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Old August 28th, 2021, 06:49 PM
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Default Re: 15mm BESA and other autocannons

Quote:
Wartime operations proved disastrous against equally fast and much better armed tanks like the Panzer II and Panzer 38(t) and, of around 400, only 6 made it out of France. This left mainland territory devoid of any sort of armour when the battle of Britain began. However, they showed better qualities and were found up to the task in North Africa, when the counter-offensive began against the failed Italian invasion (Operation Compass), where 200 Mk.VIs (chiefly with the 3rd Hussars and the 7th Armoured division) formed the backbone of the British armour, together with 75 Cruisers and 45 Matildas. Despite their feeble protection and machine-gun armament, they performed well against lightly armoured Italian vehicles and tankettes, being particularly suitable for fast outflanking maneuvers against the retreating Italians, capturing many prisoners.

The British lost many tanks, but the 2nd RTR was probably the most successful in these kind of operations, retaining most of its forces until February 1941. Mark.VI tanks in active service gradually degraded with the arrival of the Afrika Korps. They soldiered on until early 1942, many being sent to Greece, where they formed the bulk of the 4th Hussars and other units, and again in Crete (3rd The King's Own Hussars), and Malta.
https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/w...light_MkVI.php

I know people don't think they need to back up what they say with sources but it is helpful nonetheless when they do
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Last edited by DRG; August 28th, 2021 at 07:00 PM..
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