Soviet Artillery in World War II
Artillery was one of the most important weapons of the Soviet Union in World War II. It played a crucial role in the defense of the country against the Nazi invasion, as well as in the offensive operations that led to the liberation of Europe. In this article, we will explore the main types of Soviet artillery in World War II, their characteristics, and their impact on the course of the war.
soviet artillery ww2
The Role of Artillery in the Soviet Military Strategy
The importance of artillery for the Red Army cannot be overstated. It was considered as the "god of war" by the Soviet commanders, who relied on it to provide fire support, destroy enemy fortifications, suppress enemy fire, and neutralize enemy tanks. Artillery was also used for reconnaissance, counter-battery fire, and psychological warfare.
The Red Army had a large number of artillery pieces, ranging from light mortars to heavy guns. According to some estimates, the Soviet Union produced more than 500,000 artillery pieces during World War II, which was more than any other country. The Red Army also had a high proportion of artillerymen in its ranks, accounting for about 20% of its personnel.
The Soviet military strategy was based on the principle of mass and concentration. This meant that the Red Army would concentrate a large number of artillery pieces on a narrow front, creating a powerful firestorm that would overwhelm the enemy defenses. The Soviet artillery was also highly mobile, able to move quickly from one position to another, and to follow the advancing infantry and tanks. The Soviet artillery was often coordinated with other branches of the armed forces, such as aviation and cavalry, to achieve maximum effect.
The Main Types of Soviet Artillery in World War II
The Soviet artillery can be divided into five main categories: howitzers, guns, mortars, rocket launchers, and anti-tank weapons. Each category had its own advantages and disadvantages, and was used for different purposes. Let us take a closer look at each type.
Howitzers
Howitzers were artillery pieces that fired shells at a high angle, allowing them to hit targets behind cover or at long distances . Howitzers were usually mounted on carriages or trucks, and had a relatively short barrel and a large caliber. Howitzers were ideal for destroying enemy bunkers, trenches, and buildings, as well as providing indirect fire support for the infantry.
soviet katyusha rocket launcher ww2
soviet 152 mm howitzer-gun M1937 (ML-20)
soviet 76 mm divisional gun M1942 (ZiS-3)
soviet 122 mm gun M1931/37 (A-19)
soviet 85 mm air defense gun M1939 (52-K)
soviet 203 mm howitzer M1931 (B-4)
soviet 37 mm anti-tank gun M1930 (1-K)
soviet 45 mm anti-tank gun M1942 (M-42)
soviet 57 mm anti-tank gun M1943 (ZiS-2)
soviet 107 mm divisional gun M1940 (M-60)
soviet 100 mm field gun M1944 (BS-3)
soviet 180mm Pattern 1931-1933
soviet 305 mm howitzer M1939 (Br-18)
soviet D-10 tank gun
soviet L-11 76.2 mm tank gun
soviet 76 mm tank gun M1940 F-34
soviet 25 mm automatic air defense gun M1940 (72-K)
soviet 37 mm automatic air defense gun M1939 (61-K)
soviet 45 mm anti-aircraft gun (21-K)
soviet 76 mm air defense gun M1931
soviet 76 mm air defense gun M1938
soviet 76.2 mm anti-aircraft gun Model 1935 (34-K)
soviet 76 mm divisional gun M1902/30
soviet 76 mm divisional gun M1933
soviet 76 mm divisional gun M1936 (F-22)
soviet 76 mm divisional gun M1939 (USV)
soviet 76 mm mountain gun M1938
soviet 76 mm regimental gun M1927
soviet 76 mm regimental gun M1943
soviet 85 mm divisional gun D-44
soviet 122 mm howitzer M1909/37
soviet 122 mm howitzer M1910/30
soviet 122 mm howitzer M1938 (M-30)
soviet 152 mm gun M1910/30
soviet 152 mm gun M1910/34
soviet 152 mm gun M1935 (Br-2)
soviet 152 mm howitzer M1909/30
soviet 152 mm howitzer M1910/37
soviet 152 mm howitzer M1938 (M-10)
soviet 152 mm howitzer M1943 (D-1)
soviet Skoda 220 mm howitzer
world war ii mortars of the Soviet Union
world war ii weapons of the Soviet Union
world war ii artillery of the Soviet Union
122 mm howitzer M1938 (M-30)
The 122 mm howitzer M1938 (M-30) was the most widely used Soviet howitzer in World War II. It was developed in the late 1930s, and entered service in 1940. It had a range of 11.8 km, and could fire six to eight rounds per minute. It fired high-explosive, armor-piercing, smoke, and chemical shells. The M-30 was a reliable and accurate weapon, and was praised by both Soviet and German soldiers. It was used in various roles, such as field artillery, coastal defense, and siege artillery. It was also mounted on some tanks and self-propelled guns, such as the SU-122 and the ISU-122. The M-30 remained in service until the 1970s, and was widely exported to other countries.
