumstances. One feature of the British army of this period that is often forgotten is that it was the first (and for many years the only) army in the world to be entirely motorized. This in turn allowed local commanders to show great flexibility in deploying local resources. There were drawbacks, though, to the British regimental system. All arms coordination in the early years tended to be poor with armor and infantry tending to act independently to no overall plan although this was not particularly evident when the armored forces were drawn from the Royal Tank Regiments first formed in the First World War. Coordination tended to be better at the small unit level where years of experience fighting "low intensity" colonial wars could be best brought to bare. However the lack of coordination at higher levels for many years allowed enemy forces to often defeat in detail what would otherwise be an overwhelming force. However as a final summary the British HQ units, coordinated by radio, liberally supplied with recce assets and a supply train only marginally less than late war American forces, performed well in their appointed role.
P09303
British HQs at every level tended to be highly adaptable to suit ever changing circumstances. One feature of the British army of this period that is often forgotten is that it was the first (and for many years the only) army in the world to be entirely motorized. This in turn allowed local commanders to show great flexibility in deploying local resources. There were drawbacks, though, to the British regimental system. All arms coordination in the early years tended to be poor with armor and infantry tending to act independently to no overall plan although this was not particularly evident when the armored forces were drawn from the Royal Tank Regiments first formed in the First World War. Coordination tended to be better at the small unit level where years of experience fighting "low intensity" colonial wars could be best brought to bear. However the lack of coordination at higher levels for many years allowed enemy forces to often defeat in detail what would otherwise be an overwhelming force. However as a final summary the British HQ units, coordinated by radio, liberally supplied with recce assets and a supply train only marginally less than late war American forces, performed well in their appointed role.
P09304
British HQs at every level tended to be highly adaptable to suit ever changing circumstances. One feature of the British army of this period that is often forgotten is that it was the first (and for many years the only) army in the world to be entirely motorized. This in turn allowed local commanders to show great flexibility in deploying local resources. There were drawbacks, though, to the British regimental system. All arms coordination in the early years tended to be poor with armor and infantry tending to act independently to no overall plan although this was not particularly evident when the armored forces were drawn from the Royal Tank Regiments first formed in the First World War. Coordination tended to be better at the small unit level where years of experience fighting "low intensity" colonial wars could be best brought to bear. However the lack of coordination at higher levels for many years allowed enemy forces to often defeat in detail what would otherwise be an overwhelming force. However as a final summary the British HQ units, coordinated by radio, liberally supplied with recce assets and a supply train only marginally less than late war American forces, performed well in their appointed role.
P09305
British HQs at every level tended to be highly adaptable to suit ever changing circumstances. One feature of the British army of this period that is often forgotten is that it was the first (and for many years the only) army in the world to be entirely motorized. This in turn allowed local commanders to show great flexibility in deploying local resources. There were drawbacks, though, to the British regimental system. All arms coordination in the early years tended to be poor with armor and infantry tending to act independently to no overall plan although this was not particularly evident when the armored forces were drawn from the Royal Tank Regiments first formed in the First World War. Coordination tended to be better at the small unit level where years of experience fighting "low intensity" colonial wars could be best brought to bear. However the lack of coordination at higher levels for many years allowed enemy forces to often defeat in detail what would otherwise be an overwhelming force. However as a final summary the British HQ units, coordinated by radio, liberally supplied with recce assets and a supply train only marginally less than late war American forces, performed well in their appointed role.
P09401
British HQs at every level tended to be highly adaptable to suit ever changing circumstances. One feature of the British army of this period that is often forgotten is that it was the first (and for many years the only) army in the world to be entirely motorized. This in turn allowed local commanders to show great flexibility in deploying local resources. There were drawbacks, though, to the British regimental system. All arms coordination in the early years tended to be poor with armor and infantry tending to act independently to no overall plan although this was not particularly evident when the armored forces were drawn from the Royal Tank Regiments first formed in the First World War. Coordination tended to be better at the small unit level where years of experience fighting "low intensity" colonial wars could be best brought to bear. However the lack of coordination at higher levels for many years allowed enemy forces to often defeat in detail what would otherwise be an overwhelming force. However as a final summary the British HQ units, coordinated by radio, liberally supplied with recce assets and a supply train only marginally less than late war American forces, performed well in their appointed role.
P09402
British HQs at every level tended to be highly adaptable to suit ever changing circumstances. One feature of the British army of this period that is often forgotten is that it was the first (and for many years the only) army in the world to be entirely motorized. This in turn allowed local commanders to show great flexibility in deploying local resources. There were drawbacks, though, to the British regimental system. All arms coordination in the early years tended to be poor with armor and infantry tending to act independently to no overall plan although this was not particularly evident when the armored forces were drawn from the Royal Tank Regiments first formed in the First World War. Coordination tended to be better at the small unit level where years of experience fighting "low intensity" colonial wars could be best brought to bear. However the lack of coordination at higher levels for many years allowed enemy forces to often defeat in detail what would otherwise be an overwhelming force. However as a final summary the British HQ units, coordinated by radio, liberally supplied with recce assets and a supply train only marginally less than late war American forces, performed well in their appointed role.
P09403
British HQs at every level tended to be highly adaptable to suit ever changing circumstances. One feature of the British army of this period that is often forgotten is that it was the first (and for many years the only) army in the world to be entirely motorized. This in turn allowed local commanders to show great flexibility in deploying local resources. There were drawbacks, though, to the British regimental system. All arms coordination in the early years tended to be poor with armor and infantry tending to act independently to no overall plan although this was not particularly evident when the armored forces were drawn from the Royal Tank Regiments first formed in the First World War. Coordination tended to be better at the small unit level where years of experience fighting "low intensity" colonial wars could be best brought to bear. However the lack of coordination at higher levels for many years allowed enemy forces to often defeat in detail what would otherwise be an overwhelming force. However as a final summary the British HQ units, coordinated by radio, liberally supplied with recce assets and a supply train only marginally less than late war American forces, performed well in their appointed role.
P09404
British HQs at every level tended to be highly adaptable to suit ever changing circumstances. One feature of the British army of this period that is often forgotten is that it was the first (and for many years the only) army in the world to be entirely motorized. This in turn allowed local commanders to show great flexibility in deploying local resources. There were drawbacks, though, to the British regimental system. All arms coordination in the early years tended to be poor with armor and infantry tending to act independently to no overall plan although this was not particularly evident when the armored forces were drawn from the Royal Tank Regiments first formed in the First World War. Coordination tended to be better at the small unit level where years of experience fighting "low intensity" colonial wars could be best brought to bear. However the lack of coordination at higher levels for many years allowed enemy forces to often defeat in detail what would otherwise be an overwhelming force. However as a final summary the British HQ units, coordinated by radio, liberally supplied with recce assets and a supply train only marginally less than late war American forces, performed well in their appointed role.
P09405
British HQs at every level tended to be highly adaptable to suit ever changing circumstances. One feature of the British army of this period that is often forgotten is that it was the first (and for many years the only) army in the world to be entirely motorized. This in turn allowed local commanders to show great flexibility in deploying local resources. There were drawbacks, though, to the British regimental system. All arms coordination in the early years tended to be poor with armor and infantry tending to act independently to no overall plan although this was not particularly evident when the armored forces were drawn from the Royal Tank Regiments first formed in the First World War. Coordination tended to be better at the small unit level where years of experience fighting "low intensity" colonial wars could be best brought to bear. However the lack of coordination at higher levels for many years allowed enemy forces to often defeat in detail what would otherwise be an overwhelming force. However as a final summary the British HQ units, coordinated by radio, liberally supplied with recce assets and a supply train only marginally less than late war American forces, performed well in their appointed role.
P09406
British officers, often drawn from the upper classes of society, were trained from birth to assume positions of leadership. Highly self-reliant and showing great personal initiative, the officer class of the British army coped well with the demands of war. A notable feature of British officers is the amount of trust that was placed in their judgment and in no army other than perhaps the German army were junior officers given such high positions of responsibility. An example being that the artillery units of an entire Army Corps was often placed under the direction of a junior FOO. Officers within the British armed services were also often required to train with their men, this being especially true in elite units such as the Commandos, Marines, the SAS and the like. In so doing a bond of trust was forged between the officer and the men under his command. Also prevalent during the wartime period was the promotion of senior NCOs to commissioned ranks. These men, often drawn from the regular peacetime army, had already proved themselves in battle both in terms of leadership and organizational ability. They had the additional experience that could only be gained through service in the ranks.
P09407
British officers, often drawn from the upper classes of society, were trained from birth to assume positions of leadership. Highly self-reliant and showing great personal initiative, the officer class of the British army coped well with the demands of war. A notable feature of British officers is the amount of trust that was placed in their judgment and in no army other than perhaps the German army were junior officers given such high positions of responsibility. An example being that the artillery units of an entire Army Corps was often placed under the direction of a junior FOO. Officers within the British armed services were also often required to train with their men, this being especially true in elite units such as the Commandos, Marines, the SAS and the like. In so doing a bond of trust was forged between the officer and the men under his command. Also prevalent during the wartime period was the promotion of senior NCOs to commissioned ranks. These men, often drawn from the regular peacetime army, had already proved themselves in battle both in terms of leadership and organizational ability. They had the additional experience that could only be gained through service in the ranks.
P09408
British officers, often drawn from the upper classes of society, were trained from birth to assume positions of leadership. Highly self-reliant and showing great personal initiative, the officer class of the British army coped well with the demands of war. A notable feature of British officers is the amount of trust that was placed in their judgment and in no army other than perhaps the German army were junior officers given such high positions of responsibility. An example being that the artillery units of an entire Army Corps was often placed under the direction of a junior FOO. Officers within the British armed services were also often required to train with their men, this being especially true in elite units such as the Commandos, Marines, the SAS and the like. In so doing a bond of trust was forged between the officer and the men under his command. Also prevalent during the wartime period was the promotion of senior NCOs to commissioned ranks. These men, often drawn from the regular peacetime army, had already proved themselves in battle both in terms of leadership and organizational ability. They had the additional experience that could only be gained through service in the ranks.
P09409
British officers, often drawn from the upper classes of society, were trained from birth to assume positions of leadership. Highly self-reliant and showing great personal initiative, the officer class of the British army coped well with the demands of war. A notable feature of British officers is the amount of trust that was placed in their judgment and in no army other than perhaps the German army were junior officers given such high positions of responsibility. An example being that the artillery units of an entire Army Corps was often placed under the direction of a junior FOO. Officers within the British armed services were also often required to train with their men, this being especially true in elite units such as the Commandos, Marines, the SAS and the like. In so doing a bond of trust was forged between the officer and the men under his command. Also prevalent during the wartime period was the promotion of senior NCOs to commissioned ranks. These men, often drawn from the regular peacetime army, had already proved themselves in battle both in terms of leadership and organizational ability. They had the additional experience that could only be gained through service in the ranks.
