Explosion heard around the world... Or Elser succeeds

[Adler17]

So the Romanians captured some T-34, at least as wrecks? Very interesting.

Adler

[Deckhand]

Originally Posted by Shaby

April 11th, 10 o'clock, around Bravicea, Romania

Village of Bravicea lay some 20 kilometers from Calarasi, through which passed the sole remaining major communication line to Chishinau. Soviet attack on this front, aiming to cut off the city entirely, started in the morning. Romanians anticipated the attack since the previous day. The nature of terrain here precluded effective defense and realizing they could not resist the attack for very long, divided the forces holding the front. 12th infantry division was ordered to remain on the front and execute fighting withdrawal in order to slow down Soviet advance. Meanwhile, 16th infantry division retreated 10 kilometers during the night and set up defensive positions on the hills overlooking Bravicea. Romanian units were advised counter attack will come within hours. Finally, retreating Romanian infantry pursued by Soviet tanks, joined their comrades on the positions on the 300 meters high ridges dominating the village and narrow valley. This defensive position offered good field of fire for Romanian artillery and anti-tank guns, while also providing relatively good camouflage. It also had the virtue of blocking two main roads, one heading south to Cishinau, the other towards Calarasi.

Romanians expected main Soviet push on the east-west axis with tanks advancing across the valley towards Calarasi. In order to counter this, Romanian 1st army command came up with the plan of counterattack flanking the perspective front, and coming from the area of Calarasi, along the road leading to Bravicea. Units executing defense were notified of the plan and told to hold off Soviets for as long as they could and that further withdrawal should be undertaken only in case of the grave threat to the units.

Soviet artillery bombardment of Romanian positions started as soon as first armored cars from reconnaissance section of the Soviet 5th tank brigade appeared on the opposing hills. Romanians withheld their fire, but Soviet lieutenant commanding recon squad had keen eye for terrain and made an educated guess where Romanians troops were most likely to take positions. Within minutes, he radioed artillery batteries of the brigade the coordinates for fire and shells whistled over his head within minutes.

Shuddering in their foxholes and trenches prepared beforehand by engineers, Romanian soldiers endured as best they could. It seemed the very gates of hell opened above them for 15 minutes of bombardment. While it lasted, Romanian artillery stationed at the bottom of the ridge, opened up and replied in kind, plotting the suspected Soviet positions using sound ranging and plastering them with fire. This quickly devolved into an artillery duel between two Romanian and three Soviet artillery regiments. Unequal contest quickly came to an end, Romanian artillery pieces fell silent, their crew killed or forced to abandon them. Soviet fire then shifted back to the hills, but artillery exchange had caused heavy losses on the Soviet batteries too, so fire could not be sustained on the level from earlier minutes.

The artillery fire then ceased as three battalions of Soviet tanks appeared in force and advanced across the valley. Two batteries of Romanian anti-tank guns that survived the artillery barrage, silently aimed at the tanks. Gunners did not fail to notice Soviet tanks include a dozen of never before seen Soviet tanks, larger than both T-26 and BT-7m interspersed within the attack column of some 120 tanks and Soviet infantry charged together with tanks or event took to climbing to the sides of the tanks. After Soviets approached to within effective range of under 1.500 m, Romanian gunners opened fire first on the T-26s, the only tanks they could hurt at the longer range, knocking one by one out. Romanian mortar fire opened up too, with highly deleterious effects on the Soviet infantry that attempted the novel approach to the mechanized infantry concept, hanging on the sides and hulls of the tanks. Tanks themselves started returning fire, though inaccurately and ultimately without the desired effect of abating Romanian fire.



As Soviet tanks approached, their fire became more and more precise, and one by one Romanian guns were being knocked out. Now, only four remained to hurdle rounds at oncoming Soviet armor, only 750 meters away. All attempts to knock out new Soviet tanks were unsuccessful. All shells were harmlessly deflected by the front armor of the large tanks. One lucky gun crew immobilized one by hitting the left track of the tank, but the tank just stopped and acted like pillbox, spitting fire, despite three more hits on the hull and turret.

