Compliment.

This is coolbert:

Continuing with discussion of the famous T-34 Soviet tank aspects plus and negative the Second World War.

See previous discussion of the T-34 here and here.

Even the most fanatical of the herrenvolk not adverse to using captured T-34 in battle!

Indeed, the Waffen SS incorporating and employing T-34 tanks as part of their battle order. Battalion sized units of Soviet tanks in German service!

"Waffen-SS units also did not hesitate to use captured T-34/76 tanks and 2nd SS Panzer Division 'Das Reich' and 3rd SS Panzer Division 'Totenkopf'' pressed significant number into service. T-34/76 tanks used by 'Das Reich' are of particular interest. When in March of 1943, SS Panzer Corps recaptured Kharkov, some 50 various models of T-34/76 tank were captured. All of those were being repaired in a local tractor [Soviet] tank) factory that was overrun and designated as SS Panzerwerk (SS Tank Workshop). Shortly after they were repaired along with being modified to German standards, repainted and marked with German markings. Modifications included installation of commander's cupola (from damaged Panzerkampfwagen III and IV tanks), Schuerzen (armor skirts) and other equipment such as [the] Notek light, storage boxes, tools, radio equipment and antenna. 25 of them entered service with newly created 3rd SS Panzer Battalion of 2nd SS Panzer Regiment of 2nd SS Panzer Division 'Das Reich'."'

That 3rd battalion consisting of captured and modified Soviet T-34 as commanded by the noted German tank ace Emil Seibold [Emil Seibold – 69 Kills (Das Reich)–Pz IV+ Captured T-34s].

A German Pz IV and not a Soviet T-34. Image Source: www.worldwarphotos.info courtesy the Internet web site tanks-encyclopedia.com. That is probably not Emil Seibold in the image.

I am curious if anyone has an idea what percentage of those "kills" as attributed to Seibold were while in command of a modified T-34? Any devoted reader to the blog having an idea?

Those "minor" improvements made by the German to the Soviet T-34's probably making a considerable difference in effectiveness?

Two adversaries fighting it out with MATCHED gear in the era of mechanized warfare. There exists no other example??

coolbert.