3 THE ART OF TANK WARFARE A Guide to World War II Armored Combat for Players of Panzer Elite By Christopher S. Keeling Contents 1. The History of Tank Warfare 2. Tank Academy 3. Tanks in Battle 4. The Campaigns 5. The Wehrmacht 6. The U.S. Army 7.
4 HOW TO USE THIS BOOK This book is designed as both a historical reference for the armored warfare enthusiasts among us, and as a primer for the novice. The history and development of the tank, covered in the first chapter, is provided in order to give some background on the state of armored vehicle technology in World War II. The second chapter gives much more specific information on the “current” technologies and how they were used in combat.
5 1. THE HISTORY OF TANK WARFARE Armored fighting vehicles are a relatively recent development of military capability. Superceding the horse cavalry shortly after the First World War, new theories on armored warfare slowly displaced the age-old concepts of infantry and cavalry driven offensive battle by the eve of the Second World War.
6 WORLD WAR I Although the tank first came into use during the First World War, the basic principles of armored warfare had been used for hundreds, even thousands, of years. The notion of a heavily armed and armored mobile force which could strike deep into enemy territory was first embodied by the heavy cavalry and chariot units of ancient times, as well as by the infantry tactic known as the “tortoise” which was used to assault fortified installations.
7 The First Tankers. Nearly every major nation had its own outspoken supporter of the tank during this critical period of armor development. Colonel Ernest Swinton was the most outspoken advocate of armored warfare in Great Britain, and was heavily supported by future Prime Minister Winston Churchill, as well as Major J. F. C. Fuller, who later invented and refined many of the early tactics and techniques of armored warfare.
8 by Fuller, but further expanded to combine all units of the Wehrmacht, including the Luftwaffe, was made clear long before the first Panzer crossed the border into Poland in 1939. Many of these units were secretly trained in the Soviet Union, where Misha Tukhachevski and Kliment Voroshilov had built up the Soviet armored force during the 1920s and ‘30s.
9 WORLD WAR II Armored warfare, as a professional branch of military service and a tool for battlefield dominance in modern times, culminated within the crucible of the Second World War. No conflict, before or since, has seen such extensive development and use of the tank in combat, either in numbers, time, or variants. This developmental explosion had such a profound influence on later concepts of armored vehicle design and their tactical application, that land combat would never be the same again.
10 Italy, meanwhile, as Germany’s ally, had annexed Albania and subsequently invaded Greece, where Mussolini’s forces were still stalled, as they were in North Africa. In order to save the Italian forces, and to secure the mineral-rich Balkans prior to the upcoming attack on the Soviet Union, the Wehrmacht invaded Yugoslavia from Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Austria, all of whom were now members of the Tripartite Pact, commonly known as the Axis.
11 The German Heer, however, was unprepared for the Russian winter. Since they expected that the fighting would end before the frosts began, the German High Command had not thought to issue winter clothing and equipment to the Wehrmacht. By December 6, 1941, the German forces had penetrated as far towards Moscow as they would ever reach. Some German reconnaissance units had even scouted the suburbs of the city before the first Soviet counterattack of the war struck in the area around Moscow.
12 Operation Overlord, the famous landings on the beaches of Normandy in northern France, was the largest campaign of the Western Allies and the long-awaited opening of the Second Front in Europe. The invasion fleet numbered nearly 6,500 vessels, of which about 4,000 were actual landing craft. Of 12,000 aircraft flown into the battle by the Allies, over 5,000 were fighters.
13 2. TANK ACADEMY It is essential that a tank crewman understand how his tank is built, the reasoning behind the design and how these factors will influence the tactics used in the field. The commander of an armored unit, regardless of its size and force composition, must also become familiar with the all the tactics and techniques of tank warfare and how they are applied in practice.
14 As the armor used on armored vehicles grew thicker and more advanced, it became obvious that smaller guns were incapable of penetrating it. At first, this meant that the production of smaller guns ceased and the production of larger guns increased. When the development of armor quickly outstripped the capabilities of even the largest of the currently produced guns, new ammunition was designed to increase the penetrating power of the guns already in use.
15 meters that it could at 10 meters. A shaped charge round mounted on the end of a stick and muzzle-loaded into the 37mm antitank gun was even developed by the Germans! Other types of ammunition, such as smoke producing shells, was also produced, but was reserved mainly for signalling and for screening troops, not for fighting. As a final note, ammunition and barrel qualities, due mainly to materials quality and workmanship, were also a limiting factor in main gun accuracy and effectiveness.
16 As new types of ammunition were developed, tank armor was forced to keep pace. Alternatives to extremely thick armor were developed. At first, it was simply a matter of making the frontal armor thicker and the rear armor thinner, since an attack from the rear was less likely. Later, supplemental armor plates were attached over weak spots. In the field, crews often supplemented their armor with sandbags and spare track links.
17 MOBILITY Most tanks are heavy, slow, and have tracks instead of wheels. Combined with the unusual controls and poor visibility for the driver, World War II tanks were difficult to drive well. Most tanks were steered by two levers, each one controlling the speed of one of the tracks. This enabled the driver to turn the tank by slowing the track in the direction of the turn and speeding up the track on the opposite side.
