The Panzer Podcast

On today's episode we are taking a look into the combat foray of the M3 Medium Tank-- this episode has been a long time coming. We are going to North Africa to see how well the M3 Grant and the M3 Lee managed fighting in and around French occupied North Africa in 1942 and beyond. Thanks for being patient! Enjoy! John Burgess Additional Sources: “Operation Torch, 1942: The Invasion of French North Africa” by Brian Lane Herder, “Desert Armour: Tank Warfare in North Africa” by Robert Forczyk, “Churchill’s Lions: a biographical guide to the key British generals of World War II” by Richard Mead, “By Tank into Normandy” by Stuart Hills, “Operation Torch” by Brian Lane Herder,  “Armor Command” by Paul Robinett

On today's episode we are taking a look at the training centers in Britain, the Canadian Armored Forces, and a curiosity called "Canal Defense Lights" Thanks for being patient! Enjoy! John Burgess Additional Sources: “Worthy: A biography of Major-General F.F. Worthington” by Larry Worthington. Forty, George; Livesey, Jack (2012), The Complete Guide to Tanks and Armoured Fighting Vehicles

On today's episode we are taking a look at the some of the training facilities and the nature of the soft factors regarding the US Armored force from 1940-1942. A change of pace. Enjoy! John Burgess Additional Sources: “October 6, 1941 issue of Life Magazine”, “The 1940 Maneuvers: Prelude to Mobilization,” by Christopher R. Gabel; “Careers of Officers Involved in the Louisiana Maneuvers,” by Rickey Robertson; “In the Presence of Soldiers, The 2nd Army Maneuvers & Other World War II Activity in Tennessee” by Woody McMIllin, “TM 9-1750H Ordnance Maintenance--Hydraulic Traversing Mechanism (Logansport) for Medium Tank M3 and Modifications” War Dept., and “Eisenhower: A Soldier’s Life”, by Carlo D’Este. “British and American Tanks of World War Two”, by Peter Chamberlain and Chris Ellis.

On today's episode we are deep diving into the M3 Grant -- the British version of the M3 Medium Tank. Enjoy! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com thepanzerpodcast.bigcartel.com Additional Sources: “Arsenal of Democracy: The Automobile Industry in World War II”, by Charles Hyde, “The Legacy of Albert Kahn” by Hawkins Ferry

On today's episode we are deep diving into the M3A1 and M3A2 Medium Tanks. Enjoy! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com thepanzerpodcast.bigcartel.com Additional Sources: “Technology of Tanks”, by RIchard Ogorkiewicz, “Elements of Armament Engineering Part One & Two” by US Army Materiel Command, “Modernizing the Watertown Arsenal” by Brig. Gen. R.W. Case, “Historic Properties Report” by US Army Materials and Mechanics Research Center Watertown, Mass.

On this episode of The Panzer Podcast we are going to get into the details of what a M3 Medium Tank really had within it, from the treads, to the compass lamp shield alignment-- you wanted a deep dive? We're in it. This is a longer episode, and I think we really get into a lot of the equipment outside of the weapon and engine basics. Buckle Up!!! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com thepanzerpodcast.bigcartel.com Additional Sources: “TM 11-317 Signal Generator I-208”, “Panther” by Michael and Gladys Green, “Designing the T-34” by Peter Samsonov, “TM 11-600 Radiot Sets SCR 508”, “TM 9-750 Medium Tanks M3, M3A1, and M3A2”, “TM 9-1527 Gunners Quadrant”, “FM 17-12 Armored Force Field Manual: Tank Gunnery”, “Early FM Radio” by Gary Frost, “War of the Worlds” HG Welles, “Joint Electronics Type Designation System” DoD, “Handbook for Definitions of item levels, item exchangeability, models and related terms” DoD, “World War Two Nomenclature Systems” by Ray Mote, and “Radio Amateur’s Handbook” by American Radio Relay League

On today's edition of The Panzer Podcast we are going right under the hood to get into and out of the R-975 engine in full detail. On top of that we will also detail  main armament of the M3 Medium, both the 75mm and 37mm cannons along with some production woes faced early on.  I know we have been lagging on output over the holiday break, but we are back at it and get ready to pursue the M3 Medium Tank to it's finale.  Thank you everyone for your patience! Please Enjoy! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com thepanzerpodcast.bigcartel.com Additional Sources: “US Anti-tank Artillery 1941-45”, by Steven Zaloga.