Half an hour into combat, with 70 Soviet tanks within 100 meters of Romanian positions, sudden explosions hit the Soviet tanks positioned on the right flank. All heads turned to see where it was coming from and saw a column of 40 Romanian tanks heading towards the scene of combat, approximately a kilometer away. Half were German produced Panzer III and half Panzer IIs that arrived to the scene of combat first. Romanian infantry cheered, while Soviet tanks started maneuvering frantically to face new threats. This was in large part a slow process, as Soviet tanks had no means of communication beyond their own sight. Attacked from flank and front, with Romanian tanks closing in fast, Soviet attempt to fight off sudden counterattack was doom to fail. Not without fight though.

Soviet brigade commander pushed his fourth battalion of T-26s, held in reserve, into fray, while at the same time another battalion of Romanian tanks appeared from the westerly direction. As tank forces closed the distance to mere tens of meters, the fighting then developed into virtual melee, an armored equivalent to hand to hand combat. This largely negated Soviet disadvantage in communication gear, as each tank now maneuvered independently. Soviet infantry, that clung to their tanks, turned to run from the oncoming tracks of friend and foe alike, quickly leaving the field of battle to armored vehicles alone.

In terms of quality Soviets held the advantage with some 13 T-34s still around the battleground, the rest being 28 BTs and 10 remaining T-26s, with additional battalion of 25 T-26s arriving. Romanians had 32 German vehicles left - 17 Panzer III and 15 IIs, with additional battalion of 28 R-2. T-34s proved to be formidable, even unbeatable, opponents and none of Romanian vehicles could so much as scratch the paint off them in frontal engagement. However, being caught off guard, five T-34 were hit on side and rear of the hull in the first salvo, knocking them out and while three were immobilized, to be destroyed with ease as Romanian tanks passed them around. The remaining 5 T-34 dealt damage in total disproportion to their number despite additional 3 being immobilized by mechanical failure. They managed to take out 14 Romanian tanks within five minutes. After ten minutes of furious fighting, Romanians were down to 38 tanks, 12 Panzer IIIs, 6 Panzer IIs and 20 R-2s. Soviets were left with only two T-34 mobile and one immobilized, 22 BTs and 15 T-26s. Both sides now had no other choice but to continue fighting, as withdrawal was out of question. In desperation, tank battalion of Soviet motorized division, supposed to have 20 T-26s was called up, but it only consisted of 27 T-37s, useless amphibious tank, armed with machine guns. This decision was hastily reversed, but not before 5 feeble vehicles were destroyed.

The battle would surely go Soviet way, except for anti tank guns and nimble Panzer IIs that evened the odds, taking out T-26s one by one. Panzers III, meanwhile attacked immobilized T-34s and after losing three more of their numbers destroyed Soviet tanks by shots from behind. Meanwhile Czech originated R-2s found their match in the form of BTs and destroyed 7, losing 9 in return. Seeing the writing on the wall, remaining Soviet tanks started retreating and in the end only a dozen escaped the field with only two T-34s.

Both sides suffered grievous looses, but Romanians claimed tactical victory as they remained in control of battlefield. They weighed the option to go into counterattack, but decided against. It was obvious that fighting tanks and anti-tank guns in close proximity was not advisable and Romanian commander did not want to get stumble into similar predicament. German battalion commander, lieutenant Baeke, scored six kills with his tank and his small unit made decisive contribution to the fight. Romanians regrouped and reinforced by the rest of their force that arrived by now, with reconnaissance pointing that Soviets were in vulnerable position, commenced a counterattack to drive Soviet northern pincer off and remove the threat to Chishinau.

