Base Metals
Nickel (very rare), Molybdenum, vanadium and chrome (very rare) caused a few problems later in the war. Prior to September 1944 most supplies of the important imported metals, Nickel and Chromium were obtained from Finland (Nickel) and Turkey (chromium). After September 1944 these supplies ceased and industries had to use the stockpiles of ore. Dangerously low levels existed until some material was supplied by secret air supply. By January 1946 however German war industry production of products which demanded the use of these metals would of ceased, the stockpiles would of reduced to zero by that time and 'war' products such as barrels and automotives gears etc. would not of been manufactured. Gear wheels for example used poor quality materials that made them very unreliable, a classic example of this are transmissions for the Panzers and superchargers for aircraft.
