21.pz div experiences in antitank defense june 1942

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Aida1
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21.pz div experiences in antitank defense june 1942

#1

Post by Aida1 » 10 Oct 2022, 10:24

" NARA T 315 roll 768

21.Pzdiv
Abt Ia Div command post 11.06.1942

Concerns: combat experiences antitank defense
A) Hereinafter a compilation of experiences in the fighting against tanks is sent.
This compilation should give an overview for the fight against tanks, so that demands are made on weapons and ammo according to their performances and they are used consequently.

B.1) The importance of the recognizing of tanks(H.Dv. 469 2a)
It is the basis of all antitank measures. In the combatting of heavily armored vehicles the opening of fire , the breakpoint and choice of ammo are different according to type(see also H.Vd 469 3a tank firing tables).
2) The impact angle at which the antitank projectile hits the tank is decisive for the penetration of the projectile. The impact angle is each time the smallest angle between the surface of the tank and the axis of the projectile at the time of the impact. The higher the impact angle , the bigger is the penetration power of the projectile.
Conclusion: aim at firing at the surfaces which can be hit vertically , for example when a tank ascends through a ditch. Further using favourable firing positions and then fire when the tank shows its full side. In case of rounded or curved turrets, as a matter of principle aim at the middle of the turret"

to be continued

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Aida1
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Re: 21.pz div experiences in antitank defense june 1942

#2

Post by Aida1 » 10 Oct 2022, 15:19

" 3) To achieve a destructive effct, furthermore the choosing of the right time for the opening of fire is of decisive importance. The time for the opening of fire depends on the penetration range of the projectile and the hit probability.
The hit probability is restricted:
a) at low visibility ,particularly when to achieve a sufficient effect specific points or areas of the tank have to be aimed at
b) with HL projectiles(see under 4)

4) mode of action of Hl ammo
Contrary to panzer shells the tank breaking effect does not consist in the force of the hit but on a steered explosive effect. Therefore the effect is the same at all ranges.
Tank penetration dependent on caliber
7,5 cm (Le.I.G ,Pak 40,Kwk, Stu.Gesch.etc...) 75 mm
10 cm(Le.F.H 18 etc...) 90 mm
15 cm(s.I.G. , s.F.H.) 140 mm
16 cm( stick grenade 3,7 cm Pak) 180 mm
Disadvantages: ; the Hl ammo can at first only be fired with a lightly curved trajectory

5) Choice of the type of ammo

a) Hl projectiles are to be preferred when there are no supply difficulties
b) always use normal panzer shells in place of HK shells when according to the Panzerbeschuss table(H.Dv 469 3a) an effect can be counted on
grounds: 1. Higher destructive effect inside the tank
2. Lower loss of effectiveness ( respect the maximum limit of the penetration power of HK shells)
3. production of HK shells from scarce metalls
c)explosive shells : obstructive and destructive effect on vulnerable parts, from 7,5 cm also on tracks."

to be continued


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Aida1
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Re: 21.pz div experiences in antitank defense june 1942

#3

Post by Aida1 » 10 Oct 2022, 18:31

"6) the limited effect of light and medium Pak, forces -in derogation from former principles- to deploy this weapon with conscious giving up of a wide of field fire and skillfully using backslopes and covered terrain so that it can execute a surprising fire ambush if possible against side and back of the armored vehicles that are difficult to fight. By an if possible complete observation of the enemy terrain for approach,a timely warning of the Pak crew must be ensured.
This type of deployment sometimes has the effect that a break in of enemy armored vehicles in the positions of the infantry cannot be prevented .For the success of the defense it is however more important that the Pak succeeds in killing tanks from ambush at short range than exposing oneself to the danger to be identified early by enemy tanks and to be shot up outside effective range or -in that for example the heavily armored tanks(T34,KV1)turn their alpost invulnerable front on the antitankweapon- be overrolled.
Skillfull installation on the backslope or in covered terrain will at the same time eliminate the intervention by enemy overwatch weapons during the fight between Pak and tanks. The advanced zone has to be monitored by continuous observation."

to be continued

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Re: 21.pz div experiences in antitank defense june 1942

#4

Post by Aida1 » 11 Oct 2022, 08:28

" Mutual fire support of several Pak increases the prospect of success. One needs to use silent guns which do not take part at first in the frontal fight against enemy tanks.

7) Experienced infantry has learned to be 'overrolled' by protecting itself
a)in the defense through deep, narrow well camouflaged foxholes
b)in the attack by fully stiffening and taking cover, if needed by skillful retreating to the side at the last moment, using the dead angle of the tank.
8)For the protection of the Pak use of mines is to be demanded(see factsheet on the use of T mines in the tank hunter troop 02/12/1941) .
9)Current imporovised close combat means( T mines, smoke , handgrenades, explosive boxes, Molotov cocktails..)are only an emergency solution. In the hands of skillful and brave man they have however often happily led to success even against difficult to combat enemy tanks."

concluded

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