Quote:
Originally posted by John McGillivray
In a three day period (20 July -22 July) Sherman tanks commanded by Maj. S.V. Radley-Walters destroyed 22 Panthers along the Verrieres Ridge. This is confirmed in the records of 1st SS Panzer Division “Leibstandarte” which had 46 Combat ready Panthers on the 17th of July. This dropped to 24 Combat Ready Panthers on the 22nd of July.
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I agree in general with your comments (although the range expectations for the 17-pdr and 6-pdr frontally may be a wee high) , but it should be clear that what is "confirmed" by these records is that 22 Leibstandarte Panthers went non-operational between 17 and 22 July, not that 22 were destroyed. A subtle distinction perhaps, but important, since it is likely the majority of those were simply damaged or required mechanical repair. Sadly because of the German reporting methodology and scant available records it is difficult to judge how many tanks were "destroyed" during this period.