Weapons of War

The Belgian T15 was a lightly armoured reconnaissance tank developed in the mid-1930s, based on the British Vickers-Carden-Loyd Light Tank Mk III and assembled domestically with a Belgian-modified armament. Weighing just under 4 tons and crewed by two men, it was fast but vulnerable, armed with a 13.2 mm Hotchkiss heavy machine gun and designed primarily for scouting and infantry support rather than direct tank combat. A total of 42 were produced and distributed among cavalry units and the elite Chasseurs Ardennais, reflecting Belgium’s pre-war doctrine of neutrality and limited military engagement. During the German invasion in May 1940, T15's were deployed in small detachments and proved inadequate against better-armed and armoured German vehicles.

The Char D2 was a French medium tank developed in the early 1930s as an improved version of the earlier Char D1, intended to serve as a more mobile and affordable alternative to the heavier Char B1. Armed with a 47mm gun and two machine guns, and protected by relatively thick armour for its time, the D2 was one of the few French tanks with a fully traversable turret. However, it suffered from mechanical reliability issues, underwhelming mobility due to narrow tracks and a weak engine, and production delays, with only around 100 units built. By the time of the German invasion in 1940, the Char D2 was already outdated, and though some units saw combat during the Battle of France, their impact was limited. Despite its shortcomings, the D2 marked a transitional step in French tank development during the interwar period.

The Renault FT31 was a 1930s French upgrade of the World War I-era Renault FT light tank, aimed at extending the usefulness of outdated vehicles amid tight defence budgets. Around 158–160 units were modified between 1930 and 1935, primarily by replacing their original weapons with a more modern Hotchkiss Mle 1931 7.5 mm machine gun, and in some cases, fitting new turrets and radios. Although mechanically outdated and slow, the FT31 saw limited use during the Battle of France in 1940 in secondary roles such as airfield defence and training, with some pressed into front-line service due to tank shortages. Easily outclassed by German armour, many were destroyed or abandoned, though a number were later repurposed by the Germans for internal security and static defence duties.

The Hotchkiss H35 was a French light tank introduced in 1936 and used during the early years of the Second World War, particularly in the Battle of France in 1940. Designed primarily for infantry support and reconnaissance, it featured relatively thick cast armor for its size, which gave it good protection against early anti-tank weapons, but it was hampered by a weak 37 mm short-barrel gun, limited speed, and a two-man crew that overburdened the commander. While sturdy and well protected for a light tank, these limitations reduced its battlefield effectiveness, and it was soon outclassed by more balanced designs, though many were later reused by German forces after France’s defeat.

The Panzerkampfwagen I Ausführung B was an improved version of Germany’s first mass-produced tank, introduced in 1936 to address the mechanical shortcomings of the earlier Ausf. A model. The redesign included a more powerful Maybach NL 38 TR engine, a lengthened hull, and a revised suspension with five road wheels, significantly improving reliability and mobility. The tank was lightly armoured, with protection up to around 13 mm, and was armed with two 7.92 mm MG 13 machine guns mounted in a small turret. Operated by a two-man crew consisting of a commander/gunner and a driver, the vehicle was originally intended primarily as a training and development platform while more capable tanks such as the Panzer III and Panzer IV were being developed. Despite its limitations, the Panzer I Ausf. B saw extensive service during the late 1930s and early years of the war, including the Spanish Civil War, the invasion of Poland in 1939, and the campaign in France in 1940. As heavier enemy armour appeared, the type quickly became obsolete and was gradually withdrawn from frontline combat, though many chassis were later converted into specialised vehicles such as command tanks, ammunition carriers, and early self-propelled artillery platforms.

The Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf. C was one of the most widely used early German light tanks of the Second World War. Originally developed in the mid-1930s as an interim design while more advanced tanks such as the Panzer III and Panzer IV were still in development, it nevertheless became an important component of German Panzer divisions during the early Blitzkrieg campaigns. Armed with a 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 autocannon and a coaxial MG 34 machine gun, the tank had a three-man crew consisting of commander, gunner, and driver. The Ausf. C introduced an improved suspension system with five large road wheels and leaf springs, which enhanced mobility and reliability compared with earlier versions. Armour protection was relatively light, reaching about 14.5 mm on the hull and turret. The Panzer II Ausf. C saw extensive service during the invasions of Poland in 1939 and France in 1940, and later participated in the early stages of Operation Barbarossa in 1941. As the war progressed and heavier enemy tanks appeared, the type became increasingly obsolete and was gradually reassigned to reconnaissance and training roles. Its reliable chassis later served as the basis for several important self-propelled weapons, including the Marder II tank destroyer and the Wespe self-propelled artillery piece.

The Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. E (Sd.Kfz. 141) was an important early-war German medium tank introduced in 1939. It represented the first fully mature version of the Panzer III series and incorporated several key improvements over earlier models. Most significant was the introduction of a torsion-bar suspension system, which greatly improved cross-country performance and reliability and became standard on all later variants. Armour protection was increased to 30 mm on the hull and turret, reflecting growing concern about anti-tank weapons on the battlefield. Powered by a 300 hp Maybach HL120 TR engine, the tank could reach speeds of around 40 km/h and had a five-man crew, allowing the commander to focus solely on battlefield awareness and coordination. The Ausf. E was armed with the 3.7 cm KwK 36 L/45 gun, supported by two MG 34 machine guns. Although only 96 vehicles of this variant were produced between 1939 and 1940, it served as the foundation for later Panzer III developments. The type saw combat during the invasions of Poland and France, where its improved mobility and crew layout helped demonstrate the effectiveness of German armoured doctrine in the early Blitzkrieg campaigns.

The Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. D was an early production variant of Germany’s Panzer IV medium tank, entering service in late 1939. Designed originally as an infantry-support vehicle, it was armed with the short-barrelled 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24 gun, which fired powerful high-explosive shells effective against fortifications, infantry positions, and anti-tank guns. Compared with earlier versions, the Ausf. D featured improvements to armour protection, including 30 mm frontal armour and an external gun mantlet. The hull machine gun returned to the glacis plate, and many vehicles later received additional bolted armour plates to improve battlefield survivability. Powered by a Maybach HL120 TRM engine producing 300 hp, the tank could reach speeds of around 40 km/h and was operated by a five-man crew. Approximately 229 Ausf. D tanks were produced between 1939 and 1940. They saw extensive service during the early Blitzkrieg campaigns in France and the Low Countries, later fighting in the Balkans, North Africa, and on the Eastern Front. Although soon surpassed by later Panzer IV variants with more powerful guns and heavier armour, the Ausf. D helped establish the Panzer IV as Germany’s most important and versatile medium tank of the war.

The Panzerkampfwagen 35(t) was the German designation for the Czech-designed LT vz. 35 light tank, acquired after Germany occupied Czechoslovakia in March 1939. The "(t)" stood for "tschechisch," indicating its Czech origin. Well-built and reasonably well armed for its time, the vehicle became an important component of German Panzer divisions during the early years of the war. The tank was armed with a 37 mm Škoda A3 gun supported by two machine guns and protected by armour up to 25 mm thick. It was powered by a 120 hp Škoda engine and operated by a four-man crew. In German service it was redesignated as the Sd.Kfz. 140 and issued primarily to units such as the 6th Panzer Division. The PzKpfw 35(t) saw extensive combat during the invasions of Poland and France and later participated in Operation Barbarossa in 1941. However, its relatively light armour and the complexity of its pneumatic control systems proved problematic in the harsh conditions of the Eastern Front. By 1942 the type was largely withdrawn from frontline service, though many vehicles continued to be used for training, security duties, and secondary roles.

The Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf. C was a German designation for one of the early production versions of the Czech-designed LT vz. 38 light tank. Following the German occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1939, the vehicle was adopted into German service due to its excellent reliability, robust construction, and ease of maintenance. Armed with a 37 mm Škoda A7 gun and two machine guns, the 38(t) offered respectable firepower for the early years of the war. Armour protection ranged up to 25 mm, and the tank was powered by a Praga EPA engine producing 125 hp. Operated by a four-man crew, the vehicle proved mechanically dependable and highly mobile compared with many contemporary designs. The PzKpfw 38(t) saw extensive combat during the campaigns in France in 1940, the Balkans in 1941, and the early stages of Operation Barbarossa. However, as heavier Soviet tanks such as the T-34 appeared on the battlefield, the light armour and 37 mm gun quickly became inadequate. By 1942 the type was largely withdrawn from frontline tank units, though its reliable chassis continued to serve as the basis for several important German self-propelled weapons, including the Marder III tank destroyer and later the Jagdpanzer 38(t).

The 15 cm sIG 33 (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf. B was one of Germany’s earliest self-propelled artillery vehicles, introduced in 1940. It mounted the powerful 15 cm schwere Infanteriegeschütz 33 infantry gun on a modified Panzer I Ausf. B chassis, allowing heavy infantry firepower to move with advancing armoured formations. The vehicle was designed to provide direct fire support against fortified positions, enemy strongpoints, and infantry concentrations. However, the combination of a very large gun and the small Panzer I chassis created significant problems. The vehicle had a high silhouette, thin armour, and poor mechanical reliability due to the excessive weight placed on the light chassis. Only 38 vehicles were produced and issued to schwere Infanteriegeschütz-Kompanien (mot. Sfl.) attached to Panzer divisions. They saw combat during the 1940 campaign in France, the Balkans in 1941, and the early stages of Operation Barbarossa. Although flawed, the design represented an important early step in the development of German self-propelled artillery and mobile infantry support weapons.

The Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. A was the first production model of Germany’s Sturmgeschütz III assault gun, introduced in 1940. Built on the chassis of the Panzer III tank, the vehicle replaced the turret with a fixed armoured superstructure mounting a 7.5 cm StuK 37 L/24 gun. It was designed to provide direct fire support to infantry by destroying bunkers, fortified positions, and enemy strongpoints. The low-profile design provided better protection and made the vehicle more difficult to detect and hit than conventional tanks. Armour protection reached up to 50 mm at the front, while the vehicle retained the reliable automotive components of the Panzer III chassis. It was operated by a four-man crew consisting of commander, gunner, loader, and driver. Approximately 30 vehicles of the Ausf. A were produced and first saw combat during the 1940 campaign in France. Although initially intended purely for infantry support, the Sturmgeschütz III later evolved into one of Germany’s most effective tank destroyers when fitted with longer anti-tank guns. The early Ausf. A marked the beginning of a vehicle family that would become the most numerous German armoured fighting vehicle of the war.

The Fiat-Ansaldo L6/40 was the principal light tank used by Italy during the Second World War. Introduced in 1940, it was designed as a fast reconnaissance and support vehicle and became the most widely produced Italian light tank of the conflict. The L6/40 was armed with a 20 mm Breda Model 35 autocannon paired with a coaxial 8 mm machine gun. Armour protection ranged up to 30 mm, and the vehicle was powered by a 70 hp SPA petrol engine. Operated by a two-man crew, the compact design provided good mobility but limited battlefield effectiveness against heavier Allied tanks. The tank saw service in several theatres, including North Africa, the Balkans, and the Eastern Front with the Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia. Although useful for reconnaissance and infantry support, its light armour and small crew made it increasingly vulnerable as the war progressed. The reliable chassis was later adapted for other roles, most notably the Semovente da 47/32 self-propelled anti-tank gun.

The Fiat-Ansaldo M13/40 was Italy’s principal medium tank during the early years of the Second World War. Introduced in 1940, it represented a significant step forward from earlier Italian tank designs and became the backbone of Italian armoured units in North Africa. The M13/40 was armed with a 47 mm Cannone da 47/32 main gun supported by multiple 8 mm Breda machine guns. Armour protection reached up to 42 mm on the front of the hull, and the vehicle was powered by a 125 hp diesel engine. It was operated by a four-man crew consisting of commander/gunner, loader, driver, and radio operator. Although reasonably well armed for its time, the M13/40 suffered from several design weaknesses, including thin side armour, limited mechanical reliability, and cramped internal conditions. These shortcomings became increasingly apparent during the North African campaign, where British forces equipped with more powerful anti-tank guns and cruiser tanks often held the advantage. Nevertheless, the M13/40 formed the core of Italian armoured divisions during the early desert fighting and remained in service until gradually replaced by improved variants such as the M14/41.

The Type 92 Jyu-Sokosha was an early Japanese tankette developed in the early 1930s to provide a fast armoured vehicle for the cavalry units of the Imperial Japanese Army. Designed as a compact reconnaissance and support vehicle, it helped introduce mechanised mobility into Japanese cavalry formations. The vehicle weighed around 3.5 tonnes and was operated by a crew of three. It was typically armed with a 13.2 mm Type 92 heavy machine gun mounted in a small turret, while armour protection ranged from about 6 to 12 mm. Powered by a 45 hp engine, the tankette could reach speeds of roughly 40–45 km/h. Produced from 1932 until the late 1930s, the Type 92 saw service in Manchuria and throughout the Second Sino-Japanese War, where its mobility made it useful for reconnaissance, infantry support, and security operations. Although lightly armoured and quickly outclassed by more modern tanks, it represented an important early stage in the development of Japanese armoured forces.

The Type 94 TK (Tokushu Keninsha, meaning “special tractor”) was a Japanese tankette developed in the early 1930s for reconnaissance and infantry support. Entering service in 1935, it was designed as a small, lightweight armoured vehicle capable of operating in rough terrain alongside infantry formations. The vehicle weighed approximately 3.5 tonnes and was operated by a two-man crew consisting of a driver and commander/gunner. It was typically armed with a 6.5 mm Type 91 or later a 7.7 mm Type 97 machine gun. Armour protection ranged from 6 to 12 mm, sufficient only against small-arms fire, while a 35 hp engine gave the vehicle a top speed of around 40 km/h. The Type 94 TK saw extensive service in China during the Second Sino-Japanese War and later in Southeast Asia during the early stages of the Pacific War. Although lightly armed and armoured, it proved useful for reconnaissance, liaison duties, and infantry support in regions where heavier tanks were difficult to deploy.

