On today's episode, we are concluding the M3 Medium Tank and the Kasserine Battle Experience-- we will still have a "coda" episode to cap off some final M3 numbers, but we are now in M4 Sherman territory after today. Additional Sources: “The Hut Six Story: Breaking the Enigma Codes” by Gordon Welchman, “Iron Coffins” by Herbert Werner, “Oil & War: How the Deadly Struggle for Fuel in WWII Meant Victory or Defeat” by Gorlaski & Freeburg, “The Italian Navy in World War II” by Gale Hoffman, ...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 16
On today's episode we are covering more of the day-to-day life of being an M3 Medium Tank Crew as well as the Kasserine Pass. “Wüsndrof - Abandoned Berlin” by Ciaran Fahey, “Armored Thunderbolt” by Steven Zaloga, “A Survey of Tank Warfare in Europe from D-Day to 12th August 1944 prepared by HG Gee, Army Operational Research Group” by HG Gee, “Warriors Rage: The Great Tank Battle of 73 Easting” by Douglas Macgregor, “M1A1 Firepower Enhancements Program” by Capt. CS Roos, “Myths of American Armor ...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 27 min
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, “Chur...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Season 2Ep. 17
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
Jul 03, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 16
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 ...
Apr 17, 2023•47 min•Season 2Ep. 15
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
Mar 21, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 14
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....
Feb 20, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 13
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...
Feb 06, 2023•1 hr 48 min•Season 2Ep. 12
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 ThePanzerPodcas...
Jan 23, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 11
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
Jan 15, 2023•4 min•Season 2Ep. 10
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 B...
Nov 28, 2022•42 min•Season 2Ep. 9
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-Pi...
Nov 07, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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 1...
Oct 24, 2022•55 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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....
Oct 17, 2022•4 min•Season 2Ep. 6
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, bo...
Oct 03, 2022•49 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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...
Sep 18, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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 Co...
Sep 06, 2022•45 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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...
Aug 21, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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 episo...
Aug 07, 2022•6 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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...
Jun 01, 2022•13 min•Season 1Ep. 14
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 Add...
Apr 04, 2022•1 hr 45 min•Season 1Ep. 12
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
Mar 28, 2022•2 min•Season 1Ep. 11
On the Eleventh, and penultimate episode of The Panzer Podcast's Panther series we are going to get into, and finish off the fantasy models of the Panther tank. This will include the Panther Ausführung F along with the Panzerbeobachtungswagen 'Panther' and the 88mm Panther F proposal. We run down the equipment list included with all Panther kits as well tie up some loose ends and do a small bit of housekeeping. Enjoy! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com Additional Sources Include: "Panzer Tr...
Mar 14, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 11
On the tenth episode of The Panzer Podcast we are going to pick up right where we left off and go straight into the Battle for Normandy and Unternehmen Lüttich, the Falaise Gap and then turn our sights Eastward as we examine how the Panther Ausf. G fared on the Ostfront. We will be putting the final touches on the Panther Ausf. G, and with it essentially the Panther tank as a whole. We have another episode or two left, but this is the final combat episode of the Panther Ausf. G– so, sit back, re...
Feb 27, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 10
On the ninth episode of The Panzer Podcast we will essentially continue right where we left off last episode: we’ll dive into the reorganization efforts of 1944 to the Panzerwaffe, delve into the wide world of 1940’s style infrared optics, have a look at night fighting, and finally we’ll look underneath the hood of how effective close air support was on the Western Front along with what was going on during the Battle for Normandy. Enjoy! John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com Additional Sources...
Feb 14, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 9
On the eighth episode of The Panzer Podcast we'll be diving into the Panther Ausführung G-- the final and most produced Panther tank during the war-- we'll have a chance to explore the who, what, why, and when of the last variation as well as it's not-so-humble beginnings as the Panther II. Which yes, we will side quest our way through the Panther II into the Panther G, while also touching on the effects of the Holocaust and Nazi Forced labor within the armaments industry and how that directly a...
Jan 31, 2022•1 hr 45 min•Season 1Ep. 8
On the seventh episode of The Panzer Podcast we are finally getting around to the second iteration of the Panther tank, the Ausführung A-- which was the second most prolific of the three variations, and will take us well into 1944. We will drill down the details of makes the Ausf. A an Ausf. A, as well as describe the differences between the Ausf. D and Ausf. A. Moving on, we will pick up our combat narrative on the Eastern Front and get a chance to visit with the Allied invasion of mainland Ita...
Jan 16, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 7
On the sixth episode of The Panzer Podcast, we are going to do something quite different-- and hopefully enjoyable-- a holiday episode! No, I won't be reading the "Night Before Panzermas", though I do have a short story I wish to share with you all. It is titled "What We Wanted to Do", by Ron Carlson. I also have some announcements at the end of episode today, and the episode is a short one-- I didn't want to get too long-winded this week. We'll be back in two weeks with the next episode in our ...
Jan 02, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 6
On the fifth episode of The Panzer Podcast, we will be discussing the Sd.Kfz. 9 "Famo" Heavy Prime Mover, along with the Bergepanther (Recovery Panther), and of course the Sd. Ah. family of tank towing trailers. Finally I want to touch on another specialty variant of the Panzerkampfwagen V "Panther", the Pantherbefehlswagen (Panther Command Tank) and many other tidbits and anecdotes to round out the story of these special, purpose-built vehicles in support of the Panther tank. Enjoy! -John Burge...
Dec 20, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 5
On the fourth episode of The Panzer Podcast, we will finish discussing the aftermath and consequences of Operation Citadel and the Battle of Kursk insofar that it affected the Panther tanks. Along with an in-depth discussion of the Panzer repair network and logistical system. Enjoy! -John Burgess ThePanzerPodcast@gmail.com Sources include: "Panther, Germany's Quest for Combat Dominance" by Michael and Gladys Green, "Panther and it's Variants" by Walter Spielberger, "Repairing the Panzers, Vol. 1...
Dec 05, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 4
