Tank Archives

The 50th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment first went into battle #OTD in 1943. This regiment was armed with Churchill tanks, including 19 out of the 20 Churchill II sent to the USSR. #tanks #history #WW2 #WWII

The Far East was neglected when it came to new hardware, but the wheels started turning in 1945. #OTD in 1945 Stalin gave an order to start rotating obsolete light tanks in Far Eastern military districts for T-34-85 in preparation for the war with Japan #tanks #History #WW2 #WWII

A large scale bombing campaign began against Plauen began #OTD in 1945. As a result, the VOMAG factory was heavily damaged and production of the Panzer IV/70 tank destroyer ceased. #tanks #history #WW2 #WWII

Since the Pz.Kpfw.III turret couldn't fit the long 75 mm gun, the Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.K used the Pz.Kpfw.IV turret. #OTD in 1942 the project was cancelled. Only the Pz.Bef.Wg.III Ausf.K command variant was built. #tanks #history #WW2 #WWII

A Pz.Kpfw.III prototype with a long 50 mm gun was ready #OTD in 1941. The new gun was introduced into production in December of 1941, but it was insufficient to keep the Pz.Kpfw.III competitive. The tank was relegated to a support role by 1943. #tanks #history #WW2 #WWII

In addition to finished tanks, the Americans supplied the USSR with steel plates. Samples were evaluated and #OTD in 1943 they were found suitable for use in light tanks, light SPGs, and armoured trains. #tanks #history #WW2 #WWII

Production of the SU-152 was priced out #OTD in 1943. 105 units were expected in the first quarter of 1943 at a cost of 265,000 rubles each, slightly cheaper than the KV-1S tank whose chassis it was based on (295,000 rubles). #tanks #history #WW2 #WWII

Far Eastern units were last in line when it came to new equipment, but they made do. #OTD in 1944 trials began of a BT-7 tank with applique armour made from cut up Soviet and German tanks. Trials showed that these tanks worked fine but burned more fuel. #tanks #history #WW2 #WWII

Officially, work on the GMC T71 began #OTD in 1943, although in reality development began even earlier. This vehicle consisted of a GMC M10 chassis with a new turret and a 90 mm gun. It was eventually accepted into service as the GMC M36. #tanks #history #WW2 #WWII

#OTD in 1940 two A-34 tanks arrived in Moscow. Trials observed by high ranking members of the Soviet government confirmed that the T-34 was a suitable pick for the Red Army's next generation medium tank. #tanks #History #WW2 #WWII

#OTD in 1942 the T-34 and KV tanks were put through obstacle trials. Both tanks could smash through two layers of anti-tank hedgehogs without skipping a beat, a feat that the Pz.Kpfw.III tested earlier at the same proving grounds failed to perform. #tanks #history #WW2 #WWII

The Soviets liked the StuG concept and began developing a similar SPG on the T-34 chassis. In the meantime, a project was approved #OTD in 1942 to convert captured StuGs and Pz.III tanks to use a Soviet casemate and 122 mm howitzer. #tanks #History #WW2 #WWII

The T-44 was much better protected than the T-34, but #OTD in 1944 a request was made to increase protection even further. The front hull armour would now be 90 mm thick to resist the newest German guns. #tanks #history #WW2 #WWII

The Red Army captured so many Panzerfausts that they could be issued to special tank destroyer units. #OTD in 1945 the 1st Guards Tank Army composed its experience in forming these units and shared it with the rest of the Red Army. #history #WW2 #WWII

Even though Tiger tanks that were knocked out were all demolished and none were captured intact, it was still possible to restore a full picture of the new German tank from the wreckage. #tanks #history #WW2 #WWII

The appearance of the Tiger Tank in North Africa failed to tip the scales in the Germans' favour. #OTD in 1943 s.Pz.Abt.501 handed over their remaining materiel to the newly arrived s.Pz.Abt.504, having no functional Tigers remaining. #tanks #history #WW2 #WWII

#OTD in 1944 the People's Commissar of Foreign Trade passed on the British offer to purchase Cromwell tanks to the Soviet tank forces. By this point the Cromwell was considered outdated and due to be replaced with the improved Comet tank. #tanks #history #WW2 #WWII

The order to put the KV-3 tank into production was given #OTD in 1941. Just a few weeks later, the Soviet government retracted that decision. The new tank called KV-3 was much bigger and heavier, designed to fight German superheavy tanks. #tanks #History #WW2 #WWII

After experience gained in the winter, the Red Army published instructions on using T-60 small tanks #OTD in 1942. No attempt was made to hide the weaknesses of this tank, as it was known that misuse leads to high losses and distrust of the vehicle. #tanks #History #WW2

#OTD in 1935 the veil of secrecy over German rearmament was lifted. Hitler officially shrugged off the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles. Conscription was reintroduced to grow the newly formed Wehrmacht. #history #tanks