Introduction

The Treaty of Versailles, signed at the end of World War I, mandated severe disarmament and prohibition on the development of certain weapons in Germany. This treaty influenced Germany's approach to military armament during World War II, particularly regarding the use of heavy machine guns. While Germany did not develop large-caliber heavy machine guns, their ingenuity led to the effective use of existing capabilities and integration of foreign weapons. This article delves into how Germany navigated these restrictions and the impact on their military tactics.

German Limitations and Strong Suit in Tactics

Germany's military strategy heavily relied on high mobility, high rates of automatic fire, and combined arms support. This is exemplified by their adoption of the MG34 and later the MG42. These machine guns were designed to be light, compact, and highly portable, perfectly suited to their infantry tactics. The MG42, in particular, became a symbol of German infantry firepower, known for its reliability and effectiveness.

Despite these advantages, Germany recognized the limitations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, which forbade the development of heavy machine guns. As a result, their approach to heavy defensive weaponry was more strategic, often using existing weapons in novel ways.

The 20mm Cannon in Support of Infantry

One notable exception was the use of the 20mm cannon, originally developed for anti-aircraft (AA) purposes. As the war advanced and Germany faced a more direct need for heavy firepower, they began to integrate these cannons into infantry support roles. The 20mm gun, while formidable, was too heavy and cumbersome for the traditional infantry roles. It was primarily used in static defense or mounted on half-tracks, tanks, or motorized gun carriages for better mobility.

The recoil from the 20mm cannon was significant, often causing damage to Jeep mounts and frames over time. As a result, it was less practical for portable use during offensive maneuvers, but its fixed and mobile mounts proved effective in entrenched defensive positions.

Limited Incorporation of Foreign Weaponry

Germany faced significant restrictions in developing and using large-caliber heavy machine guns. Partly to circumvent these restrictions, Germany looked to foreign territories. After the invasion of Czechoslovakia, the Nazis integrated some Czechoslovakia's military technology into their own forces. One notable example was the ZB-53 heavy machine gun, which was chambered in the 8mm Mauser cartridge. This weapon, re-designated as the MG37t, saw extensive use within the German military throughout the war.

While the MG37t represented an important step in leveraging foreign technology, it remained a rare exception. The majority of German military forces, including the eastern front, relied on the general-purpose machine gun, such as the MG42. This adherence to tried and tested designs demonstrated Germany's tactical flexibility while working within the constraints of treaty restrictions.

Strategic Use of Anti-Material Calibers

Under Allied restrictions, Germany focused on general-purpose machine guns rather than anti-material calibers. However, the United States fielded machine guns chambered in anti-material calibers, such as the .50 BMG round. While other militaries used heavy machine guns, these were typically chambered in standard calibers rather than anti-material rounds. This set the U.S. apart in terms of the firepower available from their machine guns.

In comparison, Germany did not pioneer or widely employ anti-material caliber machine guns, making their use of such weapons even more limited. Their reliance on general-purpose machine guns underscored their strategic decision-making during a period of profound disarmament restrictions.

Conclusion

While Germany was unable to develop large-caliber heavy machine guns due to the Treaty of Versailles, their ingenuity and tactical flexibility allowed them to integrate limited foreign weaponry and modify existing designs. The MG37t and the 20mm cannon exemplify this approach. Despite these efforts, Germany's primary weapon for infantry support remained the versatile MG42, a testament to their strategic use of existing technology under challenging circumstances.