IJN Escort Type Hei Minesweeper 0216In an attempt to regain some measure of convoy protection, the IJN built over 170 Kaibkan (ocean defence ships). They came in four main classes: "Type A" Etorofu class and "Type B" Mikura class, these were taking too much time to build so by June 1943 the Navy ordered a simplified design. The result was the Ukuru class, and a scaled down model of the Mikura class, which became the "Type C" (Hei) and "Type D" escort classes. The Type C (Hei), like the
The American C-47 Skytrain (Dakota to RAF) was a militarised redesign of the civilian DC-3 airliner
weapons and accoutrements per frame
plus His-oo-san-chees - The Little Spaniard (left)
like all German tank destroyers
" Irish regiments in French service
along with one in four of the men
As Dresden’s Rift technology scientists looked to enhance the weaponry they were creating they trialed a towed Schwerefeld Projektor to look at its suitability in infantry formations
Perfect for cutting out miniature bits from a frame
Crewed by a couple of specialists and a team of labourers who had to swab the gun and haul it back into position after each shot
helping demolish the garrison of the old citadel
as part of the elite Szent László Division
With 200mm of armour and weighing an astonishing 188 metric tons
