Luftwaffe Field Division Weapons (general, Russian, German, army)
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Location: West Los Angeles and Rancho Palos Verdes
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With what weapons were the LW field division equipped? Did they mostly get older stuff such as MG15's or MG34's, or did they ever get newer weapons such as MG42's or FG42's?
With what weapons were the LW field division equipped? Did they mostly get older stuff such as MG15's or MG34's, or did they ever get newer weapons such as MG42's or FG42's?
The field divisions had generally the same light armament as Wehrmacht divisions, but their artillery was often captured Russian or French. But definitely no FG42's, those were only in paratrooper use.
But as the divisions were chronically undermanned, a division could be actually only the strength of a brigade, it could actually have more firepower per capita than a Wehrmacht division.
Yup. My best information suggests they had the same small arms as other German units including MG 42's and STG 44's. Having said that like other units the standard weapon was the old reliable bolt action M98k. If you really want to see a real hodgepodge of weaponry the Volksturm outfits had an interesting collection of firearms.
Typical German army small arms, along with captured artillery (French, Polish and Russian), and a general shortage of artillery, AT guns, and motor transport.
The iconic K98 Mauser bolt action was the German standard weapon for all divisions, including the Lufwaffe field divisions, which were really just used to support the real decisive weapon in German ground combat - the machine gun. Not sure what type would be issued in the auxillary forces - probably an older variety - MG30 probably which would fit because they also became standard Luftwaffe aircraft machine guns.
The iconic K98 Mauser bolt action was the German standard weapon for all divisions, including the Lufwaffe field divisions, which were really just used to support the real decisive weapon in German ground combat - the machine gun. Not sure what type would be issued in the auxillary forces - probably an older variety - MG30 probably which would fit because they also became standard Luftwaffe aircraft machine guns.
The MG15 was mostly used in aircraft, especially early in the war. Only when the MG81 and MG81Z were introduced and replaced the MG15 it came into wider use among ground units.
The MG15 was mostly used in aircraft, especially early in the war. Only when the MG81 and MG81Z were introduced and replaced the MG15 it came into wider use among ground units.
Yes. The MG15 basically is the MG30, but modified with drum magazines and removing the stock to fit into the aircraft.
Yup. My best information suggests they had the same small arms as other German units including MG 42's and STG 44's. Having said that like other units the standard weapon was the old reliable bolt action M98k. If you really want to see a real hodgepodge of weaponry the Volksturm outfits had an interesting collection of firearms.
Don't forget Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck
Did they have the legendary 88 mm kwk 36/56 ....later mounted on Tiger I tank?
Did they have the legendary 88 mm kwk 36/56 ....later mounted on Tiger I tank?
I think the 88's were manned by Luftwaffe "flak" teams, even in it's anti-tank role, regardless of what divisions they were attached to (SS, Wehrmacht, etc.).
Did they have the legendary 88 mm kwk 36/56 ....later mounted on Tiger I tank?
No, because KwK is an abbreviation "armoured vehicle cannon". 88 mm Pak 43 was the towed version, Pak standing for "anti-tank cannon".
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