World War II after WWII

**Bobsalt** · 03-31-2021 19:31

When WWII was over, what happened to all of the stuff?

I came across this site some time back, and thought I would share it, because I think there are quite a few on here who would appreciate the content.

After the end of WWII, there were millions upon millions of weapons left over in the arsenals of the various countries - everything from pistols and rifles, to tanks, aircraft, and even aircraft carriers. Most of these weapons were scrapped right after the war. As an example, due to technological advances, aircraft that were cutting edge in 1943 were obsolescent by 1946. Tens of thousands of aircraft went to the smelters so the metal could be repurposed into making appliances, cars, etc.. Many of these planes went from the factory, to a storage area, to the scrapper, having never once been flown.

However, a surprising number went on to have very long lives, continuing to serve on in various militaries for decades - in some cases, even into the 21st century. Did you know that in Desert Storm Iraq had WWII Soviet tank destroyers still in use? That some North Vietnam troops used German StG 44 (the forerunner of the modern assault rifle) submachine guns in the Vietnam War? That Taiwan and Mexico still had Gearing class destroyers in service as late as 2014? Or that the navy of Myanmar still has two WWII ships in service today?
If you're a WWII nut like me, you can spend hours perusing this site.

https://wwiiafterwwii.wordpress.com/

**Baxter** · 03-31-2021 19:48

Thank you for that link. Bookmarked it for a real good read.

**Flying Helmut** · 04-01-2021 03:21

Yes. thanks for the link, Bob!

I'll bookmark it if I ever get my broadband back...

**Jager** · 04-01-2021 12:47

Lots of stuff went to Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Private companies bought lots, and a new generation of "The Merchants of Death" were born. Notably, Interarmco.
Karl