Treni blindati

Blue Sky · 15 Dicembre 2008

Trains in WWII

Type90 240mm Railway Cannon The Japanese Army used this in Futtsu Fortress of Chiba Prefecture.

15 Dicembre 2008

Questo sgorbio non dovrebbe essere mai apparso. Quelli sotto, invece, sono draisins polacchi spariti in un altro post mio, sto tentando di recuperarli un po' alla volta.

Armoured train nr. 3 "Huragan"

Poor photo of armoured train nr. 3 - from the left: a flat car, the armoured wagon with Wirbelwind turret, a locomotive series Tw12 and two armoured wagons. The soldiers are armed with 7.62mm DP LMG's.

Armoured train nr. 3 was created in October 1946. Its commander was Lt. Władysław Indyk. In 1947, like other trains, it was based in Zagórz and used in combat against UPA. In 1948 the train was in the SOK Officer School in Toruń. The name "Huragan" means the Hurricane.

Initial composition (approximate):

unarmoured heavy freight locomotive series Ty2 (ex-German standard wartime locomotive series (Br) 52 "Kriegslok"), or Ty42 (the same, but built in Poland after the war). Axle arrangement: 1'E (1-5-0, wheel arrangement 2-10-0), 4-axle tender. Twin steam engine, working on superheated steam (1'E-h2).

2 - 3 armoured infantry wagons, 2-axle, numbers: 0870001, 0870002, 0870150 (see the drawing below).

Wagon nr. 0870001 was most probably former German non-standard infantry wagon with AA-gun emplacement. In Polish service it was equipped with a searchlight.

Wagon nr. 0870002 was probably ex-German one. On a painting from the late 40's, one part of this wagon has nr. 0870002 painted, while the second part has nr. 0870154 (?) - it is not clear. In Polish service the wagon was equipped with a searchlight.

The silhouettes of both wagons on the drawing below were corrected by PIBWL.

2 flat cars

Later composition:

Partially armoured freight locomotive series Tw12 (ex-Austrian series kkStB 80) - axle arrangement: E (0-5-0, wheel arrangement 0-10-0), 3-axle tender. Steam engine: 2-cylinder, twin or compound, working on superheated steam (E-h2 or E-h2v). They were built since 1909. Length without tender: 11.1 m, heigth - 4.57 m. Improvised partial armour added in Poland?

2 armoured infantry wagons, 2-axle, nos: 0870001 and 0870002 (as above)

armoured wagon, ex-German, 2-axle.

It was German variation of a typical artillery and anti-aircraft wagon (Artillerie und Flakwagen) of German construction, type BP-42 or BP-44. The typical wagons of this kind were armed with a quadruple 20mm AA gun Flakvierling-38 with a protective shield, while this one is fitted with a turret of "Wirbelwind" self-propelled AA gun. The turret sides were armoured with 10mm armour, the top was open, and it was armed with the same quadruple 20mm AA gun Flakvierling-38.

The drawing on the right is a reconstruction by PIBWL (corrected on 02.03.2002). The wagon also had an artillery turret in its lower part, armed with 76.2mm field gun (type BP-42 - drawing) or 105mm howitzer (type BP-44). The wagon had 6 MG ports and a few rifle ports in the sides and corners. It is not known, if the wagon still had artillery weapon and AA gun in Polish service. Possibly it was armed with MG's and rifles only and employed as an infantry wagon.

Total weight - about 34 t, armour: 15-30mm.

2 flat cars

Modificato 15 Dicembre 2008 da intruder

15 Dicembre 2008

Armoured Trains and Railways of Finnish Civil War

1^a parte

Few words about the terms used. When "White Army" in mentioned without specifying the nationality it is Finnish White Army and likewise meaning of Red Guards is Finnish Red Guards. Also in this text the Reds and The Whites also mean Finnish Reds and Finnish Whites. To be exact the Reds often had Russian or few fighting among them, but otherwise you can assume that "the Reds" in this text means Finnish Reds. The term used about Russian Reds in this text is Bolsheviks. Place names used in the text are the ones, which were used during this War. Finnish Civil War is still somewhat delicate subject. I know that all my fellow countrymen don't even agree calling this war "Civil War", but that is what it technically was. I also think it's the most impartial term possible in English about this war, which also why I use it. The source materials about this war are far from good and as nobody has written a book about Finnish armoured trains the information had to be gathered from variety of sources (which are listed in the last page). Okay, now its time for me stop and let you to read about the actual subject before I am boring you stiff.

First time armoured trains were used in Finland was during Finnish Civil War (January - May of 1918). Building of Finnish railway network had been started with Helsinki - Hämeenlinna railway in year 1862 and by year 1918 the most important parts of Finnish railway network were already finished. Mainly the Finnish railroad network included three important north-south railway lines and two east-west railway lines. Viipuri - St. Peterburg railway connected the Finnish railway network to other parts of Russian railway network. The other end of Finnish railway network was Oulu - Tornio railway ending to Swedish border completed year 1903. However as Finnish railway network was built to standard (60-inch/152.4-cm) Russian railway-gauge unlike Swedish railways the trains could not cross the Swedish border. The railway-gauge was not the only way in which the Russian influence was visible in Finnish network. Railway network of Finnish Grand Dutch had not been build merely for commercial motives - the railway network offered Russian military effective tool for troop transports to Finland during possible invasion or internal disturbances. Railway line Helsinki - St. Peterburg was finished in year 1870, but at that time Finnish railway connection ended to Finnish station in St. Peterburg and wasn't yet connected to railways coming from another parts of the Empire. This changed year 1913, when the railroad bridge crossing Neva-river was finished, from that on Russian troop transport trains were able to get into Finnish Grand Duchy without hassle of disembarking from one train and re-embarking their troops to another train in St. Peterburg/Petrograd. Another Finnish railway line build for needs of Russian military was inland east-west railway-line Vaasa - Haapamäki - Pieksämäki - Elisenvaara finished in 1917. The way Russian military saw it earlier Helsinki - St. Peterburg/Petrograd railway was too close to the coast and another railway-line located more inland was required for train transports to be safe from attacks, which the enemy might done from the sea. Rather ironically during Finnish Civil War Vaasa - Haapamäki - Pieksämäki - Elisenvaara railway largely benefited White Army, which ousted Russian military from Finland. Without this inland railway, which was completed just before Finnish Civil War, the war might have ended quite differently.

Once Finnish Civil War begun in end of January 1918 the frontlines formed to line Ahlainen - Vilppula - Mäntyharju - Antrea - Rautu. This divided Finland to two parts: Middle and northern Finland were controlled by White Army while Red Guards controlled Southern Finland. Even if area controlled by White Army had more area and population the area controlled by Red Guards had largest cities (with large harbours), the main parts of railway network, majority of railroad stock and most of industry. These advantages should have given Finnish Reds a very favourable situation, but because large part of railroad personnel refusing to work for them and lack of discipline among their troops they failed to use railroads effectively during the war. Maybe the most visible example to show lack of discipline and it results came with the tendency of Red Guards units sent to the frontline to keep the trains they had been transported to front with for their accommodation. Because this misuse tied large amounts of rolling stock the Reds actually faced shortage of available trains before end of the war. The railroads offered main route of transporting troops and supplies for the Armies of both sides. The three main north-south railway lines (Pohjanmaa railway, Savo railway and Karelian railway) all went through the frontlines, so they were natural routes of attack on which the armoured trains were used during the war. The Helsinki - Petrograd railway line going along the southern coast was vital offered vital route of supply for Red Guards, while the inland Vaasa - Elisenmäki east-west railway line finished just in 1917 was equally important for transports of the White Army. However the railroad lines also contained Achilles' heel for each side as the both sides could threat railway connections of each other. Haapamäki railway crossroads vitally important to White Army was very close to Vilppula frontline and only route for Red Guard to get supplies by land from the Russian Bolsheviks was the east-west coastal railway going through Viipuri.

In addition of other railway equipment in beginning of the war all largest railway depots where located in area controlled by the Reds (or their Bolshevik supporters). These included following railway depots: Viipuri (141 men), Pasila (69 men), Petrograd (47 men) and Riihimäki (39 men).

The whole Finnish civil war was for a large part started by arrival of one especially signifact train - the socalled great weapons train (suuri asejuna). 27th of January it 1918 arrived from Petrograd bringing Finnish Red Guards large part of the weaponry needed for starting their armed rebellion against democratically elected government. What is known cargo of this train included: 15,000 rifles, 30 machineguns, some 2 million rounds of ammunition for rifles and machineguns, ten 76-mm field guns, six boxcars of artillery ammunition and two armoured cars.

Due to season (winter) and shortages of equipment both sides were very much tied to the existing railroad and road networks. As a result the battles were mainly fought along the railroads and roads. Finnish Civil War was fought between end of January to mid-May, which means it started at winter and ended at spring. Neither side had tents, so in middle of winter troops of both sides had to rely existing buildings to get shelter for night. Because of this the battles were fought to capture or keep some village or town even more often than usual. During winter the existing roads were covered in snow, but this wasn't much a problem as both sides used horse-towed sledges as their transport and supplies vehicles. Only very small number of motor vehicles existed in Finland during the war and in snow covered roads their usefulness was very limited. Both sides had some cavalry units, while among Reds the riding horses often served also as status symbols of their leaders. White side had also few small units of bicycle troops, but one can only question if they actually really used their bikes in snow-covered roads. While the situation would have been pretty much ideal for large units of ski-infantry, which would have been less dependent of roads and would have had better mobility, such units were quite rare on both sides. While the Finns had ski-infantry during Swedish era the Russian military never developed specialised ski units and as the result even beside the traditions the whole idea seem to have been largely forgotten until reintroduced in 1920's.

THE TRAINS

In Finnish Civil War Red Guards and Russians were the ones mostly using armoured trains. During the war they had about 10 armoured trains in their use, while most of the war White Army had only one somewhat proper armoured train. The reasons for this were relatively simple. As Red Guards had the railway connection to their Bolshevik ally, they could ask Russian armour trains from Bolsheviks as their support and they did. The industry in area controlled by the Reds included also the only two railway machine works - Fredriksberg Engineering Works (Fredriksbergin konepaja) in Helsinki and Viipuri Engineering Works (Viipurin konepaja) in Viipuri. These two Engineering Works allowed them to build armoured trains of they own. And they most certainly put this capacity to use. However the two Engineering Works were not similar - the capacity of Fredriksberg Works was much larger than what the Viipuri works. During the Civil War the Reds were able to armour 6 - 7 steam locomotives and 12 - 13 flatcars (O-type wagons) in Fredriksberg plus 2 steam locomotives and 2 flatcars (O-type wagons) in Viipuri. Knowing the situation it is easy to see why Fredriksberg Engineering Works located in Vallila of Helsinki was so very important for the Reds - without it number of their armoured trains would have been much smaller. However the Engineering Works had also their internal problems with this. Large part of employees in Fredriksberg Works supported Reds (it has been estimated that at least about third of emplyees in there were Reds), but the engineers belonging to executive branch of the Engineering Works did not. Middle management of the Engineering Works was divided, with part of the supporting Reds. The Reds absolutely needed some of the engineers to work for them as the usual workers lacked the skills and experience required for planning armoured trains. In Fredriksberg Works the Reds solved this problem by forcing vital members of executive personnel to work for them, while in Viipuri they succeeded finding engineer, who was willing to help them constructing armoured trains. Fredriksberg Engineering Works was one of the first places, where companies of Helsinki Red Guard were were formed in 1918. The Company number of its Red Guards company was I-I-I (First company of First Battalion of First Regiment) of Helsinki Red Guards.