Romanian tanks advanced into direction of Soviet lines and soon hit the two rifle division of the Red Army and the remnants of tank brigade. One battalion of Czech tanks uncommitted in the battle with Soviet tanks earlier, engaged Soviet tanks, overwhelming them. Armored regiment, equipped with French R-35 tanks, stormed into infantry marching into attack totally unprepared to meet armored attack. Despite urges of their officers, cursing of political officers and military police section firing into soldiers with their machine guns, panic erupted and division could not be controlled any more. Command section of the division lost all contact with regiments and the very squads disintegrated as soldiers dropped their rifles, running away. Soviet artillery then fired, spreading carnage, hitting few Romanian tanks, but mostly killing their own troops. Commanding general draw his service pistol and firing wildly, called on his soldiers to turn around and fight. He was knocked unconscious shortly thereafter by nearby explosion and later captured by Romanians.

Seeing Soviet division shatter in disarray, Romanians pressed their counterattack further and rounded up nearly 5.000 prisoners by the end of the day. After reconnaissance section reported Soviet infantry has taken prepared defensive positions at the banks of Raut, Romanians decided to stop. As daylight dimmed, Romanian tanks retreated to where they came and both sides analyzed the results of the day. The battle, later to become known as one of the first clear tank on tank engagements recorded, ended in less than two hours. In a vigorous counter attack Romanians managed to overwhelm Soviet tank corps and turn back the threat to their communication lines. Losses that seemed quite heavy at the first look, turned out much more moderate as many German and Czech tanks could be recovered and put back into action. Total unrecoverable losses on Romanian side were 5 Panzer IIIs, 12 Panzer IIs and 5 R-2s. Romanian infantry suffered 3.500 losses before Romanian tanks showed up, while Romanians lost 4 batteries of heavy artillery and a battery of AT guns.

Soviets lost the tanks of an entire brigade, most seriously T-34s. Only 6 BTs and 10 T-26s remained in total out of nearly 200 they started with. After making this report, Soviet corps commander disappeared, being last seen in company of two NKVD officers. After accounting for infantry and artillery losses, two rifle divisions were relegated to a reinforced brigade size mixed formation and brought back to Odessa to receive replacements, while 5th tank brigade was eventually disbanded, remaining personnel and vehicles to be used to form a new brigade. 51st Rifle corps now consisted of one division and could do no more than attempt to hold on the Raut until the recomposed divisions rejoined it.

Southern pincer has stopped at Bujoru, where they were supposed to wait for northern pincer to close up, according to Soviet plan. There Soviet 10th Tank corps regrouped, with all 176 tanks it had operational ordered to use remaining daylight to prepare the tanks to proceed with the advance by tomorrow morning, once expected link up was achieved. Their orders were changed by the morning, as the fate of Soviet northern pincer became known.

Under pressure from Germans, who deployed a mountain division on the border, Hungarians agreed not to come with their demands on Romanian territory and accept future German mediation on the issue as well as to agree to allow German supplies and forces to be routed to Romania over their territory.

Italians composed the corps consisting of Litorio armored division, Piave motorized division and an Alpini division Taurinese. All three divisions were already mobilized and ready for combat operations. Litorio and Piave were already en-trained and travelling to Romania after Yugoslavia allowed transit. This was only possible thanks to German guarantee to Yugoslavs. Italians had to agree the units were not to disembark the trains and to travel separate from their equipment. Taurinese division meanwhile embarked Italian troop transport ships and set sail from Trieste. Once the convoy approach the mouth of Adriatic sea, First squadron of Italian first fleet, cruisers Zara, Fiume and Gorizia and attending destroyers would join it and escort it to Romanian port at the Black Sea, to whichever port is available at the moment.

April 12th, morning

Meanwhile, Turkish cavalry division started disembarking in Constanta, after night and day of sailing across the Black Sea. Near the port of Constanta, a Soviet submarine fired two torpedoes at the convoy, zig-zagging the route, but they missed. In the morning, as the ships moored in the harbor, Soviet bombers attempted bombing the port again, but they were not able to significantly disturb disembarkation. One Turkish transport suffered damage from near miss by Soviet bomber, suffering 12 casualties and 17 horses killed.

Slovakia, encouraged by Germans also contributed a regiment of their mountain troops, but they had to be airlifted to Bucharest, due to Hungarian refusal to even consider giving them transit rights through their territory, in spite of German urging.

