Aragorn2002

Watched it twice now. Great guy, love his tank movies too. This is the way to analyze history. Not just repeating the same old song over and over again, but go for the facts. Very interesting, especially the inaccuracy of the 17 pounder over 500 yards (I thought it was very accurate) and the fact that the US army in Europe only met the Tiger I twice in combat (would like to know how many times the Tiger II was met in combat, especially in the Ardennes). Fact is that the British and Canadian fought in Normandy against the best German divisions with the best tanks and equipment, the Americans less so.

Air war is very different from tank war. In both experience and training are vitally important though. Numbers and position are also important. Chosing between a Bf109K, a Tempest, a Fw 190D, a Ta 152, a Spitfire XIV or a Yak-3, is almost impossible, since in an air fight so much depends on other factors than for example speed and firepower. I keep saying that few authors really take the time to do proper research. Or as Sherlock Holmes puts it: “Data! Data! Data!” he cried impatiently. “I can't make bricks without clay.”

Interesting article, thank you.

Which prevented the rounds from exploding when the tank went up in flames?

What are wet ammunition racks? And liquid storage for ammo?

Good idea, I will do that. I've also been looking for Bloody Buron by Snowie. One of the few books that got away.

Nice job, Artkin!

The Pz V also burned remarkably easy when hit, except from the front and was more difficult to bail out. The Allies were on the offensive and had to leave cover and face the high quality German guns and optics. But every time the Germans went on the attack in Normandy or the Ardennes they also suffered heavy losses in tanks and crew. I'm not sure whether the Ronson reputation of the Sherman was entirely deserved. Besides if the casualty rate of the Sherman crews was indeed low, than I would much rather be in a burning Sherman, than a burning Panther. Well, you know what I mean.

With the best trained crews, let's not forget that. Compare the training of German tank crews and British and American tank crews before Normandy or the Ardennes in driving and shooting hours. That's also part of the success of the Sherman tank. Especially the British marksmenship, both on tank guns and anti-tank guns was exceptionally good. With an endless supply of fuel, ammo and training time they were much better than the largely and relatively undertrained German tank crews. You can compare it with the inequality in training hours between Allied and German fighter pilots in 1944/45. Training is all.

Thanks jamxo, I've ordered Lion Rampant on Kindle. Does Stout Hearts contain many first person accounts?

You're welcome, Slippy. Let me know what you think of Vein's mod. Personally I think it's brilliant. So much better than the old helmets.

I agree that the best tank is not necessarily the best armoured or heaviest gunned tank, but the best all round one. Interesting to hear the Sherman had low fatality rates. Can you name a source for that? Not doubting it, just interested. Personally I think the Germans better could have concentrated on their own Sherman, the Pz IV. Although completly outgunned and outclassed by the end of the war, it would have enabled the Germans to keep their tank divisions up to an acceptable strength. The higher losses in combat compared to the Panther or Tiger would have been (more than) compensated by the lower losses due to maintenance problems. Better a tank battalion with 40 running Pz IV than with 20 partly immobile Panthers. On the other hands there also was the problem with fuel and trained crews. The Panther and Tiger were a nightmare for the German tank industry and repair units. On the other hand the Germans could only dream of the Allied tank numbers and had to gamble on quality vs. quantity. That they failed on both quality and quantity is also a fact.

I found an interesting article. https://www.warhistoryonline.com/instant-articles/best-tank-part-1-t-34.html I still think the T-34/85 was the best tank of the war, which isn't disputed by the author of this article.

https://www.thefewgoodmen.com/cm-mod-warehouse/combat-mission-battle-for-normandy/cmbn-infantry/cmbn-veins-cw-uniforms/ Who else than Vein? That giant of a man.

Great job, Kevin. I like these uniforms. Thank you.

Got them all, Slippy, and yes, all great books. Dalglish is very good.

I've got almost all of his books and like them a lot, especially Ortona and the Juno series. I don't think the British tried to sacrifice the Canadians. They were among the best units and gave everything when they fought. Never understood Dieppe, that must be said. Hills book looks good too!

Tout is good. A true hero.

I would like to ask for titles of good books on the British experience in Normandy, both books like Hill 112 by J.J. Howe and personal accounts such as With the Jocks by Peter White. Who can recommend me some?

That winter mod helped me through some long gaming years. Kohlenklau also provided me with an autumn mod (with CM Afghanistan graphics?), which I often use. I also have a seperate winter mod install btw, so I can install Fire and Rubble without losing his mods.

Hear, hear!

Ahum....You've been away for a couple of years, Phil. Mainly chasing women from what I've heard, so your waiting has been easy. But great to see your enthusiasm again.

Good God, just release the module, man. Enough oracle talk.

I bet it won't. At least another couple of weeks. This module is cursed.