Description = "Detailed description will follow here..."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_6pdr]
{
Description = "The British 2-pounder AT gun lacked range and firepower necessary to deal with modern armor, so steps were taken to create an improved, higher calibre model. The 6-pounder (57 mm) AT gun, premiered as prototype in 1939, was fielded in the North African theater during 1941. With over 1500 units manufactured monthly, it quickly became the main AT weapon of the British Army. Capable to penetrate 70 millimeters of armor at 1,000 yards, this gun (along with its American variant, the M1 57-millimeter AT gun) pointed out one of the chief drawbacks to Allied antitank guns: they were often unable to knock out the Panther and Tiger tanks they faced from longer ranges. The 6-pounder was usually towed about by the versatile Bren Carrier."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Artillery-25]
{
Description = "Design work on the 25 pounder gun, the 'all time favorite' British artillery piece began in the early 30s. A number of prototypes were rejected on the grounds that they were too heavy. The line version went into production in late1938, and over 12.000 were manufactured during the war.
Despite its long range, the gun was accurate enough to be an Infantry backup weapon. Due to its excessive weight, it was extremely slow to redeploy, which, in turn, made it increasingly vulnerable to enemy fire. Wise of this, Allied commanders typically kept their 25 pounders in the second line of defence, from where they could inflict serious damage to the enemy with their well-aimed barrages. "
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Bishop]
{
Description = "Built on the chassis of the Valentine light tank, the main feature of the Bishop was its large, ungainly shaped turret fitted with a 88mm field horwitzer. Given to British troops in 1942, it was made obsolete almost instantly by the better designed and more effective Priest.
Bishops were capable of long-range barrages and provided effective suppressing fire support to attacking Infantry. It could also be used on smaller bunkers effectively. Due to its fixed turret, horizontal tracking was difficult, but this drawback was practically nullified by the experience of seasoned artillery crews. It was quite popular among them, too - despite the fact that the turret was too small to give ample cover, so one artillleryman had to ride/work on the rear engine cover plate, in full view of the enemy."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Bofors]
{
Description = "40mm Swedish Bofors anti-aircraft gun mounted on the M15 truck chassis. It was operated by a crew of two (one handling horizontal targeting and loading ammo, the other setting muzzle elevation and firing) A very manouverable vehicle, it caused a lot of grief to German flyers. With its muzzle set to horizontal, it can even take on light armor, but it's by no means an anti-armor unit - it is virtually defenseless against the firepower of German line tanks."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Bren]
{
Description = "Bren Universal Carrier is an armored utility vehicle, mainly used for in-battle transport of small Infantry detachments. Its caterpillars allowed it to handle a wide variety of terrains, while its strong engine enabled it to tow artillery pieces.
It sports mainframe-mounted MGs which enable passangers to fend off minor assaults, but it's by no means an assault vehicle. The concept, however, proved successful enough to make it the precedcessor of today's Armored Personel Carriers."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_BSA M20]
{
Description = "The most successful and enduring modell of British Commonwealth Armed Forces, BSA M20 motorcycle was initially manufactured in several different versions - the lessons of the North African campaign was instrumental in its subsequent standardization.
Thanks to the robust design and constant field modifications, BSA MN20 handles well even on rough terrain. The latter comes especially handy when its rider (usually a courier or a scout) must stay away from the roads in order to remain unnoticed."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Chevroliet]
{
Description = "The 3-ton Chevrolet C 60L was a highly versatile utility vehicle. Manufactured with a wide range of cabs, its foremost role was that of the supply transporter. Occassionally it was used for troop transport as well, but only on friendly territory, as it lacked the protection of armor. 4-wheel driven, it handled well on rough terrain even when towing heavy equipment. In the North African theatre, it played an important role as a moblie service platform."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Churchill]
{
Description = "In 1940, after the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk, the British government commissioned the design of a new tank to replace its earlier lightweight infantry tanks. The first Churchill model, the Mark I, was ready by June 1941 and entered large-scale production soon afterward. It had good speed and turning ability, a robust suspension system, heavy armour plating, and a low silhouette. From the time they entered service in mid-1942, the Mark I and II tended to be outgunned by German tanks, but their ability to climb hills served them well in the closing phases of the North African campaign. Faced with the need to upgrade their tank's main armament, the British fitted the next model, the Mark III, with a 6-pounder (57mm) gun. Even this gun was barely adequate by 1943, so later versions of this model were fitted with a 75-millimetre gun instead."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Cruiser-MK4]
{
Description = "During WW2 the British divided their medium tanks into 'cruiser' (fast and lightly armored, designed for destroying enemy armor) and 'infantry' (slower, and more heavily armored, designed for infantry support) subtypes. A13 was an early 'cruiser' design widely used at the beginning of the war.