P09410
British officers, often drawn from the upper classes of society, were trained from birth to assume positions of leadership. Highly self-reliant and showing great personal initiative, the officer class of the British army coped well with the demands of war. A notable feature of British officers is the amount of trust that was placed in their judgment and in no army other than perhaps the German army were junior officers given such high positions of responsibility. An example being that the artillery units of an entire Army Corps was often placed under the direction of a junior FOO. Officers within the British armed services were also often required to train with their men, this being especially true in elite units such as the Commandos, Marines, the SAS and the like. In so doing a bond of trust was forged between the officer and the men under his command. Also prevalent during the wartime period was the promotion of senior NCOs to commissioned ranks. These men, often drawn from the regular peacetime army, had already proved themselves in battle both in terms of leadership and organizational ability. They had the additional experience that could only be gained through service in the ranks.
P10001
The M3 light tank was based on the pre-war M2A4. In June 1942 an improved version, the M3A1, went into production. This model had a more efficient turret and fighting compartment among other changes. The M3A1 was used by the 1st Armored Division in North Africa. Known as "Stuarts" to the British, the M3 series was renowned for its reliability, though after 1941 it became increasingly obsolete. A total of 4,621 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
5 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
51mm
WEIGHT
13 tonnes
P10002
The M5 was an interim design with many improvements over the M3A1, among these being thicker armor, sloping front hull plates, and twin Cadillac engines with an automatic transmission. In early 1943 it was supplanted on the production lines by the further improved M5A1. The latter was used to replace M3A1 losses in the 1st Armored Division in North Africa, and by the time of Operation Husky in July 1943 the M5A1 had become the standard U.S. light tank. A total of 6,810 M5A1s were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
3 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
67mm
WEIGHT
15.4 tonnes
P10003
Commonly referred to as the "Chaffee" in honor of Gen. Adna Chaffee, the "father of the U.S. Armored Force", this tank was designed to replace the M5A1. It was based on the M18 tank destroyer but had a new turret with a light-weight 75mm gun from the B-25H Mitchell Bomber. A few saw action in the Ardennes, and by VE Day all light tank companies of the 7th Armored Division and the mechanized cavalry squadrons had been totally re-equipped with the M24. In 1944 and 1945, a total of 4,195 were built. The M24 also saw action in the Korean conflict.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
25mm
WEIGHT
18.4 tonnes
P10004
The M3 Medium Tank was rushed into production to provide U.S. and Allied forces with a mobile gun that could deal the current series of Pz IIIs and IVs fielded by the Germans. No turret in or close to production at the time could handle its 75mm gun, however, so its main armament was placed in a limited-traverse mount in the right front of the hull. In addition, a high-velocity 37mm gun was mounted in a turret atop the superstructure. The M3 saw action in North Africa, after which time it was replaced by M4 Shermans. A total of 5,811 of the M3 series was built, most of which were Lend-Leased to other countries.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
1 x 37mm gun
3-4 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
57mm
WEIGHT
28 tonnes
P10005
The M4 "General Sherman" medium tank was based on the earlier M3. It was designed to work with infantry in smashing enemy defense lines, and breaking through to disrupt the enemy's supply and communications network. U.S. doctrine at the time called for tank destroyers to take on enemy tanks, so the Sherman was not given any special anti-tank capability. Its 75mm gun was deemed 'good enough' for exploitation operations, but was not intended to destroy Panzers. Due to its tendency to catch fire and explode when penetrated by an armor-piercing shell, the Sherman was called the "Ronson" by contemptuous German tankers, in reference to a name-brand cigarette lighter. 30,600 Shermans with the 75mm gun were built, using several different types of engines.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
30.2-32.3 tonnes
P10006
Known unofficially as the "Jumbo", the M4A3E2 was much more heavily armored than the M4. An extra 38mm of armor were added to its front and upper sides, and its lower front hull armor was 140mm thick. A new turret with 152mm-thick cast armor and a 178mm-thick gunshield replaced the standard turret. 254 Jumbos were built, all with the 75mm gun (though some were later field-modified by substituting the more powerful 76mm gun).
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
178mm
WEIGHT
38.2 tonnes
P10007
Because U.S. Army doctrine called for tanks to be used as infantry support, Shermans were initially given 75mm guns. After clashes with Tigers and Panthers, it quickly became clear that a higher-velocity gun was needed. Originally, it was intended that one third of each Sherman unit be equipped with these improved models, but by VE Day, over half of all Shermans in the U.S. Army in Europe carried 76mm guns. However, the larger gun was only marginally more effective against a Panther's frontal armor. 7,968 Shermans with the 76mm gun were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76mm gun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
89mm
WEIGHT
31.8 tonnes
P10008
4680 Shermans were produced with a 105mm howitzer as main armament. These were used to provide heavy support in medium tank battalions, the HQ company of which was authorized an "assault gun" platoon of three Sherman 105s.
ARMAMENT
1 x 105mm howitzer
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
30.2-31 tonnes
P10009
Originally conceived as a replacement for the Sherman, with armor and firepower to match the Tiger I, the earliest form of what would become the M26 Pershing made its first appearance in the spring of 1944 as a medium tank. Apparently in an attempt to boost the confidence of American tankers, it was redesignated a heavy tank. This was not without rationale, however, as it boasted a 90mm gun and armor that was 100mm thick in places. The Pershing's most famous battle was at Remagen bridge. Four Pershings of Company A, 14th Tank Battalion, 9th Armored Division, were in the center of the action. Ironically, these tanks did not cross the heavily damaged bridge because they were deemed too heavy. By VE Day, over 700 M26s had been built. The M26 was also used in the Korean war, reverting back to its original designation as a medium tank.
ARMAMENT
1 x 90mm gun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
102mm
WEIGHT
41.8 tonnes
P10010
The M10 Gun Motor Carriage was based on the M4A2 Medium Tank, but to give the tank destroyer greater mobility its armor was thinner. It also had a new turret, which was open-topped to increase visibility. Because the 3-inch AA gun was so large and heavy, two 1800-lb. counterweights were attached to the rear of the turret to keep it balanced. Moreover, the heavy turret lacked power traverse. After the M10 GMC's successful debut in Tunisia, where it equipped the 899th and 776th Tank Destroyer Battalions, it replaced the M3 GMC halftrack and became the standard U.S. tank destroyer until late 1944 when the M18 and M36 began to replace it. A total of 4,993 M10s were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 3-inch (76mm) gun
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
64mm
WEIGHT
30 tonnes
P10011
Nicknamed The Hellcat, the M18 Gun Motor Carriage was designed to be very light and fast, and proved to be the fastest tracked vehicle of the war. It was popular with its crews, because its speed allowed it to quickly change positions during a battle. This tank destroyer could have been deployed in 1943, but commanders in Europe wanted to wait for the more heavily armed M36 which was in the final stages of production. 2,507 M18s were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x76mm gun
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
25mm
WEIGHT
18 tonnes
P10012
Referred to as the Jackson or Slugger, the M36 Gun Motor Carriage was essentially an M10A1 GMC with a new (but still open-topped) turret and a powerful 90mm gun. Because of this firepower, it was the most successful of all the U.S. tank destroyers. Unfortunately, many commanders expected to use this vehicle in the battlefield as a tank - a task for which it was not well suited, with its open top and thinner armor. The realization that real tanks were more adaptable in a fast-changing battle ultimately led to the end of the Tank Destroyer Command in 1946. 1,413 M36 GMCs were produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x90mm gun
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
28.2 tonnes
P10014
Designed primarily as an infantry carrier for armored divisions, the M3 Halftrack could carry 13 men, including the driver. It also carried a .30-cal air-cooled machinegun that was pedestal-mounted in the center-forward section of the passenger compartment. (Later a special .50-cal mount was produced; these vehicles were designated M3A1.) U.S. halftracks were faster than similar German vehicles, but had no floor armor, making the troops highly exposed to mines. Also, their tracks tended to wear out quickly. A total of 12,499 were built. A slightly smaller version - the M2 - was also built, but is represented by the M3 in the game.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
or
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
8 tonnes
P10015
Based on the M2 Halftrack, the M4 Mortar Carrier provided a mobile mount for the 81mm mortar in mechanized units. Three of these vehicles made up a platoon, which served in the HQ company of tank battalions and armored infantry battalions. About 1200 of the M4 and similar M4A1 Mortar Carriers were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 81mm mortar
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
8.4 tonnes
P10016
This M3 halftrack mounting an M1897A4 field gun was designed as an interim tank destroyer pending the arrival of the M10 GMC. As such, the M3 provided mixed results in Tunisia. Its thin armor allowed it to be easily destroyed, but it was effective against German armor when used properly from ambush positions. A total of 2,202 were built, but 1,360 later had their big gun removed and served as M3A1 halftracks.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
MAX. ARMOR
16mm
WEIGHT
9 tonnes
P10017
The T30 Howitzer Motor Carriage was an M3 halftrack equipped with a 75mm pack howitzer. Three of these vehicles made up a platoon which served in the HQ company of each tank battalion. The armored regiment's recon company also included a platoon of T30s. Initially, infantry regiments also included two of these platoons in their cannon company. The T30 HMC fought exclusively in Africa and the Mediterranean theaters. A total of 500 was built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm howitzer
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
8.9 tonnes
P10018
The T19 Howitzer Motor Carriage was an M3 halftrack equipped with a 105mm howitzer. Six comprised a battery in the armored field artillery battalions of the 1st and 2nd Armored Divisions in Tunisia. Initially, cannon companies of infantry regiments in the Mediterranean Theater had two T19 HMC halftracks. The T19 was eventually replaced by the M7 HMC and M3 105mm howitzer. Only 324 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 105mm howitzer
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
9.1 tonnes
P10019
The M15A1 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage was an M3 halftrack mounting a 37mm AA gun and two coaxial .50 caliber machineguns. The gun compartment was protected by armored plates. This vehicle was very successful in its AA role in Tunisia. Crews found that they could deceive Axis aircraft into thinking the vehicles were armed only with the machineguns; as overconfident enemy pilots closed to strafe them, the crews would open up with the 37mm gun. Originally assigned to tank destroyer battalions, they were later placed in self-propelled AAA Automatic Weapons battalions. A total of 2,332 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm AA gun
2 x 12.7mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
9.5 tonnes
P10020
The M15A1 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage was an M3 halftrack mounting a 37mm AA gun and two coaxial .50 caliber machineguns. The gun compartment was protected by armored plates. This vehicle was very successful in its AA role in Tunisia. Crews found that they could deceive Axis aircraft into thinking the vehicles were armed only with the machineguns; as overconfident enemy pilots closed to strafe them, the crews would open up with the 37mm gun. Originally assigned to tank destroyer battalions, they were later placed in self-propelled AAA Automatic Weapons battalions. A total of 2,332 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm AA gun
2 x 12.7mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
9.5 tonnes
P10021
The M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage was an M3 halftrack with four.50-caliber machineguns on an electrically powered Maxson turret that could traverse 360 degrees in six seconds. Used in self-propelled AAA Automatic Weapons battalions, it proved very effective against both low-flying aircraft and 'soft' ground targets. Its rate of fire of 2200 rounds per minute led to its being nicknamed the 'meat chopper'.