ARMOURED TRAINS OF THE REDS BUILD IN FINLAND

In hierarchy of Finnish Reds Rautatieneuvosto (Railway council) was the organisation, which ordered manufacturing of armoured trains. The first order it placed to Fredriksberg Engineering Works was for armouring of 4 - 6 locomotives and "suitable amount of wagons" was made already in 1st of February 1918 and building of the 1st armoured train started only six days later 7th of February. This first armoured train was completed in less than a month. Building of the 2nd armoured train started 19th of February. Fredriksberg Works successfully completed all the first four trains in early March and once the crews had been gathered for them the armoured trains left towards the frontlines. 7th of March Rautatieneuvosto placed second order for 3 additional armoured trains for Fredriksberg Works, but only one of these three trains were completed and sent to battle before German Ostsee Division assisting Finnish White Army arrived and captured Helsinki in 12th - 13th of April. Just two days before arrival of the Germans to Helsinki the Reds sent one of the two remaining uncompleted armoured trains to Viipuri for to be finished there in Viipuri Engineering Works. The Finnish Reds seem to have named the armoured trains they manufactured in Fredriksberg by naming them with numbers. Finnish books and articles know these armoured trains as armoured trains 1 - 6.

One of the old buildings of Frediksberg (later Pasila) Engineering Works. The buildings of this Engineering Works basically cover a whole city block in Vallila of Helsinki.

The armouring methods used in the both Engineering Works seem to have been the same. The artillery wagons were built from 4-axle O-series wagons (flatcars), which had 20-ton capacity. Steel or iron plates were riveted at sides and both ends of these flatcars and their attachment was reinforced with angle irons. Portholes for small arms and machineguns were added to both sides and ends of the wagon. The source artillery pieces the Reds used as main weaponry of their armoured trains seem to have been Russian Naval arsenal in Helsinki, which the Red Guards and their Bolshevik supporters had taken over. Much of the artillery weapons used as armament for the armoured trains build in Fredriksberg Works had likely been earlier used in Russian war ships, many of which had been re-equipped with better naval guns after Russian - Japanese War of 1904 - 1905. While large part of these used naval guns had been placed in coastal defences, some seem to have still been in Naval Arsenal in beginning of Civil War.

Armoured trains armed with Fredriksberg Works were equipped with following naval/coastal guns:

(37-mm Maxim automatic cannon - uncertain if used?)

47-mm Hotchkiss naval/coastal gun

57-mm Hotchkiss and Nordfelt naval/coastal gun

75-mm Canet naval/coastal gun

One of the armoured trains build for Finnish Red Guards in Fredriksberg Engineering Works in Helsinki. Artillery armament of this particular train are two 75-mm Canet naval/coastal guns which are in its artillery wagons. Photo source Karjala Vapaussodassa 2, page 84 (published 1934).

The fixed column-type naval mounts of these guns were simply bolted to floor or the platform of the railway wagon and they were fired over the armour plating. Floors of the artillery wagons were wood, but seem to have been reinforced for this use. Two basic versions of artillery armament existed - either the artillery wagon had two 47-mm or 57-mm naval guns or just one 75-mm naval gun. Each of the artillery wagons could also have up to four machineguns, but sometimes less when they were not available in such a large numbers. Even if these artillery wagons were partially without roof of any kind, they gave their crews reasonably good protection against rifle-calibre fire while they had enough firepower to typically provide the armoured train local firepower superiority. Those artillery wagons equipped with two 47-mm or 57-mm guns seem to have had less extensive roof than the version equipped with one 75-mm gun, which seem to have had roof covering most of the wagon, but it is not known for sure if this roof provided just protection against weather or if it was made from armour plates. Considering this partially open top attacking past high hills with enemy infantry in them could have been a bad idea - the open top left crew vulnerable for bullets fired from above. Locomotives, which the Finnish Reds armoured for their armoured trains were armoured very much the same way. They selected suitable locomotive and covered its sides with armour plating. However the quality and thickness of steel/iron plates used to armour both wagons and locomotives build by the Reds see to have varied considerably. Typically the thickness of armour plates used in armoured trains that the Finnish Reds build seem to have varied around 10 - 15 millimetres. No certainty exists about source of these plates either, but Russian Naval Arsenal could well be the main source, as it seems to have supplied also the artillery pieces used in them. Armoured trains were the largest weapons systems build in Finland for Civil War. Building each armoured train in Fredriksberg demanded some 30 tons of steel, bar iron and other raw materials. The completed armoured train weight estimated 100 - 130 tons.

Photo taken from top of a artillery wagon build for Finnish Red Guards in Fredriksberg Engineering Works. This particular wagon has one 47-mm naval gun and one 57-mm naval gun as its main armament. Notice differences in designs of gun shields. Photo source Vapaussota Kuvissa 1 (published 1934).

Example of typical artillery wagon equipped with two 47-mm or 57-mm naval guns made in Fredriksberg Works at 1918. The colour these were painted is actually now known, but green (as used by Russian Army) seems like a good guess.

Another example of typical artillery wagon equipped with one 75-mm Canet naval gun build by Fredriksberg Works at 1918. The colour these were painted is actually now known, but green (as used by Russian Army) seems like a good guess

Modificato 15 Dicembre 2008 da intruder

15 Dicembre 2008

Armoured Trains and Railways of Finnish Civil War

2^a parte

Structure of the typical Fredriksberg-build Red armoured trains seems to have been:

1. Flatcar

2. Armoured artillery wagon (1 - 2 guns + machineguns)

3. Armoured locomotive

4. Armoured artillery wagon (1 - 2 guns + machineguns)

5. Flatcar

If needed additional closed wagons could be attached between locomotive and artillery wagons for transporting additional infantry, supplies or equipment. During the war the Reds routinely started including also some infantry in their armoured trains and when the train advanced to attack on tracks this infantry advanced on foot in line on both side of the train. Early on all the armoured trains used by Finnish Reds didn't necessarily have the flatcars in their both ends, but when demolishing railway tracks became common way of limiting mobility of armoured trains these flatcars proved more then worth the trouble. Finnish Red Guards typically used old I-series two-axle flatcars in both ends of their Fredriksberg-build armoured trains. During the war the flatcars added in both ends of the train saved trains from derailing more seriously in several occasions.

One of the crews of Finnish Red Guards armoured trains posing in artillery wagon of their armoured train. The particular wagon, in which they are posing is Fredriksberg Works build artillery wagon with one 75-mm Canet naval/coastal gun. Notice one man on the left gripping Maxim-machinegun and gun mount of 75-mm Canet gun on the background. Photo source Karjala Vapaussodassa 2, page 85 (published 1934).

IMPROVISED ARMOURED TRAINS

Besides proper armoured trains both sides equipped and used also improvised armoured trains improvised with chest or shoulder high parapets made from bales of paper, bags of sand, railway sleepers, combination of brick & planks etc. Basically the parapets seem to have been made from materials, which happened to be locally available. In Karelian railway the Reds adopted structure of sides for improvised armoured trains build from two layers of planks and layer of brick between. This structure they got from improvised armoured train of Latvian Riflemen, which shortly took part of fighting there. More detailed information about improvised armoured trains is listed in the other parts listing battles along each railway. However also the first armoured train, which the Reds build in Fredriksberg Works belonged to this category early on. Known as "armoured train of riflemen" it contained:

1. Flatcar with artillery piece.

2. Locomotive (no armour).

3. Ammunition wagon (boxcar).

4. Boxcar with walls "armoured" with planks and portholes build in them.

Later the "plank-armoured" boxcar was united to same train with the lower artillery wagon, which contained one artillery piece, this combined train also had armoured locomotive. It seems that at least in some point this train was also used joined to Russian-build Putilovian artillery wagon as a one combined armoured train.

RUSSIAN ARMOURED TRAINS IN FINLAND

Thanks to their railway connection to Petrograd the Reds also received armoured trains to their support from Russian Bolshevik government. Mid-1917 Russia had only 7 armoured trains and the Bolsheviks started their revolution all the armoured trains were away in the fronts, so early on they had none. Even if the amount of armoured trains in use of Russian Bolsheviks was very limited in beginning of year 1918, they were fast increasing number of their armoured trains. This explains, how they were able to sent several armoured trains to Finland to support Red Guards even if they were fighting a Civil War of their own at the same time. Information about the armoured trains they sent to Finland is bit sketchy, but fairly decent amount is known about the heavy armoured train Partisaani (Partisan) that White Army succeeded capturing in.

Partisaani was a Russian heavy armoured train model 1915. What is known originally name of this train General Annienkov and it was build in Kiev year 1915. General Annienkov had been designed by Staff-Captain Pilsudski and had been used by 2nd Zaamurska Railway Brigade lead by Major-General Kolobov. It has been claimed that this individual armoured train might have been the one, which previous Russian Prime Minister Kerenski had used to escape after Bolshevik revolution. The Bolsheviks succeeded capturing the train in Bologoje in November of 1917 and re-named it as Raskolnikov after Fedor Raskolnikov, who was their leaders in Baltic Fleet and major player in starting of Bolshevik revolution. The Bolsheviks took Raskolnikov to Moscow and from there to Petrograd, from where it seems to have arrived in Finland. It is also possible that the train may have been yet re-named as Partisan before its arrival to Finland, since it is known that Bolsheviks had armoured train of that name and it would explain the name used by Finnish Reds.

It must be noted that at the time Finnish railroad networks was designed mainly for rather light trains and practically all railway lines had only one set of railway tracks. Also Finnish locomotives and railway wagons had been acquired with this in mind. Only Tampere - Helsinki and Helsinki - Pietari railway connections were build for heavy trains, hence heavy armoured train like Partisaani may have not been able to operate elsewhere without risk of getting accidentally derailed. Originally this train had a Russian crew, but after its ammunition wagon was hit in Kavantsaari (Antrea Front in Karelian Railway) 23rd of March it returned to Russia for repairs. After it returned from these repairs its Russian crew was replaced with a new Finnish crew, which was commanded by A. Ryysyläinen.

