"Directorate of Armoured and Motorized Vehicles of the 6th Army
July 21st, 1943
#0694
Only to: 212th Tank Regiment
In battle on the Voronezh Front on July 5th-6th the enemy used T-6 tanks in large amounts. Combat showed that the T-6 is vulnerable to not only 76 mm, but 45 mm guns. The following preliminary conclusions can be made from the experience:
- The tank can be knocked out with a 76 mm armour piercing shell when hit in the side or turret from 800 meters.
- With a subcaliber armour piercing shell, the tank can be knocked out with a hit to the side from 1 km. The front is not always penetrated from 800 meters.
- When using the 45 mm gun, best results are achieved by hitting the side, suspension, or engine group with a subcaliber shell from ranges of up to 200 meters. Maximum range is 500-600 meters.
Peculiarities of using T-6 tanks
- In every case, they cover light or medium tanks.
- When using small amounts of T-6 tanks, they drive along the flanks of the main forces. When large amounts are used, they drive at the front of the main forces.
- When fighting along roads, they hold to the rear, covering other tanks from anti-tank guns lining the roads, or in some cases covering the tanks with a smokescreen.
- T-6 tanks act very carefully and do not distance themselves from infantry or light and medium tanks, driving at a speed of 5-6 kph and stopping every 50-100 meters. The tanks fire from stops. T-6 tanks avoid depressions.
- The T-6 tanks are supported by fire and maneuver of SPGs from 1-1.5 km away, which take up positions on hills. AA guns follow the tanks and cover them.
When T-6 tanks encounter a powerful group of anti-tank artillery, they aim to go around it.
It is necessary to:
- During a tank attack, strike the flanking tanks first. As a rule, the T-6 will be here. When large groups attack, destroy the head tanks first.
- Destroy knocked out tanks without giving the enemy a chance to restore them.
- Dedicate guns (batteries) to combat enemy self propelled artillery that is covering T-6 tanks.
- Carefully study and report on techniques of fighting T-6 tanks.
The Commander of the Armoured and Motorized Forces of the South-Western Front, Lieutenant-General comrade Volokh, orders that:
- Experience in fighting T-6 tanks should be delivered to all unit and formation commanders in the Front.
- Report on the measures that were taken.
Acting Chief of the South Western Front Armoured and Mechanized Forces Staff, Lieutenant-Colonel Smirnov
Acting Chief of the South Western Front Armoured and Mechanized Forces Staff Operational Department, Guards Major Zhukovskiy"
CAMD RF 3199-1-7 pp.131-132
