Useful WW2 Wargaming & Military History Resources

WW2 Wargaming Rules Sites of Interest:

Crossfire
World War II Company & Battalion level rules playable in any scale. Emphasis is on dynamic actions and real world like consequences - mechanics are simple and fast and require no rulers or turns. Scale is close to about 1:1 where 1 stand is a section of 5-10 men, and 1 vehicle is 1 vehicle. Playable in any scale from 1/48th to 1/72nd (20mm) to 15mm to even 1/300th (6mm). It has recently been featured in Wargames Illustrated Magazine played in 1/35th scale (at I think the Wargames Holiday Centre).

Flames of War
World War II Company level rules usually played in 15mm scale. These rules have a lot in common with Games Workshop's Warhammer so if you are familiar with those and new to WW2 the learning curve into Flames of War is fairly easy. Like Crossfire this set is essentially 1:1 scale.

Rapid Fire
World War II at the Brigade level, an easy fast moving "Beer & Pretzels" rule set usually played in 1/72nd (20mm) but playable in pretty much any scale... Emphasis is on fun rather than technical detail. Scale is roughly 1:5, where 25-45 figures represent a Battalion (500 men) and 1 vehicle or gun is 4-5 real vehicles or guns.

Spearhead
World War II at the Divisional level (can be played fairly easily with a Brigade up to a Corps if desired), uses priority and proximity rules, among others, to automate actions of individual stands, leaving players concentrating on higher level activity. 1:5 Scale, 1 Stand = 1 Platoon in most cases (30 men, or 4-5 vehicles or guns). Usually played in 1/285th (6mm) but also occasionally in 1/200th (10mm) and 15mm.

WW2 Historical Sites of Interest:

Dr Leo Niehorster's World War II Armed Forces
Excellent source for Orders of Battle and Organizations, and publisher of some excellent TO&E books on the German Army.

Bayonet Strength
An enthusiasts' site devoted to the various small unit organisations deployed by the major combatants during World War Two!

German Forces in Normandy - June 1944
Research site by the author of "Normandy 1944, German Military Organization, Combat Power and Organizational Effectiveness" - lots of useful OOB & TO&E information from that campaign.

World War II Day By Day
Good source for German Orders of Battle (Gliederungen).

New Zealand War History Project
All the NZ Official Histories on line, Campaigns of 2nd and 3rd Divisions, all the Battalion Histories and Service Arm Histories (Artillery, Transport, Cavalry, etc), plus Navy, Air Force, and Political Histories.

WW2 Figure Manufacturers Sites of Interest:

1/76th, 1/72nd, & 1/87th Figure & Model Manufacturers

GHQ
Pretty much the best quality 1/285th Scale miniatures (figures, vehicles, and aircraft) you will find anywhere. The also do some very good 1/2400th Ships. Highly recommended.

Much more to come...