The Polish PZInż 7TP-jw was a light tank developed in the 1930s as an improved version of the British Vickers 6-ton tank. It featured a more reliable diesel engine, thicker armour, and a 37 mm Bofors anti-tank gun, making it a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The 7TP-jw was produced in both twin-turret and single-turret variants, with the single-turret version proving more effective in combat. Despite its advancements, only around 150 units were built, and it played a key role in Poland’s defence during the German invasion in 1939.

The Soviet BT-5 was a fast, lightly armoured cavalry tank used in the early stages of World War 2. It was part of the BT series (Bystrokhodny Tank, or ‘fast tank’) and featured Christie suspension, allowing it to operate both with tracks and on wheels for greater speed. Armed with a 45mm 20-K gun, it had enough firepower to engage enemy infantry and light vehicles but lacked the armour to withstand direct hits from anti-tank weapons. The BT-5 saw action in conflicts like the Spanish Civil War, the Winter War, and early battles of Operation Barbarossa, but its thin armour and outdated design meant it was quickly outclassed by newer, better-armoured Soviet tanks like the T-34. Despite its limitations, the BT-5 contributed to Soviet armoured warfare doctrine and influenced later tank designs.

The T-26 was the Red Army’s most numerous light tank at the start of World War II. Based on the British Vickers 6-Ton, it became the backbone of Soviet armoured forces during the 1930s. Armed with a 45 mm gun and a coaxial machine gun, it was effective against early Axis armor but its 15–25 mm riveted armor offered little protection by 1941. The T-26 saw action in the Spanish Civil War, at Khalkhin Gol, during the Winter War, and in the opening battles of 1941–42. More than 10,000 were built, including flame-thrower and engineer variants, but it was gradually replaced by the T-34. Though obsolete by 1942, the T-26 played a crucial role in the Red Army’s early campaigns and remains one of the most significant interwar tanks.

The Vickers Light Tank Mark VI B was a British reconnaissance tank introduced in 1938 as a refinement of earlier Mark VI models. It featured a redesigned commander’s cupola, improved stowage, and minor mechanical upgrades. Armed with a .50 inch and a .303 inch Vickers machine gun, and protected by up to 14 mm of armour, it prioritised mobility over combat power. The Mark VI B served with the British Expeditionary Force in France in 1940 and in the North African Campaign, mainly in reconnaissance and support roles. Its light protection and limited firepower led to its gradual withdrawal from front-line use by 1941, replaced by more capable tanks.

The Cruiser Mk III (A13 Mark I) was Britain’s first tank to feature Christie suspension, improving mobility and speed. Armed with a QF 2-pounder gun, it was fast (30 mph) but had thin armour (6–14 mm), leaving it vulnerable. Powered by a Nuffield Liberty V12 engine, it had a crew of four and was designed for rapid maneuvering. Used in the Battle of France (1940), its light protection limited effectiveness against German armour, leading to its replacement by Cruiser Mk IV. Only 65 units were built before production shifted to improved models.

The A13 Mk III Covenanter (Cruiser Tank Mk V) was a British medium cruiser tank developed in 1939 to replace the earlier A13 Mk II. Designed for speed and manoeuvre, it was intended to support mechanised divisions and exploit breakthroughs during World War II. However, its compact design caused persistent engine-cooling problems that made it unreliable in combat. As a result, the Covenanter never saw service overseas and was used mainly within the United Kingdom for training and home defence between 1941 and 1943. By the time these issues were resolved, improved designs such as the Crusader and Cromwell had entered production, replacing it as the British Army’s primary cruiser tank.

The M2A1 Light Tank, developed in the late 1930s, was an upgraded version of the original M2 and marked an important step in the evolution of American armoured vehicles. Officially adopted in 1937, it featured a 37 mm M5 gun, multiple .30 caliber machine guns, and a Continental W-670 radial gasoline engine, offering improved firepower and mobility over its predecessor. Although its armor was relatively thin and it was quickly rendered obsolete by the rapid advancements in tank design leading up to World War II, the M2A1 played a crucial role as a training vehicle for U.S. forces. It was never used in combat, but its design and mechanical systems directly influenced the development of the more advanced M3 and M5 Stuart tanks, which became key assets in Allied operations during the war.