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NewCalamity

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  1. NewCalamity
    On June 16, I attended our annual airshow at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. Every year it seems to be growing even larger, and it's been attracting more exotic aircraft, as well as tourists from around the world. It has been through many growing pains, but this years' was quite good, having probably some of the most impressive aircraft I've seen in the air including the Me262, Fw 190, and the only flying de Havilland Mosquito.
     
    Without further ado, I will be sharing plenty of photographs of these specimen organized primarily by their country of origin. For example, the museum has many aircraft that served with the Royal Air Force, but were manufactured and designed by the United States (B-25 Mitchell, and PBY Catalina for example). Hope you find some entertainment out of it, I sure did.
     
    United States of America:
     
    B-25 Mitchell

     

     
    F4U Corsair

     

     

     
    A-1 Skyraider

     

     
    United Kingdom:
     
    de Havilland Mosquito

     

     

     
    Avro Lancaster

     
    Hawker Hurricane x2, Supermarine Spitfire x2, Avro Lancaster, de Havilland Mosquito

     

     

     

     

     
    Germany:
     
    Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger

     

     

     

     

     
    Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe

     

     

     

     

     
    That's all for now. I'll dump the miscellaneous photos of the WWI-era and Cold War era aircraft if they are desired.
     
    As for actual little paragraphs to go along with the aircraft, in the future I shall do so with proper photographs organized by nationality much like my previous two armoured vehicle entries.
  2. NewCalamity
    Finally getting around to showing a few photographs from my adventures in the UK. These photos are primarily from Bovington, but there are a few from the Imperial War Museum as well.
     
    Each photo will come with a blurb on a little about that particular machine, I'll keep it relatively brief to hopefully ensnare some interest.
     

     

     
    Jagdpanther - A rather powerful panzerjäger ("Tank-hunter", typically a turret-less tracked vehicle specifically designed to knock out enemy tanks) based on the chassis of the Panther. This late-war machine saw most of its action on the Eastern Front and also when the Western Allies landed upon Normandy. It sported the deadly 88mm PaK 43, a gun that could pierce any Allied armour with ease and at extreme ranges while the Jagdpanther would remain concealed behind foliage and brush.
     

     
    Pzkpfw II - A light tank developed early in the war that was one of the machines involved in the Blitzkrieg of Western Europe. Armed with a 20mm cannon and sporting very little armour, just enough to survive Allied small-arms fire. Its advantage over the superior French armour of the early days were fast-paced and coordinated wolfpack attacks, flanking and encircling the enemy.
     

     
    Pzkpfw VI 'Tiger I' - The legendary machine often known as the 'Tiger' was a heavy tank that was first fielded on the Eastern Front at the Battle of Leningrad, 1941. The morale-crushing machine wielded the famous KwK 36 L/56 88mm gun and was extremely effective against any Allied armour from ranges of over 1 kilometer. There were a large number of tank commanders that wielded this machine and ended the war with kills in excess of 100. (Otto Carius is a good example, with approximately 150 enemy tanks)
     

     
    Pzkpfw V Panther - Mid-war medium tank based off of what the Wehrmacht learned from the Soviet medium tank T-34. Sloped armour at 80mm of thickness, decent mobility and the elongated 75mm cannon allowed for successful hits at extreme ranges.
     

     
    Sturmgeschutz III - Tank destroyer based on the chassis of the Pzkpfw III, carrying a 75mm gun designed for knocking out enemy tanks. It was the most numerous type of vehicle ever fielded by the Panzerwaffe due to the relative ease of configuring the already decently numerous Panzer III medium tank.
     

     
    Pzkpfw IV - Medium tank that formed the backbone of the Panzerwaffe. Very balanced, having good armour, a good 75mm cannon and mobile - the definition of a medium tank. It began the war as an infantry support tank, with a stubby 75mm gun designed to fire HE (High-explosive) shells at enemy emplacements and infantry. As the war developed, so did the Panzer IV and it was given longer and longer 75mm weapons and thus it was transformed into a tank-on-tank fighter.
     