After the initial problems during prototype testing, its top speed was reduced from 35 mph to 30. Several other minor modifications were also made before mass manufacturing started in 1938. First appearing in the North African theatre in 1940, it wrought havoc on Italian light tanks. The MkIV variant was better armored both in front and on the turret, but still lacked ample protection when facing newer German panzers. Its 40 mm main gun also lacked the punch to penetrate enemy hulls, so it was gradually phased out of active sevice."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Crusader]
{
Description = "As a testament to British habit of rushing tanks into production without thorough testing, the Crusader Mark I was mechanically unreliable. Its 2-pounder (40 mm) was well outclassed by 1941, and for some reason it had a machine gun in a small turret on the front hull. The latter was removed on the Crusader Mark II but only on the Mark III was the main armament at last up-gunned to a 57 mm 6-pounder which allowed it to fight German armour on fairly equal terms.
Most notable for its swiftness the Crusader formed the main equipment of the armored divisions fighting in the Desert Campaigns of North Africa. Over 5.300 were produced until (shortly after El Alamein) the model was replaced by the M4 Sherman.
Once withdrawn, Crusaders were used for a variety of special purposes including observation post, command tank and mine-clearing."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Daimler]
{
Description = "The Daimler Dingo was designed as a scout and reconnaissance vehicle. Manufactured since 1939, the earliest version suffered from several design glitches - with these corrected, the vehicle became the most widely used recon unit of the North African theatre. It's high ground clearance gave it good off-road capabilities, while its moderately light weight allowed it to escape quickly when it became outmatched by more powerful enemy tanks and artillery. The lightly armored Dingo was a fairly easy target for enemy anti-tank weapons."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Engineer]
{
Description = "One of the least envied activities of WW2 Sappers was the disarming of mines: they were often forced to do it (thus clearing the path of attacking Infantry and Armor) under intense enemy fire. Their Mk. 2 Enfield revolvers (issued for self-defense) was of little practical use in firefights. Despite a high casuality rate, their presence on the battlefield was instrumental part of the success of the Allied war effort."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Flamethrower]
{
Description = "Flamethrower is possibly the most macabre weapon devised by man. Unbeatable at 'torching out' enemy foxholes, bunkers and gun emplacements, it was used to great effect during WW2 in trench and urban warfare.
Flamethrower units are slow and quite vulnerable - it's advised to cover them with more mobile Infantry types."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Grenadier]
{
Description = "Prior to the mass utilization of the Bazooka, Grenade Infantry packed the largest punch of Allied Infantry units. Sporting a range much larger than thrown grenades, rifle grenades were capable of incapacitating sizeable enemy forces with a single blow. Grenade Infantry was also very useful when attacking strongpoints/bunkers."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Hurricane-Mk1]
{
Description = "Hawker Hurricane was RAF's first low-winged single seat fighter plane. Prototype was presented in 1935, the line version entered service in 1937. Hurricanes were prominent in the majority of RAF squadrons during the Battle of England, and generally performed well: altough less manouverable than their German opponents, they easily outgunned them.
Hurricanes were manufactured in several versions. In the North African theater, Allied forces made good use of it as an anti-tank plane: once it spotted a target, the best thing panzer crews could do was to make a run for it."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Jeep]
{
Description = "Developed in response to a tender from the US Military for a tough, dependable workhorse/command vehicle, the Jeep became synonymous with the Allied war effort in World War II. Willys-Overland alone did not have the ability to build the required number of vehicles however, so the Ford Motor Company also built the Jeep. With 586,000 units built during WW2 (and many more ever since) it was used by all of the Allied powers for Command Reconaissance, transporting medical staff/supplies or towing light artillery pieces.
British Commonwealth Army fielded it in 1941. Thanks to its 4-wheel drive design, it performed well even under desert conditions."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_M3 Grant]
{
Description = "The M3 Grant was an American-designed tank that was sent to Britain as part of the Lend-Lease Act. What made the Grant stick out from the other tanks of the time is it's dual mounted guns. On the side of the hull is mounted it's main 75 mm gun. Up on the turret in the traditional mount, is the 35 mm gun. Another factor is the cloth shroud that surrounds the main 75 mm gun - this allowed for a higher rate of motion and tracking. However, this style of mount also increased the Grant's weight and profile. The M3 Grant was used heavily in the desert campaigns and Field Marshall Montgomery even rode around in his own personal Grant tank."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_M3 Lee]
{
Description = "The M3 Grant was an American-designed tank that was sent to Britain as part of the Lend-Lease Act. What made the Grant stick out from the other tanks of the time is it's dual mounted guns. On the side of the hull is mounted it's main 75 mm gun. Up on the turret in the traditional mount, is the 35 mm gun. Another factor is the cloth shroud that surrounds the main 75 mm gun - this allowed for a higher rate of motion and tracking. However, this style of mount also increased the Grant's weight and profile. The M3 Grant was used heavily in the desert campaigns and Field Marshall Montgomery even rode around in his own personal Grant tank."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_m3a1]
{
Description = "The American M3A1 was an utility vehicle built on the chassis of a civil truck. Manufactured since 1938 by White Motor Company, it was capable of transporting a small number of scouts at high speed. Its mainframe-mounted MGs often surprised attacking German forces. After initial field tests, it was made in several different builds, including a halftrack version.
