Greetings,

Inspired by AofA's excellent description of French tanks in 1940 in the French in WW II thread, I decided today (while the power went out for a couple hours in the 40/100+ degree heat) to put together a quiz on tanks. Tanks are among the most conspicuous technological developments in modern warfare, and in many ways symbolize all the power, strategy and vulnerability of modern warfare. I had to squeeze the whole history into my usual 21 question format, so naturally things are a bit brief:

1. What has credibly been called the first "tank", or at least mobile "armored" artillery? (Hint: NOT 20th century, not by a long shot!)

2. James Boydell (1846) and F.W. Batter (1888) both separately developed a technology meant for agricultural use but which had military implications that led ultimately to the birth of the modern tank. What was this technology and what problem did it solve?

3. The first "real" tank was the British Mark I which was deployed in September 1916 on the Western Front. Where did it derive its nickname, "tank", from?

4. General Alexander Haig was desperate for anything that could achieve a breakthrough on the Western Front in World War I, so as soon as he got ahold of tanks in September 1916 he used them. However, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 is called by modern historians the first "true tank battle". Why?

5. What were the comparitive numbers for Allied vs. German tank production for all of World War I?

A. 1000 vs. 20 C. 300 vs. 1500
B. 750 vs. 900 D. 500 vs. 3500

6. What was the name of the American-produced tanks of World War I, and about how many were produced?

7. Ever since the Battle of Cambrai, a fierce arms race has raged between tank corps and infantry which continues unabated today. What is this arms race?

8. British military exercises involving tanks in the summer of 1930 on Salisbury Plain proved the days of horse cavalry were numbered. What technology was employed in the exercises that made the tanks so deadly to the "enemy"?

9. Despite the brilliant contributions of early tank developers like Ernest Swinton, John Fuller and Jean Baptiste Estienne, who is really the father of modern tank strategy and tactics?

10. The Soviets, led by the brilliant future World War II general Georgi Zhukov, fought the first modern tank-to-tank battle where tanks dominated and dictated the battlefield in August 1939, when 180 of their T-26s carried out a massive envelopment of a superior foe at the Khalkin Gol (River). Who was the foe?

11. Though on the technical levels of tonnage, armor and main gun size the French Char-series (especially the Char-B) tanks in 1940 were not really inferior to the German PzKw IVs, the French Divisions Légères Mécaniques was clearly outclassed and outperformed by the Wehrmacht. What in particular rendered the DLM so ineffective? (Hint: There's another thread in this forum that discusses this...)

12. Most historians around the world today agree that the best tank of World War II, in terms of performance and armor, was the [blank]. What was it?

13. While the combatants in Europe in World War II were developing tanks with weights in excess of 30 and 40 tons, and with main gun caliber sizes up to 100mm, the Japanese built their largest tank with a weight less than 20 tons and with a main gun caliber size of just 47mm. Why?

14. Among the Western Allies in World War II, there were two generals in particular who were very adept at tank warfare. Despite (or rather because of) this, the two were bitter rivals throughout the war. Who were they?

15. What was the largest tank battle of World War II? Who won?

16. What was the largest tank battle in history (so far)?

17. What was a "Firefly" in World War II?

18. In late 1942 the Germans introduced a series of tanks that far outclassed the existing models of American Shermans, British Churchills and Soviet T-34s, forcing a further escalation in tank and gun sizes all around. What was this series called?

19. In early 1945, just in time for the end of the war, the Americans introduced a new tank that would be the basis for American tank designs until the 1980s. What was this first tank called?

20. Why were military experts the world over so interested in the June 1967 Arab-Israeli "Six Day War"?

21. At the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, what was the ratio in Europe of NATO tank numbers to Warsaw Treaty/Pact?

A. 1:1 C. 1:5
B. 7:3 D. 1.5:1

Good lucks folks!

2. James Boydell (1846) and F.W. Batter (1888) both separately developed a technology meant for agricultural use but which had military implications that led ultimately to the birth of the modern tank. What was this technology and what problem did it solve?

The, uh, tread/track propulsion system. For some reason the formal name is not coming to me.

4. General Alexander Haig was desperate for anything that could achieve a breakthrough on the Western Front in World War I, so as soon as he got ahold of tanks in September 1916 he used them. However, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 is called by modern historians the first "true tank battle". Why?

First use of tanks as organized units - as opposed to spread amongst infantry.

8. British military exercises involving tanks in the summer of 1930 on Salisbury Plain proved the days of horse cavalry were numbered. What technology was employed in the exercises that made the tanks so deadly to the "enemy"?

Wild guess: the wireless/radio for communications?

9. Despite the brilliant contributions of early tank developers like Ernest Swinton, John Fuller and Jean Baptiste Estienne, who is really the father of modern tank strategy and tactics?

Heinz Guderian

10. The Soviets, led by the brilliant future World War II general Georgi Zhukov, fought the first modern tank-to-tank battle where tanks dominated and dictated the battlefield in August 1939, when 180 of their T-26s carried out a massive envelopment of a superior foe at the Khalkin Gol (River). Who was the foe?

Imperial Japan.

12. Most historians around the world today agree that the best tank of World War II, in terms of performance and armor, was the [blank]. What was it?

T-34.

14. Among the Western Allies in World War II, there were two generals in particular who were very adept at tank warfare. Despite (or rather because of) this, the two were bitter rivals throughout the war. Who were they?

One is Patton. If the other is Monty, I disagree with your premise, since I don't actually beleive he was particularly adept at tank warfare.

15. What was the largest tank battle of World War II? Who won?

Kursk. The Sovs.

16. What was the largest tank battle in history (so far)?

(Iceblaze? Iceblaze? Was it Chinese Farm?)

17. What was a "Firefly" in World War II?

A British/Canadian adaptation of the Sherman, with a 17 pounder gun designed as a tank destroyer.


R.III

1. What has credibly been called the first "tank", or at least mobile "armored" artillery? (Hint: NOT 20th century, not by a long shot!)

Leonardo Da Vinci's design in his sketchbook, back in the old days, no clue on time frame

2. James Boydell (1846) and F.W. Batter (1888) both separately developed a technology meant for agricultural use but which had military implications that led ultimately to the birth of the modern tank. What was this technology and what problem did it solve?

The tractor????

4. General Alexander Haig was desperate for anything that could achieve a breakthrough on the Western Front in World War I, so as soon as he got ahold of tanks in September 1916 he used them. However, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 is called by modern historians the first "true tank battle". Why?

I was the first time the tanks allowed the infantry to truly break out.

5. What were the comparitive numbers for Allied vs. German tank production for all of World War I?

A. 1000 vs. 20, i think, thanks to the US

7. Ever since the Battle of Cambrai, a fierce arms race has raged between tank corps and infantry which continues unabated today. What is this arms race?

Armor vs. AT weapons

10. The Soviets, led by the brilliant future World War II general Georgi Zhukov, fought the first modern tank-to-tank battle where tanks dominated and dictated the battlefield in August 1939, when 180 of their T-26s carried out a massive envelopment of a superior foe at the Khalkin Gol (River). Who was the foe?

The Japs

11. Though on the technical levels of tonnage, armor and main gun size the French Char-series (especially the Char-B) tanks in 1940 were not really inferior to the German PzKw IVs, the French Divisions Légères Mécaniques was clearly outclassed and outperformed by the Wehrmacht. What in particular rendered the DLM so ineffective? (Hint: There's another thread in this forum that discusses this...)

The German's blitzkrieg tactics

12. Most historians around the world today agree that the best tank of World War II, in terms of performance and armor, was the [blank]. What was it?

Tiger I

13. While the combatants in Europe in World War II were developing tanks with weights in excess of 30 and 40 tons, and with main gun caliber sizes up to 100mm, the Japanese built their largest tank with a weight less than 20 tons and with a main gun caliber size of just 47mm. Why?