18 OTHER FACTORS A tank could have a powerful gun, thick armor, and excellent maneuverability, and still be unable to beat inferior tanks in combat if several other factors were not addressed. The Afrika Korps was able to fight while heavily outnumbered, with older equipment, and hold out for long periods against fresh Allied units due to their attention to these other factors. Training. Crew training and experience were probably the most decisive factors of tank warfare.
19 Optics. The quality of a tank’s optics affected not only how well the crew could see out of the vehicle, but also the accuracy and usefulness of the rangefinder and optical targeting systems. Poor quality Soviet optics reduced the overall accuracy of their tanks. American and British optics were better than the Soviets but German glass quality, optical designs and workmanship were the best throughout the war, although they occasionally suffered from complexity.
20 Size. The larger the vehicle, the easier it is to spot and hit. This gave some advantage to the assault guns with their lower chassis (since they had no turret). A smaller vehicle also requires less armor to cover its smaller exposed area. Some vehicles, such as the German Tiger, could ignore their large size since their armor was sufficient to repel almost any attack.
21 3. TANKS IN BATTLE Tank Tips (Lt Col. Ernest D. Swinton, 1916) The armor tactics of World War II were developed between the wars, primarily in Germany. These tactics were innovative in concept, considering the armor branch a weapon of decision and breakthrough. The majority of other nations distributed slow and heavily armored tanks among and in support of the “poor bloody infantry.” The Germans concentrated their light, fast tank forces together, in an effort to smash the enemy at one decisive point.
22 TANKS IN THE OFFENSIVE The concept of armored warfare is inherently offensive. Tanks are designed to drive through enemy positions, destroying or bypassing any enemy forces they meet, and pushing deep into enemy rear areas, in order to wreak havoc on their command, control, communications, and supply systems. They excel in the capacity to take on all kinds of enemy forces and survive. Offensive armor tactics are founded on the concepts of speed, surprise, and breakthrough.
23 the top of a hill or ridge is a good way to get spotted. To keep from being silhouetted against the sky, tanks should be driven below the crest of the hill, on the opposite side from the enemy. Obvious choke points, such as narrow roads through forests, bridges, fords, road intersections, and mountain passes should be avoided if at all possible. Finally, the vehicle itself must be taken into consideration.
24 • Reverse Wedge. In a Reverse Wedge or ‘Vee’ formation, the tactical concerns of the commander are on control of the unit. It allows for good fields of fire to the flanks and rear, but severely restricts the forward fire arcs. This formation also allows a unit the ability to provide self-overwatch capabilities. (Not currently available to the TC in PE). • Diamond.
25 Concentration of force. Whenever possible, the maximum amount of force should be used to secure an objective or engage enemy forces. This enables the platoon or company to engage quickly and with overwhelming force, in order to be immediately ready for an enemy counterattack. This will also help keep a force from being pinned in place (and becoming an artillery target), and allow it to sustain fewer losses than if the unit had been engaged piecemeal.
26 TANKS IN THE DEFENSIVE Originally designed to seize and hold the initiative by taking the offensive, tanks can also be very useful on the defensive. Properly prepared, tanks can provide fire support from a position that is nearly invulnerable to enemy fire, and still be able to make a tactical withdrawal to previously established positions in the rear. They can be used as mobile support, to reinforce wherever the fighting is worst.
27 retreat is easy, as buildings are inevitably connected to other buildings by roads. If you want to have the tanks fall back to other buildings after they are engaged (to avoid artillery and infantry attacks), do not forget to have infantry units protecting their flanks from close assaults, especially in urban areas where the movements of enemy infantry may be difficult to detect. Defensive formations.
28 Counterattack. When the enemy forces are insufficient to penetrate friendly lines or friendly infantry and antitank forces are weak but tank forces are strong, a counterattack can often be staged to inflict the maximum amount of damage on the enemy. This can be done by creating a thin defensive line, as with the mobile defense. The mobile forces are then consolidated on one flank, immediately behind friendly lines.
29 Know your enemy. One of the most important concepts in the art of armored warfare is to know and understand your enemy - his mindset, motivations, tactics and equipment. Being able to recognize friendly units is important for the obvious reason that this will prevent ‘friendly fire’ episodes.
30 TANK AGAINST INFANTRY Although modern tanks were designed mainly with the goal of eliminating enemy armored forces, they are often used to provide direct support to advancing infantry, especially when they are forced to cross open ground or fight against fortified enemy positions. This is one of the gravest situations an armored unit can face, as it is likely to expose the slow-moving tank to the many types of antitank defences.
31 Using supporting units against infantry. When fighting enemy infantry in difficult terrain, it is best to let friendly infantry attack. In order to make this as easy as possible for the advancing friendly units, it is a good idea to soften up the target with artillery fire if it is available and there is sufficient time available to wait for the artillery strike. If friendly forces are already engaged, the use of artillery may be too dangerous to friendly troops.
32 Infantry antitank teams. Effective antitank weapons, particularly the ‘HEAT’ warhead, were developed due to the need for a capable antitank weapon that could be carried by individual infantrymen. This warhead, unlike traditional armor-piercing rounds, was not dependent on kinetic energy for its penetrating effects. Relying on chemical means, it could be fired from low-velocity guns or used for rockets.
