Hi all, I'm at the Toronto Public Library taking a second look at some books and looked a little further on in the history of the 93rd Anti-Tank Regiment to a part where they were cooperating with air OPs. This seemed fairly clever and somewhat reminiscent of flushing out game for hunters. "The fighting became static with the withdrawal of the enemy across the River Savio, which ran through Forli. The reported presence of Tigers was giving some anxiety, and the CCRA 5th Corps discussed means of coping with this menace. As a result several large wireless nets were set up including anti-tank guns, field, medium, and heavy batteries, regiments, formation HQs, and air OPs. By this method, if an enemy tank was spotted, details could be conveyed immediately to all HQs on the net, and the necessary action taken at the guns, both direct and indirect methods of fire being employed." "The method of shooting-up enemy tanks by indirect fire employed in conjunction with the Medium Regiment and air OP was as follows. Two SPs would be placed one behind the other in direct enfilade of an enemy-held road. When a German tank was observed - they were generally spotted around farms - the air OP gave the map reading, and before long one of the SPs would range on what seemed the best escape route should the enemy attempt to retire. The rounds were adjusted to fall some 400 yards beyond where the enemy tank would turn on to the road. After this initial ranging the SP would be ordered to "record the target," and stand by to fire ten rounds of gunfire. For all of these shoots alternate rounds of high explosive and armour-piercing shells were used by the 17-pounders, and similarly by the 3-inchers. The air OP then proceeded to range with 5.5 or 7.2 guns. After a few "rangers" the Boche tank crew, realising that their vehicle was the target, would start up the engine and leave what they considered to be an unhealthy neighbourhood. As soon as they turned on to the escape road - covered by the M10s - the air OP would order fire. On several occasions this proved most successful, and a number of enemy tanks were accounted for."
