Is this post implying that destroying a WW2 tank with an 88mm gun is considered in the realm of “the impossible”?
The German Flak 88mm existed at a time where man portable anti-tank rifles were still viable, and dedicated 57mm anti-tank cannons were fielded.
For the emperor’s sake a modified version of the 88mm Flak was the main gun of the Tiger I!
88mm guns were famed and feared for the duration of the war as anti tank guns!
It is significantly different than taking on a modern main battle tank with a 25mm autocannon and winning.
I thought the post was contrasting the popular view of “OMG ROMMEL IS SUCH A GENIUS HE DESTROYED TANKS WITH BIG GUNS” with “Actual heroes destroying tanks with 25mm”
“They both do the impossible”
Isn’t/wasn’t the anti aircraft ammunition of a FlaK essentially different from anti tank ammunition although the calibre is/was nominally the same?
Yes, but:
- There’s no indication that (that I can find) at Halfaya Pass Rommel’s guns only had AA rounds. HE or possibly dedicated AT rounds maybe have been available.
- Even the AA rounds could be set for point detonation, making them function essentially the same as HE rounds designed for hitting structures. While not designed for penetration like dedicated AT rounds, in WW2 88mm HE is an absolutely massive payload for direct fire against a tank.
- Rommel was going up against Matilda II tanks which had been designed to survive against 37mm and maybe 50mm anti-tank guns. 88mm absolutely cored out a lot of tanks.
Thank you video games, for serving the cause of freedom