33 utilized by both sides in the Second World War. Most of these were restricted to use as siege weapons and were not often seen, or luckily, felt, on the open battlefield in support of troops, due to their cumbersome size and nature. The ‘Karl’ series of heavy mortar is an excellent example.
34 4. THE CAMPAIGNS These three campaigns represent the majority of conflict between American and German armored forces in World War II. Each involves different units, equipment, and terrain. From the deserts of Africa, to the mountains of Italy and the bocage country of France; all of the major battlefields upon which these forces met are represented. The historical background and major units and commanders involved in these campaigns are covered in more detail below.
35 opposed, and easily overpowered the weak German and Italian forces deployed along the west coast. After seizing Gela and Licata, the US forces moved up the coast through Agrigento, Ribera, and Castelvetrano during the remainder of July. Meanwhile, the Axis forces were reinforced by General Hube’s Fourteenth Panzer Corps and the Hermann Göring Panzer division from Italy into northeastern Sicily. With the nearly bloodless capture of Palermo in the north, the western half of the island had been captured.
36 It took the Allies all of October and most of November to advance to the Gustav Line. This was mainly due to poor weather and rugged terrain combined with some of the most experienced defenders in the Wehrmacht. These steadfast and dogged units included: I Fallschirmjäger Corps, 26th, 16th, and Hermann Göring Panzer divisions, and 334th, 305th, 94th, 65th, 44th, and 5th (Mountain) Infantry divisions.
37 While local attacks kept the German forces pinned, the Allies squeezed the area, known as the Falais Pocket, tighter. British and Canadian forces applied pressure along the northern flank, while the US Third Army was responsible for the south. By August 12th, the German forces were in a general state of retreat throughout France, as American forces swept south and then east, crossing the Loire River on August 11th, and threatening Paris.
38 5. THE WEHRMACHT At the beginning of World War II, the Wehrmacht (the ground forces of the Heer, the air forces of the Luftwaffe and the naval forces of the Kriegsmarine as well) seemed to be an unstoppable juggernaut. Its forces were far superior in quality, and only rarely in quantity, to those of its opponents.
39 • The German Panzer Battalion of 1942-1943 was made up of three tank companies (usually two PzKpfw III and one PzKpfw IV), organized into three platoons of five tanks each (a number only reached by elite units, with ordinary units making do with four tanks per platoon), a platoon of four or five light tanks, and a headquarters section of two tanks.
40 GERMAN TACTICS German Attack Order and Fire Plan [Used by the commander to organize his offensive plan] 1. Estimate of the situation (disposition of friendly and enemy troops). 2. Mission. 3. Assembly areas for the forward companies; objectives; sector boundaries; orders for the continuation of combat reconnaissance. 4. Instructions for the preparation of the heavy-weapons fire support, especially for massed fire. 5. Orders to the artillery for fire preparation and coordination. 6.
41 GERMAN ARTILLERY The German war machine used many different types of artillery, several of which are available to the German player as “on-call” indirect fire, using high explosive and smoke ammunition. The following types of artillery barrages may be available, depending on the scenario: 81mm Mortar: This was the most commonly available artillery for the company-level commander. It was often used to drive infantry from cover, harass enemy armored vehicles, or provide a smoke screen.
42 15cm Nebelwerfer: The Nebelwerfer (“Smoke thrower”) series of rocket launchers were both light in weight and heavy in firepower. The 15cm version fired six rockets simultaneously, and each battery normally consisted of six launchers, thus placing 36 rockets onto the target at once. Mobile versions were also manufactured, and mounted in racks of ten on Opel Maultier halftracks, which were assigned three to five vehicles per battery (for a 30 to 50 rocket salvo).
43 GERMAN ARMAMENTS The following charts give the nomenclature for the German ammunition penetration, in millimeters, of non-face-hardened armor plate at the ranges shown for the weapons mounted on German vehicles and those provided as antitank weapons.
44 Armor Penetration of German Weapons Weapon Shell Weight Muzzle Velocity Thickness of armor penetrated at 30° angle at 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m 7.92mm MG 20mm L/55, L/112 150mm L/12 0.0115 kg (MG) 0.148 kg (AP) 0.1 kg (APCR) 0.685 kg (AP) 0.368 kg (APCR) 8.63 kg (HEAT) 0.685 kg (AP) 2.25 kg (APCBC) 0.85 kg (APCR) 2.25 kg (APCBC) 0.85 kg (APCR) 8.2 kg (HEAT) 6.8 kg (APCBC) 4.65 kg (HEAT) 6.8 kg (APCBC) 3.18 kg (APCR) 4.65 kg (HEAT) 6.8 kg (APCBC) 3.18 kg (APCR) 4.65 kg (HEAT) 6.8 kg (APCBC) 4.
45 GERMAN UNITS PzKpfw II F Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Jan 40 – Dec 43 AI only KwK 38 20mm L/55 -10°/+20° Coax MG 40 (20mm), 600 (MG) None 25 seconds Yes Small 2.15 meters 9.5 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 30° 0.
46 PzKpfw III H Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Jan 41 – Dec 42 Wingman only KwK 38 50mm L/42 -10°/+20° Hull MG, Coax MG 99 (50mm), 3750 (MG) None 35 seconds Yes Medium 2.5 meters 21.6 tons 0.93 kg/cm2 30° 0.
