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GA-11B - Pz1B 531 Poland
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The Panzer I Ausf. B was a follow-on design to the Panzer I Ausf. A and addressed some of its
predecessor’s shortcomings by incorporating a more powerful engine. This redesign required a slightly
lengthened hull and an additional road wheel. The Ausf. B offered improved performance and endurance,
but its thin armor left it proof against only small arms. Consequently, the Panzer I Ausf. B was vulnerable
to any Polish anti-tank weapon, anti-tank rifles, and even heavy machine guns. Additionally, its armament
of tin 7.92 mm MG-15 machineguns were only effective against infantry, cavalry, or light vehicles. Despite
these deficiencies, when employed en masse and in close coordination with Stuka dive-bombers
providing close air support, the Panzer I proved itself capable of overwhelming enemy units. It was this
close cooperation of combined arms units, including massed panzers, that led to the success of
Germany’s new armored doctrine, and not because of any technical superiority of early-war German
tanks.
Brand: John Jenkins
