What Weapons Were Used in World War 2?
World War 2 was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving many nations and witnessing the development and use of a wide range of weapons. The war saw the introduction of new technologies, tactics, and weapons systems that had a profound impact on the course of the conflict. In this article, we will explore the various weapons used during World War 2.
Small Arms
Contents
**Rifles**
Rifles were widely used during World War 2, and each country had its own design and caliber. The most commonly used rifles included:
• German Mauser Karabiner 98k: A bolt-action rifle used by the German Army, known for its reliability and accuracy.
• American M1903 Springfield: A bolt-action rifle used by the US Army, known for its ruggedness and durability.
• Soviet Mosin-Nagant M1891: A bolt-action rifle used by the Soviet Army, known for its reliability and durability.
• British Lee-Enfield No. 4: A bolt-action rifle used by the British Army, known for its reliability and accuracy.
**Machine Guns**
Machine guns were widely used during World War 2 to provide suppressive fire and to attack enemy positions. Some of the most commonly used machine guns included:
• German MG 34: A general-purpose machine gun used by the German Army, known for its high rate of fire and accuracy.
• American M1919 Browning: A belt-fed machine gun used by the US Army, known for its reliability and accuracy.
• Soviet Degtyaryov machine gun: A general-purpose machine gun used by the Soviet Army, known for its reliability and durability.
• British Bren gun: A light machine gun used by the British Army, known for its reliability and portability.
**Handguns**
Handguns were used by various military forces during World War 2, including the German Walther P38, the Soviet TT-33, the American M1911, and the British Enfield No. 2. Handguns were used primarily for personal defense and self-defense in close quarters.
Light Weapons
**Machine Pistol**
Machine pistols were used by some military forces during World War 2, including the German Bergmann MP 18 and the Soviet PPD-40. Machine pistols were designed to be portable and versatile, and were used by troops in various roles, including infantry and armored vehicles.
**Submachine Gun**
Submachine guns were widely used during World War 2 by various military forces, including the German MP 40, the American M3 Grease Gun, the Soviet PPSh-41, and the British Sten gun. Submachine guns were designed to be lightweight and portable, and were used by troops in various roles, including infantry and airborne operations.
Heavy Weapons
**Artillery**
Artillery played a significant role in World War 2, and various types of artillery systems were used, including:
• Guns: Heavy guns with a range of 100-1,000 mm (4-39 ft), such as the German 80mm Flak 18 and the Soviet 122mm howitzer M30.
• Howitzers: Turreted guns with a range of 100-300 mm (4-12 ft), such as the American 105mm M1A1 and the German 150mm sFH 18.
• Mortars: Smooth-bore tubes with a range of 30-100 mm (1.2-4 ft), such as the German 81mm m32 and the Soviet 82mm M1930.
**Tank Destroyers**
Tank destroyers were used by various military forces during World War 2 to attack enemy tanks and fortifications. Some examples include:
• German Jagdpanzer: A tank destroyer with a 75mm or 88mm gun, designed to attack enemy tanks.
• American M18 Hellcat: A light tank destroyer with a 76mm gun, designed to attack enemy tanks and fortifications.
• Soviet SU-100: A self-propelled gun with a 100mm gun, designed to attack enemy tanks and fortifications.
**Missiles**
Missiles were used during World War 2 to attack enemy aircraft, ships, and fortifications. Some examples include:
• German V-1 rocket: A pulse-jet powered missile with a warhead, used to attack London and other cities in the UK.
• American JB-2 Loon: A radio-controlled missile with a warhead, used to attack Japanese ships and installations.
The naval warfare in World War 2 involved a wide range of weapons, including:
• Battleships: Heavily armored ships with large guns, such as the German battleship Tirpitz and the American battleship Missouri.
• Aircraft carriers: Ships with hangar bays and landing decks for aircraft, such as the American aircraft carrier USS Enterprise and the British aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal.
• Submarines: Underwater vessels with torpedoes and depth charges, such as the German submarine U-505 and the American submarine USS Wahoo.
Chemical Weapons
**Gas Masks**
Gas masks were used by military forces during World War 2 to protect against chemical agents such as mustard gas and nerve gas. The gas mask was a vital piece of equipment for troops operating in areas where chemical agents were used.
**Chemical Weapons**
Chemical weapons were used during World War 2 to attack enemy troops and installations. Some examples include:
• Mustard gas: A blistering agent that caused severe burns and injuries.
• Nerve gas: A poisonous gas that caused paralysis and respiratory failure.
• Tabun: A poisonous gas that caused vomiting, respiratory failure, and other symptoms.
Atomic Weapons
**Atomic Bombs**
Atomic bombs were used by the United States during World War 2 to attack enemy cities and installations. Some examples include:
• Little Boy: An atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945, causing massive destruction and loss of life.
• Fat Man: An atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan on August 9, 1945, causing massive destruction and loss of life.
Table of Contents
- Small Arms:
- Rifles
- Machine Guns
- Handguns
- Light Weapons:
- Machine Pistol
- Submachine Gun
- Heavy Weapons:
- Artillery
- Tank Destroyers
- Missiles
- Navy Weapons:
- Battleships
- Aircraft Carriers
- Submarines
- Chemical Weapons:
- Gas Masks
- Chemical Weapons
- Atomic Weapons:
- Atomic Bombs