47 PzKpfw III J Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Mar 42 – Dec 43 Wingman only KwK 39 50mm L/60 -10°/+20° Hll MG, Coax MG 84 (50mm), 3750 (MG) No 35 seconds Yes Medium 2.5 meters 21.5 tons 0.94 kg/cm2 30° 0.
48 PzKpfw III N Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Sep 42 – Dec 44 Wingman only KwK 37 75mm L/24 -10°/+20° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 64 (75mm), 3450 (MG) No 35 seconds Yes Medium 2.5 meters 23.0 tons 1.03 kg/cm2 30° 0.
49 PzKpfw IV E Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Jan 41 – Dec 43 Player KwK 37 75mm L/24 -10°/+20° Hull MG, Coax MG 80 (75mm), 3150 (MG) None 35 seconds Yes Large 2.68 meters 21 tons 0.79 kg/cm2 30° 0.
50 PzKpfw IV F2 Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Jun 42 – Dec 43 Player KwK 40 75mm L/43 -10°/+20° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 87 (75mm), 3192 (MG) None 35 seconds Yes Large 2.68 meters 23.6 tons 0.84 kg/cm2 30° 0.
51 PzKpfw IV H Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Aug 42 – May 45 Player KwK 40 75mm L/48 -10°/+20° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 87 (75mm), 3150 (MG) None 35 seconds Yes Large 2.68 meters 26.0 tons 0.89 kg/cm2 30° 0.
52 PzKpfw IV J Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Jan 44 – May 45 Player KwK 40 75mm L/48 -10°/+20° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 87 (75mm), 3150 (MG) None 35 seconds Yes Large 2.68 meters 25.0 tons 0.89 kg/cm2 30° 0.
53 PzKpfw V D Panther Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Jul 43 Player KwK 42 75mm L/70 -8°/+20° Hull MG, Coax MG 79 (75mm), 4200 (MG) None 35 seconds Yes Very Large 2.99 meters 44.8 tons 0.88 kg/cm2 30° 0.
54 PzKpfw V A Panther Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Jul 43 – Apr 44 Player KwK 42 75mm L/70 -8°/+20° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 79 (75mm), 4200 (MG) None 35 seconds Yes Very Large 2.99 meters 44.8 tons 0.88 kg/cm2 30° 0.
55 PzKpfw V G Panther Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Oct 43 – May 45 Player KwK 42 75mm L/70 -8°/+20° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 79 (75mm), 4200 (MG) None 35 seconds Yes Very Large 2.99 meters 44.8 tons 0.88 kg/cm2 30° 0.
56 PzKpfw VI E Tiger Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Dec 42 – Dec 44 Player KwK 36 88mm L/56 -9°/10° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 92 (88mm), 4800 (MG) None 40 seconds Yes Very Large 2.93 meters 57.0 tons 1.04 kg/cm2 35° 0.
57 PzKpfw VI E Tiger (late version) Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Jan 44 – May 45 Player KwK 36 88mm L/56 -9°/10° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 92 (88mm), 4800 (MG) None 40 seconds Yes Very large 2.93 meters 57.9 tons 1.05 kg/cm2 35° 0.
58 PzKpfw VI B King Tiger Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Jun 44 – May 45 AI only KwK 43 88mm L/71 -8°/15° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 84 (88mm), 5850 (MG) None 50 seconds Yes Huge 3.08 meters 69.8 tons 1.02 kg/cm2 35° 0.
59 StuG IIIG Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Assault gun Jun 42 – May 45 AI only KwK 40 75mm L/48 -10°/+20° AA MG 54 (75mm), 600 (MG) Yes Yes Small 2.16 meters 23.9 tons 1.
60 StuH 42 Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Assault gun Nov 42 – May 45 AI only StuH 42 105mm L/28 -10°/+20° AA MG 36 (105mm), 600 (MG) Yes Yes Small 2.16 meters 23.9 tons 1.
61 StuPz IV Brummbar Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Assault gun Jul 42 – May 45 AI only StuH 43 150mm L/12 -10°/+20° Hull MG, AA MG 38 (150mm), 600 (MG) None Yes Small 2.16 meters 28.2 tons 0.
62 PzJäg 38(t) Marder III Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Tank destroyer May 42 – May 45 AI only PaK 40 75mm L/46 -9°/+9° Hull MG 38 (75mm), 1200 (MG) None Yes Medium 2.47 meters 23.9 tons 0.
63 JgdPz III (IV) Hornisse (Nashorn) Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Tank destroyer Jul 43 – May 45 AI only PaK 43 88mm L/71 -8°/+40° AA MG 40 (88mm), 600 (MG) None Yes Very large 2.94 meters 24.0 tons 0.
64 JgdPz 38(t) Hetzer Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Assault gun Aug 44 – May 45 AI only PaK 39 75mm L/48 -6°/+12° AA MG 40 (75mm), 600 (MG) None Yes Small 2.1 meters 16.0 tons 0.
65 JagdPz IV/70 Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Assault gun Mar 44 – May 45 AI only StuK 42 75mm L/70 -8°/+12° AA MG 79 (75mm), 1200 (MG) None Yes Small 1.85 meters 23.0 tons 0.
