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Classic Weapons of World War II

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Artillery

Field guns

Field guns | Heavy artillery

Field artillery served a vital role in World War II. Areas could be softened up before an attack or, when the artillery moved and set up in stages to hold the front lines within range, field guns could be called in at any time by frontline troops to offer support when they faced heavy opposition or counter attacks.

Different types of projectile were fired, from high explosive and covering smoke to anti-aircraft and armour-piercing, anti-tank rounds. The guns could also be used in many different tactical ways, from direct, line-of-sight fire to howitzer-style lobs, which could place rounds behind obstacles such as buildings.

Using easily concealed, large-bore artillery, which could be called in from great ranges, often proved decisive in battle.

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