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So, let& #39;s have give this report a bit more thought - and perhaps flip bits on the head.
a) Lack of use of binocs/reliance on cupola/less awareness of incoming fire/losing nerve.
British tank comds tended to unbutton to fight. So their cas rate is higher... /1
#WW2 #SWW #History https://twitter.com/ReassessHistory/status/1379803829651312643">https://twitter.com/ReassessH...
a) Lack of use of binocs/reliance on cupola/less awareness of incoming fire/losing nerve.
British tank comds tended to unbutton to fight. So their cas rate is higher... /1
#WW2 #SWW #History https://twitter.com/ReassessHistory/status/1379803829651312643">https://twitter.com/ReassessH...
Once you seal yourself inside a metal box you lose a huge amount of senses, that said you are less likely to become a casualty to arty/mortar fire etc.
This isn& #39;t particularly surprising, but does perhaps indicate German crew should have been more willing to unbutton. /2
This isn& #39;t particularly surprising, but does perhaps indicate German crew should have been more willing to unbutton. /2
But again, there is this key cultural difference between British and German approaches - that underpins a).
Losing nerve is harder to judge, but numerous German tanks were KOed around Rauray so it& #39;s likely confidence was undermined & unexpected losses shook tank crews. /3
Losing nerve is harder to judge, but numerous German tanks were KOed around Rauray so it& #39;s likely confidence was undermined & unexpected losses shook tank crews. /3
b) Probably German doctrine! Be static and aim for quick KO of enemy over manoeuvre. Panther& #39;s in theatre reliability at this point was pretty garbage. Mechanical failure saw Panthers repeatedly stutter out around Rauray and get KOed in crap positions. /3
Comment about bailing from 75mm HE ? Well... they were probably suitably shaken up by HE & suffered some internal catastrophe. HE bails fairly common.
c) You don& #39;t get no kill confirmation in real life. Fire helps.
d) A general shift to HE over AP against front armour... /4
c) You don& #39;t get no kill confirmation in real life. Fire helps.
d) A general shift to HE over AP against front armour... /4
This was part of a more common trend and appears effective, as the aim was to just throw crew inside around a bit/damage optics etc.
e) No point plinking away if you just reveal your position to get knocked and can& #39;t KO target. /5
e) No point plinking away if you just reveal your position to get knocked and can& #39;t KO target. /5
f) Meaty one. Fire and manoeuvre helped 24th Lancers appear move numerically superior, repeatedly frustrating German tank crews. Just as they solved one tactical puzzle, another presented itself. Numerous KOed tanks/anti-tank guns were also used as lures etc. /6
This also points to German doctrine adherence, remaining static & engaging targets to guarantee quick KO. Indecision points to slow adaption in theatre, as the terrain in Normandy doesn& #39;t really fit what they& #39;ve trained for. It takes several weeks for them to adapt. /7
British crews have to be patient and wait for quarry to move, then when they do so - exploit the window and engage side/rear armour.
The funny thing is... many elements of this report mimic elements of German comments about Allied tank crews!/8
The funny thing is... many elements of this report mimic elements of German comments about Allied tank crews!/8
It& #39;s further material that indicates German tank crew DID struggle to adapt to conditions in Normandy & pretty rigidly adhered to doctrine.
Also spicy pointers at why both sides set out to burn out AFVs - thus proving kill. /thread
Also spicy pointers at why both sides set out to burn out AFVs - thus proving kill. /thread
