Why the V2 rocket was a big mistake
Why the V2 rocket was a big mistake
In September 1944, Germany launched its brand-new wonder weapon for the first time – the V2.
Designed to destroy the morale of the Allies, the so-called vengeance weapon was an awesome technological achievement. Hitler genuinely believed it could turn the war back in his favour. Instead, the first V2 crashed soon after lift-off – a preview of things to come.
The V2 was expensive, resource intensive and had little strategic value. Few weapons better exemplify Germanys fixation with the wonder weapon, a fictional magic bullet for a war they had already lost.
In this video, IWM’s Ian Kikuchi takes a closer look at the V2, how it worked, why it was built and what impact it had on the Second World War.
With grateful thanks to Eric Horne for his kind donation and to Colin Welch of Research Resource Archaeology for his expertise and assistance.