In groups, M3A1s can even perform minor ambushes - if things turn nasty, they can always try to make a run for it."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_M4 Sherman]
{
Description = "The M4 Sherman - predecessor of M3 - was fielded in 1942 at El Alamein. It has often been criticized for its high profile silhouette; its inability to penetrate the armour of German heavy tanks at anything greater than point blank range and its rather disturbing tendency to explode in flames when penetrated. (On a vehicle-vs-vehicle basis, the Sherman was barely a match for a later model Panzer IV, and it was totally outclassed by the Panther, Tiger and late German Jagdpanzers and Sturmgeschutz.) Its greatest strength was quantity. Combined with an almost unlimited supply line, total air superiority in Western Europe and a US industrial manufacturing base uninterrupted by the direct effects of war, the Sherman was deployed in such vast numbers as to be an effective weapon despite its shortcomings."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_M4_Sherman_FireFly]
{
Description = "The British changed a few variables of the M4 Sherman - these tanks were to be designated as the 'Firefly' variant. The 75 mm gun was replaced by a British made 76.2mm AT gun that enabled the model to take on German Tigers and Panthers more effectively. To spare room for additional ammo, the MG was removed from the turret, and the radio relocated to an outside compartment. 'Firefly' was better armored than the basic Sherman, but its crews still preferred ambushes to direct engagements - this tactic allowed them to hit their enemies where it really hurt, and deliver 'coup de grace' strikes at their most vulnerable parts."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Machinegunner]
{
Description = "Rifles were highly accurate, but some combat situations called for a high firing rate instead - hence the introduction of submachine guns. Their effective range was much shorter, but they were capable of neutralizing multiple enemies with a single burst.
Some Allied Infantry units come equipped with Thomson, aka. 'Tommy' guns of American origin. This is a highly complicated (thus very expensive) piece of hardware, ineffective against armor, but very useful when it comes to storming buildings/bunkers, or engaging in street-to-street combat."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Mark VIB]
{
Description = "When England launched its rearmament program in 1936, only the Vickers Mark VI series was available for mass-production - thus it became the most used British light tank at the beginning of WW2. It was mainly used for reconassaince., but it proved quite effective against Infantry as well.
By the early 40s it was massively obsolate, a fact made all too obvious by the grim statistics of the French campaign of 1940: out of 550 units fielded during the German invasion, a mere 6 survived. Production stopped shortly thereafter, but the vehicle itself remained in active service until late 1942. In the North African theatre, its only viable targets were its Italian counterparts of limited range and firepower."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Matilda-MK2]
{
Description = "In 1936, the Mechanization Board of the War Office, in conjunction with Vulcan Foundry, developed the Matilda II. It went through four marks and was used as the basis of several specialized tanks such as mine-clearers, bulldozers, flamethrowers and bridge-layers.
Matilda was the most heavily armoured tank of its time, with 78 mm of armour on the front, and even 30 mm of armour on the rear. When first encountered by the Germans in France, 1940, the only weapon in the Wehrmacht's arsenal that could penetrate its front was the 88 mm anti-aircraft gun. (It is believed that the Germans' experience with the Matilda lead to the development of the Tiger tank.)
A total of 2,987 Matilda IIs were built. The model saw heavy action in the North African theatre between 1940 and 1942. Lumbering by nature and fitted with short-range weaponry only, it was gradually rendered obsolete by newly developed German tanks."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Medic]
{
Description = "Army surgeons (on the home front as well as in field hospitals) made a heroic attempt to ease the suffering of the wounded throughout the war. Field medics did the same while risking their own lives on the battlefield: they often worked under intense enemy fire.
While tending to casualities, they cannot use their Mk1 Enfield revolvers, so it's wise to provide them with some kind of armed cover."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Priest]
{
Description = "The US Army went at great lengths to find a mobile artillery platform to carry its 105mm field horwitzer. They tested several halftrack prototypes before they opted for the most obvious chassis - that of the M3 tank.
M7 consisted of an oblong superstructure on which the horwitzer was mounted, and an oratory-shaped secondary turret complete with an Anti-Aircraft cannon - hence its British-given nicknname ' Fielded in Nort Africa in 1942, it was the immediate precedessor of the Bishop. Its armor was strong enough to take a good deal of punishment, while its weaponry provided effective fire support to a wide range of Allied units."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Rifleman]
{
Description = "British Infantry - the backbone of the Commonwealth - had proved its worth well before Rommel's arrival to North Africa: it successfully defeated a numerically superior Italian force. The main firearm of British Infantry was the Lee-Enfield No 4 (mkI) rifle - a sturdy, reliable piece of hardware that, in some form or another, had been in manufacture since the late 1800s. Learning the lessons of WWI, the British adapted their tactics to the challenges of modern warfare. Large scale advances (still heralded by prolonged barrages of Artillery) now consisted of a mixture of Infantry and amor: soldiers advanced amidst the ranks of slow-moving tanks that provided them with ample cover and supressing fire.