It preformed better in loose soil, marshes in tropics

14. Among the Western Allies in World War II, there were two generals in particular who were very adept at tank warfare. Despite (or rather because of) this, the two were bitter rivals throughout the war. Who were they?

Monty and Patton, i suppose

17. What was a "Firefly" in World War II?

Sherman w/ a 17pdr gun, utterly outclassed by the Tigers/Panthers

18. In late 1942 the Germans introduced a series of tanks that far outclassed the existing models of American Shermans, British Churchills and Soviet T-34s, forcing a further escalation in tank and gun sizes all around. What was this series called?

Panthers

19. In early 1945, just in time for the end of the war, the Americans introduced a new tank that would be the basis for American tank designs until the 1980s. What was this first tank called?

M-53? M-50-something Patton

20. Why were military experts the world over so interested in the June 1967 Arab-Israeli "Six Day War"?

The Israeli completely crushed the combined forces of the countries surrounding it, despite being outnumbered and outgunned

21. At the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, what was the ratio in Europe of NATO tank numbers to Warsaw Treaty/Pact?

A. 1:1, total guess

btw, is research allowed?? nah nevermind, I'm too lazy to lookit up anyway:)

Yippee! :D

1. What has credibly been called the first "tank", or at least mobile "armored" artillery? (Hint: NOT 20th century, not by a long shot!)Those cannons on mobile carriages by the French? I think it was one of the Louis kings during the 15-16th centuries (?).

Otherwise will be those iron-plated wagons by the Czechs. Remembered someone posting about them.

2. James Boydell (1846) and F.W. Batter (1888) both separately developed a technology meant for agricultural use but which had military implications that led ultimately to the birth of the modern tank. What was this technology and what problem did it solve?The caterpillar tracks used in tractors. Enables tank to move thru barriers and all kinds of terrains.

3. The first "real" tank was the British Mark I which was deployed in September 1916 on the Western Front. Where did it derive its nickname, "tank", from?It was like a tank?

4. General Alexander Haig was desperate for anything that could achieve a breakthrough on the Western Front in World War I, so as soon as he got ahold of tanks in September 1916 he used them. However, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 is called by modern historians the first "true tank battle". Why?First time an entire formation of tanks was used exclusively to punch a hole into the enemy trench lines, rather than as infantry supporting vehicles.

5. What were the comparitive numbers for Allied vs. German tank production for all of World War I?

A. 1000 vs. 20 C. 300 vs. 1500
B. 750 vs. 900 D. 500 vs. 3500Making a guess..... B?

6. What was the name of the American-produced tanks of World War I, and about how many were produced?No idea...

7. Ever since the Battle of Cambrai, a fierce arms race has raged between tank corps and infantry which continues unabated today. What is this arms race?Ability of infantry to carry a weopan of sufficient calibre to 'kill' a tank, thereby making even tanks obsolete against well-entrenched infantry.

8. British military exercises involving tanks in the summer of 1930 on Salisbury Plain proved the days of horse cavalry were numbered. What technology was employed in the exercises that made the tanks so deadly to the "enemy"?Gyroscope? Group fire? Communication & coordination betw individual tanks?

9. Despite the brilliant contributions of early tank developers like Ernest Swinton, John Fuller and Jean Baptiste Estienne, who is really the father of modern tank strategy and tactics?The Germans obviously. Guderian? Manstein?

10. The Soviets, led by the brilliant future World War II general Georgi Zhukov, fought the first modern tank-to-tank battle where tanks dominated and dictated the battlefield in August 1939, when 180 of their T-26s carried out a massive envelopment of a superior foe at the Khalkin Gol (River). Who was the foe?I know, I know. The Japanese Kwantung Army based in Manchuria. Reason why Japanese gave up on invading the USSR and struck south instead.

11. Though on the technical levels of tonnage, armor and main gun size the French Char-series (especially the Char-B) tanks in 1940 were not really inferior to the German PzKw IVs, the French Divisions Légères Mécaniques was clearly outclassed and outperformed by the Wehrmacht. What in particular rendered the DLM so ineffective? (Hint: There's another thread in this forum that discusses this...)The French tanks were used mainly as infantry supported vehicles (artillery) and dispersed in small numbers thru out the French infantry forces?

12. Most historians around the world today agree that the best tank of World War II, in terms of performance and armor, was the [blank]. What was it?The T-34? Sheer reliability in the field.

13. While the combatants in Europe in World War II were developing tanks with weights in excess of 30 and 40 tons, and with main gun caliber sizes up to 100mm, the Japanese built their largest tank with a weight less than 20 tons and with a main gun caliber size of just 47mm. Why?No one will be fielding tanks of such sizes in the Pacific, against the Japanese forces. Besides much of the Pacific theatre was more like jungle and island terrains, making tank formations little of use.

14. Among the Western Allies in World War II, there were two generals in particular who were very adept at tank warfare. Despite (or rather because of) this, the two were bitter rivals throughout the war. Who were they?Montgomery and Patton.

15. What was the largest tank battle of World War II? Who won?Battle of Kursk. Germans I think.

16. What was the largest tank battle in history (so far)?Gulf War 1990s?

17. What was a "Firefly" in World War II?No idea...

18. In late 1942 the Germans introduced a series of tanks that far outclassed the existing models of American Shermans, British Churchills and Soviet T-34s, forcing a further escalation in tank and gun sizes all around. What was this series called?Tiger? King Tiger?

19. In early 1945, just in time for the end of the war, the Americans introduced a new tank that would be the basis for American tank designs until the 1980s. What was this first tank called?The Sherman? Or one of the M-somethings....

20. Why were military experts the world over so interested in the June 1967 Arab-Israeli "Six Day War"?First time infantry was equipped with some devastating anti-tank equipment? Ok, just guessing....

21. At the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, what was the ratio in Europe of NATO tank numbers to Warsaw Treaty/Pact?

A. 1:1 C. 1:5
B. 7:3 D. 1.5:1C. The Warsaw Pact had more but inferior tanks.

3. The first "real" tank was the British Mark I which was deployed in September 1916 on the Western Front. Where did it derive its nickname, "tank", from?

The British factory workers that were assigned to manufacture the tanks' bodies were told that they were plans for water tanks as a safety precaution.

Originally posted by Vrylakas
2. James Boydell (1846) and F.W. Batter (1888) both separately developed a technology meant for agricultural use but which had military implications that led ultimately to the birth of the modern tank. What was this technology and what problem did it solve?

I agree with the tread answer of R3

3. The first "real" tank was the British Mark I which was deployed in September 1916 on the Western Front. Where did it derive its nickname, "tank", from?

To add to Sabotage's answer, I think when he says safety, he means security. In terms of keeping the idea secret.


4. General Alexander Haig was desperate for anything that could achieve a breakthrough on the Western Front in World War I, so as soon as he got ahold of tanks in September 1916 he used them. However, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 is called by modern historians the first "true tank battle". Why?

I am going to guess against the previous posters and say that it was the first time tanks faced each other in battle.

5. What were the comparitive numbers for Allied vs. German tank production for all of World War I?

A. 1000 vs. 20 C. 300 vs. 1500
B. 750 vs. 900 D. 500 vs. 3500

I'll go with Globber's guess of A

9. Despite the brilliant contributions of early tank developers like Ernest Swinton, John Fuller and Jean Baptiste Estienne, who is really the father of modern tank strategy and tactics?

Hurrying Heinz G.

10. The Soviets, led by the brilliant future World War II general Georgi Zhukov, fought the first modern tank-to-tank battle where tanks dominated and dictated the battlefield in August 1939, when 180 of their T-26s carried out a massive envelopment of a superior foe at the Khalkin Gol (River). Who was the foe?