     
    Pzkpfw VI Ausf. B 'Tiger II' - This monster is more commonly known as the "King Tiger" or "Royal Tiger" due to its German nickname "Königstiger". (The English interpretation however is a mistranslation as the German word refers to the Bengal Tiger) The Tiger II weighs in at around 75 tons and carries the same PaK 43 88mm as the Jagdpanther, only due to its immense size, can be mounted on a turret. The armour is legendary and is sloped frontally at 150mm thick. The frontal armour was recorded to have never been penetrated during the war. In fact, the worst enemy of this machine was itself; due to the immense weight and strain on the engine and suspension, break-downs were common and most Tiger IIs were lost because of mechanical failure, rather than defeated by enemy fire.
     

     
    Jagdpanzer 38(t) - A relatively small-sized tank destroyer based on the chassis of the Pzkpfw 38(t), a Czechoslovakian tank. (the (t) standing for "Tschechoslowakei", "Czechoslovakia" in German) Mid-war, it was decided to convert the outdated Panzer 38(t)'s into tank destroyers and putting their chassis to use by mounting a proper weapon on them, the PaK 39 L/48 75mm gun. (The same weapon as the final gun of the Panzer IV) This machine was effective due to its low cost, low-profile making it easy to conceal, and mechanical reliability. Though it had poor gun-traverse and was a very tight fit for the crew inside.
     

     
    Pzkpfw II Ausf. L 'Luchs' - The Luchs (Lynx) was a late variation of the Panzer II, designed specifically for reconnaisance purposes. Having six forward-gears, it could reach speeds of 60km/h and still carried the 20mm cannon and 7.92mm machine guns.
     

     
    Jagdpanzer VI 'Jagdtiger' Ausf. B - The 'Hunting Tiger' was the largest and most powerful tank destroyer in service of the Panzerwaffe. It was based on the Tiger II's chassis and was armed with the PaK 44 L/55 128mm gun, which was originally intended to be mounted on the failed prototype, Maus. It shared the same problems as the Tiger II due to its immense weight and size. Only 85 were ever produced and they were used for defensive roles in 1944-45.
     

     
    I hope you enjoy the descriptions I've written and photographs I've snapped. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to leave a comment below! Thanks!
  3. NewCalamity
    Welcome to the second installment of this... whatever this is. Hopefully you enjoyed the previous entry on "Der Panzerwaffe", which, if you haven't already I do recommend you check out!
     
    This entry focuses on the Allies of the West. For this entry includes armour of France, Britain, and the United States. I have more photos of various other Western machines but I've decided to hold off on those ones for the time being and focus on the more prolific examples in this entry here.
     
    Hope you enjoy!
     

     

    Matilda Mark II – British infantry tank famous for its actions in North Africa. Mounting a less-than-desirable 2-pounder gun (40mm), it was rather under-gunned for its weight. It also suffered from a lack of speed and mobility; however it made up for these faults with more than enough armour for the time with 78mm of frontal hull armour. It was largely removed from frontline services when the Valentine Mk II became available.
     
     

    M4A1 Sherman – World famous American medium tank manufactured in immense numbers totaling nearly 50,000 built. A prime example of the American mindset to create a tank that was a jack of all trades, master of none. The early model, was armed with the mediocre 75mm M3 L/40 gun, it was unable to penetrate the armour of the more advanced heavier models of German armour. Decently mobile, able to use its large numbers to encircle opponents and attack where their armour was thinnest. However, this tactic resulted in a large amount of casualties; as a single well placed penetrating round would knock a Sherman out. There has been a myth that M4’s were extremely vulnerable to catching fire due to their gasoline engines; this is false. The primary reasoning behind the M4 Sherman’s nicknames of “Tommycooker”, “Ronson”, and “Burning Grave” were due to its precarious ammunition storage placed in the sponsons, which are above the tracks. The Sherman was also famous for being modified for many uses such as; bridge layer, flamethrower, howitzer, rocket artillery, submersible, bulldozer and more.
     
