The following tactics were known to, and used by, German Panzer units.
Pincer Move:
A simple tactic really. Tanks are rolled up as a point thrust against
the primary target [usually entire divisions or cities] with grenadiers
in close support. Once the target's initial defenses have been smashed
the point element splits in two, one heading south the other heading
north. Encirclement is quickly accomplished.
As soon as the target has been surrounded every artillery gun, tank gun
and aerial bomber is brought to bear on the objective. Normally the
objective is completely taken with very heavy damage, and taken within
4 to 8 hours.
Blund Wedge:
The standard German tank formation for attack. The lead wave consists
of two formations, each with 5 tanks. The tanks are in a five vehicle
formation, similar to the "finger four" of the Luftwaffe. These two
formations are 50 yards appart, with 20 yards seperating each vehicle.
The second wave is in a "tight" version of the first wave. The
seperation of these tanks is only 15 yards or so. Following directly
behind is a triangle formation; a single tank leading a line of three
tanks.
Behind this is the thrid wave. Two paralell lines of two tanks, led by
a fifth tank. The total distance this formation covers is 1,500 yards
by 1,200 yards. The HQ rides between the first and second waves, to
provide command support.
The front, or point wedge, is typically composed of light or medium
tanks. Heavier tanks, like the Panzer VI Tiger or assault guns, are
set behind the point formation to provide fire support. In this manner
the slower, but more heavily armed, tanks can fire with relative
impunity. This formation also allows the entire tank group to turn
quickly and engage targets.
Problems are few to none, provided air support in the target area is
sufficient enough to both deter enemy aircraft and to provide support.
Artillery support rarely has enough time to set up since Blitzkreig
allows little time to do so. This is typically taken up by aircraft.
Penetration and Breakthrough:
Often refered to as the "Keil und Kessel" maneuver. Panzer units are
deployed as to punch a hole straight through the enemy lines as quickly
as possible. Reserves are brought up, as are artillery units. Once the
attack is on, the Panzer units try to punch a hole in the enemy lines
to create a lane for further attack. The artillery pounds enemy forces
all along the axis of advance to soften it up. Once a hole has been
created the Panzer units make a hard turn and attack enemy artillery
emplacements on each flank. Reserves are sent up in a conventional
frontal attack as the Panzers strike from the rear.
As the reserves attack the infantry, artillery provides support along
with assault guns. Once the enemy artillery units have been destroyed
the Panzers strike the infantry from behind. Total destruction takes
roughly 3 to 4 hours under good conditions.
Delaying actions:
A delaying action is just that; an attack meant to allow friendly units
to leave the combat area unmolested. Linear delays were a favorite of
German commanders. Quite a simple move really. Instead of sending in
reserves for a futile frontal attack, Panzer units would retreat
perpendicular to the enemy lines. Right across their face, as it were.
This allows friendly units, and the delaying Panzers, to retreat with
minimal losses.
Another favorite was the use of air attacks to delay the enemy units
and allow enough time for a friendly withdraw. Again, the strikes are
directed against the point elements of enemy forces. The following
units had to either turn and go around or run. All that's needed is
good air support, and a LOT of it.
Other tactics not introduced since the game does not allow them to be
used as of yet. Once artillery units are implemented, along with
dive bombers, these tactics will be presented in full. As will the
method of attack, development an attack plan, and units to be used in
such strikes.
Flakbait
