Tanks on the Battle field, Of WW2 Check it out Options

[Spartan]

The Panzerkampfwagen IV (PzKpfw IV), more commonly referred to as the Panzer IV, was a tank developed by Nazi Germany and used extensively in WW2. It was designed initially as an infantry-support medium tank, to work in conjunction with the anti-tank crews. Later in the war, it was up-gunned and up-armored, and took over the tank-fighting role. The Panzer IV was the most common German tank of World War II, and was used as the base for many other fighting vehicles, such as tank destroyers and self-propelled antiaircraft guns. By the end of the war nearly 9000 had been built.




Panzer III
n 1936 german industry passed to develope a true battle tank using the experiences got with the previous panzers. Panzer III Ausf. E (Sd.Kfz. 141), armed with a 37mm L46 gun (muzzle speed of 762 m/s), appeared in less than a hundred (previous III models included) during the polish campaign. Circa 300 Panzer III were ready for French campaign, too few to fill the Panzerdivisionen's order of battle and so being often replaced by the light PzKpfw 38(t)s, 35(t)s and IIs; this last operation proved the "foolness" of using 37mm gun against the heavy armored tanks such as the Char B1-bis or the british Matildas. A handful of new Ausf. F, armed with 50mm L42 KwK 38 was tested in the final days of the campaign. Ausf. Fs and heavier armored Ausf. Gs formed the bulk of General Rommel's Afrika Korps when it landed in Libya on 28th February 1941 for reinforcing the Italian anti-tank defence. Experience on the field proved necessity of better tropicalization in both engine filters and turret ventilation.





Sherman M4
In March 1941 the U.S army decided it needed a new tank to replace the Grant M2A1. After looking at five different proposals the Sherman M4 was chosen. Production began early in 1942. The original armament was a 75mm gun capable of firing high explosive shells. Its 500hp engine had a maximum speed of 26mph. This was replaced by a 76mm high-velocity gun in February 1944. The tank's suspension was redesigned and improved by the beginning of 1945.

Although inferior to the best German and Soviet tanks in armament and protection, it was superior in terms of reliability, serviceability and cost-effectiveness. The British army used the Sherman Tank at El Aleman in 1942 and by 1943 was the mainstay of Allied operations in Africa and Europe.

No picture available. sry guys

Like last time i want u guys to do a lil reaserch.

[Spartan]

Just for You Hellfighter!

Three Black American rank battalions were activated during World War II. They were the 758th, 761st and 784th. The 761st was the first of these to go into combat. The battalion was activated in April 1942 at Camp Clairborne, Louisiana. General J. McNair gave birth to the idea of utilizing Black soldiers in the Armored Force. Many were opposed to the idea. One such individual who was opposed was one of Americas’ most famous generals,- George S. Patton, Jr., tank commander of the Third Army. Orders were issued to organize the first Black tank battalion in our nation’s history - the “758th. A cadre from the 758the was then used to organize the 761st. Many thought it was enough to have Black men in the armored division. However, it became a battle to get into battle. During World War II, the army was segregated, but due to the tenacious efforts of Eleanor Roosevelt as well as prominent Black leaders and the Black press, the 761st was given the opportunity to go into combat. After nearly a year of intensive training at the Central Army Installation of Camp Hood, the 761st departed and following a brief stay at Camp Shanks, New York, were enroute to the European Theater of Operations. Ironically, General Patton had requested that the best remaining separate Tank Battalion be sent to him in Europe. He would then later tell the men that he had asked for them because he had heard that they were good, and that he had only the best in his third army.

In October 1944, the 761st landed in France on the Normandy peninsula. True to their battle cry the courageous World War II Black Panthers came out fighting.

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[Hellfighter]

Just for You Hellfighter!

