155mm M1A1 Howitzer: Barrel Burst on Enubuj Island

(U.S. Army Signal Corps)

     The job of artillerymen, from the 12th. century when cannons were first introduced to modern times, still comes with considerable risk. While counter-battery fire, aerial bombardment, and enemy ground attacks are known risks which have a measure of risk mitigation, a more frightening aspect of crewing and firing cannons is the barrel burst. This is graphically illustrated by this photograph of a U.S. Army 155mm M1A1 howitzer belonging to the 7th. Infantry Division.

     The photograph was taken on Enubuj Island which U.S. military planners named Carlson in preparation for Operation Flintlock. This was the nine phase taking of the Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls from the Japanese. The invasion commenced on January 31, 1944 and the 7th. Infantry Division was tasked with taking the islands of Ennylabegan (Carlos), Gea (Carter), Ninni (Cecil), and Enubuj (Carlson). The mission was to sweep the islands of Japanese forces and set up artillery firing positions to support the landings which were to occur elsewhere on the atolls the following day. The four islands made up a portion of the Kwajalein Atoll. The islands were not wide, typically being only a half a mile in width. This made it impossible for the Japanese to defend in depth and so the Japanese situated the bulk of their forces to repel an ocean-side landing. The landings on the four islands were swift and the men of the 7th. Infantry Division were able to quickly dislodge and eliminate what few Japanese defenders there were. However, the main island of Kwajalein held the majority of the Japanese defenders, 5,000 in all, which were drawn from the 1st. Amphibious Brigade and 2nd. Mobile Battalion. The U.S. had learned from earlier assaults against Japanese held islands and unleashed a massive bombardment of the islands prior to the launch of the assault forces. Ships from the U.S. Navy's Southern Attack Force moved closer to Japanese positions and utilized armor-piercing shells in order to penetrate heavily dug-in Japanese positions while Consolidated B-24 bombers flying out of Apamama Atoll added their bomb payloads to the artillery bombardment coming from Enubuj (Carlson) Island. The effect was devastating to the Japanese troops and the landings on Red 1 and Red 2 Beaches kicked off at 0930 on February 1, 1944 with the 7th. Infantry Division making significant progress, in part as the landings were made on the atoll side, not the ocean side as the LVTs and tanks were able to travel over the coral reefs. Despite repeated Japanese counterattacks, Kwajalein Island was declared fully secure on February 5, 1944 though the fighting was more or less over by February 3, 1944.

     During the four days of combat, the 7th. Infantry Division lost 142 men, suffered 845 wounded, with 2 missing in action. Of the Japanese, 4,300 perished with only 166 being taken prisoner. Unfortunately, the gun crew for this M1A1 howitzer were counted in those 142 men killed. Burst barrels can be caused by metal fatigue in the gun but most often, the cause is a problem with the shell itself. Examination of the damage to the M1 indicates the latter to be the case. A problem with the shell such as poor construction, metallurgy variance, or some other production defect can cause the shell to explode within the barrel with dreadful effects, especially here as the shell burst just barely beyond the breech rather then further down the barrel. The shrapnel caused by the shredded metal of the gun created by the explosion only compounded to the tragedy.

     As a side note, the M1 was redesignated as the M114 in 1962 and while it is no longer in service with the U.S. Army, the M114 is still used by a number of nations around the world. The largest users of the M114 include Greece, Brazil, Pakistan, and Turkey.

Obermaschinist Rudolf Zölk: eBay Auction Misinformation

     If one isn't careful, eBay is a place in which sellers unintentionally or intentionally misrepresent the merchandise they offer. This particular photograph is one of those cases. The seller listed the name as Rudolf Zölk, holding the rank of Kapitän zur See (literally Captain at Sea) on the submarine U-123. At $3.99, the reproduction of the genuine photograph isn't too bad except that Zölk was not a line officer. To boost the eyes on the auction and entice sales, the seller included the word “Hardegen” and this was in reference to the actual captain of U-123, Korvettenkapitän Reinhard Hardegen. Hardegen was one of the more successful U-boat captains and during his command which ran from May 19, 1941 to July 31, 1942, 221 total days at sea, he sank 22 ships totaling 115,656 gross register tonnage sent to the bottom. 19 of these ships were torpedoed off the U.S. east coast and in Canadian waters.

