Tanks Review

Typical distances for firing from a T-34 tank from standstill in defense or ambush is 1000 meters. When firing on the move or from short stops during offensive action the distance is the same.

The practical rate of fire of the 45 mm gun is 3-4 RPM. For the DT it is one disk (63 rounds) per minute. From the 76 mm gun it is 16-17 RPM. In a cohesive crew the radio operator can help hand ammunition into the turret without being distracted from his work.

Typically 3-4 rounds are used to suppress an enemy position when firing on the move or short stops. Cases where only 2 rounds are needed from a distance of 800 meters are not uncommon. There were cases where a heavy mortar position was destroyed from 800 meters with just one shot.

In battle by Kharkov in March of 1943, Captain Tolochniy destroyed 3 German tanks at a distance of 500-600 meters, spending no more than 3 rounds on each. In the same battle he destroyed an enemy SPG with two shots. In the last case he was firing from a standstill against stationary targets.

The most effective fire is from standstill or short stops at a range of up to 1000 meters. Firing from the move is less effective, but still necessary from a morale point of view.

Firing should be done from all of the tank's weapons. Typically the tank fires on the move at a speed of 15-20 kph. The effectiveness depends on the skill of the gunner (commander). The best trained commanders can deliver heavy damage to the enemy when firing on the move.

For instance, in the region of Perekopovka (Voronezh oblast) in August of 1942 Senior Lieutenant Kolodtsov destroyed an enemy gun with two rounds and a dugout with 3 rounds firing on the move from 800-900 meters.

During an attack the tank usually discovers the enemy positions by the flashes of enemy guns. These can be seen through optical sights. In the depth of enemy defenses as well as during pursuit observation is performed through the open hatch. Once the target has been located, the gunner tracks it through his sight. It is rare to be harmed while observing through an open hatch.

Concentration of fire on important targets is usually done through tracer fire, shell fire, flares, or the directions from the commander's tank. Sometimes the company or battalion is pointed at a specific target by radio.

For instance, in battle on January 19th, 1943, at Voldyrevka a company of T-34 tanks commanded by Senior Lieutenant Okunevskiy caught up with shooting up enemy cars and did not notice an artillery battery off to the side. Senior Lieutenant Okunevskiy concentrated the fire of his platoon through a stream of tracer bullets and shells. The battery was suppressed before it could open fire at the platoon.

Direction inside the tank is given by voice through the TPU. Within a squad it is given by tracers, shells, and flares in the direction of the target. 

Usage of the ammunition in the tank depends on the conditions. There were cases where all ammunition was expended in 20-25 minutes. There were cases where each tank used no more than 9 shells in 24 hours. Usually this happened while pursuing a quickly retreating enemy in the winter through deep snow.

The average expenditure of one ammunition load is two hours of battle. Crews refill at supply points. There were cases where crews received ammunition from another tank that was either knocked out or could not move for technical reasons.