Russian armoured train Partisaani derailed in Säiniö in Karelian Isthmus. Photo source Suomen vapaussota kuvissa (published 1934).

Both of these trains seem likely had similar structure:

1. Flatcar

2. Artillery wagon (76 K/02 field gun, Maxim machineguns)

3. Locomotive

4. Artillery wagon (76 K/02 field gun, Maxim machineguns)

5. Flatcar

Drawing showing likely structure of Russian armoured train Partisaani.

76 K/02 field gun

As usual with armoured trains this structure allowed the trains to advance and fight effectively both forward and backward, but the maximum firepower could only be against targets located in either side of the train. Both artillery wagons had rotating turrets for their main weapons. Artillery wagons seem to have had 8 loopholes for machineguns (3 in both sides and 1 located each side of the rotating gun turret), but didn't necessary machinegun for each loophole. From these 8 loopholes 6 allowed only shooting targets located side of the train, but the 2 loopholes next to gun turret allowed also shooting along the rail. Also 76 K/02 field gun was set in turret, which had traverse limited to less than 180 degrees. This train seem to have been more heavily armoured then the ones Finnish Reds build in Fredriksberg. Its armour plating seems to have been about 20 millimetres (0.79 inch) thick. However this wasn't their most important difference when compared to armoured trains build in Finland - the biggest difference armouring-wise was they had roofs made from armour plating, while Finnish made trains had open tops. As mentioned during Finnish Civil War Finnish White Army captured this train, Partisaani, 24th of April 1918 in Säiniö (Karelian Isthmus).

Besides these two trains White Army captured also Russian socalled Putilovian (Putilovilainen) artillery wagon, which had arrived to Antrea front in (Karelian railway) in late March. It seems to be likely that this train was the first Russian armoured train to arrive Finland for Finnish Civil War, since it likely the one sent from Petrograd to Finland in 4th of February 1918. The timing of that first Russian armoured train arrive to Finland for fits to Russian armoured train appearing to Vilppula front at that time. As name suggests this artillery wagon seem to have been manufactured in Putilov Factory, where the Russians seem to have manufactured number of somewhat similar artillery wagons typically armed with 76-mm anti-aircraft guns. This armoured artillery wagon had two 76 ItK/14 Putilov antiaircraft-guns and eight portholes in each side of the wagon for riflemen. When the wagon arrived it lacked armoured locomotive. Finnish Reds may have armoured a locomotive in Viipuri for this artillery wagon, but that is not certain. They also seemed to have possibly sometimes used it joined to their own armoured trains. Originally the Reds had intended this artillery wagon to Raisuli - Rautu railway, but since that railway was still uncompleted during the war they decided to send it to Antrea instead. There it bombarded White Army positions in Hannila village and supported attack of the Reds to Hill 56. This wagon was captured 24th of April by White Army in Kavantsaari of Antrea railway (in Karelian Isthmus).

ItK/14 Putilov antiaircraft-guns

Modificato 15 Dicembre 2008 da intruder

15 Dicembre 2008

Armoured Trains and Railways of Finnish Civil War

3^a parte

Putilovian artillery wagon after White Army had captured it. Photo from Suomen Vapaussota kuvissa 2 (edition published 1934).

SAVIOUR OF KARELIA

The only somewhat proper armoured trains that the White Army had was Armoured Train of Antrea (Antrean panssarijuna) also known as Saviour of Karelia (quot;Karjalan pelastaja), which operated in Karelia railway (Karelian Isthmus). The train was named after Antrea front, which was the area in where it operated, while the nickname Savior of Karelia originated from its early success. This armoured train contained only one improvised artillery wagon and somewhat armoured locomotive pushing it. While the G1 (later known as Sk1) series locomotive used in it was properly armoured with layers of thin steel plates and cardboard, the artillery wagon it was pushing was just typical 2-boogie flatcar equipped with its sides and ends equipped with walls about shoulder high. Structure of these walls was rather simple - two layers of planks and layer of bricks between them. These walls in artillery wagon had loopholes through which its crew could use their rifles and pistols. Only heavy weapon in the train was 76 VK/04 mountain gun on naval mount, which had been captured from Russian military when the Whites 27th of January disarmed Russian naval unit of Vuoksi, which had gunboats armed with these mountain guns. When the guns were captured the Russian soldiers had succeeded hiding breechblocks of their mountain guns, but Machine- and Repair Shop of Yrjö Horsma in Sortavala succeeded manufacturing new ones for them. This caused delay of several days, but once the new breechblocks were completed one by one the guns were rushed to use. Second of the guns to receive its new breechblock was used for this armoured train. The old G1 locomotive had been earlier used to assist with railway switch was armoured and equipped in Sortavala and Enso. Besides armour this locomotive received also changes to its smokestack, which had added extra tubing leading the out coming smoke low in front of the locomotive. This innovative feature was added for making spotting movements of the train from distance more difficult, since its smoke would no longer reveal its location. Persons who got this armoured train build were brothers Svensson and one of them (K.E. Svensson) served also as its commanding officer early on. Saviour of Karelia proved highly successful both in battle in the way it helped boosting moral of White Army troops in Antrea front.

76VK04. A destra: Antrea armoured train aka Saviour of Karelia.[/b]

AFTERMATH - WHERE HAVE ALL THE ARMOURED TRAINS GONE?

The only armoured train of the Whites and its crew survived the war, but all armoured trains of the Reds were not as lucky. Armoured trains had proved to be most effective of heavy weapons used by the Red Guards, which seems likely have reflected to attitudes that the Whites had towards their crews. Most if not all of their crews suffered losses during the war and once they ended up prisoners of war their future didn't look too bright even then. During the war White Army intelligence gathered special lists of Red Guards personnel, which were considered especially dangerous, leadership of Red Guards or responsible for crimes. Getting in such a list didn't exactly improve chances of surviving prisoner of war camps after the war - and one of these lists contained some known commanders, technical personnel and crewmembers of Red armoured trains.

Another photo showing two Finnish White Army soldiers posing with Russian armoured train Partisaani later after its capture.

Map showing where Finnish Reds lost their armoured trains.

Three of the Fredriksberg-build armoured trains the Whites captured in Tampere 5th - 6th of April. The Reds had demolished one of these three trains before capture, but the Whites succeeded taking the other two to their own use. German troops captured another two Fredriksberg-made trains in Herrala and Okeroinen west from city of Lahti 1st of May. Likely one of these two trains was Armoured Train number 4, but which one and if the other train was possibly number 5 or number 6 is now known. One of the Fredriksberg-made trains was also captured by the Whites in Kouvola and given by them to the Germans who used it shortly to sent contact to Colonel Brandenstein in Lahti. In addition to these trains one Fredriksberg-build train (the one sent unfinished to Viipuri?) was presumably interned by the Bolsheviks in Valkeasaari after General Kaljunen's had some Red Guard troops had driven it through southern parts of Karelian Isthmus already captured by White Army to Russian border.

Somebody might want to know what happened to the armoured trains after Finnish Civil War. Well, that information will become available in part two this same website. Shortly said best of the remaining parts were recycled to form two armoured trains, which first the Germans used for couple of months in 1918 and which were then transferred to Finnish Army. These best parts contained artillery wagons from Partisaani, some Fredriksberg-build armoured locomotives and some artillery wagons also from Fredriksberg-made artillery wagons, from which the artillery weapons had been removed and roofs added - making them machinegun-wagons. Later these were modified and refined to two armoured trains, which Finnish Army used still during World War 2.

Modificato 15 Dicembre 2008 da intruder

Blue Sky · 15 Dicembre 2008

Un bell'aggeggino Tedesco anche se non è un treno blindato è uno strumento veramente Medievale!

German rail cutter

Blue Sky · 17 Dicembre 2008

Le Immaginbi parlano da sole!

Blue Sky · 17 Dicembre 2008

Description: 12 inch mortar railway artillery guns.

ARC caption : "Beginning with the Civil War, the U.S. Army recognized a need to provide for coastal defenses in the Pacific NW along the Columbia River and in the Puget Sound. A number of forts, many no longer in service, were built for this purpose".

Item from Record Group 392: Records of U.S. Army Coast Artillery Districts and Defenses, 1901 - 1950 Location: NARA's Pacific Alaska Region (Seattle) (NRISA)

Blue Sky · 18 Dicembre 2008

Altre Meraviglie Sovietiche!

19 Dicembre 2008

Altre Meraviglie Sovietiche!

La prima foto, appartiene al treno polacco Danuta, già postato ai #25 e 26. La seconda foto, se non vado errato, è di un treno austro-ungarico in uso poi nell'esercito polacco

Modificato 19 Dicembre 2008 da intruder

Blue Sky · 19 Dicembre 2008

Panzerkraftwagen Sumida 1933

19 Dicembre 2008

The German armoured motor railcar Panzertriebwagen 16 (PT 16) at Chabówka Rolling-Stock Heritage Park, Poland (temporary exhibition - owned by Museum of Railways in Warsaw).

Modificato 19 Dicembre 2008 da intruder

19 Dicembre 2008

La didascalia della foto parla di "treno armato improvvisato" dell'esercito polacco.

Blue Sky · 19 Dicembre 2008

The German armoured motor railcar Panzertriebwagen 16 (PT 16) at Chabówka Rolling-Stock Heritage Park, Poland (temporary exhibition - owned by Museum of Railways in Warsaw).

Già Postato!

Anche se non va sui binari è una sorta di treno assurdo!

American Armored Snow Train

Modificato 19 Dicembre 2008 da Blue Sky

19 Dicembre 2008

Anche se non va sui binari è una sorta di treno assurdo!

American Armored Snow Train

L'avevo visto anch'io quell'accrocco, ma l'avevo lasciato lì perché è veramente una cosa assurda (oltre che credo non sia mai esistito, dev'essere un progetto).

Locomotive blindate polacche

Introduction:

In a period of 1918-21, the Polish forces used more armoured trains, than any other country in the world, except the Soviet Union. There were at least 80 armoured or partially armoured trains constructed in Poland and about 30 captured ones, though not all of them were operational at the same time. All these trains used a variety of armoured or partially armoured locomotives. We are trying to present the most common types here.

Construction and data:

The freight locomotives series (kkStB) 73 were built in several Austrian factories in 1885-1909 in a total number of 453 (almost a half went to Poland finally!). It was a sturdy and reliable design, constructed for hilly terrain service. The locomotive 73.124 was built in Wiener Lokomotiv Fabrik in 1890.

Axle arrangement: D (0-4-0, wheel arrangement: 0-8-0) with a three-axle tender. Twin steam engine, working on saturated steam (D-n2). Power was about 680 HP (a different source states 784 HP).

The locomotive data, without armour: weight (without / with tender) - 55 /90 t, axle pressure - 14 t, length (without / with tender) - 10.1 / 16.5 m. Maximum speed was about 30-35 km/h.

