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"Vulnerable Spots for Incendiary Grenades on German Tanks" from Tactical and Technical Trends

The following article, from Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 22, April 8, 1943, describes areas on German tanks vulnerable to attack with incendiary grenades or Molotov cocktails.

[DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]
 

VULNERABLE SPOTS FOR INCENDIARY GRENADES ON GERMAN TANKS

In attacking enemy tanks at close quarters with Molotov cocktails or incendiaries, the air intakes are among the most vulnerable points. It is important, therefore, that the location of these intakes and outlets be known, as the flame and fumes of a grenade thrown against an intake while the engine is running will be sucked inside, but if the grenade lands on an outlet, they will be blown clear of the tank.

The best targets are the flat top-plates behind the turret. Side intakes are invariably protected by a vertical baffle. The accompanying sketches show the "soft spots" in German tanks Pz.Kw. 2, 3, and 4.

[Panzer II: Vulnerable Spots for Incendiary Grenades]

[Panzer III: Vulnerable Spots for Incendiary Grenades]

[Panzer IV: Vulnerable Spots for Incendiary Grenades]

 
 


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