War's reach extends far beyond the battleground, impacting civilian populations in profound ways. Both World Wars witnessed varying percentages of civilian casualties relative to military losses. This article delves into the factors that shaped these percentages, such as the trench warfare of WWI, the impact of Nazi Germany's Lebensraum ideology, and the racial policies of Nazi … [Read more...] about Military Civilian Death Percentages of Both World Wars
Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum
The Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the rich military history of Pennsylvania and the United States. The museum features exhibits that chronicle their history from its earliest beginnings to the present day, as well as the experiences of Pennsylvania soldiers in various wars and conflicts. Pennsylvania National Guard … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum
German Aviation, Motor, and Diesel Fuels Availability
Oil and its products in all shapes and forms including aviation, motor, and diesel fuels were a German strategic weakness. Allied strategic bombing targeted the oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania. Germany's 1942 summer campaign, Case Blue, aimed to capture the oil fields of the Caucasus both providing themselves needed oil and denying the Soviet Union oil. The above graph … [Read more...] about German Aviation, Motor, and Diesel Fuels Availability
Aircraft Available In Europe; Germany, UK, US, USSR
The Allies in June 1942 had a 3.1 to 1 ratio aircraft advantage in Europe. That was their low point, and it would grow to 8.6 to 1 in June 1944. All three Allied nations would individually outproduce Germany over the course of the war. The American and British relied heavily on bombers to take the war against Germany. Germany would transfer much of their air force to fight off … [Read more...] about Aircraft Available In Europe; Germany, UK, US, USSR
USSR WWII Irrecoverable Losses
The USSR irrecoverable losses sustained by Army, Navy, Border Troops and Internal Services during World War II against Germany and Japan are a somber reminder of the sacrifices made during this global conflict. Colonel General G.F. Krivosheev's comprehensive data, as presented in "Soviet Casualties and Combat Losses in the Twentieth Century," provides valuable insights into the … [Read more...] about USSR WWII Irrecoverable Losses
USSR Production versus Lend-Lease Support
The USSR prior to World War II implemented several five-year plans developing massive industrial production capabilities. This required a steady raw material input producing final military and industrial grade good. Lend-Lease Categories Raw Materials Copper – In an unusual twist the Soviet Union was providing copper along many other raw materials to Germany per the … [Read more...] about USSR Production versus Lend-Lease Support
Allied versus Axis Manpower 1939-1945
At the beginning of the war Allied manpower was 70.6% that of the Axis manpower strength. However, at war's end a huge reversal with Allied strength now almost double that of the Axis powers. But in 1940 it was far from clear what manpower levels would be needed and their respective responses to mobilizations corresponded to their unique … [Read more...] about Allied versus Axis Manpower 1939-1945
Soviet Aircraft Availability 1941-45
Fighters predominated Soviet aircraft production in World War II and that is reflected in the annual aircraft availability number of 14,400. Bombers and ground attack aircraft had an average annual aircraft availability number of 6,600 and 4,900 respectively. Note 1: Availability does not equal number produced during the year. How to calculate: Number available on Jan1 of … [Read more...] about Soviet Aircraft Availability 1941-45
Soviet Radio Sets Availability 1941-45
Soviet radio communications between military units, tanks, frontlines, headquarters, aircraft, etc. had been around for over a solid decade but its implementation was a mishmash. Aircraft radio set availability was commonplace whereas at the beginning of the war Soviet tanks may have had or may not have had radio communications capability. Note 1: Availability does not … [Read more...] about Soviet Radio Sets Availability 1941-45
Soviet Motor Vehicle Availability 1941-45
Soviet motor vehicle availability depended on two sources those that were produced internally and those delivered via Lend-Lease from the US, UK or Canada. The Soviet Union had a combination of internally produced trucks such as the ZIS-5 (Russian: ЗИС-5) and its many variants; ZIS-6, ZIS-8, ZIS-10, and the GAZ-AA and its variants. Additionally other motor vehicles such as … [Read more...] about Soviet Motor Vehicle Availability 1941-45