Looks like everyone nailed that one. I concur


12. Most historians around the world today agree that the best tank of World War II, in terms of performance and armor, was the . What was it?

[B]Talking tank for tank, I think it would be the German Panther. T-34's were good, but as they say, quantity has a quality all its own. Tiger's were good, but I believe that the Panther had increased mobility, and equal killing power. Possibly less armor, but I'm not sure on that. I know that when playing Panzer General, they are the tanks I always wanted.

14. Among the Western Allies in World War II, there were two generals in particular who were very adept at tank warfare. Despite (or rather because of) this, the two were bitter rivals throughout the war. Who were they?

I agree with R3, I don't think Monty was that great at using his tanks. They are the weapon of an agressive comander, and that is not a term I think applies to Montgomery.

15. What was the largest tank battle of World War II? Who won?

Kursk. The Russians

18. In late 1942 the Germans introduced a series of tanks that far outclassed the existing models of American Shermans, British Churchills and Soviet T-34s, forcing a further escalation in tank and gun sizes all around. What was this series called?

I'm going with Tiger as well

19. In early 1945, just in time for the end of the war, the Americans introduced a new tank that would be the basis for American tank designs until the 1980s. What was this first tank called?

The Pershing? I believe it was the M-26?

20. Why were military experts the world over so interested in the June 1967 Arab-Israeli "Six Day War"?

East v. West equipment?

21. At the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, what was the ratio in Europe of NATO tank numbers to Warsaw Treaty/Pact?

A. 1:1 C. 1:5
B. 7:3 D. 1.5:1

C. Plus the russians never threw anything away. I believe some of those tanks dated from the 50's and 60's.
Good lucks folks!

Richard III wrote:

2. James Boydell (1846) and F.W. Batter (1888) both separately developed a technology meant for agricultural use but which had military implications that led ultimately to the birth of the modern tank. What was this technology and what problem did it solve?

The, uh, tread/track propulsion system. For some reason the formal name is not coming to me.

Yes! The caterpillar tread! Mechanized farm equipment in the 19th century was becoming heavier and heavier, which meant that the typical narrow steel wheels were sinking into the mud, even on unpaved roads, making the machinery useless. Boydell attached wooden slats to the wheels, and Batter made the next connection to make the caterpillar tread. It only took about ten minutes after Boydell made his invention that someone saw the military implications, and indeed the first real tanks of World War I (weighing in at about 10 tons) needed those treads to deal with the infamous Flanders mud.

4. General Alexander Haig was desperate for anything that could achieve a breakthrough on the Western Front in World War I, so as soon as he got ahold of tanks in September 1916 he used them. However, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 is called by modern historians the first "true tank battle". Why?

First use of tanks as organized units - as opposed to spread amongst infantry.

Close enough - yes! Cambrai was the first battle where the tanks were massed together for what modern military strategists call "maximum concentration of force." In other words, Cambrai was the first battle where the tanks were used to maximum effect, rather than the piecemeal infantry support duty they performed until then.

8. British military exercises involving tanks in the summer of 1930 on Salisbury Plain proved the days of horse cavalry were numbered. What technology was employed in the exercises that made the tanks so deadly to the "enemy"?

Wild guess: the wireless/radio for communications?

Wild answer: Yes! The ability to coordinate and constantly re-concentrate efforts on the battlefield stunned the British into realizing how valuable the radio was. This exercise was well-published as the "tank vs. horse" mock battle, so it is even more stunning to know that as the war broke out in 1939 many countries still did not have radios in their tanks, including the Soviets as late as the German invasion of 1941.

9. Despite the brilliant contributions of early tank developers like Ernest Swinton, John Fuller and Jean Baptiste Estienne, who is really the father of modern tank strategy and tactics?

Heinz Guderian

Yes!

10. The Soviets, led by the brilliant future World War II general Georgi Zhukov, fought the first modern tank-to-tank battle where tanks dominated and dictated the battlefield in August 1939, when 180 of their T-26s carried out a massive envelopment of a superior foe at the Khalkin Gol (River). Who was the foe?

Imperial Japan.

Yes!

12. Most historians around the world today agree that the best tank of World War II, in terms of performance and armor, was the . What was it?

[b]T-34.

Yes, by a long shot! This is amazing considering how backwards many of the Soviet tanks were at war's beginning.

14. Among the Western Allies in World War II, there were two generals in particular who were very adept at tank warfare. Despite (or rather because of) this, the two were bitter rivals throughout the war. Who were they?

One is Patton. If the other is Monty, I disagree with your premise, since I don't actually beleive he was particularly adept at tank warfare.

A. Yes, you are correct that those are the two individuals I meant. B. Montgomery's performance in the European theater were lackluster indeed as he seemed far too cautious but left to his own devices in North Africa he manhandled Rommel brilliantly and knew how to use his technically inferior tanks very well.

15. What was the largest tank battle of World War II? Who won?

Kursk. The Sovs.

Yes!

16. What was the largest tank battle in history (so far)?

(Iceblaze? Iceblaze? Was it Chinese Farm?)

:lol:

17. What was a "Firefly" in World War II?

A British/Canadian adaptation of the Sherman, with a 17 pounder gun designed as a tank destroyer.

Yes!

Great run R. III!

I'm on lunch now folks so I'll get to everyone else tonight at home!

To all those who think Guderian is the father of modern tank tactics look a bit further. While Guderian was definitely the first corps level commander to employ these tactics, the tactics he used were actually developed by a Colonel, later General, Thoma.

Thoma had quite a distinguished career. In 1934 Thoma was given command of the first German tank battalion. In 1936 he was given command of the troops supporting Franco in the Spanish Civil War. After this he was commander of the 2nd Panzer Division in 1939. He was later appointed Director of Mobile Forces in 1940 due to his success in Spain and Poland. In Barbarossa he commanded the 17th Panzer Division under Guderian. In 1942 he commanded the Afrika Corps when Rommel fell ill. He was captured by Monty and remained a prisoner of war until the war's end.

Now I'll have to do an aircraft quiz! :crazyeye:

Guderian based most of his ideas on Fuller, BTW.

Originally posted by Vrylakas
Greetings,

Inspired by AofA's excellent description of French tanks in 1940 in the French in WW II thread, I decided today (while the power went out for a couple hours in the 40/100+ degree heat) to put together a quiz on tanks. Tanks are among the most conspicuous technological developments in modern warfare, and in many ways symbolize all the power, strategy and vulnerability of modern warfare. I had to squeeze the whole history into my usual 21 question format, so naturally things are a bit brief:

1. What has credibly been called the first "tank", or at least mobile "armored" artillery? (Hint: NOT 20th century, not by a long shot!)

Koreans war Wagons? *has been playign AGe of Kings lately*. *shrugs*.

3. The first "real" tank was the British Mark I which was deployed in September 1916 on the Western Front. Where did it derive its nickname, "tank", from?

As a safety precaution, they were called Water Tanks for Russia or some such during construction.

11. Though on the technical levels of tonnage, armor and main gun size the French Char-series (especially the Char-B) tanks in 1940 were not really inferior to the German PzKw IVs, the French Divisions Légères Mécaniques was clearly outclassed and outperformed by the Wehrmacht. What in particular rendered the DLM so ineffective? (Hint: There's another thread in this forum that discusses this...)

Lack of a radio, one-man turret.

12. Most historians around the world today agree that the best tank of World War II, in terms of performance and armor, was the [blank]. What was it?

*shrugs* Panther.

13. While the combatants in Europe in World War II were developing tanks with weights in excess of 30 and 40 tons, and with main gun caliber sizes up to 100mm, the Japanese built their largest tank with a weight less than 20 tons and with a main gun caliber size of just 47mm. Why?