     Returning to Zölk, he held the rank of Obermaschinist and this can be told by his schulterstücke (shoulderboards). The pointed shape of the schulterstücke denoted a sailor within the Unteroffiziere mit Portepee ranks which, more or less, was the U.S. Navy equivalent to Petty Officers. Zölk's specific rank is shown by the two rank pips which was the equivalent to a Senior Chief Petty Officer. His naval profession, that of machinist, was denoted by a cypher situated between the two pips. It consisted of a anchor with the anchor's shaft running between two stylized gears. As a machinist on U-123, his duty tasks included the maintenance and repair propulsion equipment, auxiliary equipment, boilers, pumps, engines, and even mess equipment such as refrigerators, stoves, etc. In addition to being able to maintain and fix such equipment, he also had to know how to operate it.

     As far as awards, Zölk was certainly well decorated. From his awards, U-123 was certainly not his first duty station. This is told by the Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-, U-Boot-Jagd- und Sicherungsverbände (Minesweepers, Sub-Chasers and Escort-Vessel War Badge). This was awarded to those men that served on minesweeper ships and could be received under several conditions including simply serving on such a ship for 25 days of escort duty all the way to earning the badge for his ship being sunk from enemy action. The badge represented a geyser of water rising from waves, surrounded by a gold wreath. Above this badge is the U-Boot-Kriegsabzeichen (U-Boat War Badge) and this was typically earned by being part of two war patrols with each patrol sometimes lasting months at sea. Above that badge, and having the highest order of precedence, is the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (Iron Cross 1st. Class). Zölk has three ribbons but of the three, the only one which is identifiable is the Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung (Long Service Award). This was a blue ribbon which had a eagle (adler) device affixed to it. If only by the appearance of the eagle, it may be the second lowest grade which was for 12 years of service. Through the buttonhole is the ribbon for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd. Class). However, the most notable award is that of the Spanien-Kreuz (Spanish Cross) which is partially visible. This meant that Zölk likely served on one of the Kriegsmarine ships dispatched to Spain as part of Nordseegruppe (North Sea Group) during the Spanish Civil War. German forces were active in the conflict from July 29, 1936 through May 26, 1939.

     On May 17, 1944, Zölk was awarded the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (German Cross in Gold) and because this decoration is not shown on his uniform in this image, we can date the photograph to sometime earlier. This prestigious award was received for repeated acts of valor or multiple outstanding achievements.

 

SS-Rottenführer: SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 "Deutschland"

     A studio portrait of a SS-Rottenführer belonging to the SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 3 "Deutschland" which was a part of the 2. SS-Panzerdivision "Das Reich". His rank is denoted by the sleeve chevron while his unit affiliation is evidenced by the cuff title on the sleeve of his feldbluse. Speaking of the feldbluse, he is wearing Die Feldbluse Modell 1936, often called the M36 feldbluse by modern collectors and the more evident features of the M36 included the dark blue-green collar, the three-pointed pocket flaps, and the box pleats on the pockets themselves. Despite being a pre-World War Two feldbluse, it continued to be worn during the early war years. However, the M36 was superceeded by the Feldbluse Modell 1940, or M40, which did away with the blue-green collar and replaced it with a collar using the same feldgrau (“field gray“) color as the rest of the feldbluse. Interestingly, some soldiers liked the look of the M36 and kept it for as long as possible or modified later feldbluse by stitching a salvaged collar from a M36 over the existing collar. The piping on his uniform's shoulderboards (schulterstücke) as well as the piping on his uniform cap (schirmmütze) is white, the waffenfarbe (meaning, corps or branch color) for infantry and panzergrenadiers. Speaking of the schirmmütze, it was a popular piece of headgear for NCOs (non-commissioned officers) who often removed the cap spring which kept the rigidity of the schirmmütze. This allowed it to be shaped by wear, giving it a “crushed“ look which became a sign of a veteran soldier. Given the pinched appearance of this man's cap on either side of the metal eagle, it is evidence that he has taken the spring out though he may have primped the cap up to make it more regulation appearing for this formal photograph.