When in defense, Infantry units engaged the enemy from the relative safety of trenches or bunkers."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Scout]
{
Description = "Knowledge of the enemy is a key element of success in war. Reconassaince was a high risk task that typically involved small, lightly armed scout units working covertly near (sometimes behind) enemy lines. Scouts were supposed to avoid combat, but often engaged similar units in skirmish-type action.
Due to their special skills, they're swift and silent movers, capable of detecting enemy units from extreme distances. They're quite effective inside buildings/vehicles, highly vulnerable on open terrain, and strongly advised to avoid melee."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Sniper]
{
Description = "In WW2, no soldier could feel safe with Snipers around - well-aimed bullets were prone to come from faraway enemy positions anytime, even in relatively quiet periods. Fitted with a 3X targeting scope, the No. 4 Mk I (T) Lee-Enfield rifle was a sure killer in professional hands. The most frustrating factor of Sniper activity was the invisibility of the threat: firing from great distances and ingenioussly chosen hiding places, Snipers were hard to spot, hence virtually impossible to neutralize."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Stuart]
{
Description = "Used by the US and UK, the M3 Stuart - replacement of the M2 series - was fielded in the Spring of 1941, and was typical of the better light tanks at the start of WWII: well built, well armored and poorly armed. Also known as 'Honey', as it was well-liked by its crews. The Stuart was used well into the war, replaced starting in early 1943 by the similar M5 Stuart (larger engine, 33% more main gun ammo, thicker frontal armor) and eventually the M24 Chafee (75mm gun, same as used on early M4 Shermans). Command and personnel carrier conversions were also known."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Warhawk-P40]
{
Description = "Based on the P-36 Hawk, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk flown since 1938. A generic American design, it lacked any discerning features - what made it truly successdful was its general reliability. Over 14.000 units were produced - for the RAF, the P-40E model, nicknamed by the British as 'Kittyhawk.'
Kittyhawks were often used in the North African theatre for recon purposes as well."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[al_Wolverine]
{
Description = "The M-10 Wolverine tank-killer - built on the Sherman chassis - made its battlefield debout during the North African campaign of 1942. Its 76mm anti-tank gun was accurate and powerful enough to deal with most types of Axis armor... but its own plating was less than adequate, hence its durability in prolonged fire exchanges left much to be desired. Over 6.600 units were produced during WW2.
If it keeps its distance while firing on the enemy, or manages to execute an ambush, Wolverine is capable to inflict serious damage. It's definitely not a stand-alone fighting vehicle; its main purpose is to provide fire support. "
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[alh_Goose]
{
Description = "Gunnery Sergeant Goose
Six foot two inches of street-hardened Detroit muscle, this powerhouse of an U.S. soldier was shipped overseas to teach the British the finer points of driving a Sherman into battle. Posing as a civilian photo-journalist upon his capturement by the French, Sgt. Goose is a natural born fighter - with enough strength to carry a wounded camel from Oran to Cairo, and the stamina of a full infantry division."
Special = "Hero, you have to take care of him"
}
[alh_Lafarge]
{
Description = "Marius Lafarge
Captain of the French Foreign Legion; third-in-command of the Lallemand garrison. A Belmondo-esque Frenchman and a maquisard at heart, he joins the escape attempt of Hartmann and Sinclair who got holed up in the Fort earlier. He plans to join the Army of Free Franceà and knows someone who can give them an airlift through the desert."
Special = "Hero, you have to take care of him"
}
[alh_Lys]
{
Description = "Lys a.k.a Lisl (also known as Mme Dornier)
Tunis-based actress of doubtful parentage; North African version of the Hollywood diva type. Featured on the payroll of all major intelligence organizations working in the area, she's an accomplished pilot and a natural born heartbreaker as well."
Special = "Hero, you have to take care of her"
}
[alh_Sinclair]
{
Description = "Gregory Sinclair
British hero of Afrika Korps, son of Lord Brett Sinclair, OBE, retired Colonel of His Majesty's Royal Engineers. Lord Sinclair was one of the masterminds behind the British Tank Project and took part in the attack that breached German lines at Cambrai on 20 November 1917.
Undisciplined and rebellious by nature, Gregory Sinclair was expelled from Eaton College and ended up in Sandhurst. As a member of the British team, he was a tough competitor of Erich von Hartmann during the 1936 Olympics, their common trials cementing a strange kind of cat-and-dog friendship.
An accomplished expert of infantry tactics and mechanized warfare, Commander Sinclair was assigned to His Majesty's 8th Army in the summer of 1940."