This is interesting, the Soviets are going end up learning a bunch of serious lessons here about mobile warfare, without have to give up Kiev to learn them. Although in the short term i expect them to reinforce failure with piles of reserves, and bull thru with sheer numbers.

Nice writing.

[Hero of Canton]

So we really are witnessing Crimean War II. Very interesting. Let's see if the Commies do better than the Tzarists.

Hero of Canton

[Deckhand]

The czar didn't have much of a rail net.

[stubear1012]

It is interesting to see Germany exerting their influence in the Balkans. If the Italian army does not do well when they fight the Soviets, more and more countries will start to look at Germany for leadership and equipment. This would then lead to more trade which will save the Germans hard currency.

Looking forward to seeing how this plays out.

Stubear1012

[Hörnla]

Originally Posted by cimon

That would have been unwise! Constanta would be near the battle zone when the Italians arrive! much better to land further south,not in a port like Constanta which would be subject to continuous strife and bombing,better land near Vama Veci(near the Bulgarian border) and get loaded in trains for North.

I agree- if it has the capacity.

[Hero of Canton]

Originally Posted by Deckhand

The czar didn't have much of a rail net.

Good point!

HoC

[Shaby]

Meanwhile, Tokyo

Darkness engulfed streets of Tokyo and city traffic has died off, streets being silent. At stroke of 10 o'clock, gates of Tokyo garrison opened and a convoy of ten trucks, two of them trailing artillery pieces drove out, lead by a car with IJA markings. They turned towards Imperial palace and picked up speed. They were followed by five more two truck convoys which went to different directions. At the same time, prince Kan'in drafted a resolution proclaiming military government and establishing the state of emergency throughout Japan. As soon as the troops dispatched completed their assignments, he would read it on the radio and hopefully secure the support of remnants of civilian government or have their heads. He was sure Emperor Showa would tag along if all went according to plan.

Convoy first to make contact with naval personnel guarding important buildings was also the largest one. Having been informed of positions taken by naval detachments by kempeitai who reconnoitered the buildings during the day, Soldiers disembarked trucks and formed up to brush any resistance off. Two guns they brought were detached from the trucks and pushed on the street looking towards the building of Imperial Diet, 800 meters away. Soldiers then marched off down the street and reached the barricade. Navy troops called on them to stop, surrender their weapons and turn back. Soldiers returned this call by calling on navy detachment to surrender their weapons and leave or join the army in averting traitors to the Emperor from delivering Japan into western hands without a bullet being fired. Lieutenant in charge of the navy unit had orders what to do in case any attackers failed to comply to his order. He ordered 25 of his men to aim their weapons on the army unit, composed of some two hundred soldiers and drew his katana. Army soldiers responded in kind and a shooting started.

Within five minutes, navy barricade was overwhelmed and 34 bodies laid around, while 15 men held their arms on the spots were bullets hit them. Army captain approached few apparently alive navy men and muttering "Traitorous dogs!" shot them in the head from his revolver. Suddenly, from the direction of Diet more troops appeared, training their rifles at ready. Army soldiers, their numbers reduced by 20, set off to meet the group head on, bayonets extended in front of them. Sudden machine gun fire caused them to scatter and lie on the ground. Those close to the walls ran for shelter, while others opened fire lying on the ground. Confused fighting broke out and within 10 minutes, more troops were dispatched from Tokyo garrison. Meanwhile, navy personnel evacuated Diet building, Emperor household and ministers with their escorts. Everyone was loaded into bus prepared for that purpose and escorted by two trucks of naval infantry driven off to port and transferred to Yokosuka naval base. Meanwhile, army captured Tokyo radio station and delivered the announcement.

