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Panzer III vs Somua S35: Duel 63 - The Clash of Armored Giants in Belgium 1940

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Panzer III vs Somua S 35: Belgium 1940 (Duel 63)

Panzer III vs Somua S 35: Belgium 1940 (Duel Book 63)

by Theodore Roosevelt

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29036 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	137 pages

A Panzer III Ausf. E And A Somua S35 Tank Locked In Combat During Duel 63 Panzer III Vs Somua S 35: Belgium 1940 (Duel 63)

On 15 May 1940, during the invasion of Belgium, a thrilling duel took place between a German Panzer III Ausf. E and a French Somua S35 tank. This clash of armored giants is known as 'Duel 63' and provides a gripping insight into the evolution of tank warfare at the beginning of World War II.

The Combatants

Panzer III Ausf. E

The Panzer III was a German medium tank that first entered service in 1939. The Ausf. E variant was an improved version that featured a more powerful engine, thicker armor, and a larger gun. It was the most common variant of the Panzer III in service at the start of the war.

Somua S35

The Somua S35 was a French medium tank that was considered one of the most advanced tanks in the world when it was introduced in 1936. It featured a sloped armor design, a powerful engine, and a high-velocity gun. It was intended to be the backbone of the French armored forces in World War II.

The Battle of Hannut

Duel 63 took place during the Battle of Hannut, a large-scale tank battle that formed part of the invasion of Belgium. The battle lasted for three days and involved over 1,000 tanks from both sides. It was one of the largest tank battles of the war and resulted in heavy losses for both sides.

Duel 63

The duel between the Panzer III and the Somua S35 took place on 15 May 1940, near the town of Hannut. The two tanks encountered each other at close range and engaged in a fierce exchange of fire.

The Panzer III fired first, but its shell bounced off the sloped armor of the Somua S35. The Somua S35 then fired back, striking the Panzer III in the turret. The shell penetrated the armor and killed the tank's commander.

The Panzer III was knocked out, but the Somua S35 was still operational. However, it had been damaged in the exchange of fire and was unable to continue fighting.

Aftermath

Duel 63 was a significant victory for the French. It proved that the Somua S35 was a formidable opponent for the German Panzer III. However, the battle of Hannut was ultimately a German victory. The German army was able to break through the French defenses and advance into Belgium.

Duel 63 was a fascinating clash of armored giants that provides a valuable insight into the evolution of tank warfare at the beginning of World War II. It showed that the French Somua S35 was a capable tank, but it was ultimately no match for the German Panzer III in the hands of experienced crews.

Panzer III vs Somua S 35: Belgium 1940 (Duel Book 63)

by Theodore Roosevelt

4.4 out of 5