Special = "Hero, you have to take care of him"
}
[ax_Atrillery-150]
{
Description = "Conventional gun with a horizontal sliding-block breech mechanism and a range over 15 kilometres. A reliable and robust weapon, it was somewhat on the heavy side - the largest calibre weapon ever classed by a nation as an infantry gun. In the late 1930s it was redesigned to incorporate light alloys wherever possible this effected a reduction in weight of about 150 kg but olny small numbers of this lightened model were built after 1939.
Its specs are much the same as the siG33, but with advanced accuracy, longer range and more ammo supply. It can turn against its target very slowly and cannot move or be hauled."
Special = "Artillery support"
}
[ax_Atrillery-75]
{
Description = "This weapon entered service in 1938.The split trail and rear trunnions allowed high elevation and the recoil system was of the 'variable' type-automatically shortening the recoil as the elevation increased. The whole equipment could be broken down into eight loads.Although a sound design the Geb G 36 suffered from lack of stability at low angles of elevation - the price of lightness in any gun. In spite of this defect, the Geb G 36 appears to have been well-liked by its users and it remained in service throughout the war.
It is highly effective against infantry and buildings. It's rather vulnerable and requires a hauler unit to move. "
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_BMW-R75]
{
Description = "The BMW R75 motorcycle was an excellent model widely used during WWII - even in North Africa. Small and capable of extreme speeds, it was a perfect recon vehicle, but it didn't possess any armor. The 750 ccm 4 cylinder engine provided enough power to move the chassis and its two passengers with extreme agility even in the desert."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_Engineer]
{
Description = "Lots of minefields were layed North African Theater - their main purpose was to reinforce defensive lines, but they could even serve to cover withdrawals. Laying down these minefields was the easy part, but specialists were needed to detect and disarm them. Axis Sappers, armed with only a Luger P08 are indispensable to discern and disarm mines. They are weak as fighters and very vulnerable to attacks, so they must have ample escort to provide them cover."
Special = "Ability of disabling mines"
}
[ax_Flak-88]
{
Description = "Probably the most legendary artillery piece in the German Army was the 88-mm anti-aircraft gun, first fielded in the Spanish Civil War of 1936. Built on a carriage consisting of a cruciform platform resting on two two-wheeled trails, it was a fast-firing weapon of great accuracy. Before firing, it had to be emplaced. With a maximum range of 14.000 metres, it was a nightmare of Allied airplanes - but Rommel made better use of it in North Africa as an anti-tank gun. With a seasoned crew, it can fire 15 rounds per minute.
It is very effective against planes and can be switched against ground targets - in this way it can destroy tanks, with the best armor, too. Requires a hauler unit to move. Once a tank gets within range, it's curtains for either... or both of them. "
Special = "Anti-tank/Anti-aircraft mode"
}
[ax_Flamethrower]
{
Description = "No infantry weapon could match the devastating power of the flamethrower. In WWII it was the most unhuman, but effective close combat weapon. The fuel unleashed under high pressure from the tanks mounted on the back of the soldier erupted as a flame torch, destroying everything and everyone in its way.
Axis Flamethrower units are very slow, which makes them vulnerable in open areas, but they cannot be beaten on close combat (bunkers, buildings). The FmW41 was capable to electrify the heat even in the desert."
Special = "Burn flammable things"
}
[ax_Grenadier]
{
Description = "In WWII., one of the most - if not the most - feared infantry weapon was the grenade launcher. It could neutralize sizeable enemy forces with a single blow, and could even damage armoured vehicles. Hand grenades were imprecise and had a limited range, whilst the grenade launcher was very precise and sported an improved firing range. Axis Grenade Launchers are also very useful against bunkers and buildings, too."
Special = "Effective against armored units"
}
[ax_Ju87]
{
Description = "'Stuka' was the general German terminology for dive-bombers, but the Ju 87 with its inverted gull wing, and fixed-undercarriage was the most famous and feared of all.
The Berta (B) version evolved in an attempt to solve the problems discovered in the disappointing performance of the Anton (A) series. The Berta was developed into several different versions including the Tropical (Trop) version used by the Afrika Korps and the long ranged R version that was equipped with 'strap-on' fuel tanks.
Ju 87s are mainly used for bombing specified targets/territory, but they add a minimal recon effect as well."