Originally Posted by Radio Tokyo

Japanese people

The critical hour has stroke for our Empire to pick the path. We stand on crossroads where we can either claim our rightful glory or humiliate ourselves in the eyes of the Western Colonial powers and our brethren in Asia and forever lose the opportunity we are presented with. The cowardly politicians and profit hungry industrialists have attempted to rob us of the fruits of our struggle. As the last remaining obstacle, Imperial Army has been compelled to take matters in her own hands. Hereby we dissolve the Government of Japan, established without consent of the Army. Until such time as Government is established that would represent the wishes of Army, we, Imperial General staff proclaim the state of martial law. We urge citizens not to resist the military units establishing order. More information will follow.

The announcement was tad premature. Navy set up an alternative transmitter within the base and Emperor delivered his speech, calling on Army to cease the mutiny or face the consequences. He also called on everyone in the army as well as civilian population to support legitimate government. The speech was played incessantly for the following 24 hours along with information on army units within the capital. Navy declared Japanese mainland was under blockade from the world and stopped transferring the supplies to China until mutiny is subdued.

The first military commander to join the government in Yokosuka was general Yamashita. His presence in the capital was lucky coincidence as the general was presenting the situation in China to the Emperor. Yamashita was promoted on the spot and named commander in chief of Imperial Army. Emperor announced his great uncle has been stripped off his military ranks. Prime minister Yonai declared special court will be established and people responsible for the mutiny apprehended and tried. In the morning naval forces assisted by two defected army companies managed to reclaim control over the Imperial Diet and Emperor palace and chase off army units there. Tojo appeared from the government building in the company of four Kempeitai from his personal escort detail. Cuffed behind them and led by two Kempeitai was Korechika. Tojo declared his allegiance to the Emperor and presented his prisoner, recounting the hours of pretending he was on the side of the army in the attempted coup. His story was, incredibly, confirmed by search of Korechika pockets where they found an unsigned document that named Tojo a prime minister. According to Tojo he refused to sign the paper and accept the position out of loyalty to his Emperor and would not do anything contrary to Emperor's wishes. Suspicion that he was playing for both sides in expectation to see who will win remained with some, but that could never be proven. In reality, though, Tojo was waiting to see if Kan'in could get Emperor on his side.

During the following day low intensity fighting continued, as opposing units encountered each other in the city streets. By morning of April 13th, Tokyo Garrison, Ministry of Army and Army headquarters were surrounded and soldiers and officers invited to surrender. Navy airplane flew over barracks dropping the leaflets promising no harm will come to those who were misguided by their superiors and only listened to orders. Radio Tokyo has been retaken during the night and now incessantly played Emperor's pronouncement to the nation. By noon, last army holdout, Tokyo garrison has fell after two salvo from Kirishima's secondary armament. Inside, they found prince Kan'in lifeless body, his stomach ripped apart with tanto knife and several other generals lying around, also dead. The incident, later known as 04/12 incident was thus over. Not many were left to prosecute, but ultra-nationalist core was either dead or thoroughly discredited.

[edvader]

Good ,Shaby.Keep it up.I have a question.Maybe it is the library computer but at times when I did not sign on I was able to find your thread at the right spot on the post 1900 board.However, when I did sign on I could not find the thread!Is it the computer system?BTW they use Microsoft 7.The other library systems I use there is not a problem!

[Shaby]

Originally Posted by Shaby

Yeah, couldn't agree more. Alas, this is the best sufficiently high resolution map I could find. I'd be very grateful if you can point me to another one or, dare I ask, send me one if you have it.

Yaaay! I've found military maps of Romania 1:250.000 scale. I'll try to draw some of the actions on the front and post it during the week. Along with another update.

Edit:
Why is Murphy's law of warfare so correct? 'Combat will occur on the ground between two adjoining maps.'

[Shaby]

Here is my attempt on depicting a front line on military style map

Cernauti has been surrounded and Soviet forces pushed towards southeast, while leaving relatively narrow corridor to the south - southwest axis. Hills overlooking it are held by Romanian mountain infantry.

[Shaby]

Here is the front in the general area of Cishinau. Maximum extent of Soviet front is depicted by interspersed line. Black arrows represent Romanian counter attacks.

