88mm (Germany)
| Length | 500cm / 197in |
| Weight | 4985kg / 10,989lb |
| Calibre | 88mm / 3.46in |
| Range | 14,815m / 48,605ft |
The so-called 88 is probably the most revered artillery piece of World War II. Starting life as an anti-aircraft gun in 1933 (designated the Flak 18), the 88 proved both extremely accurate and highly versatile. Tried during the Spanish Civil War, it was soon discovered that the powerful 88 could be used as an effective anti-tank weapon by firing it on a flat line-of-sight trajectory. Rommel’s Africa Corps put this into effect with devastating results against the Allies in the North African campaign.
The high power and long range meant the 88 could be deadly at distances four times longer than Allied tanks could reach. With the 88 and an experienced crew firing up to 20 rounds a minute, the Allied tanks needed to cover a lot of hostile ground before they reached a range from which they could retaliate.
The artillery piece was mounted on a cruciform platform, which enabled the gun to be turned 360 degrees and featured a maximum 90 degree elevation. The gun was normally towed behind a half-track vehicle, which also carried the gun crew and ammunition. The 88 was such a powerful weapon that it was also mounted into armour such as the Panzer VI Tiger heavy tank. The effectiveness of this combination achieved legendary status from Russia to Normandy.
Image: Private collection