66 JagdPz V JagdPanther Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Assault gun Jun 44 – May 45 AI only PaK 43 88mm L/71 -8°/+14° Hull MG 57 (88mm), 600 (MG) None Yes Medium 2.71 meters 45.5 tons 0.
67 Elefant Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Assault gun Nov 42 – May 45 AI only PaK 43 88mm L/71 -10°/+20° Hull MG 50 (88mm), 600 (MG) Yes Yes Large 2.16 meters 23.9 tons 1.
68 SPW 250/1 sMG Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Halftrack Sep 41 – May 45 AI only None Hull MG, Rear MG 3000 (MG) None Yes Small 1.66 meters 5.8 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 24° Maximum Vertical: Top Speed: Redline: Armor: Hull Front: Hull Sides: Hull Rear: Hull Top: Superstructure Front: Superstructure Sides: Superstructure Rear: Superstructure Top: Mantlet: 0.
69 SPW 250/9 Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Halftrack Jul 43 – May 45 AI only KwK 38 20mm L/55 -4°/+70° Coax MG 100 (20mm), 1050 (MG) None 15 seconds Yes Small 1.66 meters 5.9 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 24° 0.
70 SPW 251/1 Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Halftrack Sep 39 – May 45 AI only None Hull MG, Rear MG 3000 (MG) None None Small 1.75 meters 9.0 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 Maximum Vertical: Top Speed: Redline: Armor: Hull Front: Hull Sides: Hull Rear: Hull Top: Superstructure Front: Superstructure Sides: Superstructure Rear: Superstructure Top: Mantlet: 0.
71 SPW 251/1 sMG Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Halftrack Jun 40 – May 45 AI only None Hull MG, AA MG, Rear MG 3000 (MG) None None Small 1.75 meters 9.0 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 24° Maximum Vertical: Top Speed: Redline: Armor: Hull Front: Hull Sides: 0.
72 SPW 251/9 Stummel Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Halftrack Jul 43 – May 45 AI only KwK 37 75mm L/24 -8°/+20° Rear MG, AA MG 52 (75mm), 2010 (MG) None Yes Small 1.75 meters 8.5 tons 1.
73 SPW 251/10 Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Halftrack Jan 40 – May 45 AI only PaK 35/36 37mm L/45 -8°/+20° AA MG 168 (37mm), 1100 (MG) None Yes Small 1.75 meters 9.0 tons 1.
74 PSW 222 Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Armored car Sep 39 – May 45 AI only KwK 38 20mm L/55 -7°/+80° Coax MG 180 (20mm), 1050 (MG) None 15 seconds Yes Small 2.0 meters 4.8 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 20° 0.
75 PSW 232 Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Armored car Sep 39 – May 45 AI only KwK 38 20mm L/55 -7°/+80° Coax MG 180 (20mm), 1050 (MG) None 15 seconds Yes Medium 2.35 meters 8.5 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 30° 0.
76 PSW 233 Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Armored car Jan 43 – May 45 AI only KwK 37 75mm L/24 -0°/+20° Hull MG 32 (75mm), 1500 (MG) None Yes Medium 2.25 meters 8.6 tons 1.
77 PSW 234/2 Puma Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Armored car Oct 43 – May 45 AI only KwK 39 50mm L/60 -8°/+20° Coax MG 55 (50mm), 2850 (MG) None 15 seconds Yes Medium 2.38 meters 11.7 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 30° 0.
78 SdKfz 7/1 Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Halftrack Jul 43 – May 45 AI only Four FlaK 38 20mm L/112.6 -10°/+100° None (20mm) None None Large 2.62 meters 11.55 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 24° Maximum Vertical: Top Speed: Redline: Armor: Hull Front: Hull Sides: Hull Rear: Hull Top: Cab Front: Cab Sides: Cab Rear: Cab Top: Mantlet: 0.
79 Opel Blitz Type: Availability: Playability: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Truck Sep 39 – May 45 AI only None None Large 2.175 meters Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Top Speed: Redline: 2.1 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 15° 0.1 meters 80 KPH (10 off-road) RPM The Opel Blitz was one of many similar light trucks used by the Wehrmacht to transport personnel and supplies (up to 3 tons) in all theaters of the war.
80 SdKfz 7 Type: Availability: Playability: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Halftrack Sep 39 – May 45 AI only None None Large 2.62 meters tons 1.0 kg/cm2 Maximum Vertical: Top Speed: Redline: Armor: Cab Front: Cab Sides: Cab Rear: Cab Top: Mantlet: 0.3 meters 50 KPH (32 off-road) 2600 RPM 8mm 8mm 8mm 8mm None 24° The Sonderkraftfahrzeug 7 was a heavy halftrack capable of carrying eight tons.
81 Infantry (Early) Type: Availability: Playability: Target Size: Infantry HS Sep 39 – May 45 AI only Very small Weaponry: Secondary Weaponry: Ammunition: Smoke: Kar 98k Hand grenades 600 (Rifle) Yes The early Heer infantry squad consisted of two half-squads, normally a regular infantry half-squad and a machinegun team. The soldiers were armed primarily with the Mauser Kar98k bolt-action rifle, a 7.92mm rifle with a 5-round internal magazine fed through the top by stripper clips.