[Hero of Canton]

Originally Posted by Shaby

Here is the front in the general area of Cishinau. Maximum extent of Soviet front is depicted by interspersed line. Black arrows represent Romanian counter attacks.

Excellent update! Japan may have just saved itself from national suicide. The new maps are most helpful. Thanks for all your hard work amigo!

Hero of Canton

[stubear1012]

These updates are very realistic and well written!!

I am wondering what will happen with the leadership of the Japanese Army in China? Will they obey the new Command in Chief of the Imperial Army or will they commit ritualistic sucide ?

Stubear1012

[sloreck]

IMHO once the soldiers are convinced that the Emperor is against them, and not being coerced, they will almost all end it. Those in senior positions will commit seppuku to atone for offending the emperor.

[cimon]

Shaby,
You have to admit that the map is unreadable(with human eyes) I found it in the net,they don't have any better one so your lines are very helpful to draw certain conclusions:
1) The Romanians have created a bulge which is vulnerable on its right
2) the land is a good tank country and the Russians are likely to counter-attack in order to cut off the bulge.
3) The Romanians have neither the means nor the time to fortify the bulge so the mobile warfare will continue and the Russians will be prepared this time;real tank formations will be needed to assist Romania(I am sure you will think of something,but if the Russians manage to get to the front a T-34 brigade among other tank and mechanized units the Romanians can do vey little about it(mobile anti-tank guns 7.5,-8.8s-multiple battery of medium artillery consentrated fire,air-attacks especially if tey are U-87s with 30-40 mm guns attached etc) or very extensive mine belts covered by big numbers of artillery batteries, if Romanian shapers have the training for it).There is always the chance that the Russians could divert attention somewhere else until they are ready fo the bulge fo exampe south east.
I am surprised that the Russian ships didn't blow out of the water the Turkish ancient ships in the Black Sea.

[Shaby]

Originally Posted by cimon

Shaby,
You have to admit that the map is unreadable(with human eyes) I found it in the net,they don't have any better one so your lines are very helpful to draw certain conclusions:
1) The Romanians have created a bulge which is vulnerable on its right
2) the land is a good tank country and the Russians are likely to counter-attack in order to cut off the bulge.
3) The Romanians have neither the means nor the time to fortify the bulge so the mobile warfare will continue and the Russians will be prepared this time;real tank formations will be needed to assist Romania(I am sure you will think of something,but if the Russians manage to get to the front a T-34 brigade among other tank and mechanized units the Romanians can do vey little about it(mobile anti-tank guns 7.5,-8.8s-multiple battery of medium artillery consentrated fire,air-attacks especially if tey are U-87s with 30-40 mm guns attached etc) or very extensive mine belts covered by big numbers of artillery batteries, if Romanian shapers have the training for it).There is always the chance that the Russians could divert attention somewhere else until they are ready fo the bulge fo exampe south east.
I am surprised that the Russian ships didn't blow out of the water the Turkish ancient ships in the Black Sea.

I'll freely admit to the deficiencies of maps. I've downloaded them at over 10 mp, but once uploaded to Google it gets compressed to less than 5.

The risk of being cutoff is real not only around Kishinev, but elsewhere too.

Red Army won't have too much of T-34s left. Even those they had were first flight models and deployed in order to test them in real combat conditions. Soviets have another armor brigade belonging to the southern corps, one belonging to the army deployed right of the 7th, I think it is 12th army and one on the north. North one is badly mauled, but still operational. The one belonging to the 12th is largely intact, it just outrun it's infantry and suffered some losses.

Romanians will be left to fight those remaining forces with combination of tanks and AT guns. Currently they have mostly 37mm PaK 36 and equivalent and some Italian 47mm ones as antitank weapons. 88s are deployed to Ploesti and are really German formations.

Ju 87s are not yet available as gun platform versions at this point in time. I am deeply sceptical of Romanians mounting much of bombing campaign. They might inflict losses on Red Airforce, heavy ones even under right conditions such as on the first day.