The locomotives of Polish armoured trains had different origin. Only few of them were the "original" armoured locomotives, completed with armour in Austro-Hungary or Russia, and captured by the Polish, like series 377, or series O, coming in several variants. These locomotives were not uniform group as for combat characteristics, but they differed in armour quality, and apart from fully armoured Soviet locomotives series O, there were also partially armoured ones.

The most common were different civilian locomotives armoured by the Polish - there were at least 60 of them. At that time, all the Polish-used civilian locomotives were of Prussian, Austrian, or least common, Russian origin. The locomotives armoured by the Polish differed as for the armour quality and size. The first Polish armoured trains were created in November 1918, in difficult conditions, in a hurry due to a military situation. At first, the "genuine" armour plates were scarce and in many cases unobtainable at all, so some trains were built with only partially armoured locomotives and wagons. Such improvised armoured locomotives (called "semi-armoured"), were often protected with ordinary steel plates instead of armour plates. They usually used thick boiler steel sheets, while the wagons of those trains were protected with steel, concrete or wood. These partially armoured locomotives differed in protected area size and protection quality. Some of them had merely a driver's cab protected with steel sheets (the vital parts of a locomotive, which demand protection, are first of all: driver's cab, engines, dome, boiler and traction mechanism, with valve gear and wheels). Some of the locomotives fully covered with boiler plates, were quite well protected, although the steel plates could not match with armour plates. Naturally, the partially armoured locomotives were usually replaced with better ones, when available. Sometimes the partially armoured locomotives were given to armoured trains as auxiliary locomotives (for example, for reconnaissance tasks). The last partially armoured locomotives were built in 1921, in the Polish area of Slask (Silesia) province, for improvised armoured trains of the Third Silesian Uprising. (The aim of the insurgents was to join the Polish-inhabited part of Upper Silesia province back to Poland, after two previous uprisings in 1919 and 1920, and a plebiscite, carried out under German pressure. The Uprising partially succeeded.) During the Uprising, at least 15 partially armoured locomotives were build, and further 9 were "smuggled" from Poland (the Polish government could not officially support the Uprising, but some of the partially armoured roling stock was moved to the Uprising area, anyway).

Finally, the most significant group of the armoured locomotives were the ones fitted with full armour plating in Polish workshops or factories. The first such locomotives were completed as early, as in the end of 1918. Subsequently, they were replacing partially armoured locomotives and weaker armoured locomotives (like series 377). Some typical designs were worked out by the Armoured Train Construction Managements (KBPP), and built in greater number. In 1920 some degree of standardization was reached, for numerous trains were equipped with armoured locomotives series 73 and 229. In 1921, when the Polish-Soviet war was over, the Polish Army introduced a peacetime organization. It was decided to keep 12 most modern armoured trains only, and all improvised and partially armoured wagons and locomotives were withdrawn and disarmoured. Only the best armoured and most powerful locomotives remained in service for the next few years. Eventually, in 1926 the locomotive series Ti3 (ex-Prussian G53), with the Polish pattern of armour, was chosen as the standard type. In the following years, all the locomotives in the remaining 12 armoured trains were replaced with locomotives Ti3.

Series 377

The armoured locomotive 377.402. The inscription is: 'Odsiecz' = The Relief. There existed two trains with the name 'Odsiecz', but it is not sure, if it means the name of the train, or "the relief of Lviv". [Photo source [1] - incorrectly described as 377.117].

Armoured locomotives series MAV 377 were the standard locomotives of Austro-Hungarian WWI armoured trains. The whole armoured train with two such locomotives was captured by the Polish military organization on 1 November 1918 in Cracov-Niepołomice (it is not clear which train it was, probably it was mixed of PZ.III and PZ.VIII K.u.K armoured trains - source [1]). The captured train was split into two trains: P.P.1 "Piłsudczyk" and P.P.2 "Smialy" ("Śmiały"). "Piłsudczyk" received a locomotive no. 377.402, while "Smialy" received 377.117. Soon it showed, that a single locomotive series 377 is too weak for an armoured train (in Austro-Hungarian service the trains had less wagons, and some of them had two such locomotives). Therefore, since January 1919 locomotive 377.402 was used as an auxiliary locomotive only (possibly it was also used in armoured train "Odsiecz" ?). In January 1920 both locomotives series 377 were disarmoured and given to a civilian service, where they were designated as TKh103.

It is worth mentioning, that several armoured locomotives series 377 were used in the Czechoslovak Army. At least two of them were captured and used by the Germans during WWII in Panzerzug 24 (and maybe also in Panzerzug 23). Also three Hungarian armoured locomotives series 377 were used by their owners during the WWII (in the trains Nos: 101-103).

The armoured locomotive 377.402. The inscription is: 'Odsiecz' = The Relief. There existed two trains with the name 'Odsiecz', but it is not sure, if it means the name of the train, or "the relief of Lviv".

Series 73

Several freight locomotives of a popular Austrian kkStB series 73 were armoured in Poland. Most of them was fitted with a full armour of 10-15mm armour plates, like the 73.291 Nowy Sacz IV. It was the 4th locomotive of this type armoured in Repair Works in Nowy Sacz (Neu Sandec) in 1919, hence the name. The details of its service are not known. The armoured locomotives series 73 differed in details, but the pattern and shape of armour was identical.

Since August 1920 till 1921 armoured train "Pilsudczyk" had a locomotive 73.348, armoured in Lwów (Lviv). In some period it was camouflaged. Another train, "Huragan" (The Hurricane) had a fully armoured locomotive 73.419 in 1920. Also armoured trains: "Stefan Czarniecki" (in 1920) and "Smok" (The Dragon, in 1919) had such locomotives as well. Most likely a locomotive of this type, but with a different pattern of armour and a big command turret, was used in armoured train "Groźny" about 1920 (a photo).

Initially, also partially armoured locomotives series 73 were used. Usually they had only driver's cab protected with steel plates. Such "semi-armoured" locomotive 73.124, completed in Railway Works in Lwów (Lviv), was given to armoured train "Smialy" in December 1918 as an auxiliary locomotive, and used for a short time. It served later in armoured train PP.3 "Lis-Kula". Another partially armoured locomotive 73.367 was used in "Pilsudczyk" as a primary locomotive from January till March 1919.

All armoured locomotives series 73 were withdrawn from the Army in the early twenties. The Polish Railways PKP had about 200 of these locomotives, designated as Tp15.

Construction and data:

A small freight and shunter tank locomotive series (MAV) 377 was the Hungarian design - 534 were built in four Hungarian and Austrian factories in 1885-1927.

The locomotive 377.117 was built in StEG works in Vien in 1891.

Both locomotives were armoured in MAV workshops and MAVAG works in Budapest, probably in 1915. According to the source [1], they had no armour plating in fact, but they were protected with 12mm steel plates. Since the Austro-Hungarian Army found them too vulnerable to machine gun bullets, the protection was strengthened from the inside with 40mm oak wood layer and second layer of 9mm sheet iron, which showed quite enough against machine guns and splinters.

The locomotive had twin steam engine working on saturated steam (C-n2t), the power was about 300 HP.

The axle arrangement was C (0-3-0, the wheel arrangement: 0-6-0T).

The coal stock was 1 t (more coal could be carried in MG wagons of the Austro-Hungarian origin - a standard load was 0.5 t in a wagon. The coal rails upon the locomotive were Polish modification ?). The water tanks had 4.8 m³ - enough for about 100 km.

Weight with coal and water - 36.7 t (armoured locomotive) or 21.3 t (not armoured). Length - 8.1 m; height - 4 m. Maximum speed - up to 40 km/h.

The locomotives were equipped with a special pipe, mounted on the chimney, which, when assembled, was intended to put a smoke near the ground in order to hide the train's presence.

Series 178

Tank locomotive series (kkStB) 178 was another fine Austrian design. In 1918-19, the Polish workshops in Lwów (Lviv) armoured eight such locomotives with 10-15mm armour plates, according to the KBPP bureau design. They were used, among others, in armoured trains: "Paderewski" (178.95, on the photo, source [2]), "Pilsudczyk" (178.93, used since March 1919 until August 1920), and PP.3 "Lis-Kula". The Polish civilian locomotives were designated TKp11 after 1923.

Construction and data:

Tank locomotives series (kkStB) 178 were built in Austrian factories since 1900 in a total number of 230. They were intended for a local freight and passenger transport on hilly areas, where they run well.

Axle arrangement: D (0-4-0, wheel arrangement: 0-8-0T). Two-cylinder compound steam engine, working on saturated steam (D-n2vt). Power - about 471 HP.

Weight (without armour) - 52t, axle pressure - 13t, length - 9.36m.

Modificato 19 Dicembre 2008 da intruder

Blue Sky · 19 Dicembre 2008

:wip41: :wip41:

No information on these odd vehicles other than they were captured by the Germans in Poland and pressed into service. Obviously intended for rail, but I've never seen anything like them before

19 Dicembre 2008

:wip41: :wip41:

No information on these odd vehicles other than they were captured by the Germans in Poland and pressed into service. Obviously intended for rail, but I've never seen anything like them before

Mi sfugge il collegamento coi treni blindati...

Blue Sky · 19 Dicembre 2008

Mi sfugge il collegamento coi treni blindati...

Più che altro mi interessava avere altre info in merito allo sgorbio in questione, ma penso sia improbabile

Locomotiva Blindata "Vlasta"

Modificato 19 Dicembre 2008 da Blue Sky

20 Dicembre 2008

Più che altro mi interessava avere altre info in merito allo sgorbio in questione, ma penso sia improbabile

Posso solo dirti che è rivoltante, letteralmente. Forse credevano di essere a Disneyland, invece che al fronte.

Ancora sulle locomotive polacche.

Series 229

The Polish armoured locomotive series 299 of armoured train "Rozwadowczyk" (later renamed: "Wilk").

The numerous type of Polish armoured locomotive was kkStB series 229. At least 11 of them were armoured in 1918-20 in Poland by Zieleniewski's Factory in Cracow and Railway Repair Works in Nowy Sacz (Neu Sandec).

Among them was the locomotive 229.49 Kraków IV, built in Wiener Lokomotiv Fabrik in 1907 and armoured in February 1919 (the name meant the fourth locomotive series 229 armoured in Cracov). It was used in armoured train "Smok" (The Dragon). After "Smok" had been decomposed in November 1919, the locomotive went to "Smialy". It was damaged in July 1920 during heavy fighting, and in August "Smialy" received a new locomotive 229.140 Kraków VIII. It was used until 1922.

The locomotives of this series were also used in trains: "Paderewski" (in August 1920), "Gromoboj" and "Rozwadowczyk" (later renamed: "Wilk"). All these locomotives had similar pattern of armour, 10-15 mm thick, differing in details only. It seems, that a boiler top and a smokebox door were not covered with armour.