82 Infantry (Assault) Type: Availability: Playability: Target Size: Infantry HS Dec 43 – May 45 AI only Very small Weaponry: Secondary Weaponry: Ammunition: Smoke: StG 44 Hand grenades 900 (Rifle) Yes The assault infantry squad consisted of two half-squads, normally a regular infantry half-squad and a machinegun team or antitank team (either Panzerfaust or Panzerschreck). The soldiers were armed primarily with the Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifle, a 7.92mm rifle with a 30-round detachable magazine.
83 Panzerschreck Team Type: Availability: Playability: Target Size: Infantry HS Oct 43 – May 45 AI only Very small Weaponry: Secondary Weaponry: Ammunition: Smoke: Panzerschreck Kar98k, Hand grenades 600 (Rifle), 10 (PzS) Yes The Heer Panzerschreck team consisted of a half-squad, normally supplementing a regular infantry, antitank, or machinegun half-squad to form a full squad. The soldiers were armed primarily with the Mauser Kar98k bolt-action rifle, a 7.92mm rifle with a 5-round internal magazine.
84 PaK 38 Type: Availability: Playability: Target Size: Antitank gun Jan 41 – May 45 AI only Small Weaponry: Turning time: Ammunition: Height: PaK 38 50mm L/60 16 seconds 79 (50mm) 1.2 meters The Panzerabwehrkanone 38 50mm L/60 was designed to replace the 37mm PaK 35/36. It had a crew of four or five men, and was capable of fighting enemy tanks when first introduced, but was quickly outclassed.
85 6. THE U.S. ARMY American units, especially early in the war, could not match German units in troop and equipment quality or tactics. These differences became balanced as American forces gained more experience, and German forces were forced to use more new recruits while deploying their best troops on the Eastern Front. By the end of the war, American troops had a better level of experience in general, and a great deal more equipment.
86 The following tables of organization and equipment are fairly accurate for U.S. forces throughout the later part of the Second World War. Due to an excellent logistical system of replacements, parts and reinforcements, the industrial might of US industry provided materials in a timely manner and helped keep the deployed units at operational strength.
87 AMERICAN TACTICS American infantry tactics were of two major types. The first was that of divided sections of each squad providing covering fire for each other as they moved from one piece of cover to another. By always posting the BAR gunner with the supporting squad, it was hoped that his firepower, combined with the semiautomatic rifles (either M1 Garands or M1 carbines) of the rest of the squad would enable the manoeuvring squad to move forward to a better position.
88 AMERICAN ARTILLERY The US Army used many different types of artillery, several of which are available to the American player as “on-call” indirect fire, using high explosive or smoke ammunition. The following types of artillery barrages may be available, depending on the scenario: 81mm Mortar: The US M1 81mm mortar was essentially a copy of the German mortar of the same caliber. It was also used much the same way, being allocated to support companies and battalions. This weapon could fire its 3.
89 5” Naval Gun: The 5” naval gun was normally mounted as primary armament on destroyers and as secondary armament on larger ships such as cruisers. They were usually mounted singly in turrets, although occasionally two were mounted together. A destroyer might have four or five, while a capital ship generally had up to twenty such turrets, with the larger vessels also mounting larger guns as well.
90 AMERICAN UNIT OPTIONS The following options may be available to some American armor units: • Additional superstructure armor: This was a 30mm plate welded to the sides of the superstructure to cover weak spots. This plate was often used as a target by German tank and antitank gunners due to its position. • Additional turret armor: This was a 30mm plate welded to the outside of the turret to cover weak spots.
91 AMERICAN ARMAMENTS The following charts give the nomenclature for the American ammunition, penetration, in millimeters, of nonface-hardened (homogeneous) armor plate at the ranges shown for the weapons mounted on American vehicles and those provided as antitank weapons. In addition to these types of ammunition, high explosive and smoke ammunition was also provided for many weapons. Hand-held antitank weapon capabilities are given for comparison.
92 Armor Penetration of American Weapons Thickness of armor penetrated at 30° angle at 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m Weapon Shell Weight Muzzle Velocity .30 MG .50 MG 37mm L/45 37mm L/53 105mm L/22 0.01 kg (MG) 0.04 kg (HMG) 0.685 kg (AP) 0.87 kg (AP) 0.87 kg (APCBC) 2.9 kg (AP) 2.83 kg (APCBC) 6.77 kg (AP) 6.31 kg (APCBC) 6.77 kg (AP) 6.5 kg (APCBC) 3.8 kg (APCR) 6.77 kg (AP) 7 kg (APCBC) 4.26 kg (APCR) 6.77 kg (AP) 7 kg (APCBC) 4.26 kg (APCR) 13.
93 AMERICAN UNITS M3A1 Stuart Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Nov 42 – May 45 AI only M6 37mm L/53 -9°/+20° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 103 (37mm), 8,270 (MG) None 20 seconds Yes Small 2.3 meters 12.9 tons 1.2 kg/cm2 25° 0.
94 M5A1 Stuart Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Nov 42 – May 45 Wingman only M6 37mm L/53 -9°/+20° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 123 (37mm), 6,250 (MG) None 20 seconds Yes Small 2.51 meters 14.6 tons 1.2 kg/cm2 27° 0.
