Tuesday 25 August 2015

Tractor Hunger

Since even before the war, the Red Army had a tractor problem. After all, what good are all those cannons if you can't get them to the front lines? Sure, the crew can push a 45 mm gun for a bit, but 76 mm guns and larger have very limited mobility when on foot. Thankfully, Lend Lease was there to help!

"Report on the minimal requirement for tractors and prime movers for artillery units in 1943

Willys 1st quarter 2nd quarter 3rd quarter
For resupplying existing frontline units with 45 mm and 76 mm guns 1000 1000 400
For forming new AT artillery regiments armed with 45 mm guns, assuming 10 regiments per month, 30 cars each, for 10 months 600 1200 1200
For forming new light artillery regiments with 76 mm ZiS-3 guns, assuming 12 regiments per month, 30 cars each, for 10 months 720 1440 1440
For commanders of newly formed divisions, brigades, and units 440 880 880
Total 2760 4520 3920

Total need: 11200

Studebaker 6x6 or M2 halftracks 1st quarter 2nd quarter 3rd quarter
For finishing the formation of howitzer regiments for artillery divisions, assuming 18 regiments and 30 prime movers each 540 - -
For equipping howitzer regiments and forming new artillery divisions, assuming 3 divisions per month, 90 prime movers each, for 10 months 540 1080 1080
For equipping small caliber AA divisions, assuming 4 divisions per month, 50 prime movers each, for 10 months 400 800 800
"


There were complaints that a Willys can't tow a 45 mm gun well, let alone a 76 mm gun, but remember, it can always be worse!


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