Without question, Germany produced some of the finest weapons of the Second World War. From jet fighters to V2 Rockets, German military technology led the world. In some case, by leaps and bounds. This was never more true than with regard to tanks. German tanks of the latter half of the Second World War were so massive, so powerful, and so technologically advanced, they were not even equaled until the decade of the 1960’s. There were three models in particular that absolutely terrified the Allies. They were the Tiger I, the Panther, and the Tiger II. All three were weapons for the ages.

Contrary to popular myth, German tanks during the early years of the Second World War were not immense in size and stature. Nor, did they possess awesome firepower, either. Rather, they were quite small and compact, speedy and maneuverable, light weight with narrow tracks, and highly fuel efficient. They were designed to strike quickly, pierce an enemy defense line at a single point [Sometimes no more than the width of a two lane road], drive far to the rear, wreaking endless havoc as they raced along, then surround large enemy formations with gigantic pincer movements, forcing their eventual capitulation.

This style of warfare, termed, “Blitzkrieg” by Western journalists, was perfectly suited for the early German tanks. They were in no way, shape, manner, or form designed to engage enemy tanks in all-out slugging matches. In Poland, Belgium, Holland, North Africa, and France this strategy proved virtually flawless, and the German Army won tremendous victories as a result. However, when the Germans attacked the Soviet Union on Saturday morning, June 22nd 1941, “Blitzkrieg” in general, and German tanks in particular began encountering serious trouble. That’s because the Russians, unbeknowst to German Military Intelligence, had produced a medium battle tank during the late 1930’s called the T34/76.

Actually based upon a design by the American engineer Walter Christie, that was rejected by the U.S. Army, the T34/76, was an outstanding weapon in practically every way, shape, manner, and form. It contained sloping frontal armor, extra wide tracks, and a medium velocity, five-foot long, 76 mm main gun. The sloping frontal armor was augmented by 45 mm of steel which could easily deflect the 50 mm shells of the Mark III Panzer, Germany’s main battle tank at the time. In addition, the extra wide tracks allowed the T34 to negotiate mud, slush, and marshy ground far better, far quicker, and much more easily than the German tanks could. And, the medium velocity gun could destroy any German tank or armored vehicle at almost 1/2 mile range.