Well, im amazed. I want to know the answer to this too because today, was driving a T34 when a shell goes flying past my turret. I get in my turret and start swinging round, looking for the culprit, while a shell lands square on my side. Not too afraid since last time I fought a T34, It took about 10 rear hits to destroy her, i manouver round. I see a T34 facing my side and he promptly puts another shell into my side armour. I swing round and put a single shell square into the middle of his Frontal armour (The thickest part right?) and he brews up!

I continued and was faced with ANOTHER T34, same story, He puts a shell into my REAR armour this time, put one frontal shot puts him out of action. HOW DOES THIS WORK! Also, as I said, Last time I fought a T34 who had lost a track, It took about 10-15 hits on her REAR armour before she blew!