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
Allied Powers
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
Soviet Naval Vessel Availability 1941-45
Although the Soviet Union had the fourth largest coastline in the world (approximately 37,000 kilometers or 23,000 miles) they were not an open sea faring nation. Most of their coastline bordered the Arctic Ocean which was land locked a major portion of the year limiting Soviet naval operations. Therefore, the Soviets developed a submarine and littoral navy with emphasis on the … [Read more...] about Soviet Naval Vessel Availability 1941-45
Soviet Artillery Availability 1941-45
The 76-millimeter field gun was the Soviet artillery piece to go to from start to finish in World War II. On average Soviet forces had 24,700 76-millimeter field guns available for use at any one time. But that is an overall average, the yearly availability of the 76-millimeter field gun ranged from 9,500 in 1942 to 41,100 in 1944. The 76-millimeter gun was renowned for its … [Read more...] about Soviet Artillery Availability 1941-45
Availability of Soviet Tanks 1941-45
In 1941 light tanks made up 93.8% of Soviet tanks, medium tanks 4.0%, and heavy tanks 2.2%. This would transition in 1945 to; 32.7% light tanks, 48.8% medium tanks, and 18.5% heavy tanks. Not only were the percentages changing but the overall quantities of medium and heavy tanks were rising as well. Total quantity of available tanks in 1941 was 22,600 and due to tremendous … [Read more...] about Availability of Soviet Tanks 1941-45
