Artillery in WWII: Comparing the Best and Worst of World War's Great Powers
In the early days of World War II in 1939, the landscape of artillery ranged widely from the advanced to the outdated, with some nations like Germany standing out as leaders. This article explores the best and worst of artillery during this pivotal period in history, focusing on the experiences of major powerhouses such as Germany, the Soviet Union, and the United States.
The Best: Germany
Germany was at the forefront of artillery innovation and application, arguably the best in the world at the onset of WWII. The German artillery was not only technologically advanced but also well-organized and effective in training and combat scenarios.
The Worst: Italy and Beyond
Italy had little in the way of advanced artillery, with their military capabilities lagging behind other major powers. While other nations began to gear up for war, Italy was still in the process of modernizing its forces. This relative lag left them less equipped to handle the demands of modern warfare.
Forgotten Powerhouses: Austrian Artillery
Talk of artillery in WWII often overlooks the Austrian Artillery from World War I, which was a significant force to be reckoned with. Despite being overshadowed by later developments, the Austrian artillery demonstrated remarkable power and effectiveness during the earlier conflict.
Training and Preparation
At the start of WWII, Germany and Japan had slightly better preparation due to their certainty about the impending conflict. The Soviet Union and the United States were lagging behind in terms of both training and material resources. The Soviet Union focused heavily on quantity over quality, while the United States was still building up its military arsenal.
Training in the Soviet Union was disrupted by political 'purges' and ideological lectures, which were more common during the reign of Joseph Stalin. This reorganization significantly impacted the efficiency and effectiveness of their forces. However, by 1945, the Red Army had transformed into one of the world's most formidable militaries, although they still lacked certain modern technologies like proximity fuzes.
Artillery's Role on the Battlefield
During WWII, mechanized units like tanks often outpaced the artillery, leading to a shift in battlefield dynamics. Artillery was still crucial in the phase leading to breakthroughs but became less effective once an enemy had broken through and armor was moving rapidly through rear areas. In these situations, artillery could only provide occasional mobility kills, which were insufficient to stop advancing armor.
Achieving Artillery Excellence: The Legacy of Georg Bruchmuller
The technical framework for modern artillery was largely developed during World War I. One of the key contributors to this field was Colonel Georg Bruchmuller, an obscure German artillery officer. His work in the 1917-18 period was revolutionary and laid the foundation for later advancements.
Bruchmuller's methods were rejected by the German Army after World War I but were later adopted and refined by the Soviet Union. Through Soviet doctrine, Bruchmuller's principles have been integral to many modern armies. A book that delves deeply into this topic is Steel Wind: Colonel Georg Bruchmuller and the Birth of Modern Artillery, which provides a detailed account of his contributions and their lasting impact.
@ David T. Zabecki Ph.D., Steel Wind: Colonel Georg Bruchmuller and the Birth of Modern Artillery, 9780275947507
Conclusion
The artillery in WWII was a testament to the complexity and importance of this branch of warfare. Lessons learned during the early stages of the conflict, such as the impact of training and technology, continue to inform modern military strategy. By understanding the best and worst of artillery in this pivotal period, we can better appreciate the significance of Georg Bruchmuller's legacy and the enduring impact of his contributions to modern artillery doctrine.