152 mm howitzer-gun M1937 (ML-20)
The 152 mm howitzer-gun M1937 (ML-20) was a versatile and powerful Soviet howitzer-gun that could function as both a howitzer and a gun. It was developed in the mid-1930s, and entered service in 1937. It had a range of 17.3 km as a howitzer, and 23.2 km as a gun. It could fire four to six rounds per minute. It fired high-explosive, armor-piercing, concrete-piercing, smoke, and chemical shells. The ML-20 was effective against both soft and hard targets, such as infantry, fortifications, tanks, and ships. It was used in various roles, such as field artillery, anti-tank artillery, coastal defense, and railway artillery. It was also mounted on some self-propelled guns, such as the SU-152 and the ISU-152. The ML-20 remained in service until the 1960s, and was widely exported to other countries.
Guns
Guns were artillery pieces that fired shells at a low angle, allowing them to hit targets directly or at short distances. Guns were usually mounted on carriages or trucks, and had a relatively long barrel and a small caliber. Guns were ideal for destroying enemy tanks, vehicles, and artillery pieces, as well as providing direct fire support for the infantry.
76 mm divisional gun M1942 (ZiS-3)
The 76 mm divisional gun M1942 (ZiS-3) was the most mass-produced Soviet gun in World War II. It was developed in 1941, and entered service in 1942. It had a range of 13.3 km, and could fire up to 25 rounds per minute. It fired high-explosive, armor-piercing, fragmentation, smoke, and chemical shells. The ZiS-3 was a light and mobile weapon, and was easy to operate and maintain. It was effective against both soft and hard targets, such as infantry, vehicles, tanks, and aircraft. It was used in various roles, such as field artillery, anti-tank artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, and mountain artillery. It was also mounted on some tanks and self-propelled guns, such as the T-34/76 and the SU-76. The ZiS-3 remained in service until the 1980s, and was widely exported to other countries.
107 mm divisional gun M1940 (M-60)
The 107 mm divisional gun M1940 (M-60) was a long-range Soviet gun that could outrange most German guns in World War II. It was developed in the late 1930s , and entered service in 1940. It had a range of 18.5 km, and could fire up to 10 rounds per minute. It fired high-explosive, armor-piercing, smoke, and chemical shells. The M-60 was a heavy and cumbersome weapon, and was difficult to operate and maintain. It was effective against hard targets, such as fortifications, tanks, and ships. It was used in limited roles, such as field artillery, coastal defense, and siege artillery. It was also mounted on some self-propelled guns, such as the SU-100Y. The M-60 was phased out of service after World War II, and was not exported to other countries.
Mortars
Mortars were artillery pieces that fired shells at a very high angle, allowing them to hit targets in close proximity or in difficult terrain. Mortars were usually portable and hand-operated, and had a very short barrel and a large caliber. Mortars were ideal for providing close fire support for the infantry, especially in urban warfare and mountain warfare.
82 mm mortar M1937 (BM-37)
The 82 mm mortar M1937 (BM-37) was the standard Soviet light mortar in World War II. It was developed in the mid-1930s, and entered service in 1937. It had a range of 3 km, and could fire up to 25 rounds per minute. It fired high-explosive, smoke, and chemical shells. The BM-37 was a simple and reliable weapon, and was easy to transport and deploy. It was effective against soft targets, such as infantry and light vehicles. It was used in various roles, such as field artillery, anti-tank artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, and mountain artillery. It was also mounted on some vehicles and self-propelled guns, such as the BA-64B and the SU-76M. The BM-37 remained in service until the 1960s, and was widely exported to other countries.