ARMAMENT
4 x 12.7mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
9 tonnes
P10023
The M3A1 Scout Car was found mainly in mechanized cavalry troops of infantry and armored divisions, where its functions were to scout enemy positions, screen flanks and provide security. Some were used in tank destroyer battalions as well. Close to 21,000 were built, many of which were given to Allied nations through the Lend-Lease program.
ARMAMENT
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
5.6 tonnes
P10026
The M8 Light Armored Car served as the primary AFV in mechanized cavalry units, replacing the M3A1 Scout Car and the M2 Halftrack. Although it was lightly armored and undergunned, its crews liked its speed and the cross-country mobility provided by its light weight and 6x6 drive.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
19mm
WEIGHT
7.9 tonnes
P10027
Sometimes referred to as the Scott, the M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage was an M5 light tank modified to carry a new turret that mounted a pack howitzer. It was used for both direct and indirect fire support. In the game this unit represents a two-vehicle platoon in the assault-gun troop of the mechanized cavalry squadron. A total of 1,778 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm howitzer
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
44.5mm
WEIGHT
15.7 tonnes
P10028
Sometimes referred to as the Scott, the M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage was an M5 light tank modified to carry a new turret that mounted a pack howitzer. It was used for both direct and indirect fire support. In the game this unit represents the three-vehicle assault-gun platoon in the HQ company of armored infantry battalions, and of light and medium tank battalions (until replaced by Sherman 105s). A total of 1,778 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm howitzer
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
44.5mm
WEIGHT
15.7 tonnes
P10029
The M7 Howitzer Motor Carriage was a modified M3 Medium Tank with a 105mm howitzer carried in an open-top compartment. It first saw action in Tunisia; where it began to replace the T19 HMC Halftrack in the armored field artillery battalions of the 1st Armored Division. Serving in batteries of six, it soon equipped all armored field artillery battalions. A total of 3,490 M7 HMCs were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 105mm howitzer
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
51mm
WEIGHT
23 tonnes
P10030
Sometimes called "King Kong", the M12 Gun Motor Carriage was an M1917 or M1918 155mm gun mounted on a heavily modified M3 Medium Tank chassis. Seventy-four of the one hundred built were sent to Normandy between June and August of 1944. As the only heavy artillery that could keep pace with the rapid advance across France after American forces broke out of the hedgerows, this vehicle proved especially valuable. This gun was used in batteries of four.
ARMAMENT
1 x 155mm gun
MAX. ARMOR
51mm
WEIGHT
26.4 tonnes
P10031
The DD (Duplex Drive) design allowed the M4 Sherman to serve as an amphibious tank. After being waterproofed, the vehicle was fitted with a collapsible canvas screen around the hull top, which was erected by rubber tubing filled with compressed air. Two small propellers provided the propulsion in the water at 4 knots. Steering was handled by the tank commander, who stood on a platform attached to the rear of the turret and controlled a tiller that angled the propellers. Although the screen blocked the line of fire from the bow machinegun, it also concealed the tank itself from the enemy; from the ground, it looked somewhat like a small boat, and hence not a worthwhile target. Once ashore, the screen could be dropped and the propellers folded away. It was intended that the tanks arrive before the infantry to provide cover fire, but this was not the case on D-Day due to rough seas and general confusion. Of 59 amphibious tanks actually launched, 28 sank, while 32 others were ship-landed at Normandy's shores. DD Shermans were also used in Operation Anvil/Dragoon, the invasion of Southern France, and in many river-crossing operations, including the breaching of the Rhine.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
30.2-32.3 tonnes
P10033
A Jeep scout section included six jeeps. Three had a mounted machinegun, and three carried 60mm mortars and their crews. They served as standard equipment in mechanized cavalry recon platoons from 1943 onward.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
or
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
1.5 tonnes
P10034
Derived from the "GP" (General Purpose) designation by Ford, the Jeep was a 1/4-ton 4x4 utility vehicle that served many roles: command, liaison, and recon. By the end of World War II, a total of 639,245 Jeeps had been built. In the game this unit represents a number of Jeeps used for towing light guns or carrying light mortars.
P10035
Five classes of trucks were standardized by the U.S. Army in 1939: the 1/2-ton, 1.5-ton, 2.5-ton, 4-ton, and 7.5-ton trucks. The 1/2-ton truck was later superseded by the larger 3/4-ton weapons carrier. These vehicles - many of which had 6x6 drive - were used to transport troops, weapons, equipment and supplies. The united States produced some 3.2 million soft-skin vehicles during the war.
P10036
These were fully tracked soft-skin vehicles designed for towing artillery. The two most common models were the M4 and M5 High Speed Tractors. The M4 was used for towing 3-inch and 90mm AA guns, 155mm guns and the 8-inch howitzer. The M5 pulled the 105mm howitzer, the 4.5-inch gun and the 155mm howitzer. It was intended that all such guns would be tractor-towed, but demand always outstripped supply, leaving many gun battalions with 6x6 truck prime movers for the duration of the war.
P10037
This unit represents a variable number of unarmed and unarmored powered boats used to transport infantry and equipment across water.
P10038
This unit represents a variable number of unarmed and unarmored powered boats used to transport infantry and equipment across water.
P10044
Called the "Aunt Jemima", this M4 Sherman variant was outfitted with two huge roller units, each of five 10-ft. diameter steel discs that served to explode mines with their massive weight. The discs were turned by a chain driven from auxiliary sprockets mounted on the tank's drive sprockets. This was the most widely used of American mine exploders.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
57 tonnes
P10045
The Crab was a British-designed device used to clear mines. An M4 Sherman was fitted with a rotating drum to which were attached 43 flailing chains which beat the ground in front of the vehicle to explode the mines. In addition, wire cutters were located at the sides of the drum to cut barbed wire. The Americans used only a small number of these vehicles.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
33 tonnes
P10046
A wheeled amphibious cargo carrier, the DUKW was a 2.5-ton 6x6 truck transformed into a boat which could land supplies directly onto a beach and then use its wheeled drive to proceed inland. Commonly referred to as the "Duck", the DUKW acronym is not a true acronym at all; rather, it is a set of code designations: D=1942, U=Utility, K=all-wheel drive, and W=twin rear axles. Over 21,000 were built.
P10101
This unit represents a section of two 60mm mortars as used in ranger infantry companies. The mortars were not very powerful, but gave the company commander his own private 'artillery' that could bring immediate fire on the enemy from a mile away. Adopted in 1940, the weapon itself was a copy of a French design. About 75,000 were built.
MAX. RANGE
1800m
SHELL WEIGHT
1.36kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
19kg
P10102
This unit represents a section of three 60mm mortars, which were used in rifle, armored infantry, glider and parachute infantry companies. The mortars were not very powerful, but gave the company commander his own private 'artillery' that could bring immediate fire on the enemy from a mile away. Adopted in 1940, the weapon itself was a copy of a French design. About 75,000 were built.
MAX. RANGE
1800m
SHELL WEIGHT
1.36kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
19kg
P10103
This was a copy of the French Brandt 81mm mortar. It could fire both light (7-lb.) and heavy (10.75-lb.) HE bombs and white phosphorus smoke shells. In the game this unit represents a platoon of four mortars found in certain types of HQ company. About 30,000 M1 81mm mortars were built during WWII.
MAX. RANGE
3000m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.12 & 4.82kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
61.7kg
P10104
This was a copy of the French Brandt 81mm mortar. It could fire both light (7-lb.) and heavy (10.75-lb.) HE bombs and white phosphorus smoke shells. In the game this unit represents the platoon of six mortars found in the heavy weapons company of the infantry battalion. About 30,000 M1 81mm mortars were built during WWII.
MAX. RANGE
3000m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.12 & 4.82kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
61.7kg
P10105
Sometimes called "the Goon Gun", the 4.2-inch mortar was originally intended to fire only gas and smoke rounds, but by the time it was first used in combat in Sicily, an HE round had also been developed for it. Unlike most mortars, the 4.2-inch had a rifled barrel instead of a smooth bore; this increased its accuracy, but also made it more expensive. The 4.2-inch was used only in chemical mortar battalions, which were attached to divisions from the corps/army level. A total of 8,500 were made.
MAX. RANGE
4000m
SHELL WEIGHT
12-15kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
149.8kg
P10106
Based on the German PaK 35/36, this gun had a manual breech block which lowered its rate of fire. It was first used in North Africa, but eventually was replaced in the European Theater by the 57mm gun. It was usually towed by a Jeep or 3/4-ton truck. For short-range anti-personnel use it was provided with a potent canister round. 18,702 M3A1 anti-tank guns were built. In the game this unit represents a platoon in the anti-tank company of an infantry regiment.
ARMOR PENETRATION
53mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
.86kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
410kg
P10107
Based on the German PaK 35/36, this gun had a manual breech block which lowered its rate of fire. It was first used North Africa, but was eventually replaced in the European Theater by the 57mm gun. It was usually towed by a Jeep or 3/4-ton truck. For short-range anti-personnel use it was provided with a potent canister round. 18,702 M3A1 anti-tank guns were built. In the game this unit represents the anti-tank platoon in an armored infantry company or glider HQ company.
ARMOR PENETRATION
53mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
.86kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
410kg
P10108
Based on the German PaK 35/36, this gun had a manual breech block which lowered its rate of fire. It was first used North Africa, but was eventually replaced in the European Theater by the 57mm gun. It was usually towed by a Jeep or 3/4-ton truck. For short-range anti-personnel use it was provided with a potent canister round. 18,702 M3A1 anti-tank guns were built. In the game this unit represents the anti-tank platoon in the HQ troop of a mechanized cavalry squadron.
ARMOR PENETRATION
53mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
.86kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
410kg
P10109
This was a U.S.-produced copy of the British 6-pounder anti-tank gun. The U.S. Army adopted the British design in order to replace its obsolete 37mm guns as rapidly as possible. It normally fired only AP (armor-piercing) ammunition. About 16,000 were built. In the game this unit represents a platoon of two guns as found in the anti-tank company of a mountain infantry regiment.
ARMOR PENETRATION
73mm at 1000m
SHELL WEIGHT
2.83kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1215kg
P10110
This was a U.S.-produced copy of the British 6-pounder anti-tank gun. The U.S. Army adopted the British design in order to replace its obsolete 37mm guns as rapidly as possible. It normally fired only AP (armor-piercing) ammunition. About 16,000 were built. This unit represents the anti-tank platoon in an armored infantry company and in the anti-tank company of an infantry regiment.
