Panzerkampfwagen I (MG) Ausführung A of the Legion Condor, Spain
Technical account of the early experiences of German tanks, specifically the Panzer I, during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). German military advisors, such as Oberstleutnant Thoma, were sent to support General Franco’s Nationalist forces, albeit initially as non-combatants. The observations reveal many technical and operational challenges the German tank crews faced in combat.
Key points:
Technical Issues:
Superstructure and Armor:
- While the armor could withstand infantry and machine-gun fire, there were issues with the weld beads, visors, and vision slits, which sometimes allowed bullet fragments inside, wounding the crew.
- Close-range heavy fire caused structural damage, such as rivets being propelled inward and harming the crew.
Turret and Gun Mantlet:
- The turrets often jammed when bullets hit the gap between the turret and the ball-bearing race, hindering the tank’s ability to traverse and fire.
- Rainwater and flamethrower gasoline could seep into the turret due to poor sealing, leading to rust or fire hazards.
Machine Guns (MG 13):
- These weapons were praised for their reliability, despite poor handling by the Spanish. However, their exposed positions made them vulnerable to external fire, and many were rendered inoperable.
Combat Challenges:
Russian Gun-Armed Tanks: Russian tanks, with their 45 mm guns, posed a serious threat, especially when they engaged from long distances. German special S.m.K.H. ammunition initially helped to counter Russian tanks at close range, but once the Russians adapted their tactics (keeping distance), the German tanks were outclassed due to their lack of long-range firepower.
Tactical Shortcomings: The German M.G.-Panzer (machine gun tanks) were significantly outmatched by gun-armed Russian tanks, particularly in longer-range engagements. The inability to penetrate Russian tanks beyond 150 meters with machine-gun fire highlighted the limitations of the Pz.Kpfw.I.
Support Weapons: German tanks were eventually paired with Pak (anti-tank guns) to provide some protection against Russian armor. However, the effectiveness was limited by the short-range of the Pak sights, which could not engage accurately beyond 900 meters.
Flamethrowers:
German tanks and Spanish armored cars began using kleinen (small) flamethrowers, which could be mounted in the machine-gun ports of the Pz.Kpfw.I. However, their range was limited, and further experience was needed to evaluate their combat effectiveness.
Observations on Light Tanks:
- General Fuller and others criticized the use of light tanks like the Pz.Kpfw.I, calling them unsuitable for combat. Their poor protection, light armament, and lack of effectiveness in difficult terrain were major drawbacks. However, the mechanical reliability of the Pz.Kpfw.I was praised.
Lessons Learned:
- The report underscored the urgent need for gun-armed tanks to counter the Russian tanks’ advantages. The Germans began exploring expedient solutions, such as mounting the 2 cm KwK 30 gun from armored cars onto tanks or improving anti-tank weaponry.