120 mm mortar M1938 (PM-38)
The 120 mm mortar M1938 (PM-38) was the heavy Soviet mortar with a high rate of fire in World War II. It was developed in the late 1930s, and entered service in 1939. It had a range of 5.7 km, and could fire up to 15 rounds per minute. It fired high-explosive, smoke, and chemical shells. The PM-38 was a complex and fragile weapon, and was difficult to transport and deploy. It was effective against both soft and hard targets, such as infantry, fortifications, tanks, and ships. It was used in various roles, such as field artillery, anti-tank artillery, coastal defense, and siege artillery. It was also mounted on some self-propelled guns, such as the SU-12. The PM-38 remained in service until the 1950s, and was not exported to other countries.
Rocket launchers
Rocket launchers were artillery pieces that fired rockets instead of shells . Rocket launchers were usually mounted on trucks or trailers, and had multiple launch tubes that could fire several rockets in a salvo. Rocket launchers were ideal for delivering a large amount of explosives in a short time, creating a devastating effect on the enemy morale and materiel.
Katyusha rocket launcher
The Katyusha rocket launcher was the famous Soviet multiple rocket launcher system that earned the nickname of "Stalin's organ" by the Germans. It was developed in the late 1930s, and entered service in 1941. It had a range of 5.4 to 42 km, depending on the type of rocket. It could fire up to 48 rockets in a salvo, each carrying up to 42 kg of explosives. The Katyusha was a cheap and simple weapon, and was easy to mass-produce and operate. It was effective against soft targets, such as infantry, vehicles, and artillery pieces. It was used in various roles, such as field artillery, anti-tank artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, and railway artillery. It was also mounted on various platforms, such as trucks, tractors, tanks, and ships. The Katyusha remained in service until the 1980s, and was widely exported to other countries.
BM-31-12 rocket launcher
The BM-31-12 rocket launcher was the largest Soviet rocket launcher in World War II. It was developed in 1944, and entered service in 1945. It had a range of 12 km, and could fire 12 rockets in a salvo, each carrying up to 280 kg of explosives. The BM-31-12 was a heavy and complex weapon, and was difficult to transport and deploy. It was effective against hard targets, such as fortifications, tanks, and ships. It was used in limited roles, such as field artillery, coastal defense, and siege artillery. It was also mounted on some self-propelled guns, such as the ISU-152K. The BM-31-12 was phased out of service after World War II, and was not exported to other countries.
Anti-tank weapons
Anti-tank weapons were artillery pieces that were designed to destroy enemy tanks and other armored vehicles. Anti-tank weapons were usually towed or carried by the infantry, and had a high-velocity barrel and a small caliber. Anti-tank weapons were ideal for engaging enemy tanks at long distances or at close quarters.
45 mm anti-tank gun M1937 (53-K)
The 45 mm anti-tank gun M1937 (53-K) was the main Soviet anti-tank gun in the early stages of World War II. It was developed in the mid-1930s , and entered service in 1937. It had a range of 4 km, and could fire up to 15 rounds per minute. It fired armor-piercing, high-explosive, and canister shells. The 53-K was a light and mobile weapon, and was easy to operate and maintain. It was effective against light and medium tanks, such as the German Panzer I, II, III, and IV. It was used in various roles, such as field artillery, anti-tank artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, and mountain artillery. It was also mounted on some tanks and self-propelled guns, such as the T-26 and the T-60. The 53-K was gradually replaced by more powerful anti-tank guns, such as the 57 mm ZiS-2 and the 85 mm D-44. The 53-K remained in service until the 1960s, and was widely exported to other countries.