ARMOR PENETRATION
73mm at 1000m
SHELL WEIGHT
2.83kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1215kg
P10111
This was a U.S.-produced copy of the British 6-pounder anti-tank gun. The U.S. Army adopted the British design in order to replace its obsolete 37mm guns as rapidly as possible. It normally fired only AP (armor-piercing) ammunition. About 16,000 were built. This unit represents a platoon in a glider anti-tank company or airborne AA/AT battalion.
ARMOR PENETRATION
73mm at 1000m
SHELL WEIGHT
2.83kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1215kg
P10112
Using the barrel of the 3-inch (76mm) AA gun and the carriage, breech and recoil mechanisms of the 105mm howitzer, this anti-tank gun was large and cumbersome, but it worked satisfactorily. It was officially referred to as a "tank destroyer" rather than an anti-tank gun. Approximately 2,500 towed guns were built, and a modified version was used in the M10 Gun Motor Carriage.
ARMOR PENETRATION
100mm at 1000m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.94kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2175kg
P10113
Originally designed to be disassembled and carried by pack mules, this weapon was later given a new carriage with pneumatic tires, allowing it to be towed by motorized vehicles. It could also be air dropped. It was used by airborne divisions as well as the 10th Mountain Division in Italy.
MAX. RANGE
8700m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
588kg-609kg
P10114
The M2A1 105mm Howitzer was the standard divisional light artillery piece. Towed 2.5-ton trucks or in some cases by high-speed tractors, these guns were assigned four per battery, and could use thirteen different types of ammunition.
MAX. RANGE
11,440m
SHELL WEIGHT
15kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1934kg
P10115
The M3 105mm Howitzer was designed to be air-transportable. It used a shorter barrel than the regular M2A1 105mm howitzer and the carriage from the cavalry version of the 75mm pack howitzer, with a modified recoil mechanism. This unit represents the "cannon company" of six M3s in an infantry regiment. The gun also served in glider field artillery battalions in 1944-45, towed by Jeeps that were also carried in the gliders.
MAX. RANGE
6633m
SHELL WEIGHT
15kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1133kg
P10116
The M3 105mm Howitzer was designed to be air-transportable. It used a shorter barrel than the regular M2A1 105mm howitzer and the carriage from the cavalry version of the 75mm pack howitzer, with a modified recoil mechanism. This unit represents a 1944-45 battery of four M3s in a glider field artillery battalion.
MAX. RANGE
6633m
SHELL WEIGHT
15kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1133kg
P10117
The M1 was designed to use the same ammunition as the British 4.5-inch gun. However, this ammo had a low HE content which made the gun somewhat unpopular despite its long range. The day after VE Day it was declared obsolete. Of the 426 built, only about 200 saw combat.
MAX. RANGE
19,200m
SHELL WEIGHT
24.9kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
5654kg
P10118
In June 1940 there were 2,791 M1917 (the original French C 17 S) and M1918 (the U.S.-produced version) 155mm howitzers in service. The weapon was used in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. It was eventually supplanted, but never entirely superseded, by the more modern M1.
MAX. RANGE
11,250m
SHELL WEIGHT
42.8kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
3715kg
P10119
This gun developed a reputation for both accuracy and reliability. The 155mm howitzer was most commonly used as a companion piece to the 105mm howitzer in divisional artillery, with one 155mm medium field artillery battalion per division. A total of 4,035 was built during the war.
MAX. RANGE
14,640m
SHELL WEIGHT
43kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
5432kg
P10120
The M1918M1 was a U.S.-built version of the French "Canon de 155 GPF". These were used in Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy in non-divisional heavy field artillery battalions. 641 were built.
MAX. RANGE
18,390m
SHELL WEIGHT
43kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
11,775kg
P10121
Called the "Long Tom", this gun was used in non-divisional heavy field artillery battalions which comprised three four-gun batteries. The M1A1 became standard U.S. heavy weapons during World War II.
MAX. RANGE
23,100m
SHELL WEIGHT
43kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
13,909kg
P10122
This howitzer was first used in combat in late 1943 in Italy, and it gained the reputation of being the most accurate long-range artillery piece of the war. By 1945, 1006 of these guns had been built.
MAX. RANGE
16,937m
SHELL WEIGHT
99kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
13,471kg
P10123
This weapon consisted of four .50-caliber machineguns mounted on an electrically driven turret, all carried on a four-wheel trailer. The turret-gun combination was the same as found on the M16 AA halftrack. The combination of "quad 50s" and rapid turret traverse (the turret could turn 360 degrees in six seconds) proved a lethal combination against low-flying aircraft.
BULLET WEIGHT
.045kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1088kg
P10124
The development of this gun dated as far back as 1920 when John Browning began its design. However, the WWII version did not enter production until 1939. The same gun was used on the M15 and M15A1 AA halftracks. The Army used the M1A2 in both Mobile and Semi-Mobile AAA Automatic Weapons battalions. A total of 7278 was built.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
3200m
SHELL WEIGHT
.6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2780kg
P10125
This weapon was an American-built version of the famous Bofors, the most widely used AA gun of World War II. A total of 34,116 was built in the USA during the war. It was a superior design to the M1A2 37mm gun, but never completely replaced the latter. The Army used the M1 in both Mobile and Semi-Mobile AAA Automatic Weapons battalions.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
5000m
SHELL WEIGHT
.96kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2522kg
P10126
This AA gun entered production in 1940. It was designed only for AA fire, and the inability to depress its gun barrel below the horizontal made it less than ideal for use against ground targets. More than 2,000 had been built by the end of 1942, and it saw action in all theaters of the war.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
10,300m
SHELL WEIGHT
10.6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
8626kg
P10127
The M2 was designed as an improvement over the M1A1 90mm AA gun, as it was determined that AA guns should also be able to fire against ground targets. Hence the M2 came to be known as the "triple threat" gun due to its ability to fire at air, sea and ground targets. However, its weight was almost double that of its predecessor. Like the M1A1, it was used in four-gun batteries in both Mobile and Semi-Mobile AAA Gun battalions. A total of 7,831 were built by the end of the war.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
10,300m
SHELL WEIGHT
10.6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
14,664kg
P10201
The Rifle Platoon consisted of three squads and a small headquarters, with a total of 41 men. Each 12-man squad was authorized ten M1 rifles, a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) and a Model 1903 Springfield Rifle. Three platoons plus a weapons platoon made up a rifle company, and three rifle companies plus a heavy weapons company formed an infantry battalion.
P10202
The Armored Infantry Platoon contained three 12-man rifle squads, a light machinegun squad and a 60mm mortar squad. Each rifle squad had a bazooka instead of a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), and every squad was transported in an armored halftrack. An armored infantry company comprised three armored infantry platoons and a 57mm anti-tank gun platoon. (In the game, the company's machinegun and mortar squads have been combined into discrete platoons in order to better represent the company's firepower.) The men did not normally fight from their halftracks, which were very thinly armored. Standard practice was for the squads to carry them to a point where they could safely unload so they could attack on foot.
P10203
The Parachute Infantry Platoon consisted of three squads and a small headquarters, with a total of 43 men. Each 12-man squad was authorized ten M1 rifles, two M1 carbines, a .30-cal. light machinegun and a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) - though in reality many of the men actually carried submachineguns. Three platoons and three 60mm mortars made up a company.
P10204
The Ranger Infantry Platoon is assumed to contain about two dozen men armed with rifles, two BARs and a bazooka.
P10205
The Special Service Force (SSF) Rifle Platoon was found in what is commonly referred to as the Devil's Brigade, an elite, all-volunteer joint U.S.-Canadian brigade specially trained in airborne, amphibious, mountain and winter commando tactics. The SSF platoon is assumed to comprise about two dozen men armed with rifles, submachineguns and Bren light machineguns.
P10207
This unit represents the light machinegun section in the weapons platoon of a rifle company. The section contained about 13 men with two air-cooled M1919A4 Browning .30-cal machineguns.
P10208
This unit represents a machinegun platoon in the heavy weapons company of an infantry battalion. The company contained two such platoons, each with about 40 men and four water-cooled M1917A1 Browning.30-cal. machineguns.
P10209
A Combat Engineer Platoon comprised three squads with a total of some 40 men. It was armed with standard infantry equipment along with the special equipment needed to do engineering projects. The combat engineer platoon was capable of performing various duties like mine clearance, demolition and construction.
P10210
The Airborne Infantry Platoon consisted of three squads and a small headquarters, with a total of 43 men. Each 12-man squad was authorized ten M1 rifles, two M1 carbines, a .30-cal. light machinegun and a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) - though in reality many of the men actually carried submachineguns. Three platoons and three 60mm mortars made up a company.
P10211
This unit represents a grouping of the .50-cal machineguns found in an infantry battalion. Though issued primarily for AA defense, they were often used in support of ground operations.
P10301
This unit represents a U.S. Divisional HQ. The organization of a headquarters for combat operations is designed to facilitate the command and control process. It includes consideration of the physical means of accomplishing the mission - the communications, control centers, and the staffs, facilities, and equipment necessary to gather and analyze information, plan and supervise execution. The commander determines the location, size, composition, and organization of the headquarters. The Division is one echelon below a Corps level command and it is responsible for the Brigade and Regimental units in its command.
P10302
This unit represents a U.S. Brigade HQ. The organization of a headquarters for combat operations is designed to facilitate the command and control process. It includes consideration of the physical means of accomplishing the mission - the communications, control centers, and the staffs, facilities, and equipment necessary to gather and analyze information, plan and supervise execution. The commander determines the location, size, composition, and organization of the headquarters. The Brigade is the building block of a Division and it commands and controls battalion sized units.
P10303
This unit represents a U.S. Battalion HQ. The organization of a headquarters for combat operations is designed to facilitate the command and control process. It includes consideration of the physical means of accomplishing the mission - the communications, control centers, and the staffs, facilities, and equipment necessary to gather and analyze information, plan and supervise execution. The commander determines the location, size, composition, and organization of the headquarters. The Battalion is really the lowest level that you will see a true headquarters as part of its table of organization. The Battalion HQ keeps track of the Company level units in its command.
P10304
This unit represents a U.S. Battalion (Foot) HQ. The organization of a headquarters for combat operations is designed to facilitate the command and control process. It includes consideration of the physical means of accomplishing the mission - the communications, control centers, and the staffs, facilities, and equipment necessary to gather and analyze information, plan and supervise execution. The commander determines the location, size, composition, and organization of the headquarters. The Battalion is really the lowest level that you will see a true headquarters as part of its table of organization. The Battalion HQ keeps track of the Company level units in its command. This Battalion is comprised of "foot" or light infantry soldiers and generally does not have any organic transportation assets.
P10305
This unit represents a U.S. Battalion (Motorized) HQ. The organization of a headquarters for combat operations is designed to facilitate the command and control process. It includes consideration of the physical means of accomplishing the mission - the communications, control centers, and the staffs, facilities, and equipment necessary to gather and analyze information, plan and supervise execution. The commander determines the location, size, composition, and organization of the headquarters. The Battalion is really the lowest level that you will see a true headquarters as part of its table of organization. The Battalion HQ keeps track of the Company level units in its command. This Battalion is basically the same as a light infantry Battalion but it has some organic wheeled transportation assets.