Just a quick update on the Podcast! Full-length episode 208 is coming out next week on January 22nd! Stay tuned! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com thepanzerpodcast.bigcartel.com

On today's episode we discuss the origin of the M3, setup the next few episodes which will essentially a series within a series, or mini-series within the series... or ... uh, you get the point-- we need to get into the M3 and do it in only the way we can here at The Panzer Podcast: long, arduous and full of my sultry voice. So sit back, relax and... Enjoy! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com thepanzerpodcast.bigcartel.com Additional Sources: “The Ram Cruiser Tank: An Ambitious Failure” by Bruce Alexander Blue, “M3 Lee Grant: The Design, Production and Service of the M3 Lee Medium Tank, The Foundation of America’s Tank Industry” by David Doyle

On today's episode we discuss the M2 and M2A1 Medium Tanks-- the answer to the Medium Tank question... or was it? Tune in to find out!  Enjoy! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com thepanzerpodcast.bigcartel.com Additional Sources: "Definition and Uses of RHA Equivalences for Medium Caliber Targets. Interlaken, Switzerland: 19th International Symposium of Ballistics, 7–11 May 2001", by Magness, and Burkins, "Panther: Germany’s Quest for Combat Dominance" by Michael & Gladys Green, "Armor-Piercing Ammunition for Gun, 90-MM, M3" by  Washington: Office Of The Chief Of Ordnance, January 1945, "The Commander’s Vision in Blue and Grey: The Roles of Adna R. Chaffee, Jr., James H. Wilson and The American Civil War in The Development of American Armor Doctrine" by John T. Broom, "Tanks and Armor in Modern Warfare" by James Cary, "Mechanization in the Army" by Adna R. Chaffee Jr., "'Mechanized Cavalry.' Lecture delivered at the Army War College, 1939" By Adna R. Chaffee Jr., "Statement of Major General Adna R. Chaffee Jr. Delivered to the Sub-Committee of the Committee on Appropriations, 1941" by Adna R. Chaffee Jr., "Forging the Thunderbolt: A History of the Development of the Armored Force" by Mildred Gillie, "The Tank Pioneers" by Kenneth Mackey, "Mobility, Shock and Firepower: The Emergence of the U.S. Army's Armor Branch, 1917-1945" by Robert Stewart Cameron, "Table of Metallurgical Properties of Naval Armor and Construction Materials" by Nathan Okun, "From the American System to Mass Production, 1800–1932: The Development of Manufacturing Technology in the United States" by David A. Hounshell.

On this edition of The Panzer Podcast we delve into the T5 Phase I, II, III, T5E1, and T5E2 and the beginning of the direct line of the M4 Sherman predecessors. From here on out we are moving steadily towards our Sherman and the first combat foray in North Africa. We've still got a little ways to go, but I promise you we're getting close! So strap in-- and let's learn about tanks. Enjoy! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com Additional Sources include: The Field Artillery Journal of May/June 1931, “Through Mobility We Conquer: The Mechanization of U.S. Cavalry” by George Hofmann, "Firepower: A history of the American Heavy Tank" by RP Hunnicutt, "Le Char Lourd FCM 1A, Histoire de Guerre Blindes & Materiel" by Guy Francois, "The Journal of the Army Ordnance Association, Vol.4" by the US Army Ordnance Department, "Pioneers of Amphibious Warfare 1898-1945" by Leo Daugherty, and "Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank" by RP Hunnicutt, "Panther" by Thomas Anderson, "Sherman Tank Vol. 1" by David Doyle, and "Sherman Tank Vol. 2" by David Doyle, "Storm of Steel" by Ernst Junger, "Poilu" by Louis Barthas, and "Now It Can Be Told" by Philip Gibbs, “The Machine Gun: History, Evolution and Development of Manually Operated, Full Automatic, and Power Driven Aircraft Machine Guns, vol. 1, Department of the Navy, Bureau of Ordnance” by George Chinn, “US Army’s FM 23-65 Manual Browning Machine Gun .50HB, M2”

