Okay, let’s talk about this “when tank fight” thing. It all started a few days ago when I was messing around, thinking about how tanks actually engage each other. I mean, we see it in movies and games all the time, but what really happens?
So, I started digging. I was reading some old stuff from way back in 1943. Apparently, the Germans and Soviets were throwing tons of tanks at each other. It made me think about the actual tactics, you know?
I pictured this scenario in my head. Imagine a tank, hiding, waiting for another tank. I read that sometimes they would put multiple rounds into tanks sometime to prevent them from being recovered, just waiting. They’d find a good spot, maybe some infantry helped them dig in, or they used the city buildings as cover. Then, they’d spot an enemy tank moving in, and that’s when they’d get ready.
They’d aim, load up, and wait for the perfect moment. I found out that sometimes, they’d even let the enemy tank get closer, making sure they wouldn’t miss. And after the battle the engineers can recover the tank, weld and fix any hole or other problems in the tank, crazy, right?
- First step: Find a good hiding spot.
- Second step: Wait for the enemy tank.
- Third step: Aim and load.
- Fourth step: Shoot when the moment is right, and maybe multiple rounds.
- Fifth step: the engineers can recover the tank.
I also read about how some tanks would hang back, providing cover for the others, like if you’re a four tank platoon. It’s called “overwatch.” It’s like they’re watching each other’s backs, making sure no one gets flanked. They’d position themselves in a way that they could see a large area and support their buddies.
Then there’s the Gulf War in 1991. Coalition troops were rolling through with their tanks, just dominating. They left those Iraqi tanks as burning hulks in the desert. It’s wild to think about the sheer power of these machines.
And get this – even back in 1945, there was this filmed clash in Cologne. A Pershing tank versus a Panther. The Panther was sneaky, hiding near a train station, and it ambushed a Sherman that didn’t even see it coming.
These things are huge, armored monsters designed to be the main weapon on the front lines. They’ve got heavy firepower, strong armor, and they can move pretty well with those tracks and a powerful engine. Usually, their main gun is mounted on a turret that can rotate.
What are tanks for?
Turns out, over 80% of the shots fired by tanks during wars weren’t even at other tanks! They were shooting at all sorts of things. I guess it makes sense, but it also raises the question – who takes out the enemy tanks then? That’s where tank destroyers came in. Their job was to hunt down and eliminate enemy armor.
The first tanks
The British first used tanks during the Battle of Somme in 1916. They had a big impact on the German soldiers’ morale. They were good at crossing trenches and barbed wire, but they couldn’t break through the German lines completely.
What happens when a tank is hit?
When a tank gets hit, it’s not pretty. People inside can get seriously hurt or killed. There’s fragmentation, shock, burns, the whole nine yards. It’s a brutal business.
So yeah, that’s what I’ve been looking into. It’s a mix of history, tactics, and some pretty intense stories. Tanks are a whole world of their own, and I’m just scratching the surface. I’ll keep digging and see what else I can find.
