Ep 7. The Battle of Arracourt

During World War II, the Battle of Arracourt was a significant clash between the German and American forces. The seventh episode of Greatest Tank Battles season 1 covers this battle, which was fought from September 18 to October 7, 1944, in northeastern France.

The battle began when General George S. Patton's Third Army collided with the German 5th Panzer Army. The German force was commanded by General Hasso von Manteuffel, who had been tasked by Adolf Hitler himself to prevent the American advance on Germany.

At the time of the battle, the Germans had superior tanks, such as the Panther and Tiger II heavy tanks. The Americans, however, had a numerical advantage with their M4 Sherman tanks.

The clash between the two forces was brutal and intense. The Germans had an advantage in early skirmishes, but the Americans slowly gained the upper hand due to their superior logistics and better communication between their tanks.

One of the most notable aspects of the Battle of Arracourt was the use of a new tactic known as "tank destroyer ambushes." The American tank destroyers were positioned in hidden locations, waiting for the Germans to approach. When the Germans engaged the Sherman tanks, the tank destroyers would suddenly appear and attack the enemy from the side or rear.

As a result of this tactic, the Americans were able to destroy many German tanks without suffering significant losses. This proved to be a turning point in the battle, as the Germans had become accustomed to attacking tanks head-on and were unprepared for this new tactic.

The Battle of Arracourt was ultimately a decisive victory for the Americans. They destroyed or disabled around 200 German tanks while only losing 73 of their own. This battle not only demonstrated the efficacy of the new tank destroyer ambush tactic, but it also marked a significant turning point in the war in Europe.

The episode features expert commentary from military historians, archival footage, and detailed reenactments of key moments in the battle. It also provides context on the battle's significance and how it fits into the larger narrative of World War II.

Overall, this episode of Greatest Tank Battles provides insight into one of the most significant tank battles of World War II and showcases the tactical innovations that led to an American victory.