Tanks

[zerkalli]

Tanks or SPG from WW2 can shoot in walk (run) ? Which tank or SPG shoot only in fix positions ?

[8th KRI]

from a quick look in one or two of my books, it seems that virtually all tanks could fire whilst moving, though until the development of the gyrostabilizer (first used in the American M3) they weren't terribly accurate, the preferred option for accuracy appears to be from a dug in position. I guess that all SPGs needed to be fired from a stationary position, invariably because they lacked elevation whilst moving, also the British Archer SPG had a rear facing gun, so couldn't fire while on the move.

Chris

[spidge]

Hi all,

Maybe the name was close to the heart of Australians as part of the "National Song" Waltzing Matilda.


The British Made MATILDA


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The Pacific war did not lend itself to the huge armoured units and tank battles that marked the western desert, France and the Russian steppes. However small and medium tanks were used by both sides. They were used mostly as mobile gun platforms for close infantry support. The Aussies adapted some of them to become bulldozers and flame-throwers.[size=7]


A Matilda tank of B Squadron 2/4 Armoured [attachmentid=816]
BOUGAINVILLE. 1945-03-28.



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History

This tank was a development of the Matilda I Infantry Tank whose main armament consisted of no more than either a .303 or a .50 Vickers mg. Such was the thinking behind pre World War II tank development in many Countries (including Britain) that it was considered that the fitting of larger calibre weapons was not warranted.

The Matilda Mark II arose out of a need to provide a better armoured and armed vehicle, which could act in the role of an infantry support tank. For its time, the Matilda II was a heavily armoured vehicle and it was particularly successful in the early years of WW II at Arras, France 1940 and in the Western Desert during 1940-1941.

Unfortunately, its performance was hindered by its small calibre gun and relatively slow cross country performance. Despite its shortcomings, it was more than capable of being used aggressively. This was especially demonstrated in the Western Desert where it was virtually immune against anti-tank and tank guns of the day. In its early conflicts in the Western Desert, its value as a shock assault weapon was significant and it soon earned the title "Queen of the Battlefield". Unfortunately, it was soon outclassed by better enemy tanks and the German's 88m gun. However, it found a renewed operational life in the Pacific.

Although the design ideas were sound for their time, the Matilda could not be up-gunned as the turret ring was too small to accept a larger tank gun. However, it was found that a low velocity 3 in. howitzer could be fitted as a substitute for the tank gun. Such a weapon proved invaluable when operating against infantry, light skinned vehicles, bunkers and other fortifications.[size=7]

Australian Service History

The Matilda filled an urgent need for a tank to operate in New Guinea. Approximately 140 tanks were provided by Britain in early 1942, and these vehicles subsequently proved suitable for jungle operations.

In 1943, a flamethrower version was produced, known as the Frog. Frog's were used in Borneo by 2/1 Armoured Brigade. A bulldozer version was also developed.[size=7]

Many of the tanks were fitted with a variety of battle-field modifications, including wire mesh over the engine covers, spare track links on the hull and/or pierced steel planking (PSP) which was normally used in the construction of aircraft runways. It was also a common practice to festoon the exterior of vehicles with additional stores and personal items of equipment.

An example of the strength of the tank was shown in an action at Pabu Hill near Sattleberg (NB: There is a fine sculpture of a Matilda, titled "The Sattleberg Tank" in the Museum). On this occasion, a tank assisting the infantry was engaged and disabled at a range of less than 50 meters, by a Japanese 37 mm gun. Later a 75 mm gun, anti-tank mines and grenades were used against the tank. Although it was hit more than 50 times, the crew continued to fight the vehicle until its ammunition had been expended. They then managed to escape from the vehicle and return to it the following day. It was subsequently repaired and put back into action one day later.

During the South Western Pacific Campaign, the Matilda served with distinction as part of the 1st Australian Tank Battalion (The Royal New South Wales Lancers).

[sapper]

For those members able. The tank museum at Bovington, in Dorset is well worth while a visit,There is the last surviving "DD" Swimming tank in the world there.

Having one into battle on the back of a Sherman. When I look at it now, it is just impossible to hang on the the blasted thing!

They have all the tanks there, including Tiger, and King Tiger. and T34
Sapper

[ham and jam]

I was amazed Brian how big that Sherman looked with the canvas screen on it, but then when you see some of those German tanks there like the ones you mentioned no wonder our tanks were so woefull

My daughter being dwarfed by Jagdpanther at Bovvy

Andy

[8th KRI]

The tank museum has an excellent web site at http://www.tankmuseum.org.uk/

Chris