P10306
This unit represents a U.S. Corps HQ. The organization of a headquarters for combat operations is designed to facilitate the command and control process. It includes consideration of the physical means of accomplishing the mission - the communications, control centers, and the staffs, facilities, and equipment necessary to gather and analyze information, plan and supervise execution. The commander determines the location, size, composition, and organization of the headquarters. The Corps HQ is one echelon below an Army level command and it is responsible for the Divisional units in its command.
P10307
This unit represents a U.S. Army HQ. The organization of a headquarters for combat operations is designed to facilitate the command and control process. It includes consideration of the physical means of accomplishing the mission - the communications, control centers, and the staffs, facilities, and equipment necessary to gather and analyze information, plan and supervise execution. The commander determines the location, size, composition, and organization of the headquarters. The Army HQ is the largest headquarters unit you will have on the battlefield.
P10401
A trained and ready army has, as its foundation, competent and confident commanders and leaders. Commanders must exhibit sound leadership traits in order to influence others to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction and motivation. The battlefield challenge for any commander, regardless of the level of command, is to inspire solders to do things against their natural will to carry out missions for the greater good of the unit, the army and the country. Commanders are a critical asset to an army's ability to fight, survive and be victorious on the battlefield - and this is also true in West Front.
P10402
A trained and ready army has, as its foundation, competent and confident commanders and leaders. Commanders must exhibit sound leadership traits in order to influence others to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction and motivation. The battlefield challenge for any commander, regardless of the level of command, is to inspire solders to do things against their natural will to carry out missions for the greater good of the unit, the army and the country. Commanders are a critical asset to an army's ability to fight, survive and be victorious on the battlefield - and this is also true in West Front.
P10403
A trained and ready army has, as its foundation, competent and confident commanders and leaders. Commanders must exhibit sound leadership traits in order to influence others to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction and motivation. The battlefield challenge for any commander, regardless of the level of command, is to inspire solders to do things against their natural will to carry out missions for the greater good of the unit, the army and the country. Commanders are a critical asset to an army's ability to fight, survive and be victorious on the battlefield - and this is also true in West Front.
P10404
A trained and ready army has, as its foundation, competent and confident commanders and leaders. Commanders must exhibit sound leadership traits in order to influence others to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction and motivation. The battlefield challenge for any commander, regardless of the level of command, is to inspire solders to do things against their natural will to carry out missions for the greater good of the unit, the army and the country. Commanders are a critical asset to an army's ability to fight, survive and be victorious on the battlefield - and this is also true in West Front.
P10405
A trained and ready army has, as its foundation, competent and confident commanders and leaders. Commanders must exhibit sound leadership traits in order to influence others to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction and motivation. The battlefield challenge for any commander, regardless of the level of command, is to inspire solders to do things against their natural will to carry out missions for the greater good of the unit, the army and the country. Commanders are a critical asset to an army's ability to fight, survive and be victorious on the battlefield - and this is also true in West Front.
P10406
A trained and ready army has, as its foundation, competent and confident commanders and leaders. Commanders must exhibit sound leadership traits in order to influence others to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction and motivation. The battlefield challenge for any commander, regardless of the level of command, is to inspire solders to do things against their natural will to carry out missions for the greater good of the unit, the army and the country. Commanders are a critical asset to an army's ability to fight, survive and be victorious on the battlefield - and this is also true in West Front.
P10407
A trained and ready army has, as its foundation, competent and confident commanders and leaders. Commanders must exhibit sound leadership traits in order to influence others to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction and motivation. The battlefield challenge for any commander, regardless of the level of command, is to inspire solders to do things against their natural will to carry out missions for the greater good of the unit, the army and the country. Commanders are a critical asset to an army's ability to fight, survive and be victorious on the battlefield - and this is also true in West Front.
P10408
A trained and ready army has, as its foundation, competent and confident commanders and leaders. Commanders must exhibit sound leadership traits in order to influence others to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction and motivation. The battlefield challenge for any commander, regardless of the level of command, is to inspire solders to do things against their natural will to carry out missions for the greater good of the unit, the army and the country. Commanders are a critical asset to an army's ability to fight, survive and be victorious on the battlefield - and this is also true in West Front.
P10409
A trained and ready army has, as its foundation, competent and confident commanders and leaders. Commanders must exhibit sound leadership traits in order to influence others to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction and motivation. The battlefield challenge for any commander, regardless of the level of command, is to inspire solders to do things against their natural will to carry out missions for the greater good of the unit, the army and the country. Commanders are a critical asset to an army's ability to fight, survive and be victorious on the battlefield - and this is also true in West Front.
P10410
A trained and ready army has, as its foundation, competent and confident commanders and leaders. Commanders must exhibit sound leadership traits in order to influence others to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction and motivation. The battlefield challenge for any commander, regardless of the level of command, is to inspire solders to do things against their natural will to carry out missions for the greater good of the unit, the army and the country. Commanders are a critical asset to an army's ability to fight, survive and be victorious on the battlefield - and this is also true in West Front.
P10601
The Landing Craft, Personnel, was a military adaptation of a commercial motor boat built by the Higgins Company of new Orleans. It had a wooden hull, and troops had to climb over its sides to (dis)embark. The unit in the game represents the LCP(L), which was a large version of the boat. 2193 of these were built, followed by 2631 LCP(R) which had a narrow bow ramp to facilitate loading and unloading.
P10602
The Landing Craft, Vehicle, was an unarmored (and unarmed) craft with a bow ramp which allowed it to carry a light vehicle or gun. 2366 were built in 1942. Due to their vulnerability to enemy fire, they were quickly superseded by the armored LCVP.
P10603
The Landing Craft, Vehicle Personnel, was an improved version of the LCV, featuring armor plating and twin .30-cal machinegun armament. As with its predecessor, a bow ramp allowed the LCVP to carry a light vehicle or gun. 23,358 LCVPs were built, beginning in 1943.
P10604
The Landing Craft, Assault, was a 1939 British design. It was slower than the LCVP and less well armed, but offered its passengers superior protection against light weapons and shell splinters. 2030 LCA were built, and it was the standard infantry landing craft of British forces. Small numbers were used by U.S. forces as well.
P10605
The Landing Craft, Mechanized, was a British design originally intended for the transport of a light tank. The most common model was the LCM(3), built mainly by the Higgins Company of new Orleans. This version could carry a medium tank. All LCMs were armored.
P10606
The Landing Craft, Tank, was a British design intended for the transport of several light or medium tanks. The original model was the LCT(1), and by the end of the war the British were using the much larger LCT(4). In the meantime the US produced the LCT(5) and LCT(6).
P19001
The H39 Light Tank was an improved Hotchkiss H35. Improvements included a more powerful engine, a much improved suspension and a longer gun. Service with the Free French included the 1st Compagnie de Chars in Syria and the 351st CACC (Independent Tank Company).
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
45mm
WEIGHT
12 tonnes
P19047
The R35 Light Tank was designed to replace the aging FT-17 as the main infantry support tank in the French Army. It usually served in independent tank battalions supporting infantry divisions. It appears that about 140 (some sources state 180+) served with the Free French, mainly in Morocco and Algeria.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
45mm
WEIGHT
10 tonnes
P19002
The M3A1 Light Tank, better known as the Stuart, was a U.S. light tank lend-leased to the Free French. The M3 was fast, reasonably well-armed and armored, and mechanically reliable. Its greatest drawback was a short range of operation. 148 M3A1s and another 273 of the improved version, the M3A3, were lend-leased to the Free French.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
3 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
51mm
WEIGHT
13 tonnes
P19003
The M5A1 Light Tank was a U.S. light tank lend-leased to the Free French. Developed from the successful M3 design, the M5A1 was, by all accounts, an excellent light tank. Combing speed, mechanical reliability and an automatic hydraulic transmission, the M5 performed well in whatever role it was assigned. The Free French received 230 of these tanks via lend-lease.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
3 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX ARMOR
67mm
WEIGHT
15.4 tonnes
P19004
The British-made Crusader Cruiser Tanks were used to equip some Free French armored units in the second half of 1942. This tank was stuffed with weapons and ammunition, making for rather cramped quarters for its five man crew. Interestingly, this tank sported two turrets, one for the main gun, and a second turret mounted on the nose with a Besa machinegun. The second turret was often removed by units in the field.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2pdr (40mm) gun
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
1 x 7.65mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
40mm
WEIGHT
19 tonnes
P19005
The British made Valentine III Infantry Tanks were also used by the Free French. This tank was slow, well armored, fairly well armed and had a crew of three. This tank was a capable machine when used in its intended role as infantry support. It proved somewhat less capable versus armor.
ARMAMENT
1 x 2pdr (40mm) gun
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
1 x .7.65mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
65mm
WEIGHT
16 tonnes
P19043
The Char Moyen D1 Medium Tank was originally classified as a light tank and was intended as a replacement for the FT-17. After its production run ended it was reclassified as a medium tank. It was used by Free French forces in North Africa.
ARMAMENT
1 x 47mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
40mm
WEIGHT
19.5 tonnes
P19006
The SOMUA S35 Medium Tank was based somewhat on the Char D2 and was adopted as the main medium tank of the DLM (light mechanized divisions). This tank was generally considered the best French built tank of the war. The Free French used this tank in southern France in 1945.
ARMAMENT
1 x 47mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
56mm
WEIGHT
20 tonnes
P19007
The Char B1-bis Medium Tank was the principal medium tank in service with the French Army in 1940. Heavily armed and armored it was a formidable weapon even as late as 1945. Like most French tank designs it suffered from the liability of the one man turret. By 1945, spare parts were mostly unavailable, meaning that breakdowns could permanently disable the Char as effectively as battle damage. The Free French used 17 B1-bis recaptured from German forces to equip the 2nd Squadron of the 13th Dragoons. They saw action along the Gironde River in 1945.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm howitzer
1 x 47mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
60mm
WEIGHT
32 tonnes
P19008
The M4 Medium Tank was a U.S. medium tank lend-leased to the Free French. Known as the Sherman 75, the M4 was solidly built, reliable, and extremely versatile. Although not the best medium tank of the war, the Sherman performed well in combat and under competent leadership it could be a formidable weapon, even decisive. Some 650 of these tanks were lend-leased and equipped all three DB (Free French armored division) by June 1944.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
30.2-32.3 tonnes
P19009
The M4 (76)W Medium Tank was a U.S. medium tank lend-leased to the Free French. This tank was an improved Sherman 75 with a toughened, redesigned turret to fit the more powerful 76mm gun. The Free French received this tank via in-theater transfer instead of direct shipment from the U.S.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76mm gun
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
89mm
WEIGHT
31.8 tonnes
P19010
The M4(105) Medium Tank was a U.S. medium tank lend-leased to the Free French. The M4 had its 75mm main gun and coaxial MG replaced by a 105 mm howitzer. It was used mainly in the direct-fire support role. The Free French received this vehicle via in-theater transfer instead of direct shipment from the U.S.