They planned for naval and jungle operations. Plus they probably wanted to spare as much oil and steel as they could.

21. At the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, what was the ratio in Europe of NATO tank numbers to Warsaw Treaty/Pact?

C. 1:5

15. What was the largest tank battle of World War II? Who won?

I think you want the battle of Prochorovka, which occured during the battle for the Kursk salient. Unfourtunally this battle is subject to much myth and historic distortions. What really happend was that 70-75 panzers and sturmgeschutz from the lieberstandarte engaged 500-600 tanks and assaultguns commanded by general Pavel Rotmistrov. The soviet unit suffered a loss of 340-350 tanks and assaultguns and the germans lost a maximum of 4.
Yes 4. Hardly a russian victory as they wanted us to belive, it was more like a disaster for them.

source: Kursk 1943 - A statistical analysis. (London 2000) by Niklas Zetterling and Anders Frankson

Originally posted by Vrylakas
1. What has credibly been called the first "tank", or at least mobile "armored" artillery? (Hint: NOT 20th century, not by a long shot!)The tortiose formation used by Roman legions.

2. James Boydell (1846) and F.W. Batter (1888) both separately developed a technology meant for agricultural use but which had military implications that led ultimately to the birth of the modern tank. What was this technology and what problem did it solve? Catipillar treads, the problem was cross country abilty perhaps?

3. The first "real" tank was the British Mark I which was deployed in September 1916 on the Western Front. Where did it derive its nickname, "tank", from?This was a deception, the first vehicles were delivered in crates with the word "tank" stencilled on it's side, to fool the Germans as to thier real purpose.

4. General Alexander Haig was desperate for anything that could achieve a breakthrough on the Western Front in World War I, so as soon as he got ahold of tanks in September 1916 he used them. However, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 is called by modern historians the first "true tank battle". Why? The ground was carefully selected, no heavy bombardment was attempted, and the Tanks actually broke through the German lines (before most of them broke down).

5. What were the comparitive numbers for Allied vs. German tank production for all of World War I?

A. 1000 vs. 20 C. 300 vs. 1500
B. 750 vs. 900 D. 500 vs. 3500A is the correct answer, Germany construced only a handful of A11s.

6. What was the name of the American-produced tanks of World War I, and about how many were produced?They built FT-17s, no idea what they called them or how many they made, but the first unit was organized and led by Patton.

7. Ever since the Battle of Cambrai, a fierce arms race has raged between tank corps and infantry which continues unabated today. What is this arms race?Armor and infantry fight for supremacy on the battlefield, no clear cut victor has emerged.

8. British military exercises involving tanks in the summer of 1930 on Salisbury Plain proved the days of horse cavalry were numbered. What technology was employed in the exercises that made the tanks so deadly to the "enemy"? No idea on this.

9. Despite the brilliant contributions of early tank developers like Ernest Swinton, John Fuller and Jean Baptiste Estienne, who is really the father of modern tank strategy and tactics?BH Liddell Hart, Sir Frederick Pile and Sir Percey Hobart are all men of the same sature as Fuller, but I'm assuming your going for Guderian, who based his strategy on the writings of these men.

10. The Soviets, led by the brilliant future World War II general Georgi Zhukov, fought the first modern tank-to-tank battle where tanks dominated and dictated the battlefield in August 1939, when 180 of their T-26s carried out a massive envelopment of a superior foe at the Khalkin Gol (River). Who was the foe? Imperial Japan, and it scarred the Japanese so badly they signed a non-aggression pact with the Soviets that they never dared violate.

11. Though on the technical levels of tonnage, armor and main gun size the French Char-series (especially the Char-B) tanks in 1940 were not really inferior to the German PzKw IVs, the French Divisions Légères Mécaniques was clearly outclassed and outperformed by the Wehrmacht. What in particular rendered the DLM so ineffective? (Hint: There's another thread in this forum that discusses this...)Well....;)

12. Most historians around the world today agree that the best tank of World War II, in terms of performance and armor, was the [blank]. What was it? The Soviet T-34, without question.

13. While the combatants in Europe in World War II were developing tanks with weights in excess of 30 and 40 tons, and with main gun caliber sizes up to 100mm, the Japanese built their largest tank with a weight less than 20 tons and with a main gun caliber size of just 47mm. Why?Japan lacked a landing craft that could hold a heavier vehicle.
The gun size was suffient to deal with the second rate allied armor of the Pacific war, at least up to the introduction of the M4-A3 series.

14. Among the Western Allies in World War II, there were two generals in particular who were very adept at tank warfare. Despite (or rather because of) this, the two were bitter rivals throughout the war. Who were they? I'm sure your going for Patton and Monty, but Monty was more of a set-piece battle general, unsure and uneven in highly fluid situations (he totally mishandled the breakout from El Alamein, for example, allowing the Italians and Africa Korps to escape, and his armor useage in Normandy bordered on criminal).

15. What was the largest tank battle of World War II? Who won? Prokorovka, southern wing of "Citidal" offensive, 2nd SS Panzer div "Das Reich" tried to break through the defensive postions and were counter-attacked by a Russian Guards armored unit.

16. What was the largest tank battle in history (so far)?It was the one above, but it may now be an Israeli battle now.
Kunitra perhaps?

17. What was a "Firefly" in World War II?A Sherman with a redisigned turret armed with a British 17 pounder (77MM High velocity gun).

18. In late 1942 the Germans introduced a series of tanks that far outclassed the existing models of American Shermans, British Churchills and Soviet T-34s, forcing a further escalation in tank and gun sizes all around. What was this series called? Pzkw VI Tiger I.
Some people I see said the Panther, but that was introduced in mid 1943 at Kursk.
The Tiger, BTW, first saw action near Novgorod in the Northern sector of the Russian front with Tiger bttn 501.

19. In early 1945, just in time for the end of the war, the Americans introduced a new tank that would be the basis for American tank designs until the 1980s. What was this first tank called? T-26 Pershing.

20. Why were military experts the world over so interested in the June 1967 Arab-Israeli "Six Day War"? Israeli armor won a number of engagements sans infantry, sending the wrong message to the IDF (they would pay for this error in the Yom Kippur war).

21. At the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, what was the ratio in Europe of NATO tank numbers to Warsaw Treaty/Pact?

A. 1:1 C. 1:5
B. 7:3 D. 1.5:1
C. Nato was heavily outnumbered in armor in the cold war, and relied on Helos and more effective armor vs numbers.

Vrylakas wrote:

I'm on lunch now folks so I'll get to everyone else tonight at home!

OK, so I lied. It's Saturday afternoon now, and I'll get to everyone. Sorry folks, but in the pecking order of my life the wife comes waaaayyyyyyy ahead of all of you, and she monopolized last evening...

Globber wrote:

1. What has credibly been called the first "tank", or at least mobile "armored" artillery? (Hint: NOT 20th century, not by a long shot!)

Leonardo Da Vinci's design in his sketchbook, back in the old days, no clue on time frame

Even earlier than Leonardo. And he never actually built his...

2. James Boydell (1846) and F.W. Batter (1888) both separately developed a technology meant for agricultural use but which had military implications that led ultimately to the birth of the modern tank. What was this technology and what problem did it solve?

The tractor????

Verrrryyyyy close. There was a problem the tractor had that tanks, and all heavy machinery, would have in the 19th century. Hint: The problem had to do with poor roads, and in the case of the tractors and tanks, with no roads...

4. General Alexander Haig was desperate for anything that could achieve a breakthrough on the Western Front in World War I, so as soon as he got ahold of tanks in September 1916 he used them. However, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 is called by modern historians the first "true tank battle". Why?

as the first time the tanks allowed the infantry to truly break out.

