British Success in Engaging German Tanks in the Early Campaign of WWII

In the early years of World War II, particularly in 1939 and 1940, the British forces were able to effectively counter the German tanks during the European campaign. While direct tank-to-tank battles were rare and generally avoided due to the significant losses of armored units, the British employed a combination of artillery, infantry, and anti-tank guns to successfully engage and destroy enemy tanks. This article explores the strategies and the effectiveness of British anti-tank weapons, with a particular focus on the 2-pounder 40mm gun, which played a crucial role in the engagement of early German armor.

Strategic Engagement: Avoiding Direct Tank Battles

The primary strategy employed by the British was not to engage German tanks in direct tank-to-tank combat. Instead, they focused on indirect methods to neutralize or destroy enemy armor. This approach was based on the principle that direct tank battles were costly and often resulted in significant losses of valuable armored assets. Additionally, the British recognized that German tanks often operated in deeply embedded positions, often 20 miles behind the front lines, supported by motorized infantry and the Luftwaffe, which acted in a manner akin to artillery.

For instance, German tanks were often used in a manner similar to cavalry, exploiting weak points in the enemy's defensive lines, destroying lines of communication, and engaging in encirclement tactics. The British recognized these strengths and developed strategies to take advantage of these vulnerabilities, rather than engaging in open combat.

The Role of Anti-Tank Artillery and Infantry

Despite the rarity of direct tank battles, the British successfully engaged and destroyed German tanks through the use of anti-tank artillery and infantry. The 2-pounder 40mm gun, a standard British anti-tank weapon, was particularly effective in this role. This weapon, when armed with solid shot, had the capability to penetrate up to 30mm of armor at distances of approximately 1 km and less. While the performance of the 2-pounder shell was less than ideal, as it lacked high explosive (HE) filling and was essentially a solid penetrator, it succeeded in delivering consistent penetration without relying on damaging the target's interior.

This solid shot was an effective counter to the armor of early German tanks such as the Panzer III and Panzer IV. The 2-pounder's rate of fire allowed it to compensate for its limitations, effectively neutralizing the threat of enemy tanks through sheer volume of fire. However, it was important to note that the effectiveness of the 2-pounder was reliant on its target and range.

Special Cases and Limitations

Not all British tanks and anti-tank guns were as effective against German tanks as the 2-pounder. Early British tanks and anti-tank guns, such as the Mark VI light tank and the Matilda I tank, were often limited by their armament. These light tanks were armed only with machine guns and were unable to engage any German armor, making them almost useless in the face of the German Panzer divisions.

Similarly, the efficiency of the 2-pounder was contingent upon its usage. For example, the 2-pounder could handle targets up to the Panzer III, but was less effective against the side and rear armor of the Panzer IV. Thus, while the 2-pounder was a formidable weapon, its effectiveness varied based on the specific circumstances of the engagement.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach

In conclusion, the British were able to take out German tanks during the early stages of the European campaign in 1939 and 1940 through a combination of artillery, infantry, and anti-tank guns. The 2-pounder 40mm gun, while not ideal, played a crucial role in engaging enemy armor. The British approach was strategic and often avoided direct engagements, focusing on exploiting the weaknesses of German armor and using tactics that could effectively neutralize their threat.

The success of British anti-tank strategies during this period highlights the importance of a balanced approach to warfare, where technology, tactics, and strategy are all carefully considered and coordinated.

Keywords: British tanks, German tanks, World War II, anti-tank artillery, tank battles