The Polish armoured locomotive series 299 of armoured train "Rozwadowczyk" (later renamed: "Wilk").

Also the locomotives series 229 with a different pattern of full armour were used - in armoured train "Danuta" (photo, below). Possibly they were armoured in Nowy Sacz ?

All armoured locomotives series 229 were used no longer, than until the mid-twenties. After the WWI, the Polish Railways PKP had 22 locomotives series 229 (it is not clear if the armoured ones count here) - after 1923 they were designated as OKl12.

Construction and data:

Passenger tank locomotives series 229 were built in several Austrian factories - 239 were completed in 1904-1917. It was a construction of K. Golsdorf.

Axle arrangement: 1'C'1 (1-3-1; wheel arrangement: 2-6-2T). Two-cylinder compound engine working on saturated steam (1C1-n2vt). Power - about 523 HP.

Weight of an armoured locomotive was about 70 t (67 t without armour), it could achieve the speed of 80 km/h. Length - 11.77 m, driving wheel diameter - 1.574 m

Armoured locomotive 229.140 Kraków VIII in armoured train 'Smialy'. Locomotive 229.49 Kraków IV had a chimney without Rihosek's sparks' extinguisher, like on a drawing below.

Modificato 20 Dicembre 2008 da intruder

20 Dicembre 2008

Series 180.5

One of the least common locomotives armoured by the Polish was the Austro-Hungarian series 180.5. Such fully armoured locomotive is seen on a photo, but its number and service details are not known. Probably it was armoured in Lwow. It is only known, that a camouflaged locomotive of this type was used in 1920 in the armoured train PP.3 "Lis-Kula" (maybe the same one).

The Polish civilian locomotives of this series, along with a basic series kkStB 180, were designated Tw11 after 1923. The number(s) of the armoured locomotive(s) should be among the numbers of 11 locomotives series 180.5 (180.511, 512, 529 - 537), which Poland could possibly have.

Construction and data:

The freight locomotive series kkStB 180.5 was a sub-type of the earlier series 180, which was the world's first E-type (0-10-0) locomotive, designed by famous Karl Gölsdorf. From 1901, 181 of them were built for the Austrian railways (kkStB). Its development was the series 180.5 - fitted with Clench steam dryer. The first was built in 1906 and 58 were made. The locomotives of these series were built by Floridsdorf, Wiener Neustadt, STEG, and Bömisch-Mährische Maschinenfabrik.

Axle arrangement: E (0-5-0, wheel arrangement: 0-10-0). Two-cylinder compound steam engine, working on saturated steam (E-n2v). Power - about 1000 HP.

Weight of locomotive with tender (without armour) - about 102 t, axle pressure - 13t, length - 17.28 m (with tender), wheel diameter - 1.3 m.

Series 97

The obscure one of Polish armoured locomotives is the locomotive of kkStB series 97. At least one such locomotive was armoured in the late 1918 in Zieleniewski factory in Cracov. This locomotive, seen on the photo, was used in 1919 in Polish armoured train P.P.17 "Saper".

The Polish civilian locomotives of this series were designated Tkh12 after 1923 - the Polish railways could have up to 14 such locomotives.

small freight and shunter tank locomotive series (kkStB) 97 was built since 1878 by all Austrian locomotive manufacturers. A total of 227 was built.

Axle arrangement: C (0-3-0, wheel arrangement: 0-6-0T). Twin steam engine working on saturated steam (C-n2t), power - about 180 HP. Wheel diameter - 950 mm.

The coal stock was 1.2 t, the capacity of water tanks was 4 m³.

Length - 7.93 m, height (not armoured, to the top of chimney) - 4.03 m.

The locomotive seems to be equipped with a special pipe on the chimney, intended probably to put the smoke near the ground in order to hide the train's presence (though I don't know if it worked correctly in this shape).

20 Dicembre 2008

The armoured train Nr.13 bombed and derailed, 10 September 1939.

The armoured train Nr. 13, better known uder its original name "Generał Sosnkowski", became in a way the most famous of Polish armoured trains used in the Polish September 1939 Campaign of World War II. This train, bombed by the German aircraft, and then examined by Hitler himself, was arguably the most often photographed armoured train. It is sometimes treated as one of symbols of the Polish obsolete armament - while on the other hand, it was the only Polish regular armoured train destroyed by the aircraft - and the Germans themselves used a number of armoured trains until the end of World War II...

History:

Construction and the Polish-Soviet war

The Type I artillery wagon of "Generał Sosnkowski" in the early 1920s. A barrel of the second 76.2 mm gun seems withdrawn at a full recoil. Next is an assault wagon of the "half-barrel" type and a locomotive. The second artillery wagon might be of "Groźny" type (note armoured panel under a middle of wagon).

During the Soviet counter offensive in summer of 1920, which was a part of 1919-1921 Polish-Soviet war, the Polish Army lost at least 8 armoured trains. To replenish the losses it was decided to build 15 new armoured trains at the Cegielski Works in Poznań, which was not engaged in military production by that moment. In order to supervise designing and construction, the Armoured Trains Construction Management (KBPP) was created in Poznań on 1 August 1920, headed by Cpt. Stanisław Czerepiński.

The first design of the new KBPP was the artillery wagon 'Type I'. To save time, it was designed using captured drawings of the Soviet artillery wagon of South-Western Railway design, with only some technological changes 1. In fact, the Soviet armoured trains were the most modern at that time. The Type I artillery wagons introduced all the features of Soviet trains, like: four-axle bogey construction, twin artillery turrets with 76.2 mm guns and good protection. Armour plates came from Kulczyński's Iron Works in Sosnowiec. The first newly-built in Poznań armoured train had two such modern artillery wagons, and one or two assault wagons, instead of 5-6 partially armoured and poorly armed semi-improvised wagons, like in most Polish earlier trains. It entered service in the end of October 1920 1 with a name "Generał Sosnkowski", in a honour of General Kazimierz Sosnkowski, and was assigned a number P.P. 26 (Pociąg Pancerny = armoured train). There is however some confusion about the origin of "Generał Sosnkowski", because some older publications call it a captured Soviet train. Nevertheless, despite it was based upon captured Soviet plans, there are not known any wagons of that type in the Soviet service so far.

The Type I artillery wagon of "Generał Sosnkowski" in the early 1920s. A barrel of the second 76.2 mm gun seems withdrawn at a full recoil. Next is an assault wagon of the "half-barrel" type and a locomotive. The second artillery wagon might be of "Groźny" type (note armoured panel under a middle of wagon).

"Generał Sosnkowski" did not manage to take part in combat in 1920 and remained the only example of the armoured train Type I. When the Polish Army won the great Battle of Warsaw in August 1920 and repelled the Soviets, what led to a truce in October, the construction of new trains was not considered necessary anymore. It was decided to build only several modern armoured wagons in order to modernize some of existing trains. When "Generał Sosnkowski" entered service, it revealed several faults, like a limited angle of artillery fire, and an average firepower, due to lack of howitzers. Therefore, much better indigenous designs of artillery wagons were developed at Cegielski: Type II, used in armoured trains "Danuta" and "Poznańczyk", and Type III, used in "Śmiały" and "Piłsudczyk".

Interwar training service - configuration changes

After the Polish-Soviet war, in June 1921 the train was assigned for further service, amongst 12 most modern trains. It was given a number P.P. 12 2, or (probably after 1923) P.P. 2 3. In winter of 1923/1924 all the Polish armoured trains were demobilized and stored, except "Generał Sosnkowski" and "Danuta", which remained for training use in the Armoured Trains' Training Unit in Jabłonna near Warsaw, created in 1924 3. In October 1927, the training unit was reformed as the 1st Armoured Train Unit (1 Dywizjon Pociągów Pancernych) in Jabłonna. From 1933, "Generał Sosnkowski" was known simply as the Armoured Train (Pociąg Pancerny) of the 1st Armoured Train Unit (the crew of "Danuta" became the Cadre Armoured Train).

Most likely "Generał Sosnkowski" in the early 1920s. From the right: an armoured locomotive (probably Ti3 type), an assault wagon ("half-barrel" type), an artillery wagon Type I and another of a type used in "Groźny", and a flatcar.

According to photos, in the 1920s a composition of "Gen. Sosnkowski" was variable - apparently there was not a rigid composition of the training trains at that time. Apart from its original Type I artillery wagons, it also used Type II artillery wagons of "Danuta", and ex-Soviet artillery wagons of a type used in "Groźny" (it is not clear, if they were the same ones). It usually used an assault wagon of the "half-barrel" type, constructed in the KBPP in Warsaw (type used later, among others, in "Poznańczyk"), and also an assault wagon, that was eventually most likely found in "Danuta". The final composition of the Polish trains was established probably in January 1929. It is not clear, however, if a training train of the 1st Armoured Train Unit in the 1930s, consisting of Type II artillery wagons and "half-barrel" type assault wagon, was "Danuta", or maybe "Generał Sosnkowski" (it does not matter much on the other hand, for names apparently were not used anymore at that time, and this train actually had more in common with "Danuta"). In case of mobilization, "Generał Sosnkowski" was to be fitted with two Type I wagons.

Generał Sosnkowski" in 1920. From the left: an armoured locomotive Ti3 (with train's name), a "half-barrel" type assault wagon, an assault wagon of "Danuta" type, an artillery wagon of "Groźny" type.

In the late twenties / early thirties, the train underwent some modernization, and its locomotive (series Ti3) was improved. Its armament was standardized (75mm wz.02/26 guns and wz.08 MG's), the train received radio and signal equipment and AA machine guns. [/b]

In 1939, former "Generał Sosnkowski", with its original two Type I artillery wagons, was mobilized as the pociąg pancerny nr 13 - armoured train Nr. 13 (the names were not used officially).

Modificato 20 Dicembre 2008 da intruder

20 Dicembre 2008

Combat use in 1939:

The armoured train Nr. 13 (former "Generał Sosnkowski") was commanded by Cpt. (kapitan) Stanisław Młodziankowski, the 2nd in command was Cpt. Mieczysław Wnukowski. The train had non-standard armoured draisines platoon, weaker than other trains, for it had two draisines R (FT-17 tanks) and two older Tatras, instead of two R's and five TK tankettes.

On 1 September 1939 the train, assigned to Army "Modlin", was moved to Nasielsk, being in the Army's reserve. On 3 September the crew had to repair track in Nasielsk, heavily damaged by bombers, and at night the train patrolled towards Ciechanów, captured by the Germans. Cpt. Wnukowski rode the armoured draisines R for a reconnaissance to the town. On the next day (4 September) the draisine was sent again, and it brought a captive. The train came back to Modlin then, and on 5 September it patrolled between Nasielsk and Płońsk, along with train Nr. 15 ("Smierc"), which was subordinated to Cpt. Młodziankowski at that time, creating an armoured train group. The train Nr. 13 was attacked by the aircraft near Pomiechówek, and it shot down one of them (according to Cpt. Młodziankowski, it was the second plane shot down, but no details are given on the first one 5). Both trains were actively patrolling the area, providing the Army's Staff with information about enemy positions, as well as own positions.

