Weapons of World War II

Tank development was dramatic in World War II. From pre-war light tanks, we see the emergence of the monster tanks such as the legendary Panthers and King Tigers of 1944.

From attacks on Pearl Harbour, to the British Mediterranean Fleet and the Tirpitz, midget subs played their part in some of the most gripping stories of war.

When it was impossible for aircraft to land safely on enemy territory, gliders were the perfect answer for delivering special forces behind enemy lines.

Giant aircraft carriers dominated the Pacific War. The battle of Midway was won by US carriers delivering tremendous air strikes against Japanese battleships.

By 1944, the Allied fronts in Europe had become faster moving and a new form of aircraft was needed to deliver swift, powerful attacks against German lines.

At the outbreak of World War II, the only heavy four engined bombers in the war were either Russian or American.

At the start of World War II, battleships were seen as the key weapon at sea. Over the next six years, the battleships' role changed to that of shore bombardment and escort work.

Rockets had a huge impact on World War II. Hand held rocket launchers such as the American bazooka enbabled infantry to tackle tanks head on.

Fast patrol boats, armed with torpedoes and machine guns, were the marine raiders of World War II.

Unlike World War I, the machine gun did not dominate the battlefield of World War II, but it remained a highly potent weapon.