TANK TACTICS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20622, 25 November 1941, Page 5

TANK TACTICS

WIDE FIGHTING ZONES U.S. MACHINES TESTED SUPERIOR TO GERMAN (Reed. Nov. 25, 9 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 23. Desert tank battles usually occur at a range of 300 to 800 yards, although often as much as 1200 yards, says the Daily Telegraph’s Cairo correspondent. The battles extend over vast areas and the tanks manoeuvre, firing continuously until.one side has lost such a proportion of its forces that the survivors make off. Fire-power, speed and armour are the three decisive factors, and the American tanks have shown superiority over the Germans in these respects, particularly in repeatedly outpacing their opponents and being able to take heavy punishment. The human losses in these actions are comparatively low, and it is not uncommon for a tank to be knocked out without casualties to the crew. Praise By General

The expediter of the American lend-or-lease scheme, Mr Averill Harriman broadcasting from the Middle East, said that when the first American tanks were unloaded he inspected them with General Sir Claude Auchinleck. An American sergeant drove the general in a tank to demonstrate it. General. Auchinleck on his return said: “It is a fine weapon, manoeuvrable and sturdy. How many can you send?" Many had arrived in the intervening months, said Mr. Harriman. “Your pilots also have confidence in the Marylands and Tomahawks,” he added. “The hearts of all Americans are with your troops in the desert fighting. We hope and pray our tanks and planes are serving them well and allow us to claim a share in the critical battle. American air officers who are instructing Russian pilots told me that they adapted themselves quickly to American planes.”