Special Announcement: Episode 205 is postponed until next Sunday (10.26.2022) due to my voice having been ravaged by the throes of fandom at a baseball playoff game. The Dodgers season has ended. Sad day. For a positive note: we will be back without much delay-- episode 205 is fully written, I just can't record it this weekend due to my voice having gone to shit (give this episode a listen if you don't believe me). Thanks for your patience! See you next week, John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com

On this edition of The Panzer Podcast we delve into the T4 & T4E1 Project, the final Christie born prototype of the convertible medium tanks--  culminating in the Convertible Medium Tank M1, Limited Standard. We enjoy a bit of M2 .50 HMG banter, and history, and take a quick glance at European politics circa 1936. Spoiler alert: It's not great.  This is the final edition of prototype vehicles that do not have direct lineage to the M4 Sherman. So, for anyone wondering, we're closing the gap, both in time and prototypes before we finally get to the M4 Sherman proper.  So sit tight, relax and let the smooth sounds of tank information wash over you as we get closer to our final destination of the M4 Sherman Medium Tank. Enjoy! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com Additional Sources include: The Field Artillery Journal of May/June 1931, “Through Mobility We Conquer: The Mechanization of U.S. Cavalry” by George Hofmann, "Firepower: A history of the American Heavy Tank" by RP Hunnicutt, "Le Char Lourd FCM 1A, Histoire de Guerre Blindes & Materiel" by Guy Francois, "The Journal of the Army Ordnance Association, Vol.4" by the US Army Ordnance Department, "Pioneers of Amphibious Warfare 1898-1945" by Leo Daugherty, and "Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank" by RP Hunnicutt, "Panther" by Thomas Anderson, "Sherman Tank Vol. 1" by David Doyle, and "Sherman Tank Vol. 2" by David Doyle, "Storm of Steel" by Ernst Junger, "Poilu" by Louis Barthas, and "Now It Can Be Told" by Philip Gibbs, “The Machine Gun: History, Evolution and Development of Manually Operated, Full Automatic, and Power Driven Aircraft Machine Guns, vol. 1, Department of the Navy, Bureau of Ordnance” by George Chinn, “US Army’s FM 23-65 Manual Browning Machine Gun .50HB, M2”

On today's episode we are going to be discussing some more prototype tanks as we finish off with the 1920s and move into the 1930s with the M1928, M1931, T3, T3E1, T3E2, T3E3 medium tanks, along with the T1 Combat Car-- we'll be deep diving into what will become rather familiar territory for thank enthusiasts, the now famous "Christie Suspension" at least as much as it pertains to the American Medium Tank program. So sit tight, relax and let the smooth sounds of tank information wash over you as we get closer to our final destination of the M4 Sherman Medium Tank. Enjoy! John Burgess  ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com  Additional Sources include: The Field Artillery Journal of May/June 1931, “Through Mobility We Conquer: The Mechanization of U.S. Cavalry” by George Hofmann, "Firepower: A history of the American Heavy Tank" by RP Hunnicutt, "Le Char Lourd FCM 1A, Histoire de Guerre Blindes & Materiel" by Guy Francois, "The Journal of the Army Ordnance Association, Vol.4" by the US Army Ordnance Department, "Pioneers of Amphibious Warfare 1898-1945" by Leo Daugherty, and "Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank" by RP Hunnicutt, "Panther" by Thomas Anderson, "Sherman Tank Vol. 1" by David Doyle, and "Sherman Tank Vol. 2" by David Doyle, "Storm of Steel" by Ernst Junger, "Poilu" by Louis Barthas, and "Now It Can Be Told" by Philip Gibbs

