Action-packed stories of the T-34 in action - Vivid recollections of tank warfare on the Eastern Front - Vivid recollections of tank warfare on the Eastern Front This pioneering book offers a compelling inside view of armored warfare in World War II, from the perspective of the Soviet soldiers who went to battle in the T-34, one of the most famous and effective tanks of the war. These firsthand accounts evoke the shocking and bloody reality of combat on the Eastern Front, from terrifying confrontations with German panzers to the perils of close infantry support and bombardment from German artillery and aircraft.

A Russian description of the character of their army and the T34 tank followed by accounts of the actions of tank crews in battle.

The Russian tank crews had great confidence in the T34, which was only partly misplaced: for example its innovative sloping armour was thought to be proof against shelling - up to a point it was - and its diesel engine was thought to be safer from fire than petrol engines - again up to a point it was - though diesel fuel burned just as fiercely once ignited. However the T34 was robust, cheap to build, and it stood up to winter weather - for example having wide tracks which rode the snow.

I was impressed with the description of crew training: a team's skills were interchangeable, and they were thoroughly versed in the maintenance of the tank (even at times working in the factories that assembled the T34). Officers were no exception to this interchangeability. (I suspect the training described was not fully achieved: WW2 histories show that many T34 crews lacked skills).

The T34 was very noisy, uncomfortable, and difficult to drive - gear changes required great strength. The crews looked with envy at the much more comfortable enemy tanks when they were captured. Also, its gun-sights were inferior to German tank optics.

The chapters covering the actions of tank crews in battle are often very macho. One of the key differences between Russian and Allied forces was the presence of political officers in every Russian unit: obviously their army officers were not fully trusted by the regime. Significantly perhaps, no mention is made of the fact that between 1937 and 1939 40000 officers had been arrested, and of those about 15000 had been shot.

The death rate of young tank crews was much higher than the death rate of experienced crews. One way of reducing risk was to leave tank escape hatches partly open or unclipped: a wounded soldier would not be able to open a hatch. Another way was to keep moving fast (firing guns on the move). But saving Russian lives was not a priority. Surprisingly, one of the most important items for tank crews was a large tarpaulin which served various purposes, including shelter when crews were not in action.