You've got the basic idea. Cambrai was the first battle where tanks were used in sufficient numbers and to fullest effect, showing what tanks were capable of. Like all trial runs, the battle itself actually didn't turn out so well - after spectacular gains, the British were pushed back to lines behind their starting point by battles' end; but tanks had proven their ability to overcome barbed wire, machinegun nests and even moderate trenches. And the Mark IV tanks at Cambrai could only go about a mile an hour (1.6 km/hr)!

5. What were the comparitive numbers for Allied vs. German tank production for all of World War I?

A. 1000 vs. 20, i think, thanks to the US

First part right, second part wrong. Yes, the German High Command refused to see any value in the tank, and only belatedly started building the very decrepit A7V - and only 20 of them. The Reichswehr did utilize some 170 British tanks they captured as well, but it is surprising to see that the country that would so dominate tank warfare in the coming decades was pathetically behind in 1918. As for the U.S., its armed forces in 1917-1918 were powerful in numbers and little else. Its heavy industry produced massive quantities of shells, ships and supplies but most of the battle equipment of the war its military machine had to borrow from its Allies, the British and the French. World War II would be very different of course but in 1918 the Americans were wearing British helmets and flying British Spads, Sopwith Camels or French Nieuports. This I suppose is a hint for another question...

7. Ever since the Battle of Cambrai, a fierce arms race has raged between tank corps and infantry which continues unabated today. What is this arms race?

Armor vs. AT weapons

Yes! The Germans did not bother to develop tanks until too late in the war because they almost immediately developed effective armor-piercing ammunition (13mm) that could take out the British tanks - which forced them to increase their armor and their engines, which forced the Germans to develop better anti-tank weaponry, etc. The race continues today, and the tank that operates too far forward of its own infantry support is foolish indeed.

10. The Soviets, led by the brilliant future World War II general Georgi Zhukov, fought the first modern tank-to-tank battle where tanks dominated and dictated the battlefield in August 1939, when 180 of their T-26s carried out a massive envelopment of a superior foe at the Khalkin Gol (River). Who was the foe?

The Japs

Yes!

11. Though on the technical levels of tonnage, armor and main gun size the French Char-series (especially the Char-B) tanks in 1940 were not really inferior to the German PzKw IVs, the French Divisions Légères Mécaniques was clearly outclassed and outperformed by the Wehrmacht. What in particular rendered the DLM so ineffective? (Hint: There's another thread in this forum that discusses this...)

The German's blitzkrieg tactics

Yes, a half point because this much is true. all of Europe's tacticas and strategies in 1939-40 were rendered largely ineffective by the new Blitzkrieg. There were some problems with the French DLM in particular however that I'm looking for.

12. Most historians around the world today agree that the best tank of World War II, in terms of performance and armor, was the . What was it?

[b]Tiger I

No! There is a fairly strong consensus on this, and the Tigers got a run for their money against a particular foe.

13. While the combatants in Europe in World War II were developing tanks with weights in excess of 30 and 40 tons, and with main gun caliber sizes up to 100mm, the Japanese built their largest tank with a weight less than 20 tons and with a main gun caliber size of just 47mm. Why?

It preformed better in loose soil, marshes in tropics

Hmmm, no, though you're wandering very close to the answer. Where were these loose soils, marshes and tropics?

14. Among the Western Allies in World War II, there were two generals in particular who were very adept at tank warfare. Despite (or rather because of) this, the two were bitter rivals throughout the war. Who were they?

Monty and Patton, i suppose

Yes, they are the ones I meant though clearly Monty is quite contentious for some.

17. What was a "Firefly" in World War II?

Sherman w/ a 17pdr gun, utterly outclassed by the Tigers/Panthers

The Sherman (M4A1 series) definitely was outclassed by the Tigers, but the re-fitted Fireflies made the Tigers think twice about wandering into unrecointerred towns in Normandy.

18. In late 1942 the Germans introduced a series of tanks that far outclassed the existing models of American Shermans, British Churchills and Soviet T-34s, forcing a further escalation in tank and gun sizes all around. What was this series called?

Panthers

No!

19. In early 1945, just in time for the end of the war, the Americans introduced a new tank that would be the basis for American tank designs until the 1980s. What was this first tank called?

M-53? M-50-something Patton

Too old, though those were based on the tank I am refering to.

20. Why were military experts the world over so interested in the June 1967 Arab-Israeli "Six Day War"?

The Israeli completely crushed the combined forces of the countries surrounding it, despite being outnumbered and outgunned

The politicians were interested in your point, but military historians were looking a little more closely at some military "details" involved with the war.

21. At the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, what was the ratio in Europe of NATO tank numbers to Warsaw Treaty/Pact?

A. 1:1, total guess

No - not by a longshot. Hint: NATO started installing the MX missiles with nuclear warheards in Europe because of this ratio...

btw, is research allowed?? nah nevermind, I'm too lazy to lookit up anyway

Cheating is always encouraged, brother!

:goodjob:

Oda Nobunaga wrote:

1. What has credibly been called the first "tank", or at least mobile "armored" artillery? (Hint: NOT 20th century, not by a long shot!)

Koreans war Wagons? *has been playign AGe of Kings lately*. *shrugs*.

Um, Ok here's where I admit I don't know anything about Korean war wagons. My suspicion is no, because the Koreans were unlikely to use gunpowder weapons with theirs, though again I must plead ignorance here. Fill me in. As a hint though, you are heading down the right path conceptually, if not geographically.

3. The first "real" tank was the British Mark I which was deployed in September 1916 on the Western Front. Where did it derive its nickname, "tank", from?

As a safety precaution, they were called Water Tanks for Russia or some such during construction.

Yes!

11. Though on the technical levels of tonnage, armor and main gun size the French Char-series (especially the Char-B) tanks in 1940 were not really inferior to the German PzKw IVs, the French Divisions Légères Mécaniques was clearly outclassed and outperformed by the Wehrmacht. What in particular rendered the DLM so ineffective? (Hint: There's another thread in this forum that discusses this...)

Lack of a radio, one-man turret.

Yes on both accounts, and there are more!

12. Most historians around the world today agree that the best tank of World War II, in terms of performance and armor, was the . What was it?

[b]*shrugs* Panther.

No - later.

13. While the combatants in Europe in World War II were developing tanks with weights in excess of 30 and 40 tons, and with main gun caliber sizes up to 100mm, the Japanese built their largest tank with a weight less than 20 tons and with a main gun caliber size of just 47mm. Why?

They planned for naval and jungle operations. Plus they probably wanted to spare as much oil and steel as they could.

Yes! Island fighting, especially jungle island fighting, did not lend itself well to tank battles. Also, as AofA mentions, transporting tanks over the sea was an issue as well.

21. At the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, what was the ratio in Europe of NATO tank numbers to Warsaw Treaty/Pact?

C. 1:5

Yes! The Soviets had 5 tanks for every 1 NATO tank.


Great job O.N.!

Knight-Dragon wrote:

Yippee!

Who'd have thought a history quiz could make a man happy? Hey K-D, how's the job hunt going?

quote:
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1. What has credibly been called the first "tank", or at least mobile "armored" artillery? (Hint: NOT 20th century, not by a long shot!)
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Those cannons on mobile carriages by the French? I think it was one of the Louis kings during the 15-16th centuries (?).

Otherwise will be those iron-plated wagons by the Czechs. Remembered someone posting about them.