ARMAMENT
1 x 105mm howitzer
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
76mm
WEIGHT
30.2-31 tonnes
P19011
The Carrier AC 25mm Tank Destroyers were made from captured Vichy 25mm anti-tank guns mounted on British Carriers. These vehicles were used by Free French Foreign Legion units in North Africa.
ARMAMENT
1 x 25mm gun
MAX ARMOR
10mm
WEIGHT
4.5 tonnes
P19012
The M10 GMC Tank Destroyer was a U.S. tank destroyer lend-leased to the Free French. The M10 Gun Motor Carriage was the first important American tank destroyer of the war. It was designed to fill the gap between conventional Allied armor and superior German designs. Noting the inadequacy of the 75mm and 6-lb guns against heavier German armor, the M10 was fitted with a high-velocity 3-inch gun. The gun was set in a shallow open topped turret on a Sherman chassis. The M10 was relatively fast and maneuverable, and performed well in the field. Based as it was on the Sherman chassis, it was also very reliable mechanically. Its major drawback was that the reduction in armor that gave the M10 greater speed left it particularly vulnerable to anti-tank fire. Each Free French armored division had 115 M10s.
ARMAMENT
1 x 3-inch (76mm) gun
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
57mm
WEIGHT
29.6 tonnes
P19013
The AM Dodge Scout Car was a Vichy design captured by Free French forces in Syria. This vehicle was a Dodge 4x2 truck fitted with 12mm armor plates and a 37mm gun, plus a coaxial machinegun.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
12mm
WEIGHT
6 tonnes
P19014
The M3A1 Scout Car Section consisted of three U.S. lend-leased M3A1 scout cars. These vehicles were issued to the armored reconnaissance battalion of the Free French armored divisions. An undetermined number of these vehicles were lend-leased to the Free French.
ARMAMENT
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
2 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
3.9 tonnes
P19046
The AMD 20 cv TOE Armored Cars were produced by the French strictly for colonial use. 30 were built and most of these were sent to French North Africa. The Free French used ex-Vichy vehicles.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
10mm
WEIGHT
6.5 tonnes
P19015
The AMD 50 Armored Cars were modernized versions of the White Armored Car used in WWI. Also known as the White-Laffly or Laffly 50 AM, this armored car completed its production run in 1934. Intended for long-range reconnaissance, most of them were sent to French North Africa. 98 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
MAX ARMOR
10mm
WEIGHT
6.5 tonnes
P19016
The AMD 80 Armored Cars were modernized versions of the White Armored Car used in WWI. Also known as the Laffly-Vincennes or Laffly 80 AM, this armored car completed its production run in 1935. Intended for long-range reconnaissance, it was sent to Tunisia. 28 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
10mm
WEIGHT
7.5 tonnes
P19045
The AMC 29 Halftrack Armored Car design dated to 1923. This vehicle was a fully armored, closed-top halftrack and had a turret mounted machinegun in its original form, which was later changed to a 37mm gun. 100 were built. The AMC 29 saw action with Free French (ex-Vichy) forces in Tunisia.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
10mm
WEIGHT
7 tonnes
P19017
The Marmon-Herrington ME Armored Car was a British design used by the Free French. In the fall of 1942 the Free French 1st RMSM was re-formed as an armored car unit. Marmon-Herringtons were used to make up the bulk of this unit. Some 21 of the Marmon-Herringtons were used.
ARMAMENT
1 x anti-tank rifle
2 x machineguns
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
5.5 tonnes
P19018
The Marmon-Herrington Support Armored Car was a British design used by the Free French. In the fall of 1942 the Free French 1st RMSM was re-formed as an armored car unit. Marmon-Herrington armored cars were used to make up the bulk of this unit. Some 21 Marmon-Herringtons were used.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm AA
or
1 x 47mm AT
or
1 x 37mm AT
or
1 x 2pdr (40mm) AT
MAX ARMOR
14mm
WEIGHT
5-6 tonnes
P19019
The Humber II Armored Car was a British design used by the Free French. Records indicate the 1st and 2nd Squadrons of the 1st RMSM used a total of three of these vehicles in January of 1943.
ARMAMENT
1 x 15mm machinegun
1 x machinegun
MAX ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
7 tonnes
P19020
The M8 Armored Car was a U.S. armored car lend-leased to the Free French. Formed into sections of three vehicles, the M8 was used by the Free French armored reconnaissance battalions. The M8 was an excellent armored car. It was fast, had a good range of operation, and it was mechanically reliable.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm gun
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
19mm
WEIGHT
7.9 tonnes
P19021
The M8 HMC Self-Propelled Howitzers was a U.S. self-propelled gun lend-leased to the Free French. The M8 featured a 75mm howitzer set in a fully revolving turret. The M8 was based the M5 light tank chassis. The M8 was faster and more maneuverable than the other U.S.-made self-propelled guns. The Free French used them in tank, armored infantry, and armored recon battalions. About 140 were lend-leased to the Free French.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm howitzer
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
38mm
WEIGHT
18 tonnes
P19022
The M7 HMC Self-Propelled Howitzer was a U.S. self-propelled gun lend-leased to the Free French. Better known as the "Priest", the M7 consisted of a 105mm howitzer mounted on a Sherman chassis. It also carried a .50-inch anti-aircraft machinegun mounted on high pulpit-like round turret ring on the right front of the hull. It was this feature that gave the M7 its nickname, the "Priest". Over 179 were lend-leased to the Free French.
ARMAMENT
1 x 105mm howitzer
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
52mm
WEIGHT
31 tonnes
P19023
The T30 HMC Self-Propelled Howitzer Halftracks was a 75mm pack howitzer mounted on an M5 halftrack. Eight of these vehicles were lend-leased to the Free French. They were used in the support role by Free French armored recon battalions.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm howitzer
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
10 tonnes
P19024
The Autocanon de 75 Conus TD Truck was designed by a Lieutenant Conus of the Free French. Known as the "Conus Gun", this vehicle was an armored, self-propelled version of the mle 1897 75mm field gun. Conus mounted the gun on Canadian Ford F60L 3-ton trucks, and used turret-traverse parts from captured and abandoned Italian tanks to give the gun full traverse capabilities. About a dozen "Conus guns" were built and they were used by the 3rd Squadron of the 1st RMSM as part of the British 8th Army.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
MAX ARMOR
12mm
WEIGHT
9 tonnes
P19044
The Autocanon de 75 Artillery Truck was a Vichy design consisting of a "French 75" artillery piece on the back of a truck, mounted so that the gun could traverse 360 degrees and be fired without having to be unloaded. Some were used in Tunisia by ex-Vichy forces fighting with the Allies.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm gun
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
6 tonnes
P19025
The Autocanon de 25 Anti-Aircraft Trucks were 25mm anti-aircraft guns mounted on light trucks. The Free French captured some 25mm AA guns in the Levant (Lebanon-Syria) and mounted about 12 of them on light trucks. The 25mm AA trucks only saw action in North Africa. They were nicknamed "Dervishes".
ARMAMENT
1 x 25mm anti-aircraft gun
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
7 tonnes
P19026
The Autocanon de 40 Anti-Aircraft Truck was a 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun mounted on a GMC 6x6 truck. Also known as the GMC Bofor, 32 of these vehicles were built. They were used to provide mobile anti-aircraft protection for the 2nd DB. It is possible that they have also served with the 1st and/or 5th DB as well.
ARMAMENT
1 x 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
8 tonnes
P19027
Free French units used a variety of British Carriers, excepting the mortar types. The 1st BFL (Free French Brigade) used some 63 of these vehicles at Bir Hacheim during the fighting in May of 1942. The Carriers were armed with a 25mm anti-tank gun.
ARMAMENT
1 x 25mm gun
MAX ARMOR
10mm
WEIGHT
4.5 tonnes
P19028
The Free French used a variety of British Carriers, excepting the mortar types. The Machinegun Carrier was of the more commonly used carriers. It was armed with a 7.5mm machinegun and saw action mainly in North Africa.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
10mm
WEIGHT
4.5 tonnes
P19029
The Free French used a variety of British carriers, among which was the British Loyd Carrier.
ARMAMENT
1 x 25mm anti-tank gun
or
1 x 7.5mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
6 tonnes
P19030
The British Quad Field Artillery Tractors were issued the Free French for towing heavier guns. Some 40 of these prime movers were used, mostly to tow the British 25pdr field gun. Some were used to tow the French 47mm anti-tank gun.
ARMAMENT
none
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
5 tonnes
P19031
The SOMUA MCG Halftrack Prime Movers were used primarily for towing artillery larger artillery pieces(105mm+). A noisy and slow vehicle, the SOMUA MCG also could not carry the gun, crew, and ammunition in one vehicle; it required two vehicles.
ARMAMENT
none
MAX ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
6.5 tonnes
P19032
The M5 Halftrack was a U.S. halftrack lend-leased to the Free French. The M5 was built by the International Harvester Company solely for lend-lease. It was a very rugged and reliable vehicle. The armored infantry battalions of all DB (Free French armored divisions) were fully equipped with M5s.
ARMAMENT
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
13mm
WEIGHT
11 tonnes
P19033
The M21 Mortar Halftrack was a U.S. halftrack lend-leased to the Free French. The M21 was a marriage of the M5 halftrack and an 81mm mortar. 54 of these vehicles were used by the Free French forces.
ARMAMENT
1 x 81mm mortar
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX ARMOR
13mm
WEIGHT
11 tonnes
P19034
The Jeep Scout Section was made up of three U.S.-made jeeps. The jeep was an outstanding vehicle. Fast, rugged, and reliable, it was said the jeep could do just about anything except fly. The Scout versions were armed with a machinegun and could carry up to 4 passengers, including the driver.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
or
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
1.25 tonnes
P19035
The Jeep was a U.S. made light utility vehicle lend-leased to the Free French. The Jeep was powered by a 4-cylinder engine and was classed as a quarter-ton truck for carrying capacity. It was exceptionally sturdy, mechanically reliable, and had a high clearance and four-wheel drive for operation in rough terrain. The Jeep could also climb a 60% grade and ford shallow streams. It was used as a command car, reconnaissance car, ambulance, a light weapons, ammunition and personnel carrier, and many other purposes. Over 4000 Jeeps were lend-leased to the Free French.
ARMAMENT
none
ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
1.25 tonnes.
P19036
The Free French used a variety of French and British made trucks. Trucks had many uses including towing guns, carrying guns en portee, and transporting troops. This unit is a generic representation of these trucks and includes special types.
P19037
The U.S. lend-leased the Free French over 11,000 Trucks ranging from 1 1/2 tonners to 2 1/2+ ton trucks. In spite of this huge number, the Free French periodically complained of truck shortages. Trucks had many uses, including towing guns, carrying guns en portee, and transporting troops. This unit is a generic representation of these trucks and includes many special types.
