"CRACK THAT TANK" RESTRICTED WWII INFANTRY TRAINING FILM 1943 ANTI-TANK WARFARE 27424

About

Made in 1943 as part of the "Fighting Men" series, "Crack That Tank" explains the tactics an infantryman can use to disable or destroy an enemy tank. Vulnerabilities of the tank include its track, which can be destroyed with a grenade, mine or a shell. A disabled tank is a sitting duck. A "closed" or buttoned-up tank is vulnerable because its crew cannot see the battlefield well, just through slits and periscopes. Taking out vision slits and periscopes can make a tank blind. Infantry that is well hidden is difficult for a tank crew to see or attack. Interestingly, most of the direct destruction of enemy tanks seen in the film, is accomplished by artillery, air strikes, and American tanks. The bazooka, designed in 1942, is not seen in the film but 22mm rifle-fired grenades are employed at the 9:00 mark. The first rifles to utilize the 22mm grenade were the American M1903 Springfield, M1 Garand and M1 Carbine, all of which required an adapter (the M1, M7, and M8 grenade launchers, respectively). Molotov Cocktails are also shown in the film.

This film explains how infantry soldiers can effectively combat enemy tanks despite their toughness and firepower. A tanker shares insider knowledge on tank vulnerabilities, such as disabled tracks and limited visibility when crews “button up” to avoid small arms fire. Infantry are advised to stay hidden in foxholes, avoid running, and use coordinated tactics including forcing tank crews to close vision slits, targeting weak spots with rifle grenades, and finally using Molotov cocktails at close range. The video emphasizes that infantry are supported by artillery, anti-tank guns, mines, planes, and friendly tanks, and their main goal is to neutralize tanks and then engage enemy infantry. The overall message encourages soldiers to use strategy, patience, and teamwork to overcome armored threats.

Note: The German tank most often seen in the film appears to be an American tank that's been modified for the role, possibly an M2 Medium Tank. The type was built prior to the war and never used in combat, but strictly for training purposes.

0:00 — Main titles. 1:03 — Tanks look tough, but infantry can handle them with the right tactics. 1:58 — Explanation of what a tank is and its role in battle. 2:36 — Tanks have weak points, especially their tracks, which can be disabled. 3:20 — Tanks are vulnerable when crews “button up” because they lose visibility. 4:07 — Tanks are large, noisy, and hard to hide, making them easier targets. 4:47 — Infantry in foxholes are safe from tanks, which cannot easily detect or harm them there. 5:27 — Running from tanks is deadly; standing ground and using tactics is vital. 6:09 — German tanks approach; allied forces use artillery, mines, and dive bombers to weaken them before infantry engagement. 7:28 — Infantry must force tank crews to button up, then target their vision slits and periscopes. 8:43 — Use rifle grenades effectively when tanks get close. 9:33 — Molotov cocktails can ignite tanks, causing severe damage inside. 10:17 — Summary of tank-fighting tactics: button up the tank, blind the crew, hit with grenades, then Molotov cocktails. 11:43 — Reminders that infantry are supported by artillery, anti-tank guns, mines, planes, and tanks. 12:32 — Infantry’s job: knock out tanks, then tear up enemy infantry. 13:03 — Closing with encouragement to keep up with armored forces.

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