#2! Yes! the Bohemian Czechs of the early 15th century were in revolt in what is sometimes called the first real Protestant Reformation. Jan Hus, the religious reformer, was killed by the Church in 1415 and his followers, led by the famous and brilliant general Jan (John) Zizka, started what are called the "Hussite Wars". Zizka developed a train of wagons latched together with thick wooden and iron "armor", and mounted cannon inside. These horse-pulled "war wagons" moved rapidly all over the battlefield, and were used very similarly to modern tanks, to break up enemy concentrations and achieve breakthroughs. The Hussites eventually won, though their privelages would be revoked two centuries later in 1620 in the Thirty Years War when the Catholic counter-Reformation smashed into Bohemia and defeated them at Bila Hora (White Mountain).

quote:
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2. James Boydell (1846) and F.W. Batter (1888) both separately developed a technology meant for agricultural use but which had military implications that led ultimately to the birth of the modern tank. What was this technology and what problem did it solve?
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The caterpillar tracks used in tractors. Enables tank to move thru barriers and all kinds of terrains.

Yes!

quote:
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3. The first "real" tank was the British Mark I which was deployed in September 1916 on the Western Front. Where did it derive its nickname, "tank", from?
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It was like a tank?

No.

quote:
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4. General Alexander Haig was desperate for anything that could achieve a breakthrough on the Western Front in World War I, so as soon as he got ahold of tanks in September 1916 he used them. However, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 is called by modern historians the first "true tank battle". Why?
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First time an entire formation of tanks was used exclusively to punch a hole into the enemy trench lines, rather than as infantry supporting vehicles.

Yes!

quote:
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5. What were the comparitive numbers for Allied vs. German tank production for all of World War I?

A. 1000 vs. 20 C. 300 vs. 1500
B. 750 vs. 900 D. 500 vs. 3500
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Making a guess..... B?

No! Far too generous...

quote:
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6. What was the name of the American-produced tanks of World War I, and about how many were produced?
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No idea...

Here's a hint: What helmets did American soldiers wear in the First World War?

quote:
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7. Ever since the Battle of Cambrai, a fierce arms race has raged between tank corps and infantry which continues unabated today. What is this arms race?
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Ability of infantry to carry a weopan of sufficient calibre to 'kill' a tank, thereby making even tanks obsolete against well-entrenched infantry.

Yes - the reality that tanks are at once both powerful and extremely vulnerable, requiring lots of support.

quote:
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8. British military exercises involving tanks in the summer of 1930 on Salisbury Plain proved the days of horse cavalry were numbered. What technology was employed in the exercises that made the tanks so deadly to the "enemy"?
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Gyroscope? Group fire? Communication & coordination betw individual tanks?

The "communication" one above is reallllllyyyyyy close.

quote:
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9. Despite the brilliant contributions of early tank developers like Ernest Swinton, John Fuller and Jean Baptiste Estienne, who is really the father of modern tank strategy and tactics?
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The Germans obviously. Guderian? Manstein?

Guderian was my man, though AofA has been correctly pointing out that he was building on the work of others. Still, I think he out it all together in ways no one else had yet.

quote:
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10. The Soviets, led by the brilliant future World War II general Georgi Zhukov, fought the first modern tank-to-tank battle where tanks dominated and dictated the battlefield in August 1939, when 180 of their T-26s carried out a massive envelopment of a superior foe at the Khalkin Gol (River). Who was the foe?
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I know, I know. The Japanese Kwantung Army based in Manchuria. Reason why Japanese gave up on invading the USSR and struck south instead.

I assumed you of anyone would get this one....

quote:
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11. Though on the technical levels of tonnage, armor and main gun size the French Char-series (especially the Char-B) tanks in 1940 were not really inferior to the German PzKw IVs, the French Divisions Légères Mécaniques was clearly outclassed and outperformed by the Wehrmacht. What in particular rendered the DLM so ineffective? (Hint: There's another thread in this forum that discusses this...)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The French tanks were used mainly as infantry supported vehicles (artillery) and dispersed in small numbers thru out the French infantry forces?

That is one correct answer, yes! There are many, many - far too many - more though

quote:
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12. Most historians around the world today agree that the best tank of World War II, in terms of performance and armor, was the . What was it?
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[b]The T-34? Sheer reliability in the field.

And ability to take a hit from those nasty 88mms too! Yes!

quote:
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13. While the combatants in Europe in World War II were developing tanks with weights in excess of 30 and 40 tons, and with main gun caliber sizes up to 100mm, the Japanese built their largest tank with a weight less than 20 tons and with a main gun caliber size of just 47mm. Why?
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No one will be fielding tanks of such sizes in the Pacific, against the Japanese forces. Besides much of the Pacific theatre was more like jungle and island terrains, making tank formations little of use.

Right on! Exactly!

quote:
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14. Among the Western Allies in World War II, there were two generals in particular who were very adept at tank warfare. Despite (or rather because of) this, the two were bitter rivals throughout the war. Who were they?
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Montgomery and Patton.

Yes!

quote:
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15. What was the largest tank battle of World War II? Who won?
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Battle of Kursk. Germans I think.

Yes for Kursk, no for Germans. You had a 50% chance of getting the 2nd question right...

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16. What was the largest tank battle in history (so far)?
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Gulf War 1990s?

No.

quote:
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17. What was a "Firefly" in World War II?
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No idea...

quote:
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18. In late 1942 the Germans introduced a series of tanks that far outclassed the existing models of American Shermans, British Churchills and Soviet T-34s, forcing a further escalation in tank and gun sizes all around. What was this series called?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tiger? King Tiger?

The Tiger series, yes!

quote:
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19. In early 1945, just in time for the end of the war, the Americans introduced a new tank that would be the basis for American tank designs until the 1980s. What was this first tank called?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Sherman? Or one of the M-somethings....

:lol: "...one of those M-somethings..." :lol:

The Sherman was the tank being replaced in 1945. The Sherman was an M4 series tank, and yes indeed, its replacement was "one of those M-something" tanks...

quote:
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20. Why were military experts the world over so interested in the June 1967 Arab-Israeli "Six Day War"?
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First time infantry was equipped with some devastating anti-tank equipment? Ok, just guessing....

No.

quote:
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21. At the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, what was the ratio in Europe of NATO tank numbers to Warsaw Treaty/Pact?

A. 1:1 C. 1:5
B. 7:3 D. 1.5:1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. The Warsaw Pact had more but inferior tanks.

Yes for the answer. As for the quality of Warsaw Treaty tanks, in many ways they are technologically the equal to or even the superior to some NATO tanks, though training for tank crews in the Soviet Union tended to be a mere fraction of what Western crews got.

As usual, a great run K-D!

Sabotage wrote:

quote:
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3. The first "real" tank was the British Mark I which was deployed in September 1916 on the Western Front. Where did it derive its nickname, "tank", from?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The British factory workers that were assigned to manufacture the tanks' bodies were told that they were plans for water tanks as a safety precaution.

Yes!

Knowltok2 wrote:

quote:
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Originally posted by Vrylakas
2. James Boydell (1846) and F.W. Batter (1888) both separately developed a technology meant for agricultural use but which had military implications that led ultimately to the birth of the modern tank. What was this technology and what problem did it solve?

I agree with the tread answer of R3

Yes!

3. The first "real" tank was the British Mark I which was deployed in September 1916 on the Western Front. Where did it derive its nickname, "tank", from?

To add to Sabotage's answer, I think when he says safety, he means security. In terms of keeping the idea secret.

I took "safety" to mean security as well. Yes, you're right!

4. General Alexander Haig was desperate for anything that could achieve a breakthrough on the Western Front in World War I, so as soon as he got ahold of tanks in September 1916 he used them. However, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 is called by modern historians the first "true tank battle". Why?

I am going to guess against the previous posters and say that it was the first time tanks faced each other in battle.

No - the other posters were right. The Germans didn't have any tanks at the time.

5. What were the comparitive numbers for Allied vs. German tank production for all of World War I?

A. 1000 vs. 20 C. 300 vs. 1500
B. 750 vs. 900 D. 500 vs. 3500

I'll go with Globber's guess of A

Yes! the Germans only managed to build 20 tanks by war's end!