P19038
This unit represents a variable number of wagons sufficient to move a battery of guns or a platoon of infantry.
P19039
This unit represents a variable number of horses sufficient to carry a platoon of cavalry.
P19040
This unit represents a variable number motorcycles used to transport infantry. Motorcycles are most often affiliated with some type of recon unit.
P19041
This unit represents a variable number of unarmed and unarmored boats used to transport troops and equipment across water.
P19042
This unit represents a variable number of rafts used to transport troops and equipment across water.
P19101
The French-made mortars initially available to the Free French were only those possessed by the units when they declared themselves de Gaulle supporters. After the fall of Vichy Lebanon and Syria, the Free French possessed enough French-made mortars and ammunition to fully equip its units fighting with the British 8th Army through the end of 1942. Among these mortars was the mle 35 60mm mortar. The mle 35 was the standard light mortar of the French Army in May 1940. It could fire both light and heavy bombs.
MAX RANGE
1700m
SHELL WEIGHT
1.3kg or 2.2kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
17.8kg
P19102
The M2 60mm Mortar was a U.S.-made mortar lend-leased to the Free French. The M2 was actually a copy of the mle 35 60mm mortar design produced in the U.S. It was issued at the rate of three per infantry company, and could fire both high explosive and smoke bombs.
MAX RANGE
2000m
SHELL WEIGHT
1.36kg.
WEIGHT IN ACTION
20.45kg.
P19103
The OML 3-inch Mortar was a British design issued to the Free French. The Free French used these mortars mostly for training except when the supply for French-made mortars was unable meet the demands of forces in the field. The OML 3-inch mortar was usually deployed in a section containing two mortars.
MAX RANGE
1500m, after mid-42 2550m
SHELL WEIGHT
4.54kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
57.2kg
P19104
The mle 27/31 81mm Mortar Group used a mortar designed by Edgar Brandt company. The mortar group consisted of two mortars. After the fall of Vichy Lebanon and Syria, Free French forces captured enough mortars (including the mle 27/31) and ammunition to fully equip its forces fighting in the British 8th Army. This mortar was usually deployed in a two-mortar section. It could fire both light and heavy bombs, and smoke.
MAX RANGE
2850m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.25kg or 6.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
59.7kg
P19105
The Free French received some 1500 U.S. mortars via lend-lease, among them the M1 81mm mortar. Easy to set up, the M1 consisted of a 51 inch smooth bore barrel, a bipod, and a base plate. It was operated by a crew of three. The M1 could fire both high explosive and smoke bombs. This unit represents a platoon of four mortars.
MAX RANGE
2400m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.5kg or 6.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
62kg
P19106
The Free French received some 1500 U.S. mortars via lend-lease., among them the M1 81mm mortar. Easy to set up, the M1 consisted of a 51 inch smooth bore barrel, a bipod, and a base plate. It was operated by a crew of three. The M1 fire both high explosive and smoke bombs. This unit represents a battery of six mortars which was attached to each Free French infantry battalion.
MAX RANGE
2400m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.5kg or 6.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
62kg
P19126
The mle 16 TR 37mm Infantry Gun was designed in 1916 as an infantry support weapon. it was often pressed into service in the anti-tank role, usually due to shortages of other types of anti-tank guns. The Free French had a few of these guns available to them as part of their original equipment issue. Others were captured from Vichy forces. This unit represents a two-gun section.
MAX RANGE
2400m
SHELL WEIGHT
.55kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
108kg
P19107
The SA-L mle 34 25mm Anti-Tank Gun was built by the Hotchkiss company and served as the standard battalion and regimental anti-tank gun in the French Army. After the armistice, those units declaring for de Gaulle had some of these guns and others were captured from Vichy forces. This unit represents a three-gun platoon.
ARMOR PENETRATION
50mm@600m
SHELL WEIGHT
.32kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
310-496kg
P19108
The SA mle 37 APX 47mm Anti-Tank Gun was a powerful weapon for its time, firing tungsten-core shot. A few of these guns were captured by Free French forces after the fall of Vichy Lebanon Syria. They were used by the 1st BFL, the 2nd Foreign Legion Battalion and the 1st Anti-Tank Company. This unit represents a four-gun platoon.
ARMOR PENETRATION
59mm @ 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.825kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
550kg
P19109
After the loss of their anti-tank guns in the fighting around Bir Hakeim, the Free French were re-equipped with British OQF 6pdr Anti-Tank Guns. The 6pdr had good mobility and a relatively high rate of fire, but was not really a first-class anti-tank gun. This unit represents a four-gun section.
ARMOR PENETRATION
81mm@500m
SHELL WEIGHT
2.8kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
500kg
P19110
The U.S. made M1 57mm Anti-Tank Gun was issued to Free French units as replacements starting in the summer of 1943. An adequate weapon the 57mm still lacked the punch to kill heavier German armor. An undetermined number of these guns were lend-leased to the Free French. The M1 is a close copy of the British 6pdr anti-tank gun. This unit represents a two-gun platoon.
ARMOR PENETRATION
83mm@500m
SHELL WEIGHT
2.8kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
500kg
P19111
.The U.S. made M1 57mm Anti-Tank Gun was issued to Free French units as replacements starting in the summer of 1943. An adequate weapon the 57mm still lacked the punch to kill heavier German armor. An undetermined number of these guns were lend-leased to the Free French. The M1 is a close copy of the British 6pdr anti-tank gun. This unit represents a three-gun platoon.
ARMOR PENETRATION
83mm@500m
SHELL WEIGHT
2.8kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
500kg
P19112
The U.S. made M1 57mm Anti-Tank Gun was issued to Free French units as replacements starting in the summer of 1943. An adequate weapon the 57mm still lacked the punch to kill heavier German armor. An undetermined number of these guns were lend-leased to the Free French. The M1 is a close copy of the British 6pdr anti-tank gun. This unit represents a four-gun platoon.
ARMOR PENETRATION
83mm@500m
SHELL WEIGHT
2.8kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
500kg
P19113
The mle 1897 75mm Anti-Tank Guns was based on the famous model 1897 field gun. Very few of these guns were initially available to the Free French: only those that remained with the expeditionary force that was sent to Norway in 1940. After the fall of Vichy Lebanon and Syria several more mle 1897s were available, most of them being lost in the actions in North Africa.
ARMOR PENETRATION
75mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.98kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1190kg
P19114
The mle 1897 75mm Field Gun was the famous model 1897 field piece of WWI. Very few of these guns were initially available to the Free French: only those that remained with the expeditionary force sent to Norway in 1940. After the fall of Vichy Lebanon Syria several more mle 1897s were available, most of them being lost in the actions in North Africa.
MAX RANGE
11100m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.2kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1140kg
P19115
The OQF 25-Pounder Field Gun was first issued to the Free French as part of the 1st Artillery Regiment which saw action at Bir Hakeim. This gun was the famous British 25-pounder gun-howitzer. The 25-pounder was usually mounted on a turntable platform giving it 360 degrees of traverse. This was a very versatile weapon, firing high explosive, armor piercing and smoke ammunition.
MAX RANGE
12500m
SHELL WEIGHT
11.34kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1840kg
P19124
The mle 13 S 105mm Field Gun was based on a Russian 107mm design and was first produced in 1914. Those used by the Free French forces were probably captured from Vichy forces in Lebanon/Syria. Although an elderly weapon it still gave good service in the Free French artillery units.
MAX RANGE
12000m
SHELL WEIGHT
15.7kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2300kg
P19116
The M3 105mm Howitzer was a U.S. design lend-leased to the Free French. They were used by the Free French in regimental cannon companies. This unit represents a six-gun cannon company.
MAX RANGE
6633m
SHELL WEIGHT
15kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1133kg
P19117
The M2A1 105mm Howitzer was a U.S. design lend-leased to the Free French. They were used by Free French infantry divisions as the divisional light artillery piece. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX RANGE
11,440m
SHELL WEIGHT
15kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1934kg
P19118
The OBL 5.5-inch Gun-Howitzer was a British design used by the Free French. The Free French had at least one four-gun troop available for the Second Battle of Alamein. Some sources indicate that there may have been two troops forming an eight-gun battery. This unit represents a four-gun troop.
MAX RANGE
14800m
SHELL WEIGHT
45.4kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
6200kg
P19125
The mle 17 S 155mm Howitzer C 17 S was originally designed as a 152mm howitzer for Czarist Russia. Use by the French in WWI, over 1800 were still in service in May 1940. Those used by the Free French were probably captured from Vichy forces, although some may have been re-captured from the Germans. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX RANGE
11300m
SHELL WEIGHT
43.6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
3300kg
P19119
The M1 155mm Howitzer was a U.S. heavy artillery piece lend-leased to the Free French. The M1 was used as the divisional heavy artillery piece in the five U.S. equipped Free French infantry divisions. About 60 of these guns were lend-leased to the Free French. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX RANGE
19200m
SHELL WEIGHT
24.9kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
5654kg
P19120
The M1918M1 155mm Gun was a U.S. heavy gun lend-leased to the Free French. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
ARMAMENT
19500m
SHELL WEIGHT
43kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
10750kg
P19128
The mle 06 65mm Mountain Gun was used by the Free French until the end of the war. These guns were captured from Vichy forces in Lebanon/Syria and French North Africa. This gun had an unusual recoil mechanism. Called the counter or soft-recoil system, the barrel travels forward when the lanyard is pulled and the gun fires when the barrel's forward travel limit is reached. This allowed the barrel's momentum to help offset the recoil. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX RANGE
6500m
SHELL WEIGHT
4.4kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
400kg
P19121
The mle 28 75mm Mountain Gun was used by Free French forces until the end of the war. This gun was designed as a replacement for the mle 06 65mm Mountain Gun. The Free French used guns captured from Vichy forces in the Levant and French North Africa. This unit represents a four-gun Battery.
MAX RANGE
9000m
SHELL WEIGHT
7.25kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
660kg
P19127
The mle 39 O 20mm Anti-Aircraft Gun was actually the Swiss Oerlikon 20mm AA gun. Free French forces captured several of these guns from Vichy forces in the Levant and French North Africa. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX EFFECTIVE CEILING
2000m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.3kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
400kg
P19122
The OQF 40mm Anti-Aircraft Gun was actually the Swedish 40mm Bofors Anti-Aircraft gun. The British provided the Free French forces with several of these superb weapons. Fully automatic, the Bofors provided fast, accurate, saturating fire against low-flying aircraft. It had a full 360 degree traverse and maximum 90 degree elevation. This unit represents a two-gun section.
MAX EFFECTIVE CEILING
5600m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.9kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2654kg
P19123
The M1 40mm Anti-Aircraft Gun was a U.S. made anti-aircraft gun based on the Swedish Bofors design. The Free French infantry divisions equipped by the U.S. were each authorized a battalion of 32 guns. This gun was fully automatic, had 360 degree traverse and 90 degrees of elevation. It could provide fast, accurate, saturating fire against low-flying aircraft. 758 of these weapons were lend-leased to the Free French. This unit represents a four-gun battery.