Romanians should have engineers, though as far as I've seen they are not combat engineers, but more of ones modeled on French engineer corps.

Real possibility would be using artillery, of which Romanians have plenty. However, Soviet artillery is a bit better, more plentiful and with longer range. The real issue for both sides should become ammunition by this time. I've read somewhere that Soviets would run out of ammo in hours? Without Winter war, I'd guess they'd have a bit more supplies.

[cimon]

Originally Posted by Shaby

I'll freely admit to the deficiencies of maps. I've downloaded them at over 10 mp, but once uploaded to Google it gets compressed to less than 5.

The risk of being cutoff is real not only around Kishinev, but elsewhere too.

Red Army won't have too much of T-34s left. Even those they had were first flight models and deployed in order to test them in real combat conditions. Soviets have another armor brigade belonging to the southern corps, one belonging to the army deployed right of the 7th, I think it is 12th army and one on the north. North one is badly mauled, but still operational. The one belonging to the 12th is largely intact, it just outrun it's infantry and suffered some losses.

Romanians will be left to fight those remaining forces with combination of tanks and AT guns. Currently they have mostly 37mm PaK 36 and equivalent and some Italian 47mm ones as antitank weapons. 88s are deployed to Ploesti and are really German formations.

Ju 87s are not yet available as gun platform versions at this point in time. I am deeply sceptical of Romanians mounting much of bombing campaign. They might inflict losses on Red Airforce, heavy ones even under right conditions such as on the first day.

Romanians should have engineers, though as far as I've seen they are not combat engineers, but more of ones modeled on French engineer corps.

Real possibility would be using artillery, of which Romanians have plenty. However, Soviet artillery is a bit better, more plentiful and with longer range. The real issue for both sides should become ammunition by this time. I've read somewhere that Soviets would run out of ammo in hours? Without Winter war, I'd guess they'd have a bit more supplies.

Shaby,
USSR at that point don't have many T-34s (actually they still present mechanical problems) but they have many T-26s and a 37mm antitank is
not the remedy for it...
Of course Romanians(or any western Europeans for that matter) don't have combat engineers like those who fell on Eben Emael under oberleutnant Vitchich OTL,or that it was difficult to get 88s and on top think to use them as antitank since Rommel was the first to do that in North Africa or have Ju87s with 30 mm ATguns since they came into use in 1942 although captain (then) Rudel had made reports for such use of Stuka.I just enumerated possible solutions which would be negated by process of elimination.I think Romanians should start retreating towards the mountains to shorten their front and form reserves for counter attacks with Italians and anyone else who could help.

[Shaby]

Originally Posted by cimon

Shaby,
USSR at that point don't have many T-34s (actually they still present mechanical problems) but they have many T-26s and a 37mm antitank is
not the remedy for it...

With a front hull armor 'thickness' of 16 mm, I'd say it is pretty good antidote. It could knock out T-26 at ranges over 1 km in frontal engagement.

Originally Posted by [URL="http://operationbarbarossa.net/Myth-Busters/Pak-36.html"

Operation Barbarossa.net[/URL]]The PaK 36 could penetrate 29mm of 30 deg slopped homogeneous armour at 500m, 22mm at 1000m, and 19mm at 1500m using its standard AP shot. Some sources give the Pak 36 an even better penetration figure of 36mm at 500m in the same conditions, but caution should be used with this figure. In the period 1936 to 1939 this performance was quite acceptable for dealing with contemporary tanks. However by 1940 the PaK 36’s performance was becoming inadequate, and in the French campaign the PaK 36 showed that it could not easily stop the latest Allied medium and heavy tanks.

It could not penetrate T-34 at any range, but rest of the Soviet tanks were vulnerable to it. T-26 was vulnerable at guns extreme range.

[KACKO]

Originally Posted by cimon

Shaby,
that it was difficult to get 88s and on top think to use them as antitank since Rommel was the first to do that in North Africa

Not really true. 88s were used in AT role already by Condor Legion in Spanish civil war and later during French campaign (also by Rommel but not exclusively only by his 7th division).