Special = "Airstrike"
}
[ax_Kubelwagen]
{
Description = "Dr. Ferdinand Porsche received an order to design and manufacture a military automobile at the same time he worked on his Volkswagen prototype: that's how this cheap, easy-to-manufacture heavy-duty vehicle was born. The Kubelwagen was one of the most versatile vehicles to serve the Axis forces: it was used on all fronts as reconnaissance and transporter vehicle. With a small 996 ccm engine mounted in the back, it travelled through mud, sand and snow. The Kubelwagen was Rommel's favorite recon vehicle in North Africa."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_M11-39]
{
Description = "M11/39' was developed just before WWII. Designed to be the Italian Army's default line tank, its light armor, low firepower and static turret limited its effectiveness to enemy foot soldiers."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_M13-40]
{
Description = "The improved version of the Italian M11/39 with the turret mounted on the top (so it became turnable) an improved machine gun integrated into the main body, and a 47 mm AT gun instead of the old 37mm one. The tank was still under-armored, but its good manoeuvreability made it a commonly used light tank."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_Machinegunner]
{
Description = "The German Army aimed to have most of his foot soldiers equipped with submachine guns, thus gaining an advantage of firepower against Allied Riflemen. With the initial problems of early models finally solved, the MP40 submachine gun proved to be formidably effective weapon - during WWII over 1 million were produced. Its typical range was inferior to that of the Mauser rifle, but it could cause mayhem amidst enemy ranks attacking in masses. The MP40 was practically useless against armored vehicles, but had a definitive edge over rifles in close quarter firefights in buildings."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_Medic]
{
Description = "During WWII, both parties tried to provide quality medical assistance to their soldiers - many own their lives to medics present on the battlefield. The medic's job was extremely dangerous, but saving key officers could easily turn the tide on the Axis's favor. Equipped with only a single Luger P08, medics are the weakest units to attack, and they're also the most vulnerable to any kind of attack."
Special = "Ability of healing wounds"
}
[ax_Messerschmitt-Bf109]
{
Description = "Bf 109 was the benchmark Luftwaffe fighter throughout the WW II. Its B, C, D and E versions went into service during in the Spanish Civil War. By the beginning of WW2, Luftwaffe had already equipped all fighter units with the Bf 109E (Emil) planes. They were prominent in the Battle of Britain (July-September 1940).
The next main version during 1941-42 was the Bf 109F 'Friedrich'. It was totally new plane, only the rear fuselage had kept without changes. In the late summer of 1942 the Bf 109G 'Gustav' was introduced in service. It had many subtypes and it was the most produced version of the Bf 109. It was the backbone of the Luftwaffe to the end of the war. The last of the Bf 109 series was Bf 109 K 'Kurt', which was an attempt to standardize the many subtypes of the Bf 109 G and to get out the last potential of the Bf 109 concept."
Special = "Air recon"
}
[ax_Opel Blitz]
{
Description = "The 3 tons weight Opel Blitz wagon was the most commonly used troop transporter and artillery tower. The vehicle had all-wheel drive and was very durable, more than 400.000 units were made until 1945. With no armor at all, it was the ideal tool to use for supply purposes. The Blitz is very vulnerable, so it definitely needs units to provide cover."
Special = "Ability of towing guns"
}
[ax_PAK-38]
{
Description = "PAK (Panzerabwehrkanone), the main antitank gun of Wehrmacht was capable of penetrating the armor of enemy tanks. The barrel of PAK was 3,450 mm in length and had a semi-automatic horizontally sliding breech block. It also had a split trail and a double artillery shield. Given to troops in 1940, its maximum armour-piercing capability was 91 mm of steel at 500 meters. With improved ammunition, these numbers could be increased to 108 or 87 mm respectively - a fact that caused serious headache to Allied tank crews in the North African Theater. Its main drawback is its inherent dependance on towing vehicles. Without them, it cannot stand for long against enemy infantry or armor attacks. Thanks to its first rate suspension and durable tires, it can be hauled over rough terrain as well.
It is effective against vehicles but cannot damage any armor. Because of the short blast range, it is not too effective against infantry either."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_PAK-40]
{
Description = "Basically a scaled up PAK 38 with an elongated muzzle (3.4 metres) and a larger calibre (75mm) capable of firing HE ammunition that penetrate 80 mm of steel at 1,000 meters. With 23,303 such guns produced between 1942 and 1945, it was the most numerous weapon of its type. PAK's long range was a welcome benefit in the desert environment... but its immense weight made it hard to handle: hauling it from one spot to another (especially on rough terrain) posed a serious challenge to any support vehicle crew.