Next, the train Nr. 13 acted in Wyszków town area. At night on 7/8 September, in a lack of other means, it was used for finding and delivering orders to a headquarters of the Operational Group "Wyszków". After that, the train strengthened a defence of the south bank of the Bug. On 9 September the train supported with artillery fire the III/55 battalion, that was defending the bridges at Wyszków. It helped to foil an enemy's attempt of crossing the Bug at Rybno, and fought against the German artillery in a forest of Puszcza Biała on that day 4 (Cpt. Młodziankowski, in his report does not confirm any of these targets nor enemy's attempt of crossing the Bug 5, but he might have been unaware of targets of his scheduled indirect fire). The train, in fact, was often commanded by the second in command, because the commander had to search for units' staffs and keep a liaison personally, in a chaotic wartime situation.

On 10 September, during a withdrawal of the Army "Modlin"'s units from the Bug line, the armoured train Nr. 13 came to Łochów station, in order to cover a withdrawal of the 116^th Infantry Regiment (of the 41^st Division). Its auxiliary section was sent to Mińsk Mazowiecki. The armoured section had a water tanker wagon and one accomodation wagon attached at that time 5. At about 2pm the train, commanded by the 2nd in command Cpt. Wnukowski, tried to move to the left bank of the Liwiec, and its crew repaired the bombed track near Łochów station. When the train was passing the station, the German dive bombers Ju 87 attacked. One 250-kg (550-lb) bomb exploded between tracks, and threw the moving train off of its track. A fire started in an assault wagon. The armoured train was unable to fight, neither to a quick repair, and the crew abandoned it, after destroying some mechanisms.

The armoured train Nr.13 derailed due to bombardment (move direction rearwards - to the left). A bomb crater is well seen.

Despite its sorry look, a damage was not extensive, and the Germans recovered the train, but its further fate is not known. According to some information, the Germans repaired the armoured train and used it during an invasion on Denmark in 1940. Supposedly it was transported by a ferry to Gedser, but its track is lost there 6. Unfortunately, lack of any information, its number nor name in German sources on armoured trains, makes the German service of "Generał Sosnkowski" doubtful. It is possible, that it could be used for propaganda or demonstration purpose only.

Artillery wagons of the Nr.13 train recovered and stored by the Germans.

After the crew had abandoned the bombed armoured section, they went to Mińsk Mazowiecki, where they joined with Nr.13 train's auxiliary section. Therefore, the last combat episode of the armoured train Nr. 13 was between 11 and 16 September, when its auxiliary section stuck in a great railway jam, caused by many bombed evacuation trains and destroyed track, to the east of Mińsk Mazowiecki, in the area of Mrozy and Rutka. The crew of the armoured train Nr. 13, under command of Cpt. Młodziankowski, formed an improvised artillery battery of 4 field guns, found in some evacuation train (2 of them remained on flatcars, as "railway artillery"), while Cpt. Wnukowski took the command of an improvised infantry battalion. The crew took part in a subsequent defence of the Polish group stuck in the jam, with railway sappers and other soldiers from the trains. They were also blocking a road from Siedlce, next to the track (a part of this Polish group near Mrozy, gathered around stuck armoured train Nr. 52 "Piłsudczyk", defended itself in an encirclement until 20 September).

Surprisingly, and contrary to a common belief, "Generał Sosnkowski" was the only one of ten Polish regular armoured trains, knocked out by the German Luftwaffe, in spite of numerous air attacks on armoured trains. Apart from it, only an improvised Coastal Defence armoured train "Smok Kaszubski" was destroyed by the German aircraft.

Composition in 1939:

- an armoured section:

- a platoon of armoured draisines (scout rail vehicles)

- an unarmoured auxiliary section

The armoured train, as a military unit, consisted of: an armoured section, a platoon of armoured draisines and an unarmoured auxiliary section. Speaking of combat, by a phrase: "armoured train" I mean the armoured section of the train only. The auxiliary section was always acompanying the armoured section, when not involved in combat duties.

Locomotive:

The standard locomotive of the Polish armoured trains since 1927 was the armoured steam locomotive series Ti3 - former Prussian series G5³, produced between 1903 and 1906 and armoured in Poland. "Gen. Sosnkowski" used such locomotive from 1920. Initially it was most probably Ti3-12 (see below), in 1939 it was Ti3-3, former G53-4016 Münster, built in 1904 by Hanomag (serial number 4125).

"Generał Sosnkowski" used one of two first Ti3s, armoured just in 1920 and modified after 1926 1, but probably the locomotive used in 1939 was not the same one. According to an article by Janusz Magnuski & Steven Zaloga 8, the first were armoured G53-4021 and 4024, but G53-4021 Münster (Ti3-12), was used in 1939 in armoured train Nr.11 ("Danuta"), and G53-4024 Danzig (Ti3-2) in Nr.51 ("I Marszałek"). Therefore, "Sosnkowski" probably used Ti3-12 in the beginning and inter-war period, when its composition was mixed.

Upon a tender, there was a commander's turret, equipped with a short-range radio RKB/C to contact the draisines, and an intercom to contact the wagons. It also had some optical and sonic means of internal communication (color lights, bells and horns). A maximum speed of a locomotive with armoured wagons was about 45 km/h (28 mph).

Artillery wagons:

The artillery wagons of "General Sosnkowski" were of the same 'Type I', built in Cegielski Works in Poznan in 1920, upon long four-axle bogey type wagons (probably of the Russian origin). Each was armed with two 75mm wz. 02/26 (modified "3in" Putilov M.02) field guns in high cylindrical turrets on wagon's ends, with about 270° horizontal angle of rotation. Turrets were the same, but one of them was mounted higher, on a barbette; the second one was on a level of wagon's floor. Initially, in the 1920s, they had original 76.2mm wz. 02 (M.02) guns.

Further armament consisted of four 7.92mm wz. 08 Maxim (MG-08) machine guns in standard cyllindrical mountings in wagon's sides and an anti-aircraft MG of the same type in a central roof turret, added in the late 1920s (its maximum elevation was 90°). Initially there was a higher observation turret. The ammunition was probably 120 artillery rounds per gun and 3,750 rounds per each MG (in 250-round belts).

Armour riveted of steel plates, probably double 8-12 mm layer 9, covered with oak planks from the inside. Crew was about 35 men.

The artillery wagon 'type I' of "Generał Sosnkowski" in the 1920s. On the right, an artillery wagon 'type II' of "Danuta". The artillery wagon in the 1930s (with AAMG turret) [6]. The drawing above is based upon this photo

Assault wagon:

The final type of assault wagon in the 1930s. [6].

The assault wagon (Polish nomenclature, "wagon szturmowy") was intended for the transportation of an assault platoon. Initially, assault wagons used in "Generał Sosnkowski" were changing, but in 1939 the armoured train Nr. 13 used a wagon on the photo. It was two-axle, built in early 1930s in State Sapper Works (PWSap.) 8. The wagon had a two-leaf door in each side (near centre), and possiby doors in both end walls, it also had an access hatch in a bottom. The wagon was armed with four 7.92mm wz. 08 machine guns in the sides. The ammunition was 3,750 per MG. The armour was similar to artillery wagons. The assault platoon consisted of 32 men (1 officer, 7 NCO's, 24 soldiers, with 2 LMG's). The total wagon's crew was about 40 (with signalmen and stretcher-bearers).

The final type of assault wagon in the 1930s.

Since the early thirties, the assault wagon was equipped with a long-range radio RKD/P (range - up to 80km), placed in a separate radio cab in the middle of the wagon. The wagon was also fitted with a power generator, batteries and a large clothes line aerial on the roof (its distinguishing feature were masts in three rows, of equal height).

The crew of the train's armoured section was about 120-130 men - the whole armoured train's crew in 1939 (with an auxiliary section and draisines) was 191, including 9 officers.

Flatcars:

On both ends of the armoured train, there were two flatcars. Their primary function was to protect the armoured train against mines or a derailment. They were also adapted to carry engineering materials (tools, rails and sleepers, logs, explosives etc.) and also bicycles and motorcycles (part of it was carried on the auxiliary train's flatcars).

A standard flatcar series Pdkz (type VIIIC or, less likely, VIIC) was two-axle. Weight - about 10 t, load capacity - 17.5 t, length - 13 m (511 in), wheelbase - 8 m (315 in).

Armoured draisines platoon:

Each mobilized armoured train had a platoon of armoured draisines (scout rail vehicles). The standard armoured draisines platoon consisted of 2 armoured draisines R (tanks Renault FT-17 on a rail chassis) and 4 armoured draisines TK (tankettes on rail chassis). However, before the outbreak of the war, all the armoured draisines of the train Nr. 13 were given to the Army Pomorze, to strengthen the defense of the bridge on the Vistula in Tczew(W). The train received two older armoured draisines Tatra instead. According to the report of the train's commander, it received also two other armoured draisines R

Auxiliary train:

Each armoured train, considered as a military unit, also included an unarmoured auxiliary section (Polish name "skład gospodarczy"). The auxiliary section accompanied the combat section in operational movements and provided it with an accomodation and logistics support. It was manned by a platoon consisting of 1 officer, 21 NCO's and 26 soldiers. The length of the auxiliary section of the train was about 250 m (820 ft).

It consisted of: a locomotive, coaches for officers (2), NCOs (2) and soldiers (8), supply wagons, an ambulance coach, a kitchen coach, a workshop wagon, a coal wagon, a water tanker and flatcars (5) - up to 30 carriages.

It was equipped with two wz.34 half-track trucks, one light truck (Polski FIAT 618?) and four motorcycles with sidecars CWS M-111 - upon three flatcars. Wz.34 half-tracks were from the repair patrol, and they could be equipped with a rail-riding device.

Modificato 20 Dicembre 2008 da intruder

Blue Sky · 21 Dicembre 2008

A British armoured train 1900.

21 Dicembre 2008

Polish armoured train Nr.14 ("Paderewski")

History:

Polish armoured train "Paderewski" was created in September 1919 in railway workshops in Lwów (Lviv). The train composition in the early years was variable. At first, it consisted mainly of improvised armoured wagons, wooden ones, protected with a concrete, but during further service it underwent several upgrades.

The early concrete-armoured, MG-armed wagon of "Paderewski", 17 September 1919.

Initially it included two locomotives, three artillery wagons, one assault wagon and three flatcars. The artillery wagons at that time most likely were the closed wooden wagons, protected with a concrete, with guns in side or end emplacements, with a limited angle of fire. One of the locomotives of "Paderewski" then, was the tank locomotive nr. 178.95, armoured in Poland (in Lwów) with 10-15mm armour plates.