MAX EFFECTIVE CEILING
5600m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.9kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2654kg
P19201
This unit represents a Free French carrier rifle section. This was a rifle squad transported in British carriers. The carrier rifle section was armed with rifles, grenades and occasionally a light machinegun. It usually served in the mobile reserve capacity.
P19202
This unit represents a standard Free French rifle platoon. Until the middle of 1943 Free French infantry formations were still mostly equipped with French made weapons. During the summer of 1943 U.S. lend-lease weapons began equipping these units. This platoon usually consisted of 41 men armed with rifles, pistols, grenades and up to 6 light machineguns. The platoon was further divided into four squads and each squad was additionally equipped with a rifle grenade launcher.
P19203
This unit represents a U.S.-equipped rifle platoon. During the summer of 1943 U.S. lend-lease infantry weapons were issued to Free French infantry formations. This unit generally consisted of 41 men armed with rifles (M1 Garand .30 cal.), BARs (Browning Automatic Rifle), pistols (Colt .45 cal), grenades and up to six light machineguns (Browning .30 cal.). The platoon was further divided into four squads and each squad was additionally equipped with a rifle grenade launcher. Another infantry weapon issued to Free French units was the M3 .45 cal. submachinegun a.k.a. The Grease Gun.
P19204
This unit represents a Free French Armored Infantry Platoon. Beginning in late 1943 the U.S. began equipping these units as the infantry contingent for the Free French armored divisions. They were equipped with rifles, BARs, light machineguns, pistols, grenades and a few submachineguns. These platoons were transported in M5 halftrack armored personnel carriers.
P19205
The Free French that were in the British SAS left to form the Free French Commandos after North Africa became Free French. Although equipped by the U.S., the Free French commandos undoubtedly patterned their unit after those of the SAS. These units were extremely versatile, trained in types of operations from amphibious to parachute. The battalion formations began being formed in June 1943 and they first saw action during the invasion of Italy. These were the Free French shock troops. This unit represents a platoon of about 35 men armed with sub-machineguns, combat knives, grenades, explosives and occasionally a small mortar.
P19206
This unit represents a Free French cavalry platoon. It had about 30-35 men and was armed with rifles, pistols and two light machineguns. The cavalry platoons were usually attached to a reconnaissance unit.
P19207
This unit represents a Free French motorcycle platoon. Usually employed in the reconnaissance role, it had about 35 men armed with rifles, pistols and up to six light machineguns.
P19208
This unit represents a Free French engineer platoon. French combat engineers have a long and distinguished history, and they are the oldest organized professional engineering corps in the world. During the reign of Louis XIV(1643-1715), the Marquis de Vauban organized and systematized the tasks of engineers, creating the world's first professional engineering corps. The combat engineers represented here are a direct result of this. The combat engineering platoon had 45 men. They carried small arms and an array of combat engineering equipment.
P19209
This unit represents a U.S. equipped Free French engineer platoon. French combat engineers have a long and distinguished history, and they are the oldest organized professional engineering corps in the world. During the reign of Louis XIV(1643-1715), the Marquis de Vauban organized and systematized the tasks of engineers, creating the world's first professional engineering corps. The combat engineers represented here are a direct result of this. The combat engineering platoon had 45 men. They were armed with U.S. made small arms and a plethora of U.S.-made engineering equipment.
P19210
This unit represents a Free French machinegun section. It usually consisted of 20 men, a few rifles, and two heavy machineguns. Two machinegun sections made up a machinegun platoon.
P19211
This unit represents a Free French machinegun platoon. The machinegun platoon was made up of two machinegun sections. It had 40 men, some rifles and four heavy machineguns.
P19212
This unit represents the U.S. -equipped Free French light machinegun section. It usually consisted of 20 men, some rifles and two .30-inch Browning light machineguns.
P19213
This unit represents the U.S.-equipped Free French heavy machinegun platoon. It had 40 men armed with rifles, three .30-inch Browning light machineguns and one M2 .50-inch Browning heavy machinegun.
P19214
This unit represents the U.S.-equipped .50-cal machinegun platoon. It had 40 men armed with rifles and four M2 .50-inch Browning heavy machineguns. The M2 was a devastating defensive weapon. It had many of the qualities of the standard smaller caliber guns, plus a maximum range of 7200m, a cyclic rate of 450 rounds per minute, high accuracy and the brutal, shattering impact of its big bullets. The M2 is an air-cooled weapon.
P19215
This unit represents the Free French anti-aircraft machinegun section. It had 15-20 men and two anti-aircraft machineguns. The weapon primarily used by this unit was the Hotchkiss de 13.2mm mle 1930 anti-aircraft machinegun. This weapon was twin-barreled and very complex. It weighed about 300kg, but was very effective against low-flying aircraft.
P19301
This unit represents a Free French Army-level HQ. Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent, and very adaptable. The HQ represented here still suffered from poor communications equipment, a problem not relieved until U.S. equipment became available in mid to late 1943.
P19302
This unit represents a U.S.-equipped Free French Army-level HQ. Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent and adaptable. This adaptability was a must by 1943 when Free French combat units were equipped with U.S.-made, British-made, and/or French-made equipment.
P19303
This unit represents a Free French Corps-level HQ. Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent, and very adaptable. The HQ represented here still suffered from poor communications equipment, a problem not relieved until U.S. equipment became available in mid to late 1943.
P19304
This unit represents a U.S.-equipped Free French Corps-level HQ. Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent and adaptable. This adaptability was a must by 1943 when Free French combat units were equipped with U.S.-made, British-made, and/or French-made equipment.
P19305
This unit represents a Free French Divisional-level HQ. Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent, and very adaptable. The HQ represented here still suffered from poor communications equipment, a problem not relieved until U.S. equipment became available in mid to late 1943.
P19306
This unit represents a U.S.-equipped Free French Divisional-level HQ. Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent and adaptable. This adaptability was a must by 1943 when Free French combat units were equipped with U.S.-made, British-made, and/or French-made equipment
P19307
This unit represents a Free French Brigade-level HQ. Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent, and very adaptable. The HQ represented here still suffered from poor communications equipment, a problem not relieved until U.S. equipment became available in mid to late 1943.
P19308
This unit represents a U.S.-equipped Free French Brigade-level HQ. Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent and adaptable. This adaptability was a must by 1943 when Free French combat units were equipped with U.S.-made, British-made, and/or French-made equipment.
P19309
This unit represents a Free French Regimental-level HQ. Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent, and very adaptable. The HQ represented here still suffered from poor communications equipment, a problem not relieved until U.S. equipment became available in mid to late 1943.
P19310
This unit represents a U.S.-equipped Free French Regimental-level HQ. Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent and adaptable. This adaptability was a must by 1943 when Free French combat units were equipped with U.S.-made, British-made, and/or French-made equipment.
P19311
This unit represents a Free French Battalion-level HQ(foot). Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent, and very adaptable. The HQ represented here still suffered from poor communications equipment, a problem not relieved until U.S. equipment became available in mid to late 1943.
P19312
This unit represents a U.S.-equipped Free French Battalion-level HQ(foot). Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent and adaptable. This adaptability was a must by 1943 when Free French combat units were equipped with U.S.-made, British-made, and/or French-made equipment.
P19313
This unit represents a Free French Battalion-level HQ(mot.). Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent, and very adaptable. The HQ represented here still suffered from poor communications equipment, a problem not relieved until U.S. equipment became available in mid to late 1943.
P19314
This unit represents a U.S.-equipped Free French Battalion-level HQ(mot.). Free French officers proved themselves time and again to be brave, intelligent and adaptable. This adaptability was a must by 1943 when Free French combat units were equipped with U.S.-made, British-made, and/or French-made equipment.
P19401
To generalize, Free French officers were well trained, brave, intelligent and adaptable. With metropolitan France occupied by Germany, it appeared that these officers often bordered on the fanatical in combat. Often using obsolete equipment, especially prior to U.S. entry, the Free French forces proved to be as formidable a foe as was faced by Axis forces during the war.
P19402
To generalize, Free French officers were well trained, brave, intelligent and adaptable. With metropolitan France occupied by Germany, it appeared that these officers often bordered on the fanatical in combat. Often using obsolete equipment, especially prior to U.S. entry, the Free French forces proved to be as formidable a foe as was faced by Axis forces during the war.
P19403
To generalize, Free French officers were well trained, brave, intelligent and adaptable. With metropolitan France occupied by Germany, it appeared that these officers often bordered on the fanatical in combat. Often using obsolete equipment, especially prior to U.S. entry, the Free French forces proved to be as formidable a foe as was faced by Axis forces during the war.
P19404
To generalize, Free French officers were well trained, brave, intelligent and adaptable. With metropolitan France occupied by Germany, it appeared that these officers often bordered on the fanatical in combat. Often using obsolete equipment, especially prior to U.S. entry, the Free French forces proved to be as formidable a foe as was faced by Axis forces during the war.
P19405
To generalize, Free French officers were well trained, brave, intelligent and adaptable. With metropolitan France occupied by Germany, it appeared that these officers often bordered on the fanatical in combat. Often using obsolete equipment, especially prior to U.S. entry, the Free French forces proved to be as formidable a foe as was faced by Axis forces during the war.
P19406
To generalize, Free French officers were well trained, brave, intelligent and adaptable. With metropolitan France occupied by Germany, it appeared that these officers often bordered on the fanatical in combat. Often using obsolete equipment, especially prior to U.S. entry, the Free French forces proved to be as formidable a foe as was faced by Axis forces during the war.
P19407
To generalize, Free French officers were well trained, brave, intelligent and adaptable. With metropolitan France occupied by Germany, it appeared that these officers often bordered on the fanatical in combat. Often using obsolete equipment, especially prior to U.S. entry, the Free French forces proved to be as formidable a foe as was faced by Axis forces during the war.
P19408
To generalize, Free French officers were well trained, brave, intelligent and adaptable. With metropolitan France occupied by Germany, it appeared that these officers often bordered on the fanatical in combat. Often using obsolete equipment, especially prior to U.S. entry, the Free French forces proved to be as formidable a foe as was faced by Axis forces during the war.
P19409
To generalize, Free French officers were well trained, brave, intelligent and adaptable. With metropolitan France occupied by Germany, it appeared that these officers often bordered on the fanatical in combat. Often using obsolete equipment, especially prior to U.S. entry, the Free French forces proved to be as formidable a foe as was faced by Axis forces during the war.
P19410
To generalize, Free French officers were well trained, brave, intelligent and adaptable. With metropolitan France occupied by Germany, it appeared that these officers often bordered on the fanatical in combat. Often using obsolete equipment, especially prior to U.S. entry, the Free French forces proved to be as formidable a foe as was faced by Axis forces during the war.