Low profile gun with medium firing range. Can damage any vehicles with any armor, but it has a short-range blast, so it is not too effective against infantry. It requires a hauler unit in order to move."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_PzIIF]
{
Description = "The Panzer II was in conception from 1934 and saw its first appearance in the Spanish Civil War. By the time Poland and France were attacked, more than 1.000 Panzer IIs could be fielded by the Germans. The vehicle itself was already dated at the beginning of WWII, but it was very low on cost and easy to manufacture. Many versions were made, all differently equipped for specific tasks. The Panzer IIF had thicker armor and increased firing rate, but it was still mostly used for reconnaissance. It made its last and most glorious appearance in North Africa under the command of Rommel."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_PzIIIG]
{
Description = "The development of Panzer III started in 1935. Until late 1943 more than 6.000 tanks were manufactured and as many as 20 versions existed - the production then switched to the Panzer IV's favor. The G type was the first real freshening of the Panzer III family in 1940: the 37mm AT gun was changed to a 50 mm AT gun and the turret was modified to match the one used in Panzer IVs. A stowage part ('Rommelkiste') was mounted behind the turret and the air-filter was changed to satisfy the needs of the North African Theater. This model was the most beloved tank of Afrika Korps."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_PzIIIJ]
{
Description = "The Panzer III J appeared in 1942, based upon combat experience of the previous Panzer III types. Its armor was reinforced to 50mm, it received a longer muzzled turret gun and the machine gun's suspension consequently improved target accuracy. In North Africa - where they arrived as replacements - these tanks were known by the Brits as 'Mark 3 Specials'"
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_PzIIIN]
{
Description = "One of the latest versions of the Panzer III family is the N type: it was equipped with a 75 mm AT turret with immense firepower (but very slow rate of fire). It was most commonly used as escort by Tigers - this role and line-up made this model once more a fierce and powerful tank."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_PzIVD]
{
Description = "Its design started in late 1934 and the Panzer IV was the only German Tank manufactured throughout WWII. The strategic theory was that the Wehrmacht's armored core were to be built around Panzer IIIs and Panzer IVs, but it soon became obvious that only the more powerful and better armored PanzerIV was able to match the Allied tanks on the field. Thanks to its set-up, this model was easily variable and diversely expendable - these attributes made it a furious enemy.
Panzer IV D had numerous improvements over earlier variants: it sported a chassis-mounted auto-cannon (to be used on all subsequent types) while rear and side armor was reinforced from 15 to 20 mm. The first Panzer IV variant produced in quantities, the D lived up to expectations with its reliability and combat effectiveness. Designed primarily as an anti-infantry unit, it could hold its own against a wide range of enemy vehicles as well."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_PzIVE]
{
Description = "Panzer IV E made its battlefield debout in late 1939. After the Trial-by-Fire in Poland, several minor improvements were made on it. The designers changed the shape of its turret, and placed it way forward to better the driver's line of sight. With its frontal plating reinforced, this was the second most cmmon Panzer IV variant used in the North African Theater - mainly by AK's 5th and 8th Panzer Regiments."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_PzIVG]
{
Description = "G was the most advanced Panzer IV variant used in the North African Theater. Sporting a reinforced armor plating, its turret could take a lot of punishment, while its sides and its caterpillars were protected by a 'skirt' of armor plates. Despite its weight, the G managed to retain its manouverability - a fact that made it a frightful opponent to Allied armor units."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_Rifleman]
{
Description = "From the beginning of warfare, infantry was - and still remains - an indispensable ingredient. The most typical infantry unit of any industrial army is Rifleman. During WWII, Riflemen of the German Afrika Korps firmly stood their ground in extremely difficult conditions. Armed with bolt-action Mauser 98K rifles, they were formidable opponents of Allied Infantry - if deployed well, they were lethal even to Light Armor. Wise of their vulnerability in the open, they sought the cover of trenches, bunkers or buildings, from where they could pick off incoming targets with alarming effectivity."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_Scout]
{
Description = "Scouts played a very important, and equally dangerous part in combat. Usually they worked in the frontline, gathering information on enemy positions, installations, supplies and equipment. The information they provided to their officers were often decisive in battles even before they started. Axis Scouts are moving fast, perceive enemy units from great distances, but they are lightly equipped and very vulnerable."
Special = "Improved detection range"
}
[ax_Sdkfz 11]
{
Description = "This vehicle was used for supply and servicing purposes. The crew was able to effectuate services with the tools mounted on it. This vehicle could become very handy in any situation when another vehicle gets damaged: it is able to repair damaged caterpillars, disabled turrets - even the chassis itself.
The Sd. Kfz 11 possesses no armor and weaponry; it is a sitting duck on the battlefield."
Special = "Ability of towing guns"
}
[ax_Sdkfz 222]
{
Description = "The model was an improved version of the Sd. Kfz 221 light armored recon vehicle, mouted with a bigger turret than its predecessor. Very agile and nimble, it was ideal for recon purposes - its armor provided some protection, so it could even take part in firefights using its mounted turret and machine gun. Despite its versatility, it is not advised to use against tanks."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_Sdkfz 250]
{
Description = "Based upon the Sd. Kfz 10's chassis frame, the original purpose of this vehicle was that of an armored troop carrier. But Germans soon realized that it could be used as a servicing vehicle in areas where other unarmored units cannot dare. This is the ideal vehicle to have on-field repairs of caterpillars, turrets and hulls. In North Africa vehicles were extremely valuable as supplies often ran short - but the Sd. Kfz 10s were always there to provide help for stranded/disabled units."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_Sdkfz 263]
{
Description = "Even before WWII the German Military needed a reconnaissance vehicle capable of traveling through all kinds of terrain and transmitting information through great distances. So the 8-wheeled Sd. Kfz 263 turret was removed and replaced with huge antennas and the perfect recon unit was born. Lightly armored and equipped with only a machine gun, this vehicle is only useful against foot soldiers. Its huge size made it a perfect target for Allied Tanks."
