THE GERMAN
TANK PLATOON
IN WORLD WAR II
Introduction
by James C. Crockett
Lt. Col., G.S.C.
G-2 Armored Force
The text, which follows, was compiled from several German sources. The principle document being the book entitled "Tanks" written by Captain Kurt Kaffman of the German Army. This book was a revision of a similarily named book written before the campaigns in Poland and France (1939-40). A comparison between the two books shows many changes in tactics made as a result of the polish and french campaigns. These changes are incorporated in this translation.
The introduction to the last named German book was written by General Heinz Guderian, who, at present, (September 1941), commands a German armored Army on the Russian front. Guderian's introduction reads as follows:
"The campaigns in Poland and in West Europe are victoriously ended. The armored troops have played an imporant part in this result. Pride in this accomplishment, however, will not cause us to rest, but we will aim at greater perfection through energetic training. This tank book will greatly help in training. It is based on actual experience and, therefore, shall serve the German armored troops for the benefit of the whole army."