Alligator Creek: America Learns to Fight the Japanese

This guide details the assembly and firing procedure for the Solothurn S-18/1000 anti-tank rifle, as demonstrated by an expert from Ordnance. It covers unboxing, component assembly, magazine loading, and the firing sequence, highlighting the rifle's immense power and recoil. The demonstration emphasizes safe handling and operational proficiency with this historical, large-caliber firearm.

This guide details the operational techniques for the Japanese Type 94 37mm Antitank Gun, as explained by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers the semi-automatic firing mechanism, crew roles, aiming procedures using the optical sight, and the use of traverse and elevation controls. The information is presented with a high level of authority, drawing on detailed mechanical explanations and historical context.

This entry details the extreme dangers faced by WWII flamethrower operators, specifically highlighting Don Graves' experience with the 5th Marine Division at Iwo Jima. It underscores the role's high casualty rate and low survival expectancy, drawing on Graves' first-hand account as a primary historical source. The information emphasizes the immense bravery and sacrifice of these service members.

This entry details the Japanese Type 96 150mm Howitzer, a World War II artillery piece. It covers its design origins, production numbers, tactical utility, and historical deployment, particularly during the Guadalcanal campaign. The information is presented with high authority from a firearms historian.

This entry details the Japanese Last-Ditch Pole Bayonet, a unique World War II era weapon designed for pole or bamboo attachment. Expert Ian McCollum highlights its 'last-ditch' production characteristics, including simple construction and lack of rifle compatibility. The entry covers its technical specifications, scabbard, and historical context.

This entry details the OSS Lockpick Pocketknife, a specialized tool developed by the Office of Strategic Services during World War II for intelligence operatives. It highlights the compact design integrating multiple lockpicking tools and a pen knife blade, emphasizing its historical significance in espionage. The guide outlines the deployment of these tools and mentions original accessories like a leather pouch and torsion wrench.

This guide details the specific technique for separating two MAS-36 rifles that have been inadvertently locked together by their bayonets. It outlines the historical context of this issue, the modification made to the bayonet to resolve it, and the step-by-step procedure for disengagement. The technique requires precise alignment and the use of a pointed tool to access the internal release mechanism, as demonstrated by firearms expert Ian McCollum.

This guide details the loading and firing procedure for the M134 Minigun, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers manual indexing of the barrel cluster, feeding the ammunition belt, engaging controls, and firing. The guide also touches upon the weapon's spin-down inertia and the function of modern clutch systems. Expert instruction from a recognized firearms historian highlights the technical aspects of operating this powerful weapon system.

This guide details the operational features of the H&K G11 K2, a prototype assault rifle known for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt. It covers the selector settings, magazine capacity, integrated optics, and the internal action designed for recoil management during high-rate-of-fire bursts. Expert insights from Ian McCollum highlight the historical context and technical innovations of this advanced firearm.

This guide details the operation of the German L.Gr.W.36 50mm light mortar, as demonstrated by expert Ian McCollum. It covers assembly, leveling procedures, ammunition handling, and live fire execution, emphasizing the difficulty in visually tracking the projectile. The instruction highlights the importance of proper setup for accuracy.