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Thanks lots, Sparta
I actually have a very significant mini library of books about black units in military history [and most especially in all arms of the U.S military starting in the American War of Independance] which over time I'll post about in the forum if there are interests raised. Currently I delve into female fighting units / individuals in the military throughout history... which I'll definately share at some point. In sticking to this thread for now I'll mention a bit about segregated [at those times officers were White at/above the rank of Captain]-Black armoured units besides the Tank units you mentioned - briefly, because as you might know me by now I ramble on a bit about things I get into when I post.....

Here's an excerpt from a Patton website on his review and thoughts of the 761st prior to them going into combat;

As the 761st was about to enter combat, Patton reviewed the battalion and made a speech to the men which offered a guarded vote of confidence in their abilities:

"Men, you're the first Negro tankers to ever fight in the American Army. I would never have asked for you if you weren't good. I have nothing but the best in my Army. I don't care what color you are as long as you go up there and kill those Kraut sons of bitches. Everyone has their eyes on you and is expecting great things from you. Most of all your race is looking forward to you. Don't let them down and damn you, don't let me down!"

However, like many Army officers, General Patton expressed his doubts about using black men in combat. On returning to headquarters following the review, he remarked, "They gave a good first impression, but I have no faith in the inherent fighting ability of the race."

Despite the outstanding performance of the 761st under his command, Patton was not compelled to change his perceptions about black soldiers. In War As I Knew It, he relates the interaction described above, and comments, "Individually they were good soldiers, but I expressed my belief at the time, and have never found the necessity of changing it, that a colored soldier cannot think fast enough to fight in armor."

Even though he had such prejudices initially he found their combat prowess necessary in spearheading his armoured thrusts and the unit remained in combat for 183 straight hellish days!

The units

Cavalry brigades [mechanised units] sent to N.Africa.... 4th and 5th Coloured Cavalry brigades.
Cavalry Regiments [mechanised units] sent to N. Africa... 9th,10th [remember the famous 'Buffalo Soldiers' of the wild west......] 27th, 28th Cavalry Regiments
Reconnaissance squadrons [armoured car units] sent to N.Africa.... 5th, 35th

'Coloured' Tank Destroyer Battalions [s-p = self propelled afvs]
not sent overseas.... 646th [s-p], 649th, 659th [towed AT guns], 669th [towed AT guns], 795th[s-p], 827th [s-p] 828th [s-p], 829th [towed AT guns], 846th [towed AT guns]
serving in NW Europe.... 614th [towed AT guns],
serving in Europe then Italy.... 679th [towed AT guns]

'Coloured' Tank Battalions
758th served in Europe alonside the 92nd Coloured Infantry Division
761st and 784th served in NW Europe, with their companies usually deployed to various infantry divisions.
The 761st was particularly devastating as a fighting force with terrific firing and combat skills.Apparently they had potent women-charming skills too and were very 'popular' in their stay in England prior to going into combat on the mainland. Most notable in their combat records were their roles in the battle of the Bulge and spearheading the initial thrusts into the Siegfried Line [yes, I spelled it wrong in my sig] assisting in liberating Buchenwald concentration camp, then ending up the furthest western unit into Eastern Europe, oddly enough the German citizens in the area they would later occupy, got along with the tankers very nicely compared to their treatment back at their camp quarters in the U.S. One major reason for their success was the men of all races and ranks coming together for the most part working together as an high-moraled elite and deadly tank unit. On the other hand, the 92nd coloured Div. in Italy performed patchily in Italy, poor leadership, blatant prejudices, and mistrust being the prime culprits.
-> a good source http://www.761st.com/index.php?page=DiNicolo

It should be noted Sparta, that Mrs.Roosevelt was incredibly instrumental in her agressive efforts to see everyone get 'their shot' at equality and everyone participating in the war effort to their full potential regardless of race and sex. She was a true 'damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead' type of person. Anyway I'm starting to ramble so I'll leave the tons of very interesting related material for future posts..... like entire African Divisions fighting against the Japanese, the American-Japanese Nisei Regt [the most decorated unit in the US forces!], all-women military units in the Soviet army/airforce etc.............................................................






This post has been edited by Hellfighter: 03/20/06 11:36pm