     On the right upper pocket is a signal whistle, something often carried by NCOs who led men into battle. The whistle is tucked into the pocket with only the lanyard visible. A loop on one end of the lanyard secured it around the pocket's button. For decorations, he has earned the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd. Class) whose ribbon has been sewn through the feldbluse's button hole. On his upper left pocket is the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (Iron Cross 1st. Class), Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen (Infantry Assault Badge), and a Verwundetenabzeichen 3. Klasse (Wound Badge 3rd. Class) as evidenced by it being painted black. The single ribbon seen above the left pocket is most likely the Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 (Winter Battle in the East 1941–42 Medal). This particular award is more often called the Ostmedaille (Eastern Medal) by collectors but during the war, given it was earned by seeing combat on the Eastern Front, German troops called it the “Gefrierfleischorden“ which meant “Order of the Frozen Meat“. This was because one of the ways to get the medal was to suffer a frozen limb which was severe enough to warrant being awarded a Wound Badge.

 

Private First Class Floyd L. Rogers: Sniper Killing BAR Gunner

     Private First Class Floyd L. Rogers of C Company, 38th. Infantry Regiment, 2nd. Infantry Division poses for a photographer somewhere in the north of France on June 29, 1944. Rogers was part of a heavy weapons platoon, led by Technical Sergeant Frank Kwiatek. Kwiatek had a score to settle with the Germans when one of his two brothers, Ted Kwiatek, was killed in action during the combat in Sicily, having served as a gunner in a tank crew. A few weeks later, his other brother, Jerry, was killed during the battles in Italy proper. Kwiatek was featured in an article by Sgt. Walter Peters in Yank magazine where he discussed his methods for dealing with German snipers which were a ever present threat as the Allies moved through France. Included in the article was mention of Rogers. Rogers was born on November 29, 1919 in Rising Star, Texas and at the time of the photograph, he was 24.

     There appears to be some confusion on the number of kills Rogers was credited with. Most sources give a count of 27 and this appears to be confirmed in General Orders No.32 issued through the 2nd. Infantry Division headquarters in 1944 when Rogers was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in actions which took place on June 11, 1944 in France. Interestingly, it was said Rogers was part of the Rangers which suggests that he had been selected to attend the Ranger Battle Training Course. Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) from select infantry regiments, which included the 38th. Infantry Regiment, attended the two month course at Camp McCoy (in Wisconsin) that started on April 12, 1943 and concluded on June 5, 1943 and graduates from the course were sent back to the units they came from albeit far more highly trained and adding capable NCO leadership to those units. Thus, while Rogers likely received this specialized Ranger training, he was not a part of any of the Ranger battalions created during World War Two. Returning to the Silver Star, this is the third highest award a soldier can receive for valor in combat. The 2nd. Infantry Division, in total, had 741 personnel decorated with the Silver Star during World War Two.

     It is said that Rogers used his M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) to vanquish the 27 men which had all been called snipers. The BAR was not a new weapon, having been introduced into service in 1918 and being first blooded in combat on September 13, 1918 in the hands of the 79th. Infantry Division. Typically chambered for the .30-06 Springfield round, the BAR usually used a 20-round magazine and it was deployed as a light machine gun. The U.S. Army did not issue the BAR in large numbers until 1938 when it began to be used as a squad automatic weapon. By World War Two, the main BAR model in use was the M1918A2 though earlier models were also issued to meet the soldier's demand for the hard hitting weapon. Some debate whether or not some of the men Rogers killed were genuine snipers as the BAR was not exactly conductive to precision shooting. It was not uncommon for the Germans to leave behind one or two soldiers to harass Allied troops. The trained and skilled snipers typically were found in German companies, battalions, and other higher echelon formations. At the platoon level, some German soldiers were given the designation of sniper but had no formal training at all. Other Germans who may have been encountered alone or in pairs included artillery forward observers and reconnaissance troops. While not taking away from Rogers' accomplishments, it is possible that some of those in his kill score were not specifically snipers.

     Of interest is that Rogers is wearing a helmet cover made of German Buntfarbenaufdruck 31 (literally “Colorful Print 31”) camouflage material. More commonly known as Splittermuster (“Splinter Pattern”), it was introduced in 1931 and continued in use throughout World War Two. The camouflage was mainly used for zeltbahn, tarnhemd (smocks), and tarnhelmüberzug (helmet covers). Rogers likely used a swath taken from a smock or zeltbahn to fashion his helmet cover. Also, he has removed his rank from the sleeves as evidenced by the loose threads where the rank patches would have been. He carries a total of twelve magazines for his BAR (not including the one in the weapon) and a Mk.2 fragmentation grenade is also visible. Finally, he has the M1910 entrenching tool but has cut down the shaft, eliminating the T-handle end.

