TACTICS OF
PERSONNEL CARRIERS MOUNTING FLAME THROWERS
The official German Army directive which is paraphrased
below discusses the tactics of the armored half-track
flame-thrower vehicle (see fig. 21). This is the medium personnel
carrier used in Panzer Grenadier units, fitted with two large
flame throwers and one small flame thrower, in addition to the
regular machine-gun mounts at the front and rear.
A large flame thrower is mounted in a V-shaped shield on
each side of the vehicle. The small flame thrower on the back
of the vehicle is simply the cartridge ignition projector used in
the small portable flame thrower; this projector is attached to
one end of a 33-foot length of hose, which connects it to the
propulsion unit and fuel tank. Tanks situated next to the side
armor plates, in the interior of the vehicle, carry 154 gallons of
flame-thrower fuel. A small gasoline engine and a pump, used
to propel the fuel, are situated in the center of the interior.
The effective range of the large flame throwers is about 40
yards, whereas that of the small equipment is unlikely to
exceed 30 yards. The fuel carried is sufficient for about 80 bursts,
each lasting from 1 to 2 seconds.
1. The medium armored flame-thrower vehicle is a close combat
weapon of the Panzer Grenadiers. It is used in the offensive when the
other weapons used from the vehicle do not promise to be sufficiently
effective.
2. In addition to employing its machine guns against personnel at
ranges of as much as 440 yards, the vehicle may direct flame against
personnel and static targets at ranges of as much as 40 yards. If the
flame does not destroy hostile troops, it should at least force them to
leave their cover. Attacks with flame are particularly effective in
mopping up ground quickly, in liquidating hostile soldiers who put in a
sudden appearance near the vehicle, and in destroying hostile
personnel in hasty permanent field fortifications.
![[Armored Half-track Flame-thrower Vehicle]](figure21_sdkfz251_flamethrower.jpg) |
Figure 21. Armored
Half-track Flame-thrower Vehicle. |
3. These flame-thrower vehicles normally are employed by whole
platoons, and always in close cooperation with mounted Panzer
Grenadier units in the attack.
4. For combat in fortified areas, attacks on permanent
fortifications, and so on, the vehicles may be employed singly, under the
command of mounted Panzer Grenadier platoons. When the latter
dismount, the flame-thrower vehicles will be left behind with the
armored personnel carriers.
5. It is forbidden to use these vehicles like infantry tanks or assault
guns, as "point" vehicles on the march or in action, for protective
duty, or as independent patrol vehicles.
6. In the pursuit, the platoon will support local and prepared
counterattacks by mounted Panzer Grenadiers.
7. Every effort must be made to employ the platoon as a whole,
for greater effectiveness.
TACTICS
1. Preparations for the attack (terrain estimate, tactical
reconnaissance. protective duties, camouflage. and so on) follow the same
principles as are observed by tanks and Panzer Grenadiers.
2. In the attack the flame-thrower vehicles move in extended order
behind the mounted Panzer Grenadier units. The action normally is
opened by machine-gun fire. Covered by the fire of other weapons,
as well as by the weapons in the personnel carriers themselves, the
flame-thrower platoon will break into the hostile position.
3. If the opposition remains under cover, it will be burnt out.
Bursts of fire from the flame throwers should be projected only
against those targets which definitely are within range. To fire flame
bursts indiscriminately, before reaching the opposition, merely wastes
fuel and obscures vision.
4. It is important to direct the flame against the bottom of the
target first and then work up, so that hostile personnel who may have
close-range antitank weapons in readiness will be destroyed.
5. The type of target and the course of attack will determine
whether fire is to be opened while on the move or at the halt.
6. Trenches will be crossed and engaged from the flank. Tree
tops, roofs, and raised platforms may be set afire if the presence of
hostile soldiers is suspected.
7. If a large conflagration is desired, the target first will be sprayed
with oil and then ignited by a burst of fire. This is especially effective
when attacking dugouts, trenches, entrances to pillboxes, and — of
course — wooden buildings.
8. Fire will not be opened in thick, natural fog, except by special
order.
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