During Polish-Soviet war, in the late 1919 - early 1920, "Paderewski" fought at the Lithuanian-Belarussian Front, then in Ukraine. In the spring of 1920, the train was temporarily switched to a broad gauge of 1524 mm, to operate on Russian track. Afterwards, in the summer of 1920, the train had to cover the retreat of the Polish forces. In August, it fought in Warsaw Battle within Polish 1st Army's armoured train unit (along with trains "Danuta" and "Msciciel" (The Avenger)). On 17 August 1920 the three armoured trains took part in a surprising attack on Mińsk Mazowiecki town, cooperating with cavalry and tanks.

The early concrete-armoured, MG-armed wagon of "Paderewski", 17 September 1919.

Here is a Soviet commander's report from the fight at Lesniakowizna: "...despite fa). These wagons were more advanced, than the initial ones, built of armoured plates.

After that, "Paderewski" was assigned to the 5^th Army (to Maj. Nowicki group), and then to the 2^nd Army, in which it fought in the Niemen Battle. It carried number P.P. 15 then (Pociag pancerny - Armoured Train nr. 15).

After Polish-Soviet war, in October 1920 "Paderewski" was used in an offensive to capture Lithuanian city of Wilno (Vilnius).

(Officially it was a self-willed action of Gen. L. Zeligowski's task force, though in fact he was inspired by the Polish authorities to capture this Polish-inhabited city. As a result, a new "country", Middle Lithuania with a capital in Wilno, was created under Polish protectorate for some time. It was incorporated into Poland later).

In order to delude Inter-Allied Committee, on 20 October 1920 the train was renamed to: "General Żeligowski", in August 1921 it was renamed back.

Paderewski" in Mińsk Mazowiecki, August 1920. The wagon on the left most likely is an artillery wagon, built in Warsaw, armed with one 76.2mm gun and MG's (this wagon type was later used in train "Bartosz Glowacki"). The train has an armoured tank locomotive series 229. The wagon on the right, built of vertical armour strips, is likely an artillery wagon with a turret.

During the last stage of the Polish-Soviet war, the Polish captured several Soviet armoured trains, with modern twin-turret wagons. "Paderewski" received such captured artillery wagons, but the exact date of this upgrade is not known. Most likely it was done in 1921-22, possibly later.

After the war, in 1921, "Paderewski" was assigned for the further service, among 12 most modern trains. In the winter of 1923/24 most of Polish armoured trains were demobilized and stored, among them was also "Paderewski". During the twenties and thirties it had number 7 (P.P. 7). In 1925 "Paderewski" was brought back to service and assigned to Armoured Train Training Battalion in Jablonna near Warsaw. In October 1927 the Training Battalion was reformed to the 1st armoured train unit (dywizjon pociagow pancernych) in Legionowo, near Warsaw. Later, in the thirties, the train must have been put into the "mob" (mobilization) reserve.

The final composition of armoured trains was established in 1929. In the early thirties "Padarewski" and its wagons underwent a modernization. The locomotive was changed to the standard type Ti3. The train's armament was standardized (100mm wz.14/19P howitzers, 75mm wz.02/26 guns and wz.08 MG's) and AA machine guns were added. The train also received radio and signal equipment then.

In 1939, during the mobilization, the 1st armoured train unit mobilized five trains, and among them armoured train nr. 14 - former "Paderewski" (the names were not used anymore officially).

Combat use in 1939:

The train nr. 14 was initially in Polish C-in-C reserve. Its commander was Cpt. Henryk Gawelczyk (or Cpt. Jerzy Żelechowski?) (see a map).

Up to 4 September 1939 the train was still finnishing its mobilization. Just on 1 September it was assigned to the Army "Pomorze" (Pomerania), but during almost two weeks it was remaining near Kutno town without any combat orders.

Along with train nr. 11 ("Danuta"), the first - and last battle of "Paderewski" was the battle of the Bzura river - the Polish attempt at a counterstrike.

The train came into action on 14 September, supporting Border Guards battalion fighting against German 221^st Inf.Div. near Leczyca town. On 16 September its artillery and MG's supported Polish infantry of 70^th Rgt. near Lowicz town, halting the advance of German 10^th Inf. Div. in that area. Later, when the Polish forces had to withdraw, the train could not withdraw and had to be abandoned and destroyed. It was not utilized by the Germans later.

Train composition in 1939:

The armoured train nr. 14 ("Paderewski") consisted of:

- an armoured section

- a platoon of armoured draisines (scout rail vehicles)

- an unarmoured auxiliary section

The armoured train, as a military unit, consisted of: an armoured section, a platoon of armoured draisines and an unarmoured auxiliary section. The armoured section and armoured draisines were the combat section of the armoured train, while the auxiliary section was supporting the operation of the combat section from a logistical point of view and did not take part in combat duties directly. Sometimes, writing about "armoured train" I mean the armoured section (the strict meaning of "armoured train") or combat section only.

Locomotive:

The standard locomotive for Polish armoured trains since 1927 was the armoured steam locomotive series Ti3 (former Prussian series G53, built in 1903-06).

Artillery wagons:

Paderewski" had two Soviet-built twin-turret artillery wagons. They were different types, but both were built upon the same four-axle flatcars. In Polish service the wagons underwent several modernizations.

Each was armed with one 100mm wz. 14/19P (Skoda) howitzer and one 75mm wz. 02/26 (modified "3in" Putilov) field gun (see the data on "Danuta" train page). The horizontal angle of fire was about 240-270°. Probably up to 120 artillery rounds per gun were carried in artillery wagons. The further armament was 4 x 7.92mm wz. 08 (Maxim) heavy machine guns in the sides. In the early thirties, each of the artillery wagons was fitted with one 7.92mm wz. 08 anti-aircraft machine gun in a small turret on the roof, with the maximum elevation of 90°. The ammunition was 3,750 per each MG (in 15 x 250-round belts).

One of the wagons (on the photo below) had additional 4 x 7.92mm wz. 08 machine guns - two in each artillery turret, on either side of the gun (total: 9 MG's).

The original armament of wagons most likely consisted of 76.2mm wz.02 (M.02 "3in" Putilov) guns and 7.62mm Maxim MG's.

The armour thickness was about 8 - 12mm (maybe up to 20mm) - it also might have been covered with oak planks from the inside. The wagons had one big entrance hatch on each side. The wagon's crew was about 35 men.

Assault wagon:

The two-axle assault wagon (Polish nomenclature) was intended for the transportation of an assault platoon. The origin of the wagon of "Paderewski" is not known. Its armament was 4 x 7.92mm wz. 08 machine guns in the sides. The ammunition was 3,750 per MG (in 250-round belts). The armour was similar to artillery wagons, the body was built of big flat armour plates. The assault platoon consisted of 32 men (1 officer, 7 NCO's, 24 soldiers, with 2 LMG's). The total wagon's crew was about 40 (with signalmen and stretcher-bearers).

Since the early thirties, the assault wagon was equipped with long-range radio RKD/P (range - up to 100km), placed in a separate radio cab in the middle of the wagon. The wagon was also fitted with a power generator, batteries and a large clothes line aerial on the roof. (6 masts in two rows). The wagon had an entrance hatch in each side, and also hatches in the bottom.

The crew of the train's armoured section was about 120-130 men - the whole armoured train's crew (with an auxiliary section and draisines) was about 190.

Flatcars:

On both ends of the armoured train, there were two flatcars. Their primary function was to protect the armoured train against mines or a derailment. They were also adapted to carry engineering materials (tools, rails and sleepers, logs, explosives etc.) and also bicycles and motorcycles (part of it was carried on the auxiliary train's flatcars).

The standard flatcar series Pdkz (type VIIIC or, less likely, VIIC) was two-axle. Weight - about 10 t, load capacity - 17.5 t, length - 13 m (511 in), wheelbase - 8 m (315 in).

Armoured draisines platoon:

Each armoured train, mobilized in 1939, had a platoon of armoured draisines (scout rail vehicles). Train nr. 14 had a standard armoured draisines platoon, consisting of:

- two "R" type armoured draisine (FT-17 tanks on rail chassis')

- four "TK" type armoured draisines (tankettes on rail chassis')

Draisines usually acted in two units, consisting of: one "R" and two "TK" draisines. All the tanks could be easily detached from their rail chassis' and then used for ground reconnaissance tasks. The fifth TK tankette was in reserve.

Auxiliary train:

Each armoured train, considered as a military unit, also included an unarmoured auxiliary section. The auxiliary section accompanied the combat section in operational movements and provided it with an accomodation and logistics support. It was manned by a platoon consisting of 1 officer, 21 NCO's and 26 soldiers. The length of the auxiliary section of the train was about 250 m (820 ft).

It consisted of: a locomotive, coaches for officers (2), NCOs (2) and soldiers (8), supply wagons, an ambulance coach, a kitchen coach, a workshop wagon, a coal wagon, a water tanker and flatcars (5) - up to 30 carriages.

It also also should have two wz.34 half-tracked trucks, one light truck (Polski FIAT 618?) and four motorcycles with sidecars CWS M-111 - on three flatcars. Wz.34 half-tracks were from the repair patrol, and they could be equipped with a rail-riding device.

Modificato 21 Dicembre 2008 da intruder

21 Dicembre 2008

Polish Armoured Train Nr. 15 ("Śmierć")

History:

In November 1918, the Great War was coming to a quick end, while the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Army were disintegrating. A newly constituted Polish authorities started to gather Polish territories back from a German and Austrian occupation, and gain arms to defend the independence. On November the 1st, the Polish military organization captured Austro-Hungarian armoured train in Cracov at Prokocim station

It is not sure, which train was captured, though. The Austro-Hungarian army employed at least 11 armoured trains during the war (see the page at the Armoured Train Web-museum). The older publications claimed, it was "type V" train, which obviously is an incorrect designation. According to a newer book by J. Magnuski, most likely it was mixed of two k.u.k. trains: PZ.III and PZ.VIII. The captured train consisted of two armoured locomotives (series 377), two artillery wagons of a standard S type and two or three machine gun wagons. On 3 November 1918 the train was manned by the Polish crew, and soon divided into two trains: "Pilsudczyk" (PP.1) and "Smialy" ("Śmiały") (PP.2). Both trains were given one locomotive, one artillery wagon and one assault wagon, and then completed with further Polish-built improvised armoured wagons.

'Smialy' in 1920 - this artillery wagon will be found later in 'Smierc'.