95 M3 Lee Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Nov 42 – May 45 AI only M2 75mm L/28, M6 37mm L/53 -9°/+20°, 2 Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 46/178 (75mm/37mm), 9,200 (MG) None 20 seconds Yes Large 3.12 meters 28.9 tons 1.2 kg/cm2 27° 0.
96 M4 Sherman Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Jul 42 – May 45 Player M3 75mm L/37 -10°/+25° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 97 [+12] (75mm), 7,750 (MG) None 15 seconds None Large 2.97 meters 30.3 tons 1.1 kg/cm2 27° 0.
97 M4A1 Sherman Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Feb 42 – May 45 Player M3 75mm L/37 -12°/+25° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA MG 89 [+12] (75mm), 7,750 (MG) None 15 seconds None Large 2.74 meters 30.2 tons 1.1 kg/cm2 27° 0.
98 M4A2 Sherman Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Apr 42 – May 45 Player M3 75mm L/37 -10°/+25° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA HMG 97 (75mm) 6250/600 (MG/HMG) None 15 seconds Yes Large 2.74 meters 31.8 tons 1.2 kg/cm2 27° 0.
99 M4A3 Sherman Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank July 43 – May 45 Player M3 75mm L/37 -10°/+25° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA HMG 97 (75mm) 5050/600 (MG/HMG) None 15 seconds Yes Large 2.74 meters 30.2 tons 1.1 kg/cm2 27° 0.61 meters Options: Hedgehog plow.
100 M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Sep 44 – May 45 Player M3 75mm L/37 -10°/+25° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA HMG 104 (75mm) 6250/600 (MG/HMG) None 15 seconds None Large 2.95 meters 38.0 tons 1.1 kg/cm2 27° 0.
101 M4A3(75)W Sherman Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Feb 44 – May 45 Player M3 75mm L/37 -10°/+25° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA HMG 104 (75mm) 6250/600 (MG/HMG) None 15 seconds None Large 2.94 meters 31.5 tons 1.2 kg/cm2 27° 0.
102 M4A1(76) Sherman Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Jan 44 – May 45 Player M1 76mm L/52 -10°/+25° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA HMG 71 (75mm) 6250/600 (MG/HMG) None 15 seconds Yes Large 2.97 meters 32.0 tons 1.2 kg/cm2 27° 0.
103 M4A2(76)W Sherman Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank May 44 – May 45 Player M1 76mm L/52 -10°/+25° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA HMG 71 (76mm) 6250/600 (MG/HMG) None 15 seconds Yes Large 2.97 meters 33.3 tons 1.2 kg/cm2 27° 0.
104 M4A3(76)W Sherman Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Mar 44 – May 45 Player M1 76mm L/52 -10°/+25° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA HMG 71 (76mm) 6250/600 (MG/HMG) None 15 seconds Yes Large 2.97 meters 33.6 tons 0.77 kg/cm2 27° 0.
105 M4(105) Sherman Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank Feb 44 – May 45 AI only M4 105mm L/22 -10°/+35° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA HMG 66 (105mm) 6250/600 (MG/HMG) None 15 seconds None Large 2.94 meters 31.5 tons 1.2 kg/cm2 27° 0.
106 M4A3(105) Sherman Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank May 44 – May 45 AI only M4 105mm L/22 -10°/+35° Hull MG, Coax MG, AA HMG 66 (105mm) 6250/600 (MG/HMG) None 15 seconds None Large 2.94 meters 33.0 tons 0.86 kg/cm2 27° 0.
107 M10GMC Wolverine Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Turret Traverse: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Tank destroyer Mar 43 – May 45 Wingman M7 76mm L/55 -10°/+30° Coax MG, AA HMG 54 (76mm) 600 (HMG) 2250 (MG) Yes 15 seconds Yes Medium 2.48 meters 29.5 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 27° 0.
108 M7HMC Priest Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Self-propelled artillery Nov 42 – May 45 AI only M2 105mm L/22 -5°/+35° AA HMG 69 (105mm), 400 (HMG) None None Medium 2.54 meters 22.9 tons 0.
109 M3 Halftrack Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Halftrack Nov 42 – May 45 AI only None AA HMG, AA MG 800 (HMG), 2250 (MG) None Yes Small 2.26 meters 8.0 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 27° Maximum Vertical: Top Speed: Redline: Armor: Hull Front: Hull Sides: Hull Rear: Hull Top: Superstructure Front: Superstructure Sides: Superstructure Rear: Superstructure Top: Mantlet: 0.
110 M3A1 Halftrack Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Halftrack Jan 44 – May 45 AI only None AA HMG, AA MG 800 (HMG), 2250 (MG) None Yes Small 2.26 meters 8.3 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 27° Maximum Vertical: Top Speed: Redline: Armor: Hull Front: Hull Sides: Hull Rear: Hull Top: Superstructure Front: Superstructure Sides: Superstructure Rear: Superstructure Top: Mantlet: 0.
111 M3A1 MMG Halftrack Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Halftrack Nov 42 – May 45 AI only None AA HMG, AA MG, Rear MG 1200 (HMG), 6750 (MG) None Yes Small 2.26 meters 8.5 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 27° Maximum Vertical: Top Speed: Redline: Armor: Hull Front: Hull Sides: 0.