Special = "Improved detection range"
}
[ax_Sdkfz 7 Flak]
{
Description = "One of the most widespread variations of the original Sd. Kfz 7 was the version equipped with an anti-aircraft turret. Its major advantage over deployed anti-aircraft installations was its mobility. The AA gun mounted on its plateau was able to attack and destroy not only aerial targets, but lightly armored vehicles and infantry too. The Sd. Kfz. 7/1 Flakvierling needs to be escorted, as it has no armor."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_Sdkfz 7]
{
Description = "The primary use of the Sd. Kfz 7 was to tow artilleries and transport troops. Due to its hybride buildup no terrain posed a challenge to it: the caterpillar proved extremely useful in the desert. More than 12.000 units were made until the end of the war (many variations existed). As the Sd. Kfz 7 had nor armor nor weaponry it definetely needed other units to provide protection."
Special = "Ability of towing guns"
}
[ax_Semovente]
{
Description = "Unable to match Allied armor in battle, Italians tried to cut back losses by fielding a variety of self-propelled anti-tank units - thus the Semovente M family was born. The main weapon positioned towards the rear (a setup that left the crew exposed) was a 90mm anti-aircraft gun. The engine was moved to the front so that the gun could be placed at the rear of a M13/40 or M14/41 chassis.
Semoventes had to be accompanied by a L.6 light tank that was converted to an ammunition carrier that carried 26 rounds, and it towed a trailer that carried an additional 40 rounds.
Primarily used in North Africa, it failed to make a lasting contribution to the Axis war effort. "
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_Sig-33]
{
Description = "SiG33, a fine example of self-propelled German heavy artillery, was a 150mm field tarack mounted on a modified PzKpfw II chassis. It was widened and lengthened and an additional wheel was added. All were shipped to North Africa in 1942 to the 707 and 708 heavy infantry gun companies. Took part in the Gazala spring offensive.
Its range (over 4500 metres) and huge blast damage makes it very effective against infantry and buildings."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_Sniper]
{
Description = "There was no escape from snipers - they were omnipresent, lethal and almost invisible. Armed with a bolt-action Mauser 98K rifle, they were easily capable of hitting targets from extreme ranges. In WWII they were deployed to vanguard posts in the trenches, and elevated positions in towns, where pickin off officers or disabling important vehicles could make a real difference. Snipers, despite their extreme firing range have a very long reload time, making them vulnerable from close."
Special = "Improved detection, and range of fire"
}
[ax_StugIIID]
{
Description = "Stug III was one of a series of assault guns/tank destroyers produced by the Germans during the war. Assault guns were easier, cheaper and less time consuming to produce than turreted tanks and that is why German factories built them in large numbers. Ausf G was cheaper than both PzKpfw III Ausf M and PzKpfw IV Ausf F2. It is interesting to see that almost four Ausf Gs could be purchased for the cost of single King Tiger.
Ausf A was followed by improved Ausf B, C, D and E, all armed with a shorter 75mm gun. All versions featured number of modifications specific to vehicles that followed them in production. Early Stugs remained in active service until mid 1943."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[ax_Tiger]
{
Description = "WWII's most feared German armored unit was the Tiger heavy tank.
Due to the events on the Russian front, fieliding a heavy variant of the Panzer IV became a first priority for German High Command. Initially set to premiere on 20 April, 1942 (Hitler's birthday), several prototypes were considered during June, and production started in August of the same year.
The firepower of the Tiger's 88mm main gun was immense, while its thick armor made it almost immune to enemy fire. Due to its weight and enormous fuel consumption it wasn't too mobile in battle To counter this drawback, it was escorted by Panzer IIIs and IVs that practically 'cut up' meat for the hungry Tiger.
20 Tigers were deployed to the North African Theater. If battling on suitable ground, they were capable of immense destruction - even the enemy admired their might. According to official calculations it took five of the most advanced Shermans to kill a Tiger, the most admirable fighting machine of the war."
; Special = "Special here, like hauling"
}
[axh_Hartman]
{
Description = "Erich von Hartmann
German hero of Afrika Korps, son of Lothar von Hartmann, former combat aviator & gentleman warrior from the old school of Prussian officerdom.
Serving alongside Manfred von Richthofen in JASTA 11, Lothar was crippled in aerial combat over British lines on 6 June1917. With 29 confirmed kills and a single Ordre Pour le MeritΘ for his troubles, he is one of the few surviving aces of the Red Baron's Fliegende Zirkus. An embittered man and a rigid - but not loveless - father, he raised his son to pursue a military career. As a member of the German team, he was a tough competitor of Gregory Sinclair during the 1936 Olympics.
Erich is an accomplished officer of Guderian's 2nd Panzer Army. Having seen heavy action in Poland and decorated with the KCO, he was transferred to Panzergruppe Afrika in late 1940."