Both trains were at once moved to Przemysl and Lwów (Lviv), in order to defend these cities against the Ukrainians, who were also aiming to gain the most territory. Poland regained its independence after the last 120 years, while the Ukrainians had a new-born national awarness and were aiming at their own country for the first time. In Galizia (the province with Lviv) the Poles and Ukrainians were totally mixed, and both nations were claiming their rights to the province. After the Poles had defended Lviv and Polish-Ukrainian war had ceased, Polish C-in-C Marshal Pilsudski attempted to help the Ukranians defend their independence (and the rest of their territories) against the Soviets, which was one of the reasons of Polish-Soviet war, in which some Ukrainian units were fighting on the Polish side... Ukraine lost the independence and became a Soviet republic for 70 years. Between the World Wars, Lviv was Polish Lwów, now it finally belongs to the independent Ukraine.

Both "Smialy" and "Pilsudczyk" were fighting in the Polish-Soviet war 1919-20, but their story will be a subject of another page. In 1921 both trains were re-equipped with new artillery wagons of a Polish design (type III). The old Austro-Hungarian artillery wagon of "Smialy" was given to armoured train "Zagonczyk", which was decomposed in 1929. "Pilsudczyk" gave away its old rolling stock as well. Finally, both ex-Austro-Hungarian artillery wagons and one assault wagon were given to armoured train "Smierc" ("Śmierć"), but the exact date is not known. Possibly it was done in 1929, when the final composition of Polish trains was established.

The original armoured train "Smierc" was probably created in August 1920 in Cracov. It was used in the Polish-Soviet war since August 1920, in the 3rd Army of the Central Front. It distinguished itself in fights against Budionny's 'Konarmya' (Mounted Army) near Zamosc. It had number 23 (P.P. 23 - Pociag pancerny nr 23) then. In that period, the train consisted mainly of improvised partially armoured wagons. On 7 December 1920 the train was renamed to "Pogoń" (The Chase), later it was renamed back.

In the twenties "Smierc" was assigned for the further service, among 12 most modern trains, and it was given number 8 (P.P. 8). In the winter of 1923/24, most Polish armoured trains were demobilised and stored - among them was also "Smierc". Most likely it was not brought back from reserve to an active service before the mobilization in 1939. In that period, it was equipped with mentioned Austro-Hungarian wagons. In the early thirties, the train underwent some modernization, it received radio and signal equipment, and the locomotive was changed to the standard type Ti3 (the earlier locomotive type is not known). The artillery wagons were rebuilt, their armament was standardized (75mm wz.02/26 guns and wz.08 MG's) and anti-aircraft MG's were added. In the thirties "Smierc" was assigned to the 1st Armoured Train Unit in Legionowo, near Warsaw.

In 1939, during the mobilization, the 1st Armoured Train Unit mobilized five trains, among them light armoured train (pociąg pancerny) nr. 15 - former "Smierc" (the names were not used anymore officially). Only recently it have been researched and confirmed with photos, that during the mobilization, the train was given the third artillery wagon, armed with a 100mm wz.14/19A howitzer.

Combat use in 1939:

The armoured train nr. 15 (former "Smierc") was commanded by Cpt. Kazimierz Kubaszewski.

The train was initially at the disposal of Polish C-in-C. It finished its mobilization in Legionowo on 4 September 1939, and then was assigned to the Army "Modlin".

During the next day, the train, along with the train nr.13, appeared very useful fulfilling reconnaissance duties and providing the Army staff with situation reports (one of its armoured draisines Tatra was destroyed by AT-guns on patrol near Nasielsk town).

From 8 September the train was subordinated to Modlin fortress Defence HQ. On the next day, due to a damaged bridge on the Bugo-Narew river, the armoured train lost contact with its auxuliary section, and had to do without it. When the German siege of Modlin started, from about 15 September, the train was used as a mobile artillery in the fortress area, manoeuvring on a few kilometer track between Modlin and Pomiechowek stations. It was assigned to support the 28th Infantry Division, holding Pomiechowek area. The train nr 15 showed quite efficient in supporting Polish defenders, firing at pointed targets and helping to repell enemy attacks. On 19 September it was even fighting an artillery duel with its German opponent - armoured train PanzerZug 7, acting on a track Nasielsk-Pomiechowek. On 22 September it supported Polish III/36 battalion in a succesfull night counter-attack near Pomiechowek.

During the next days the train was not used that much due to a superiority of enemy artillery and shortages of ammunition in the fortress. The train was mainly staying in the railway excavation near "Ostroleka" fort then. On 25 September the assault wagon and locomotive were destroyed, and the locomotive was replaced with a regular one (on the other hand, photos taken by the Germans after siege show the train with the armoured locomotive!). Finally, on 29 September, the alone fortress surrendered, and the crew destroyed the train's armament. Train nr 15 was the last Polish fighting armoured train. It was not used by the Germans after capture.

Train composition in 1939:

The light armoured train nr. 15 consisted of:

- an armoured section

- a platoon of armoured draisines (scout rail vehicles)

- an unarmoured auxiliary section

The armoured train, as a military unit, consisted of: an armoured section (the armoured train in a strict meaning), a platoon of armoured draisines, and an unarmoured auxiliary section. The armoured section and armoured draisines were the combat section of the armoured train, while the auxiliary section was supporting the operation of the combat section in respect of logistics and accommodation, and did not take part in combat.

The length of the whole armoured part (including flatcars), without the third artillery wagon was 69 m (226 ft), the weight: 215 t (source [5]). "Smierc" was the light armoured train, so the armoured section crew was probably only about 80 men (without the third artillery wagon) to 95 men (with the wagon). The whole armoured train's crew was probably up to 155.

Locomotive:

The standard locomotive for Polish armoured trains since 1927 was the armoured steam locomotive series Ti3 (former Prussian series G5, built in 1903-06).

Artillery wagons:

Armoured train nr.15 ("Smierc") had two 2-axle artillery wagons of the standard Austro-Hungarian S type, built by MAV railwy workshops and MAVAG factory in Budapest. Their factory numbers were S141164 and S141455. In the thirties they were modernized by the Polish.

Each was armed with one 75mm wz. 02/26 (modified "3in" Putilov) field gun in a turret. At the beginning of the service, the wagons were armed with 70mm SFK L/30 naval guns, replaced in 1920 with 80mm M. 5/8 guns. The horizontal angle of fire was about 240°. Other armament consisted of two 7.92mm wz. 08 (Maxim) machine guns in the side doors - with partially opening doors, they could be used for flank-fire along the train. It was Polish improvement of the original wagons - originally they had simple casemates for MG's in the sides, and had a door in the rear end wall only. Also in the thirties there was added 7.92mm wz. 08 anti-aircraft machine gun in a small turret on the roof, replacing original high superstructure with one MG fixed to the wagon's front and an observation cupola. A maximum elevation of the AAMG was 90°. The ammunition was probably 3,750 rounds per each MG (in 250-round belts). Probably up to 120 artillery rounds were carried in the wagon.

A color sideview of an original wagon (with "Smialy" markings) and a drawing of a modified wagon.

The armour thickness was 8 - 12mm. However, according to the source [2], the wagons had no armour plating in fact, but were protected with 12mm regular steel plates. Since Austro-Hungarian Army found them too vulnerable to machine gun bullets, the protection was strengthened from the inside with 40mm oak wood layer and the second layer of 9mm sheet steel, which showed quite enough against machine guns and splinters. In the Polish Army it was probably partially replaced with armour plates - in doors, at least.

The wagon's length was 7.55 m (or 7.9 m); axle interval - 3.6 m; weight - about 21 t. The crew was about 12-15 men.

During the mobilization in 1939, the train nr. 15 was equipped with the third artillery wagon, to strengthen its power. It was two-axle, built in summer of 1920 in Lwow, according to the Polish design by KBPP Lwow construction bureau. The further details about this wagon are not known. In the thirties it remained in a reserve.

The wagon's armament consisted of one 100mm wz. 14/19A howitzer in a turret, rotating at 360°. Other armament consisted of 2 x 7.92mm wz. 08 Maxim machineguns in wagon's sides and the third anti-aircraft MG in a small turret on the roof. There is no information about its armour, probably it was similar to other Polish armoured trains.

The third, unknown artillery wagon of the train nr. 15 at Modlin station, after being captured by the Germans.

Assault wagon:

The assault wagon (Polish nomenclature) was intended for the transportation of an assault platoon. The two-axle assault wagon of "Smierc", was an original Austro-Hungarian MG wagon, rebuilt in Poland in the thirties. The MG-casemates were replaced with flat armour plates with Polish cylindrical MG mountings, and a two-leaf door was cut in each side. Earlier it had doors in its end walls only. The wagon's number was probably 390243 (its original factory number was 140866 or 150060).

The wagon's armament was four 7.92mm wz.08 MG's in the sides. The ammunition was probably 3,750 per MG (in 250-round belts). The armour was like of artillery wagons. The assault platoon consisted of 32 men (1 officer, 7 NCO's, 24 soldiers, with 2 LMG's). The total wagon's crew was about 40 (with signalmen and stretcher-bearers).

Since the early thirties, the assault wagon was equipped with long-range radio RKD/P (range - up to 100km), placed in a separate radio cab in the middle of the wagon. The wagon was also fitted with a power generator, batteries and a large clothes line aerial on the roof. The significant feature was two rows of aerial masts. The wagon had two doors in each side, and also doors in both ends, which enabled passing between wagons. Apart from the doors, the wagon also should have hatch in the bottom. The wagon's length was 7.57m (or 7.90m).

Flatcars:

On both ends of the armoured train, there were two flatcars. Their primary function was to protect the armoured train against mines or a derailment. They were also adapted to carry engineering materials (tools, rails and sleepers, logs, explosives etc.) and also bicycles and motorcycles (part of it was carried on the auxiliary train's flatcars).

The standard flatcar series Pdkz type VIIIC was two-axle. Weight - about 10 t, load capacity - 17.5 t, length - 13 m (511 in), wheelbase - 8 m (315 in).

Armoured draisines platoon:

Each armoured train had a platoon of armoured draisines (scout rail vehicles). Train nr.15 had non-standard platoon of only two older draisines Tatra.

Auxiliary train:

Each armoured train, considered as a military unit, also included an unarmoured auxiliary section. The auxiliary section accompanied the combat section in operational movements and provided it with an accomodation and logistics support. It was manned by a platoon consisting of 1 officer, 21 NCO's and 26 soldiers. The length of the auxiliary section of the train was about 250 m (820 ft).

It consisted of: a locomotive, coaches for officers (2), NCOs (2) and soldiers (8), supply wagons, an ambulance coach, a kitchen coach, a workshop wagon, a coal wagon, a water tanker and flatcars (5) - up to 30 carriages.

It also had two wz.34 half-tracked trucks, one light truck (Polski FIAT 618?) and four motorcycles with sidecars CWS M-111 - carried on three flatcars. Wz.34 half-tracks were from the repair patrol, and they could be equipped with a rail-riding device.

A pair of the halftracks wz. 34 on rails. The vehicles are coupled together in order to enable fast move in both directions.

Modificato 21 Dicembre 2008 da intruder

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Ospite intruder

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