Anzio Annie — The German Krupp K5 Railway Gun

The article "Anzio Annie — The German Krupp K5 Railway Gun" by Tom Laemlein, published on The Armory Life, delves into the significant role of heavy artillery in warfare, particularly focusing on the German Krupp K5 railway gun. The Krupp K5, a massive 280mm railway gun, was used by the Germans during World War II and gained notoriety during the Battle of Anzio from January 22 to June 4, 1944. The railgun, known for its impressive size and destructive power, overwhelmed the Allied forces at the Anzio beachhead, earning the nicknames "Anzio Annie" and "Anzio Express" due to their devastating effect and relentless bombardment from afar.

The Krupp K5's development began in 1934, and by the German invasion of Belgium and France in 1940, eight of these railway guns were ready for deployment. The article highlights the gun's technical features, including its 83-foot-long barrel capable of firing 550-pound shells over 31 miles, and explains the enhancements that increased its operational efficacy, such as the Vogele Turntable for increased targeting flexibility. Despite the gun's formidable firepower during the Battle of Anzio, the German artillery faced challenges in supply and logistics. By early March 1944, the Germans exhausted their supply of 28 cm ammunition, and as Allied forces closed in, the guns were moved to Civitavecchia, where they were eventually captured. "Leopold", one of the artillery pieces, was even transported to the United States for testing and is currently stored at the U.S. Army Ordnance Training Support Facility in Virginia.

To learn more about the formidable Krupp K5 railway gun and its impact on World War II, read the full article: Anzio Annie — The German Krupp K5 Railway Gun.