GERMAN 10.5cm FIELD HOWITZER.
The 10.5cm weapon was the standard German field howitzer throughout the first world war. This particular improved model appeared in 1916.
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BRITISH SIMPLEX 20hp RAIL TRACTOR.
Small rail tractors were used to transport supplies from rear depots to the front line trenches in France 1916 - 18. Being petrol driven they did not give away their position by plumes of smoke.
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BRITISH 9.45inch HEAVY TRENCH MORTAR.
The 9.45inch was the heaviest trench mortar used by British and Imperial forces in the first world war. Its bombs was nicknamed a ` flying pig `.
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BRITISH AEC MODEL 850 GUN TRACTOR
Only six vehicles a year were built of this sophisticated design between 1929 and 1936 for the Royal Artillery. Most were abandoned at Dunkirk in 1940.
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GMC DUKW AMPHIBIOUS TRUCK.
The `Duck` as it was popularly known was developed specifically to support seaborne landings. It could carry two and half tons of supplies or up to twenty five men from ship to shore.
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CHURCHILL AVRE.
This Churchill avre was displayed at Hermanville - sur - mer, Normandy from 1987 to 2001 as a memorial to the 3rd infantry division at Sword Beach.
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SEXTON SELF PROPELLED GUN.
The Sexton was developed in 1943 from the Canadian designed Ram tank. It was a great success providing artillery support for fast moving armoured formations throughout the campaign in North West Europe.
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GERMAN 7.5cm ANTI TANK GUN.
This PAK 97/38 anti tank gun was a stop gap weapon. It did however equip German reserve formations many of which guarded the Normandy coastline.
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GERMAN STURMGESCHUTZ III.
The Sturmgeschutz assult gun ( stug ) was designed to provide close artillery support for attacking infantry. It was also used in regular Panzer divisions to replace lost tanks.
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GERMAN JAGDPANTHER TANK DESTROYER.
Although only 382 were built the `hunting panther` was the most successful German tank destroyer of the second world war. The largest group of them fought in the Ardennes offensive of December 1944.
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Les, you have some impressive pieces here. That stug and tank destroyer by the Germans are tough looking. I have never heard of the Churchill Avre before. And, that Sexton gun looks quite deadly if you were on the receiving end. I actually saw a DUKW being demonstrated once. I think I prefer the Higgins boat. The British gun truck looks like it would actually be fun to drive! Possibly the ultimate off road vehicle! The rail tractor I am sure was a useful tool but I would not have wanted to be operating it. Not if it took me to those nasty trenches. That was a horrible and dumb way to fight a war to me. Good photos and great subjects, as always my good friend. Take care of yourself!
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