Stopping the Panzers

[John McGillivray]

Some interesting information from the book.

In late February the 3rd A/T Regiment send their 6pdr batteries to the ranges at Beachy Head to practice with the new APDS ammunition. The war diary reports that the shooting was good. The gunners found that there was no need to lead the target because with an m/v of 4050 F/S the tungsten shot would reach a target at 900 yards in about 1/8 of a second. No German armor could stop it. Also they could hit targets up to 2500 yards range.

The 29 Friefly crews (less the drivers) of 2CAB went to Warcop ranges in Westmprland on early April for a two day gun camp. On 6 April each gunner fired 5 HE rounds. The next day the whole crew took turns firing a total of 49 AP rounds. After every 20 rounds the crews had to stop and take 20 minutes to check every screw and bolt on the gun and do a general overhaul before resuming firing. Unfortunately these weren’t the tanks they would take into action in June. 2CAB only received their Firefly tanks in mid-May so were unable to test fire their 17pdrs.

[sapper740]

Originally Posted by John McGillivray

The gunners found that there was no need to lead the target because with an m/v of 4050 F/S the tungsten shot would reach a target at 900 yards in about 1/8 of a second.

Must be that New Math they're teaching these days!

[John McGillivray]

Originally Posted by sapper740

Must be that New Math they're teaching these days!

That was partly my error. The quote in the book is;
“ …it was deployed and used to engage targets at 900 yards or less – in fact, seldom more than 500 yards. At that distance the tungsten dart reached its target in about an eight of a second ;… ‘

500 yards at 4050f/s it should be about 3/8 of a second, and 900 yards in about 5/8 of a second.

[maple_leaf_eh]

I have been rereading the regimental history of the 27th Armoured Regiment which was one third of 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade. The fortress position in mentioned as a nighttime formation on the night of 6 June, and elsewhere.

The Fireflies were unfortunately bullet magnets. The immediate shakeout after the landings was that Troop Leaders had the Fireflies, and suffered badly. Of the twenty Lts who landed, six were killed and three more wounded in the first three days. Almost 50% casualties. Then they changed tanks and gave the Fireflies to Sergeants.

[cletrac (RIP)]

So the tank is crossing at 30 mph at 500 yards. That's 16.5 feet he travels in that 3/8 of a second. At 900 yards he's moved over 28 feet. I'd be hanging on a bit of lead I think. Those boys wouldn't have much luck shooting a running deer!

[John McGillivray]

Originally Posted by cletrac

So the tank is crossing at 30 mph at 500 yards. That's 16.5 feet he travels in that 3/8 of a second. At 900 yards he's moved over 28 feet. I'd be hanging on a bit of lead I think. Those boys wouldn't have much luck shooting a running deer!

WWII German tanks going 30 miles cross country? With tanks like the Panther you wouldn’t have to shoot them. You would just wait for the fools to destroy their suspension and final drives.

[Jon Skagfeld]

I've just finished reading the book.

Bottom line...the 3rd Cdn Div did its assigned invasion task...i.e. "Stopping the Panzers".

I wondered why the Canadians landed with American SP Priests, while the Americans landed with Canadian built Sextons?

All in all, a good addition to my D Day library.

[John McGillivray]

Originally Posted by maple_leaf_eh

I have been rereading the regimental history of the 27th Armoured Regiment .

Where did you get the copy of their history. I have copies of the histories of 1st Hussars and Fort Garry Horse.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by John McGillivray

Where did you get the copy of their history. I have copies of the histories of 1st Hussars and Fort Garry Horse.

I have had this copy for decades. It was a private publication in 1958. I can copy sections for you, but the book stays with me!