     

    Churchill Mk IV – British heavy infantry tank famous for its appearance. Named after the British Prime Minister of the time, this Churchill mounted an Ordnance QF 75mm gun and thick frontal armour at ~100mm. The tracks jutting past the front and rear of the tank allowed for easier travel on rough-terrain, a good aspect for a heavy, slow infantry support tank. Having decent mobility despite its size and weight, it made for an excellent addition to the British armoured corps. Much like the M4 Sherman, the Churchill was converted into different roles to fit various purposes.
     
     

    3-inch Gun Motor Carriage M10 – American tank destroyer based on the chassis of the M4 that had widespread use by the American military as well as the British. Reaching speeds of up to 50km/h, it was armed with a 76.2mm gun and could deliver its firepower wherever it was needed along the battlefield. Its turret was not enclosed and therefore the turret crew was exposed to enemy fire, the turret also lacked powered traverse and thus had to be hand-cranked to turn left or right, making this vehicle unsuitable for close engagements. It remained solely a support tank for eliminating enemy tanks and vehicles at a distance. It had relatively thin armour (57mm max) and therefore was vulnerable to any form of enemy AT fire as well as explosive and shrapnel from the open turret.
     
     

    M3 Grant – The American M3 medium, designed as a stop-gap when the US entered the war to buy time for a superior tank to be fielded. As the Americans were having difficulties mounting potent cannons on turrets, the M3 had a very unique design featuring a hull-mounted 75mm gun, and a 37mm on the un-centered turret. The rather odd looking machine had a very ineffective design, as it was 3 metres tall and its main gun was too low to be any use in a defensive hull-down position. It also suffered from relatively poor off-raod capabilities which proved to be an issue on the desert terrain of North Africa, where it was primarily fielded. Its huge profile, mediocre armour, and crew of 6 or 7 men earned it the nickname “Purple Heart Box” from its American crewmen.
     
     

    Char B1– This early-war French heavy tank saw service during the Battle of France and in other early theatres of war in German employ. Armed with a turreted 47mm gun and hull-mounted 75mm gun, the Char B1 was a large, slow and cumbersome machine, topping at 28km/h. However, for the constant defensive positions the disorganized French military had to take during the campaign, monstrous armour and firepower for the sake of speed was a decent enough trade-off against the early-war thinly armoured German tanks. The suspension was complex and the turret was a tight-fit for the crew. Despite its cumbersome drawbacks, it remained a feared opponent of early-war panzer crews due to its nigh impenetrable armour thickness. After the fall of France, many were pressed into German service (under the designation Panzerkampfwagen B-2 740 (f)) and some were even converted into artillery or flamethrowers.
     
     

    Char S35 Somua – This early-war French tank was arguably one of the best of its day. Being a classic example of what a “medium” tank is, with decent armour, armament, mobility and speed. However, it was expensive to produce and outdated French tactics limited this tank’s effectiveness during the Battle of France. Often being uncoordinated and confused, French tank crews found it difficult to utilize their machines under such conditions. Mounting a 47mm gun, reaching speeds of up to 40km/h and a maximum armour thickness of 47mm, it was a good all-rounder tank. Much like the Char B1, it was also pressed into German panzer divisions such as the 23rd Panzer Division for combat.
     

     
    I'm up for any suggestions as to what I should be writing about next. The only suggestion I've received thus far is from Starshine, requesting I write something about how Germany's Blitzkrieg was so effective. There is also a chance I will be re-visiting the Canadian Warplane Heritage museum nearby again this weekend and will be taking higher quality photographs there, including one of the only two Avro Lancasters that still fly. This being the case, my next entry may perhaps revolve around the Royal Air Force, but we shall see.
  4. NewCalamity
    Greetings all! Here marks the beginning of an entirely new series of blog entries that will be composed entirely for hopefully fun, engaging and relatively simple to understand informative essays on various war machines of the devastating conflict that occurred not too long ago and has shaped the world we know today; the Second World War(1939-1945).
     
    This blog will be designed for any of those whom are interested in learning a bit more about the subjects, those who notice a considerable lack of warstuffs on this site, and hopefully those who know next to nothing about them. It is also important to note that my writings are to be strictly apolitical and by no means show allegiance or preference to any sort of ideology or belief. Only cold, steel, and facts.
     
