WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk 9. Bunker Busting
May 28, 2019
Tank warfare in Normandy explored, including German tactics and British anti-tank weapons. The infamous Michael Wittmann and his actions at Villa Bocage discussed. Legacy of WWII tank destruction and respect for graveyards highlighted. Book release and live podcast event details shared.
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John James Denovan's Tank Innovation
- Canadian engineer John James Denovan played a key role in developing the Avri Churchill "bunker buster" vehicle.
- He creatively modified Churchill tanks with a powerful spigot mortar for demolishing German defenses during Normandy.
Sherman Firefly's Ingenious Design
- The Sherman Firefly adapted an American Sherman tank with a British 17-pounder gun for superior anti-tank capability.
- Modifications included side-loading the gun breech and relocating the radio to handle the gun's recoil and size.
Firefly Combat Tactics
- British crews learned to compensate for the Sherman Firefly's dazzling gunflash and barrel wobble for effective combat.
- The strategy involved rapid 75mm fire to disrupt enemy tanks before delivering precise 17-pounder shots for kills.