German and Allied views on their "tank" brothers?

[TRDG]

I've always wondered what the real thoughts are of the foot soldiers, thinking of the crews in the tanks? Did they really think they were a steel trap "box", just waiting to be seen and hit, regardless of their protection? The soldiers would have never "traded places" with them in their steel machines!! I have read that in some of my readings over the years, is that the way the "average" soldier thought about this subject?

Cheers, no idea if anyone else is interested in this topic but me, but I thought it might be worthy of a thread for some further thoughts on this from anyone.

Thanks

Tom

[Tom Houlihan]

When I was a grunt, nobody was shooting at me, so my perspective may be off. I only worked with tanks a few times.

The AT weapons we had even 20 years ago were formidable. Based on my studies, I wasn't afraid of the beasts, but I sure respected them! However, I knew that if some Landser could take one out at 50m with a Panzerfaust, I wouldn't have too much trouble with the weapons we had.

As far as trading places with a Treadhead, I doubt it. They were still too easy to take out. At least my skinny little *ss could hide behind a tree, and be a smaller target!

[TRDG]

Thanks Tom

So, as it goes you would rather be on the ground as a foot soldier, rather than in a tank. Do you feel that the tanks were just waiting to get hit, with a not so good chance of survival, or more along the lines of "not for me".

Any info on any WW II soldiers or stories you have come across in your readings and word search by chance?

Cheers, good post there!

Tom

[sniper1shot]

My Grandfather told me a story from Italy in WWII. Some tankers were passing and offered the infantry a ride. Some took the offer and some didn't. The Luftwaffe made an appearance and some of the tanks were hit. He didn't like the noises coming from the tanks after the attack.

[Pylon1357]

I hang out with many veterans of the Regiment. They all pretty much agree that you had to be insane to be a tanker. Too big and loud to sneak around, very unreliable, and they were considered 'bullet magnets' and were avoided as much as possible. However, these were also the same lads who said it was great to see the tanks on field when the infantry was pinned down.

[TRDG]

Thank you!! So far what I have read is true to form thus far, interesting, but did it depend on the country one was fighting for, I wonder?

I hav'nt seen/read any books about German troopers and their views on their tank companions, could it be more of an "Allied idea" here?

Cheers, thanks again for the replies.

Tom