     PFC Rogers did not survive the war. On July 12, 1944, he was killed in action. It was the very same day he posted his Silver Star to his mother, Anne Belle Rogers. He was returned to Rising Star, Texas and was buried in the Rising Star Cemetery in Rising Star, Eastland County off County Road 273.

     As for Frank Kwiatek, he survived the war, having a kill score of 38. Later, in 1947, at the rank of Master Sergeant, he would be decorated with the Medal of Honor for his service.

British Medium Mk. A Whippet: In Japanese Service

     Parallel to the development of British heavy tanks in World War One was the creation of a cavalry tank that could exploit any breakthroughs made by the heavier tanks. Work began on the new tank in October 1916 with metal being cut on the prototype on December 21, 1916. The work was completed on February 3, 1917 and trails commenced on March 3, 1917. Following the demonstration of the tank, given the designation Medium Mark A but nicknamed the Whippet, an order of 200 examples was given with the first to be delivered on July 31, 1917.

     Originally, the Whippet was given a rotating turret off an Austin armored car but this was dropped in favor of a fixed, rear mounted turret. Armament consisted of four, ball-mounted .303 Hotchkiss machine-guns, one on each face of the turret. The Whippet was powered by two 4-cylinder Tylor Twin engines, each driving one set of tracks. In addition, each engine had its own gearbox and transmission which could be locked together when the tank was driving in a straight line. This rather complex drive train required significant training on the part of the driver in order to master the handling of the tank. In order to turn the Whippet, the transmissions had to be uncoupled and one engine revved up and the other powered down in order to effect the change in direction. The driver was provided with a steering wheel whose mechanism automatically adjusted the engines accordingly. In practice, the gradual steering often failed, causing the tank to veer off course. Drivers, knowing the problems with the regular steering mechanism, would use the brakes to effect turns or would bring the tank to a halt, lock a track side, then turn which sometimes led to the Whippet throwing or breaking a track due to the jerky motions. For armor, the Whippet had a maximum of 14mm which was proof against German armor-piercing ammunition as used in their machine-guns and small arms though it was completely vulnerable to anti-tank guns and artillery. In terms of speed, the Whippet could muster a top speed of 8mph which was double that of the main British heavy tank, the Mark IV. The Whippet had a three man crew that consisted of the commander, the driver, and the gunner. The latter had his work cut out for him given he had to man four weapons within the confines of the turret. In some cases, the commander would assist or a second gunner was crammed into the fighting compartment.

     Following World War One, the Whippet was eventually replaced by the Medium Mark B and Medium Mark C which left examples of the Whippet as surplus and at this stage, the Japanese entered the picture. As Japan sought to modernize its military in the 1920s, it did so in three major ways. The first was to send personnel abroad to the major military powers (like Britain and France) to study the military technology of those countries. The second way was for Japanese companies to hire foreign engineers and designers and the third way was to purchase foreign designs with which to study. When World War One ended, the Japanese looked to Britain and France to purchase tanks. The first order was for a single Mark IV heavy tank (some sources state a Mark V tank) while a second purchase, done in 1919, was for six Medium Mark A Whippet tanks along with thirteen Renault FT light tanks (called the Ko-Gata Sensha in Japanese service). The photograph shows one of the Japanese Whippet tanks being demonstrated before a crowd of military personnel.

     The Whippet tanks the Japanese obtained were production models as evidenced by the four mud chutes on the tank as the prototypes had five. Exhaust smoke from the engine is obscuring some of the features of the tank but the fixed turret is evident though devoid of any armament. It is possible that the demonstration was done soon after the Whippets were received in Japan as the original British white/red/white identification striping on the front of the tracks is still visible. Later photographs of the Whippets do not show this and stars were added to the front of the hull which suggests the tanks had been later repainted. The Japanese retained the Whippets in service until 1929 but by then, Japanese industry was already developing their own indigenous tank, the Type 87 Chi-I medium tank.