57 mm anti-tank gun M1943 (ZiS-2)
The 57 mm anti-tank gun M1943 (ZiS-2) was a high-velocity Soviet anti-tank gun that could penetrate most German armor in World War II. It was developed in 1941, but was initially rejected by the Soviet High Command due to its excessive power and cost. It was reintroduced in 1943, after the appearance of the German Tiger and Panther tanks. It had a range of 6 km, and could fire up to 25 rounds per minute. It fired armor-piercing, high-explosive, and canister shells. The ZiS-2 was a heavy and complex weapon, and was difficult to transport and deploy. It was effective against medium and heavy tanks, such as the German Panzer IV, V, VI, and VII. It was used in limited roles, such as field artillery, anti-tank artillery, coastal defense, and siege artillery. It was also mounted on some self-propelled guns, such as the SU-57 and the SU-100. The ZiS-2 remained in service until the 1970s, and was widely exported to other countries.
The Impact of Soviet Artillery in World War II
How Soviet artillery contributed to the victory over Nazi Germany is a matter of debate among historians and military experts. Some argue that Soviet artillery was decisive in breaking the German defenses and supporting the Soviet offensives, especially during the Battle of Stalingrad, the Battle of Kursk, the Operation Bagration, and the Battle of Berlin. Others contend that Soviet artillery was inferior to German artillery in terms of quality, accuracy, and coordination, and that it suffered from heavy losses due to poor tactics, training, and logistics.
Regardless of these arguments, it is undeniable that Soviet artillery played a significant role in World War II. It inflicted massive casualties on the German troops and materiel, as well as on the civilian population in the occupied territories. It also provided invaluable support for the Soviet infantry and tanks, as well as for the partisan movement behind enemy lines. It also demonstrated the technological innovation and industrial capacity of the Soviet Union, which surprised and impressed many observers around the world.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the main types of Soviet artillery in World War II, their characteristics , and their impact on the course of the war. We have seen that Soviet artillery was a formidable weapon that gave the Red Army a decisive edge over the Nazi forces. We have also learned that Soviet artillery was diverse, innovative, and adaptable, and that it reflected the Soviet military strategy of mass and concentration.
If you are interested in learning more about Soviet artillery in World War II, or about other aspects of the Soviet history and culture, we invite you to visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter. You will find a lot of useful and engaging information, as well as some exclusive offers and discounts. Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you soon!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Soviet artillery in World War II:
What was the best Soviet artillery piece in World War II?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different artillery pieces had different strengths and weaknesses, and were suited for different situations. However, some of the most popular and effective Soviet artillery pieces in World War II were the 122 mm howitzer M1938 (M-30), the 76 mm divisional gun M1942 (ZiS-3), the Katyusha rocket launcher, and the 57 mm anti-tank gun M1943 (ZiS-2).
How did the Soviet artillery compare to the German artillery in World War II?
The Soviet artillery had some advantages and disadvantages over the German artillery in World War II. The Soviet artillery had a larger number, a higher mobility, a greater diversity, and a lower cost than the German artillery. However, the German artillery had a higher quality, a better accuracy, a more sophisticated coordination, and a more advanced technology than the Soviet artillery.
How did the Soviet artillery evolve during World War II?
The Soviet artillery underwent several changes and improvements during World War II. Some of these changes were: increasing the caliber and range of the existing weapons, developing new types of weapons such as rocket launchers and self-propelled guns, standardizing the ammunition and production methods, improving the training and tactics of the artillerymen, and enhancing the communication and cooperation with other branches of the armed forces.
What were some of the challenges and difficulties faced by the Soviet artillery in World War II?
The Soviet artillery faced many challenges and difficulties in World War II. Some of these challenges were: coping with the initial shortage and loss of weapons due to the German invasion, dealing with the harsh weather and terrain conditions, overcoming the technical problems and malfunctions of some weapons, avoiding the enemy counter-battery fire and air attacks, and supplying enough ammunition and fuel for the operations.
What were some of the achievements and contributions of the Soviet artillery in World War II?
The Soviet artillery achieved many feats and made many contributions in World War II. Some of these achievements were: defending Moscow, Leningrad, Stalingrad, and other key cities from the German siege, supporting the Soviet offensives in Kursk, Bagration, and Berlin, destroying thousands of enemy tanks, vehicles, and artillery pieces, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy troops and civilians, and demonstrating the technological and industrial prowess of the Soviet Union. 44f88ac181