On this special Labor Day Episode (my excuse for it being late) we are discussing the Prototype T1/T1E1 & T2 Medium Tanks! We're steadily progressing through the tech tree of the Medium tank, working up to the M4 Sherman-- however, we've got a bit of a ways to go, so strap in and get ready to dig into some mid-1920/early 1930s technological marvels! Enjoy! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com Additional Sources include: The Field Artillery Journal of May/June 1931, “Through Mobility We Conquer: The Mechanization of U.S. Cavalry” by George Hofmann, "Firepower: A history of the American Heavy Tank" by RP Hunnicutt, "Le Char Lourd FCM 1A, Histoire de Guerre Blindes & Materiel" by Guy Francois, "The Journal of the Army Ordnance Association, Vol.4" by the US Army Ordnance Department, "Pioneers of Amphibious Warfare 1898-1945" by Leo Daugherty, and "Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank" by RP Hunnicutt, "Panther" by Thomas Anderson, "Sherman Tank Vol. 1" by David Doyle, and "Sherman Tank Vol. 2" by David Doyle, "Storm of Steel" by Ernst Junger, "Poilu" by Louis Barthas, and "Now It Can Be Told" by Philip Gibbs

On the first real episode of The Panzer Podcast, Season 2-- we will introduce the American Medium Tank Program of 1919 and delve into the history of the Medium Tank through the eyes of the US Ordnance Department. We'll meet some key players, some interwar policy makers and have a look underneath the hood of some the earlier prototypes following the Great War and into the interwar period before we get into the Second World War and the further development of the M4 Sherman Tank Enjoy! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com Sources Include: "Firepower: A history of the American Heavy Tank" by RP Hunnicutt, "Le Char Lourd FCM 1A, Histoire de Guerre Blindes & Materiel" by Guy Francois, "The Journal of the Army Ordnance Association, Vol.4" by the US Army Ordnance Department, "Pioneers of Amphibious Warfare 1898-1945" by Leo Daugherty, and "Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank" by RP Hunnicutt, "Panther" by Thomas Anderson, "Sherman Tank Vol. 1" by David Doyle, and "Sherman Tank Vol. 2" by David Doyle.

Welcome back to the Panzer Podcast-- we have an exciting announcement today! The first REAL episode of Season Two will be coming out August 21, 2022. So, stand by for that in two weeks, however, in the meantime, navigate over to YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt5CPuMaLfY) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/6DcPvJEyUjqe0nRZL91MS0?si=7tlQn5FLQKSiRTuD-6P9DQ) to listen to my guest spot over at the Micro Machines Podcast! I had a great time, they are some great dudes and the episode is quite informative and little bit different than how The Panzer Podcast works. I had a ton of fun and if you enjoy this podcast about tanks, you will love their podcast about tanks, and modeling, and slides, and jokes, and oh boy!  So, stay tuned, we'll see you in two weeks for our first installment of the Sherman Series! -John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com

On today's rather short episode I have an announcement to make about the upcoming 78th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion along with a little story and catch-up time on how the Podcast is coming along in regards to the upcoming Sherman series! Au Revoir! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com Sources Include:  SHD, 11 P 236 Luc Braueur, Tanks of the Resistance – The amazing adventure of an armored FFI squadron on the Saint-Nazaire Pocket , author-publisher

On the twelfth episode of The Panzer Podcast, and the FINALE episode of the Panther series we are going to wrap up the whole burrito and finish off the Panther series. We'll get some insight into what the Allies, the Soviets, and (obviously?) the Germans thought of the Panther at the war's conclusion. After that, I get a little mushy and thank all of you wonderful folks for tuning in and going on this journey with me-- really-- thanks a million!  Enjoy! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com Additional sources for this episode: “Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 47, June 1, 1944” by US Army et all, “Operation Barbarossa: The Complete Organizational and Statistical Analysis, and Military Simulation Vol. 1” by Nigel Askey, “The Chemistry of Powder and Explosives Vol. 1-3”, by Tenney Davis, “Tank Power of the USSR: The First Full Encyclopedia” by Mikhail Nikolaevich Svirin, “Pantera, PzKpfw V” by Mikhail Nikolaevich Svirin, “Panther: external appearance and design changes.” By MacDougall and Block, “Die Fertigung von Kettenfahrzeugen bei der Firma MNH in Hannover von 1939-1945“ by F. Köhler, and “British Panthers” in Vol. 62 of “Wheels and tracks”, by David Fletcher.

Postponement announcement:  Hey everyone, This is just an announcement that work has been kicking my ass and I did not have enough time to properly finish this week's episode. So, I am asking that you all give me just another week to finish the episode in the right way, meaning: it will be good! Thanks, and stay tuned we've got some merch coming along with the finale to the Panther Series. Cheers, John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com