Death Traps, by Belton Y. Cooper

[TRDG]

Ok Gents, I'm not "doing one" like that other place, but what are your thoughts on on this well read book on the 3rd Armoured Divisions trials and tribulations. Taken from this soldiers intersting point of view as to what he went through from Normandy and on!!

Cheers

Tom

[PatM]

Originally Posted by TRDG

Ok Gents, I'm not "doing one" like that other place, but what are your thoughts on on this well read book on the 3rd Armoured Divisions trials and tribulations. Taken from this soldiers intersting point of view as to what he went through from Normandy and on!!

Cheers

Tom

Good read-interesting from its rather unique perspective and brutally honest. However, I feel that American tank crews were underrated due to the inferiority of their equipment-which misses the point that it's the MEN who man them are a major factor (among others) in determining the outcome of any fight.

[Dallas]

I thought it was an excellent book. The experience of an Ordnance officer during the Northwest campaign. I found his observations on the Sherman and the shortage of trained crew fascinating. Overall I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

[TRDG]

Thanks guys, I had hoped someone would eventually post on this one, thanks !!

I found it a very refreshing read, compared to the German perspective, do you guys know of any other "Allied" Armour books that are worth while reading?

Cheers, I'll get more into the book in the next post.

TRDG

Tom

[Battlepuppy]

Was an interesting read for sure. Especially the decisions made after the Tidsworth Downs demonstrations in 1944. How Patton used his weight to keep the M4 the main US tank over the new M26. Old blood and guts for sure.

[TRDG]

You bet BP, and I wonder if we actually went for the Pershing first, then skipped the tank destroyer oute in dealing with German tanks, would we have been better off in the long run?

Cheers, maybe a what if topic, but I think interesting none the less, thanks for the interest!!

Tom

[Battlepuppy]

Well first and foremost I think a lot of lives would've been spared if we had gone the M26 route. As much as I love the sherman, it is almost inhumane how we fibbed to our boys about its capabilities. I understand the morale factor and such, but man, tell it like it is.

I recall seeing a photo elsewhere on the site that shows Patton scolding a tank commander for over-doing it on the extra protection of logs and sandbags. Knowing that he was partly responsible for those fellas having to take those measures to try to survive sticks in my craw.

[Battlepuppy]

Also, as to the tank destoyers, M10's? I would have made them a part of each individual infantry company. Not their own battalions anymore. Say 4 to a platoon. Would have given the unit good staying power in the event of an attack until the Pershings could get there.

Upgunned of course with say the 17-pdr or total replacement with the M36.As another what if scenario, think that setup in the Ardenne.

But then again, if we had gone the Pershing route, we may have been a bit farther along by that time.

[TRDG]

The thing though is that the US had to re-tool the car factories, no prob from what I understand for the Sherman, but a way bigger time frame for the Pershing. Tha leaves the US and it's Allies who counted on something at least to field against the Germans, starting in Africa, now that could change history somewhat I think.

Cheers, thanks for the posts!!

Tom

[Battlepuppy]

Originally Posted by TRDG

The thing though is that the US had to re-tool the car factories, no prob from what I understand for the Sherman, but a way bigger time frame for the Pershing. Tha leaves the US and it's Allies who counted on something at least to field against the Germans, starting in Africa, now that could change history somewhat I think.

Cheers, thanks for the posts!!

Tom

From what Mr. Cooper says the Tank Automotive Center in Detroit was " prepared to go into full production immediately upon reciept of a go-ahead from Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). Because of the urgency of this project, a high priority had been granted by the War Production Board to proceed immediately, and schedules had been prepared that would allow these tanks to be delivered in time for the invasion." Pg. 25, paragraph 2.

I am looking at it from the view of D-day onwards. But again,we can only speculate.

Which is fun in and of itself.