    What will be my first true entry? Well, I plan on gathering my research, resources and knowledge to write the first entry on the subject of German armour. More specifically, the next entry will cover the introduction to the Panzerwaffe and their first machines, the Panzerkampfwagen I and Panzerkampfwagen II, the discrediting of popular factoids that media and propaganda has spread, and more!
     
    If anyone has a question about anything, or perhaps suggestion, or perhaps even point out that I've forgotten something do go right ahead and leave a comment below. My forgetting to mention something here is more than likely due to it being past 3 in the morning and I do believe I'm coming down with something.
     
    With that, good-night and we will talk again in the morrow! I've got an exam to attend in a little while!
  5. NewCalamity

    O Tannenbaum

    By NewCalamity,

    At long last, my second blog entry. For months I've been repeatedly forgetting and remembering I've some tales to share from my two vacations late last Summer. In my previous blog I mentioned I would be around writing about my endeavors in here. That will happen eventually. It will come along with a big 'ol photo gallery as well as a few videos that I took at the time which I will edit with my rudimentary editing skills.
     
    Alas, my failure to meet a deadline for a blog, disappointing the thousands who were absolutely dying to read it is not the purpose of this one in particular. This entry is about a little ritual my family has, and that is grabbing our winter gear, grabbing the saw, throwing the dog in the trunk of the car, and traveling for an hour West. Why? To get t o a large farmland that sells Christmas trees of course! There are a few lodges near the parking area that sell pre-cut trees and holiday ornaments of all varieties. Past a hedgerow there is even a trailer that sells chips, hot dogs, bacon on a bun and hot chocolate.
     
    As per usual, I was the designated photographer. Though, most of the time I did have to sacrifice the camera in order to have my hands free to assist with the tree.
     
    To get to the designated zone this year we had to ride on a flatbed being towed by a tractor. Bumpy fun ride.

     
    A wide expanse of various species of tree to choose from.

     
    After an hour or so, we at last found one that suited our needs. (colour, dimensions, thickness, etc.)
    For reference to the height of the tree, I am around 6'2" (188cm).

     
    Next came hauling to back to the tractor transport.

     
    After getting off the tractor, back near the lot and primary area, we had to get in line to get the tree wrapped up in lining for easy transport.
    Person on the right's face still amuses me to this day.

     
    As a celebration to our most successful hunting of the elusive Christmas tree, snack time and such.

     

     
    Due to my attire, it's needless to say I never felt the chill of the winter gale. Most others on the other hand made it a sport to see how obnoxious their complaints about the temperature could become.
     
    Yes, it is impossible for me to smile and/or show positive emotions, thank you for asking.
     

     
    The tree as it stands in the house.

     
    I will nab a photo of the tree once again after it is completed being decorated. My eldest sister treats the decorating process as if it were a fine art. It may very well be.
  6. NewCalamity

    Welcome to the field!

    By NewCalamity,

    Well, greetings! I have finally edicded on utilizing this 'neat' feature and creating myself a blog. What kind of blog, you ask? Well, that is a question even I cannot answer, for this blog will take on many forms. Some might even be worth reading, who knows!
     
    I recently came home from a pair of very interesting vacations with my father, of which being Quebec City and then London, UK. Just this past Tuesday is when I returned home from London, 2 hours late because Heathrow Airport is rather unforgiving when it comes to delays. London was, I must say, quite the experience. I've never really needed to utilize public transit as much as I needed to there and it was very easy. The London Underground is fantastic. In London however, every single one of our days spent there involved being in a museum from opening time until closing. The highlight of those museums without a doubt would be the Bovington Tank Museum, which was a treat as I asked especially to take a day trip there, as Dorset is a near three-hour train ride away from London. I have also posted a picture of myself here, which was in the museum's main gallery, as I call it.
     
    Later on, when I stop being so bloody lazy I'll make a proper blog regarding my endeavors in Quebec and then London, so, there's that to look forward to. Plenty of pictures and boring stories, whoo!
     
    Things you may see in this blog will be personal related things, boring military history things, and anything else that may pique my interest in sharing! If anyone does care enough, do feel free to offer some ideas for my empty brain!
     
    Thanks
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