112 M3A1 GMC Halftrack Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Halftrack Nov 42 – May 45 AI only M2 75mm L/28 -9°/+49° Hull HMG, AA MG 50 (75mm), 2250 (MG) None Yes Small 2.7 meters 9.8 tons 1.
113 M3 Scout Car Type: Availability: Playability: Main Armament: Depression/Elevation: Secondary Armament: Ammunition: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Armored car Jan 42 – May 45 AI only None AA MG, AA HMG 800 (HMG), 2250 (MG) None Yes Small 2.0 meters 5.6 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 27° Maximum Vertical: Top Speed: Redline: Armor: Hull Front: Hull Sides: Hull Rear: Hull Top: Superstructure Front: Superstructure Sides: Superstructure Rear: Superstructure Top: Mantlet: 0.
114 Truck, 21/2 Ton 6x6 GMC Type: Availability: Playability: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Truck Jan 42 – May 45 AI only None None Large 2.21 meters Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Top Speed: Redline: 2.5 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 15° 0.1 meters 80 KPH (10 off-road) RPM This truck, commonly called the “deuce-and-a-half ” due to its payload, was a staple of US forces in every theater.
115 M38 Jeep Type: Availability: Playability: Smoke: Radio: Target Size: Height: Car Jan 42 – May 45 AI only None None Large meters Weight: Ground Pressure: Maximum Slope: Maximum Vertical: Top Speed: Redline: 0.25 tons 1.0 kg/cm2 15° 0.1 meters KPH ( off-road) RPM The M38 1/4 ton truck, General Purpose, was commonly called the Jeep, due to its initials G.P. It was designed shortly before the war began, and served well past its conclusion. The Jeep was known for its ruggedness and reliability.
116 Machinegun Team Type: Availability: Playability: Target Size: Infantry HS Jan 42 – May 45 AI only Very small Weaponry: Secondary Weaponry: Ammunition: Smoke: M2HB M1 rifle, hand grenades 600 (SMG) 600 (HMG) None The US Army machinegun team consisted of a half-squad. These were normally combined into a section of two or three teams. The team was responsible for manning a single Browning M2HB .50 heavy machinegun.
117 M3A1 Antitank Gun Type: Availability: Playability: Target Size: Antitank gun Jan 42 – May 45 AI only Small Weaponry: Turning time: Ammunition: Height: 37mm L/45 16 seconds 50 (37mm) 0.97 meters The M3A1 37mm L/45 was a copy of the famous German PaK 35/36 series antitank gun, fitted with a muzzle brake to reduce recoil (since the recoil was so low anyway, the muzzle brake was usually removed before the gun left the factory!).
118 7. GLOSSARY AND ABBREVIATIONS AA (Antiaircraft). A weapon which is designed to fire at aircraft. A machinegun in an antiaircraft mount can normally be elevated to fire at aircraft or depressed to fire at ground targets and is capable of firing in any direction, although a crewmember must ordinarily expose himself to do so. Abt. (Abteilung). German designation for battalion or detachment. Antitank. Any weapon or artillery piece designed to attack tanks.
119 Corps. A unit made up of 2-5 divisions. Usually prefaced by “infantry” or “tank” to show what types of divisions are commanded. The numerical designation of the corps will be spelled out in Roman numerals, e.g. LXXVI Corps, V Corps, II Corps, etc. Where more than one corps is being mentioned, the nationality is mentioned so as to avoid confusion. DIV (Division). A unit made up of 2-4 regiments or 2-3 brigades (same in German and English). The numerical designation and type are given as usual, e.g.
120 LMG (Light machinegun). A machinegun issued at squad level which may be magazine-fed. Luftwaffe. The German air force, which is part of the Wehrmacht. MG (Machinegun or Maschinengewehr). A fully-automatic weapon firing rifle-caliber or larger ammunition from cloth or metal belts or a detachable magazine, generally used by and in support of the infantry. MMG (Medium Machinegun). A machinegun issued at the platoon or company level or mounted on vehicles which is belt-fed and may be air or water-cooled.
121 SP Artillery (Self-propelled Artillery). A fully-tracked lightly-armored vehicle mounting an indirect-fire support gun in a fixed, open-topped superstructure. Sprgr (Sprenggranate). German designation for a HE shell. SPW (Schützenpanzerwagen). German designation for a halftrack or armored personnel carrier. SQD (Squad). A unit made up of two half-squads or fire teams, usually 10-12 men. Stab. German for headquarters. StuG (Sturmgeschütz).
122 CREDITS Andreas Escher Wings Simulations Team In Game Vehicles Andreas Escher Producer & Lead Designer Teut Weidemann In Game Objects Eric Chochonneau Dirk Dobbert Engineering Additional Art by Bone Buddrus Joachim Walther Marco Krichel Lead Programmer & 3D Engine Heiko Schröder AI Programming Markus Oberrauter Direct 3D support Markus Oberrauter Front End Christian Rogge Campaign system Christian Rogge Multiplayer and Installation Jörg Meister Research Lead Researcher Matthias Siedlaczek Lead
Special Thanks to the Panzermuseum Munster, Germany Panzermuseum Munster Hans-Krüger-Straße 33 29633 Munster Deutschland Tel: +49 51 92 25 52 Fax: +49 51 92 35 87 Web: http://www.panzermuseum.