9. Despite the brilliant contributions of early tank developers like Ernest Swinton, John Fuller and Jean Baptiste Estienne, who is really the father of modern tank strategy and tactics?

Hurrying Heinz G.

Yes!

10. The Soviets, led by the brilliant future World War II general Georgi Zhukov, fought the first modern tank-to-tank battle where tanks dominated and dictated the battlefield in August 1939, when 180 of their T-26s carried out a massive envelopment of a superior foe at the Khalkin Gol (River). Who was the foe?

Looks like everyone nailed that one. I concur

Yes!

12. Most historians around the world today agree that the best tank of World War II, in terms of performance and armor, was the . What was it?

[b]Talking tank for tank, I think it would be the German Panther. T-34's were good, but as they say, quantity has a quality all its own. Tiger's were good, but I believe that the Panther had increased mobility, and equal killing power. Possibly less armor, but I'm not sure on that. I know that when playing Panzer General, they are the tanks I always wanted.

While it is true that if the Germans had been allowed to build Panzers unmolested they probably would have built the better tank, the T-34 was able to outperform the Panzers on the battle field as it was. Sorry K2, most historians agree the T-34 was as good as WW II got.

14. Among the Western Allies in World War II, there were two generals in particular who were very adept at tank warfare. Despite (or rather because of) this, the two were bitter rivals throughout the war. Who were they?

I agree with R3, I don't think Monty was that great at using his tanks. They are the weapon of an agressive comander, and that is not a term I think applies to Montgomery.

An opinion indeed, but that was the two guys I meant.

15. What was the largest tank battle of World War II? Who won?

Kursk. The Russians

Da!

18. In late 1942 the Germans introduced a series of tanks that far outclassed the existing models of American Shermans, British Churchills and Soviet T-34s, forcing a further escalation in tank and gun sizes all around. What was this series called?

I'm going with Tiger as well

Yes!

19. In early 1945, just in time for the end of the war, the Americans introduced a new tank that would be the basis for American tank designs until the 1980s. What was this first tank called?

The Pershing? I believe it was the M-26?

Yes!

20. Why were military experts the world over so interested in the June 1967 Arab-Israeli "Six Day War"?

East v. West equipment?

Yes - that was it! The first widespread use of American vs. Soviet tanks. Ultimately though the terrible state of Arab discipline and training (compared to the Israelis) was seen to have distorted the lopsided results.

21. At the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, what was the ratio in Europe of NATO tank numbers to Warsaw Treaty/Pact?

A. 1:1 C. 1:5
B. 7:3 D. 1.5:1

C. Plus the russians never threw anything away. I believe some of those tanks dated from the 50's and 60's.

Yes! Right on! In my girlfriend's (at the time) hometown of Kecskemét in central Hungary, the Soviets as late as 1990 still had T-55s.

Good run Knowltok2!

Herr Falle wrote:

15. What was the largest tank battle of World War II? Who won?

I think you want the battle of Prochorovka, which occured during the battle for the Kursk salient. Unfourtunally this battle is subject to much myth and historic distortions. What really happend was that 70-75 panzers and sturmgeschutz from the lieberstandarte engaged 500-600 tanks and assaultguns commanded by general Pavel Rotmistrov. The soviet unit suffered a loss of 340-350 tanks and assaultguns and the germans lost a maximum of 4.
Yes 4. Hardly a russian victory as they wanted us to belive, it was more like a disaster for them.

source: Kursk 1943 - A statistical analysis. (London 2000) by Niklas Zetterling and Anders Frankson

I was referring to the whole of the battle for Kursk, which involved in total some 4000 Soviet and 3000 German tanks. The action at Prokhorovskoje however involved some 600 Soviet and 300 German tanks (100 of them Tigers), and was the tank equivelant of a barroom brawl. According to British military historian John Keegan (1989:468) the Germans lost 300 tanks (70 Tigers) at Prokhorovskoje, not just 4, while the Soviet 5th Guards Tank Division lost half its strength in that battle. It most certainly was a Soviet victory, if a costly one, since at Prokhorovskoje the Soviets halted a German advance on Oboyan and in the Battle for Kursk the Soviets halted the German attempt to cut off the Kursk salient and in the process so mauled the Wehrmacht that it was never able to launch a major offensive on the Eastern Front again.

AofA wrote:

quote:
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Originally posted by Vrylakas
1. What has credibly been called the first "tank", or at least mobile "armored" artillery? (Hint: NOT 20th century, not by a long shot!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The tortiose formation used by Roman legions.

No - something a wee bit more "modern", though in the early Renaissance-sense of "modern". A prerequisite is the use of firearms.

quote:
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2. James Boydell (1846) and F.W. Batter (1888) both separately developed a technology meant for agricultural use but which had military implications that led ultimately to the birth of the modern tank. What was this technology and what problem did it solve?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Catipillar treads, the problem was cross country abilty perhaps?

Yes - exactly!

quote:
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3. The first "real" tank was the British Mark I which was deployed in September 1916 on the Western Front. Where did it derive its nickname, "tank", from?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This was a deception, the first vehicles were delivered in crates with the word "tank" stencilled on it's side, to fool the Germans as to thier real purpose.

Yes!

quote:
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4. General Alexander Haig was desperate for anything that could achieve a breakthrough on the Western Front in World War I, so as soon as he got ahold of tanks in September 1916 he used them. However, the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 is called by modern historians the first "true tank battle". Why?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ground was carefully selected, no heavy bombardment was attempted, and the Tanks actually broke through the German lines (before most of them broke down).

Close enough. The massing of tanks at Cambrai in a concentration of force was the first effective use of the tank's greatest strengths.

quote:
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5. What were the comparitive numbers for Allied vs. German tank production for all of World War I?

A. 1000 vs. 20 C. 300 vs. 1500
B. 750 vs. 900 D. 500 vs. 3500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A is the correct answer, Germany construced only a handful of A11s.

A typical sign of an inflexible and tradition-bound command. And the 20 tanks Germany did produce were hardly worth the name or effort.

quote:
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6. What was the name of the American-produced tanks of World War I, and about how many were produced?
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They built FT-17s, no idea what they called them or how many they made, but the first unit was organized and led by Patton.

Trick question! The U.S. never produced any tanks during World War I. Britain and France produced almost all the tanks used by anybody in the war, including the Germans who supplemented the 20 they built with some 170 they captured from the British. Colonel Patton did indeed organize the first American tank force, and I believe he did use the French-built FT-17s, with those d*mned Renault engines.

quote:
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7. Ever since the Battle of Cambrai, a fierce arms race has raged between tank corps and infantry which continues unabated today. What is this arms race?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Armor and infantry fight for supremacy on the battlefield, no clear cut victor has emerged.

Yes! anti-tanks weapons, armor thickness and infantry support for the tanks have all escalated since 1917, and continue to today with the addition of air power merely further complicating an already messy picture.

quote:
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8. British military exercises involving tanks in the summer of 1930 on Salisbury Plain proved the days of horse cavalry were numbered. What technology was employed in the exercises that made the tanks so deadly to the "enemy"?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No idea on this.

Hint: Horse-mounted cavalry simply pointed and shouted instructions to one another... It's hard to see and shout over a tank though...

quote:
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9. Despite the brilliant contributions of early tank developers like Ernest Swinton, John Fuller and Jean Baptiste Estienne, who is really the father of modern tank strategy and tactics?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BH Liddell Hart, Sir Frederick Pile and Sir Percey Hobart are all men of the same sature as Fuller, but I'm assuming your going for Guderian, who based his strategy on the writings of these men.

