The Germans underestimated our artillery. And they underestimated the effectiveness of our infantry against their tanks. This battle showed that tanks forced to operate in narrow quarters are of limited value; they're just guns without mobility. In such conditions nothing can take the place of small groups of infantry, properly armed, and fighting with utmost determination. I don't mean barricade street fighting-there was little of that-but groups converting every building into a fortress and fighting for it floor by floor and even room by room. Such defenders cannot be driven out either by tanks or planes. The Germans dropped over a million bombs on us but they did not dislodge our infantry from its decisive positions. On the other hand, tanks can be destroyed from buildings used as fortresses.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Urban terrain neutralizes tanks, making determined infantry in buildings the dominant force.
- In plain terms
- Tanks do not work well in cities, but soldiers do.
- What can you take from it?
- Adapt tactics to the environment.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does terrain affect warfare?
- What limits heavy armor?
Another view
Modern tech can still dominate even in urban settings.
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