Military Equipment and History Topic
Feb 25, 2017 5:06:55 GMT -6
Post by miragefla on Feb 25, 2017 5:06:55 GMT -6
Hey guys, thought I would start this up so we could talk and debate about the various items that have popped up over the centuries. Be it a rifle or a spear, let's talk about it here!
I'll start off since I've been researching the subject: The US M4 Sherman Medium Tank. There are many myths surrounding the vehicle during its service in the Second World War so let's cross some off to start and debate whether it was still a good idea for the US to keep using the M4 in 44-45 when the heavier German tanks were becoming more common place:
1. 5 M4 Shermans for every Panzer: Is false given that not only M4s could kill Panzer IVs and StuGs with its 75mm at reasonable combat ranges but also due to what is stated in the US Armoured Force Manual. Tanks are not meant to operate alone with the smallest tactical unit being 5 tanks. If you're going to kill a German tank, you'll be fighting with over tanks. Also not every German tank is a Tiger given they only made around 1000 of them. There were more issues with the Panther as it was actually to become the main tank of the Wehrmacht and the US higher echelon did not respond properly when they did encounter a few of the Panzer Vs in Italy which was not a major theater for the Axis who were mainly focused on the Eastern Front.
2. M4s blew up due to gasoline engines: Given that most German tanks also carried petrol, this makes little sense. What caused the issue is due to ammunition fires early on which so applique armour being applied before the wet stowage which drastically lowered burn rates below its Axis counterparts and indeed, all other tanks in the war. It did not help early on the British tended to load ammo everywhere in the tank given how much space there was compared to its contemporaries.
3. M4s had light armour: Its armour was on par with other tanks of its weight and size class with its front sloped to provide better protection. Vulnerability is more due to the fact guns like the Pak 40, which were now the mainstay in the Wehrmacht by 43-45, were excellent AT guns and often got the first shot in engagements from an ambush position. Furthermore, losses can be attributed due to the fact the Allies were often attacking, particularly in areas such as Bocage that is a place any tank would have issues advancing through. The Germans also suffered heavy tank losses which included Panthers when attacking. One almost must remember the US needed to ship its tanks across the Atlantic. Adding more weight not only means less tanks on each vessel, but also a greater issue with transportation when they do reach the European mainland
I'll be putting more stuff out as I dig in!
I'll start off since I've been researching the subject: The US M4 Sherman Medium Tank. There are many myths surrounding the vehicle during its service in the Second World War so let's cross some off to start and debate whether it was still a good idea for the US to keep using the M4 in 44-45 when the heavier German tanks were becoming more common place:
1. 5 M4 Shermans for every Panzer: Is false given that not only M4s could kill Panzer IVs and StuGs with its 75mm at reasonable combat ranges but also due to what is stated in the US Armoured Force Manual. Tanks are not meant to operate alone with the smallest tactical unit being 5 tanks. If you're going to kill a German tank, you'll be fighting with over tanks. Also not every German tank is a Tiger given they only made around 1000 of them. There were more issues with the Panther as it was actually to become the main tank of the Wehrmacht and the US higher echelon did not respond properly when they did encounter a few of the Panzer Vs in Italy which was not a major theater for the Axis who were mainly focused on the Eastern Front.
2. M4s blew up due to gasoline engines: Given that most German tanks also carried petrol, this makes little sense. What caused the issue is due to ammunition fires early on which so applique armour being applied before the wet stowage which drastically lowered burn rates below its Axis counterparts and indeed, all other tanks in the war. It did not help early on the British tended to load ammo everywhere in the tank given how much space there was compared to its contemporaries.
3. M4s had light armour: Its armour was on par with other tanks of its weight and size class with its front sloped to provide better protection. Vulnerability is more due to the fact guns like the Pak 40, which were now the mainstay in the Wehrmacht by 43-45, were excellent AT guns and often got the first shot in engagements from an ambush position. Furthermore, losses can be attributed due to the fact the Allies were often attacking, particularly in areas such as Bocage that is a place any tank would have issues advancing through. The Germans also suffered heavy tank losses which included Panthers when attacking. One almost must remember the US needed to ship its tanks across the Atlantic. Adding more weight not only means less tanks on each vessel, but also a greater issue with transportation when they do reach the European mainland
I'll be putting more stuff out as I dig in!