I was indeed fishing for Guderian, who while drawing from the precedence set by the likes of Fuller and Hart also combined and implemented the accumulated ideas in a unique manner (if seemingly by modern standards obvious). Simply said, he put theory to practice.

quote:
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10. The Soviets, led by the brilliant future World War II general Georgi Zhukov, fought the first modern tank-to-tank battle where tanks dominated and dictated the battlefield in August 1939, when 180 of their T-26s carried out a massive envelopment of a superior foe at the Khalkin Gol (River). Who was the foe?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Imperial Japan, and it scarred the Japanese so badly they signed a non-aggression pact with the Soviets that they never dared violate.

Yes!

quote:
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11. Though on the technical levels of tonnage, armor and main gun size the French Char-series (especially the Char-B) tanks in 1940 were not really inferior to the German PzKw IVs, the French Divisions Légères Mécaniques was clearly outclassed and outperformed by the Wehrmacht. What in particular rendered the DLM so ineffective? (Hint: There's another thread in this forum that discusses this...)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well....

"Refer to..."

quote:
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12. Most historians around the world today agree that the best tank of World War II, in terms of performance and armor, was the . What was it?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[b]The Soviet T-34, without question.

Yes!

quote:
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13. While the combatants in Europe in World War II were developing tanks with weights in excess of 30 and 40 tons, and with main gun caliber sizes up to 100mm, the Japanese built their largest tank with a weight less than 20 tons and with a main gun caliber size of just 47mm. Why?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Japan lacked a landing craft that could hold a heavier vehicle.
The gun size was suffient to deal with the second rate allied armor of the Pacific war, at least up to the introduction of the M4-A3 series.

Yes! fighting on small, rocky and scattered islands, plus the necessity of having to transport them there via ships with limited cargo space, made the tanks of only marginal utility to the Japanese.

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14. Among the Western Allies in World War II, there were two generals in particular who were very adept at tank warfare. Despite (or rather because of) this, the two were bitter rivals throughout the war. Who were they?
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I'm sure your going for Patton and Monty, but Monty was more of a set-piece battle general, unsure and uneven in highly fluid situations (he totally mishandled the breakout from El Alamein, for example, allowing the Italians and Africa Korps to escape, and his armor useage in Normandy bordered on criminal).

Those are the two gents I was refering to. While Monty certainly had his flaws, especially as regards an unpredictable over-cautiousness, he was able to use his technically inferior tanks to great effect against Rommel in North Africa.

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15. What was the largest tank battle of World War II? Who won?
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Prokorovka, southern wing of "Citidal" offensive, 2nd SS Panzer div "Das Reich" tried to break through the defensive postions and were counter-attacked by a Russian Guards armored unit.

Wow, how many different variations on that name exist in the West? :lol: Yes indeed, I was refering to the Battle of Kursk, the Operation Citadel with the action at Prokhorovskoje inclusive.

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16. What was the largest tank battle in history (so far)?
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It was the one above, but it may now be an Israeli battle now.
Kunitra perhaps?

I was quite confident when I wrote this but have since done some more digging and am not so sure. By now several battles are claiming this title, though the numbers of tanks involved depends wildly on the source I am finding. I intended the Battle of Kursk, which according to several very credible Western authors still holds that title. However, I've since read claims for a tank battle in the Punjab in one of the Indian-Pakistani wars, one suggestion for the Gulf War, and another for the Indian-Chinese border war in Kashmir. i'll do some more digging for verifiable numbers, but again Kursk was the one I know.

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17. What was a "Firefly" in World War II?
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A Sherman with a redisigned turret armed with a British 17 pounder (77MM High velocity gun).

Yes!

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18. In late 1942 the Germans introduced a series of tanks that far outclassed the existing models of American Shermans, British Churchills and Soviet T-34s, forcing a further escalation in tank and gun sizes all around. What was this series called?
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Pzkw VI Tiger I.
Some people I see said the Panther, but that was introduced in mid 1943 at Kursk.
The Tiger, BTW, first saw action near Novgorod in the Northern sector of the Russian front with Tiger bttn 501.

Yes - the Tigers series.

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19. In early 1945, just in time for the end of the war, the Americans introduced a new tank that would be the basis for American tank designs until the 1980s. What was this first tank called?
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T-26 Pershing.

Exactly!

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20. Why were military experts the world over so interested in the June 1967 Arab-Israeli "Six Day War"?
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Israeli armor won a number of engagements sans infantry, sending the wrong message to the IDF (they would pay for this error in the Yom Kippur war).

Your assessment is true but there was a wider issue, a precedent, being set in this war and tank-related experts were watching for results.

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21. At the height of the Cold War in the 1980s, what was the ratio in Europe of NATO tank numbers to Warsaw Treaty/Pact?

A. 1:1 C. 1:5
B. 7:3 D. 1.5:1

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C. Nato was heavily outnumbered in armor in the cold war, and relied on Helos and more effective armor vs numbers.

Yes! hello, MX missiles!

Great run AofA!

Hi Vrylakas
Love the quiz.
That´s the myth. The newest finding´s on the battle of Prochorovka is what I wrote. So just give me the benefit of doubt (please) and if you are intrested you can check out my source. :-)
Perhaps we should start a new thread on WWII eastern front, since its bound to be alot of intressting things to discuss about it.

God, its hard to remember how to spell english. It´s been a while since I wrote something, in english what is.

Have fun. :-)

Vrylakas, Kursk was and still is the largest armored battle in history. You are correct.

All in all, it was the decisive battle of the Eastern Front, effectively breaking the back of the German Army in Russia for good.

It was Hitlers last offensive in the East, aside from local counter-attacks.

Casualty estimates from both sides total aproximately 1,000,000 men.

In case nobody got it, tanks got their name from their resemblence to water and/or oil tanks. Simple! :D

Herr Falle wrote:

Hi Vrylakas
Love the quiz.

That´s the myth. The newest finding´s on the battle of Prochorovka is what I wrote. So just give me the benefit of doubt (please) and if you are intrested you can check out my source. :-)

I always give the benefit of a doubt, brother Falle; little in history is written in stone.

I haven't had time obviously to read your source for this theory but I did fish around for some reviews, and what troubles me about it is their thesis seems to be that the Soviets over-stated the German casualties, and exaggerated the significance of the battle. Having dealt directly with Soviet-style schools I can certainly believe that the Soviets would do that but it is beside the point as far as the battle goes. But even if I am willing to entertain the idea that the German losses were exaggerated, the problem is that the point of a battle isn't necessarily to kill more of the other guy's soldiers, it's to achieve a military goal, a mission.

Operation Citadel was designed by the Germans to reduce a Soviet salient, and more importantly to try to knock the steam out of the Soviets' westward advance momentum. The Battle(s) of Kursk were the result, and while you can quibble over numbers of casualties the bottom line is the Soviets halted the German attack and did great damage to the Wehrmacht in the process, and the ultimate German goal - halting or impeding the Soviet advance - failed miserably. The Germans' battle mission goals were left unachieved, and that means failure. The Germans were defeated.

Perhaps we should start a new thread on WWII eastern front, since its bound to be alot of intressting things to discuss about it.

Not a bad idea. It sounds like the kind of topic many in this forum would like to chew on. Start it and we'll jump in.

God, its hard to remember how to spell english. It´s been a while since I wrote something, in english what is.

Und Deutsch ist für mich sehr schwer....

Yes, you are ofcourse right.
The overall result of the battle of kursk was a Russian victory and a big one to. They did after all achive their objectiv and stopped the offensiv.

"Und Deutsch ist für mich sehr schwer...."
German is even harder for me.

Herr Falle wrote:

German is even harder for me.

Ah, my apologies. I thought by your moniker that you were German.

Your welcome , its a very long story how I got it. I am from Sweden.