This is one of a series of reports either written by col. BIZZI or collected by him. Colonello BIZZI was sent to A.S. in March 1942 to collect technical information on the functionality of Italian systems, especially armored vehicles and weapons. I am translating and posting them here. Once all the translations are completed, I will assemble them and post on the Comando Supremo main page.
The original copy of this particular report is from La meccanizzazione dell'Esercito fino al 1943 tomo II Documento 52. As always, any errors of translation are mine and all words/comments in [ ] are additional to clarify understanding and enhance readability.
-------------------
MISSION OF CAPTAIN TRANIELLO IN A.S.
(March 1 - April 3, 1942)
Comments on the characteristics of the various terrain that make up the theater of operation. - View English materials from prewar. - Observation on the behavior of our motor ists and armored vehicles. - Related proposals. -
LOCATIONS: Areas of: Tripoli - Homs - Misrata - El Agheila - Agedaba - Bengasi - Barce - Derna - El; Mechili - Soluch - Saunna. -
TERRAIN
The terrain is an element of the utmost importance for the determination of the characteristics of the vehicles that must cover it.
Overall the terrain of A.S. can be divided into the following categories:
- rough terrain;
- sandy soil with water outcrop;
- flat sandy ground;
- sandy with a slightly more consistent crust covered by a dense network of small bushes that protrude about 10-15 cm high;
- sandy and stony ground;
- stony ground;
- slopes;
- via Balbia.
Terrain types 1) and 2) can be considered almost intransitable; however, they can be easily avoided, because they are well defined and limited in size.
All other types of terrain can be driven by wheeled vehicles (having certain characteristics) and by tracked vehicles.
The terrain nº 3) is what is commonly understood when referred to as desert terrain: in it the slopes are almost ignored, with regard to the calculation of the performance, the sinking due to the looseness of the sand leads to an increase in the rolling drag coefficient that in some cases reach 700-800% of normal, and, if the dimensions of the vehicle's drive components (wheels and tracks) are insufficient, and therefore have excess sinking, also reach the limit of the adhesion coefficient; in this case the result will be the slipping of the wheels or the track.
Nor can the use of non-slip means contribute to the improvement of adhesion, since the cohesion of the sand is so minimal that such use could not have some positive results.
Characteristics necessary for a wheeled vehicle to transit on similar terrain are:
— combination of wheels of very low pressure tires, wide, and possibly of large diameter;
— engines of exuberant power and great recovery, in order to allow you to overcome any sudden increases in resistance without having to stop: stopping in clogged conditions is sometimes equivalent to not being able to start again;
— minimum height from the ground not less than 25-30 cm .;
— possibly total adherence;
— Terrain nº 4) is, in a certain sense, more easily practicable than the previous one: in fact the slight surface crust of greater consistency allows a better buoyancy for the vehicles: however, this crust is easily breakable, especially if there are several vehicles following the same path; in this sense, this soil type falls, in terms of consistency, in type nº 3) already examined. Furthermore, the presence of the bumps mentioned above requires particular care in the suspension, especially if this terrain must be passable, as is the case with English vehicles (vans) at high speeds.
The characteristics necessary for vehicles driving in this terrain are similar to those already examined for terrain nº 3) (the large width and the low pressure of the tires are necessary to avoid the possibility of breaking the surface crust, and to be able to continue driving even in the event that this break occurred). To these characteristics it is necessary to add, as already mentioned, a convenient strength and rigidity of the suspension.
— Sandy and stony ground: it is slightly more consistently than the previous one. The characteristics required of vehicles do not vary with respect to the previous ones.
— Stony ground: requires special care in the suspensions. The very low tire pressure can significantly ease the task of the suspension.
— Tracks: the tracks are naturally affected by the characteristics of the terrain on which they are traced: generally they are badly grounded, with deep holes: they also require particular attention to the suspensions and the minimum height from the ground, as well as convenient tire widths.
— Via Balbia: it is completely asphalted. Excellent in all respects. It is flanked in almost all its length by tracks which could serve to increase its logistical capacity if vehicles suitable for traveling were available.
BRITISH AUTOMOTIVE AND ARMORED VEHICLES
Small trucks - These are vehicles specially designed for driving on soils characteristic of the A.S.
The British use them for patrols with a very long range of action for the purpose of essentially disturbing the rear and communication routes.
They are three types: small - medium - large and of different manufacturers: Morris - Dodge - Chevrolet.
The characteristics observed by means of the workshops of the 120º autoraggruppamento of the "Morris" types are indicated in Annex no. 1.
It should be noted:
— the large width of the tires (I have personally found that the mounted sizes vary from 9.00 - 13 to 10.50 - 16);
- the considerable power from the engine which, especially in the "Dodge" and "Chevrolet" types, allows the vehicle to be extremely fast even on the slopes and on loose and uneven ground;
— an appropriate sizing of the suspension components, which is, on the whole, rather rigid: this in order to prevent triggering the oscillation and consequent excessive dancing/jumping movement (with the Fiat 1500 car, in fast driving on uneven ground, which notoriously has very flexible suspensions, has not been able to march on even good tracks at very limited speed and at the cost of continuous braking and gear changes, precisely due to the phenomenon of dancing/jumping: the Fiat 508 CM Torpedo performs better);
— the great range, obtained with spare tanks for water and fuel (the range data shown in the attachment refer to the normal tank only), as well as with numerous places for food and comfort items. For this purpose, there is a free space between the cabin and the front door of the body, of rather considerable dimensions, as well as innumerable compartments made in the sides;
— in the more recent types of trucks (especially in large ones) four-wheel drive begins to appear;
— the turning radius is relatively large, and this can be explained by the fact that in the A.S. you generally have all the space you need to make the necessary turns;
— all the trucks are equipped with special devices, consisting of pieces of slightly curved plates lengthwise, about 2 meters long and which have some holes, which serve as flotation devices to overcome any areas that are particularly sandy or to free vehicles that the sand has covered up: these devices are attached to the sides of the body;
— they are generally equipped with sand-colored camouflage cloths which are used to hide the trucks in rest/hide positions at the location or track where they intend to ambush;
— we do not have any vehicles that can oppose the action of these patrols, since the speed of transport available to them allows them to escape very easily: nor do we have similar vehicles — to perform similar disruptive actions against the enemy;
— it appears that a British truck for a long time has been sent to Fiat for examination;
— in the following reproduced photographs: detail of the front axle of the large four-wheel drive “Dodge” truck, a 9.00-13 wheel of the small truck “Morris”; Medium ‘Morris' command truck.
Tanks — The summary of the characteristics of Mark VI - Mark V - Mark III (Valentine) tanks are listed in annexes nos. 2, 3, 4, 5. About the Mark VI I have to point out that the speed data was provided to us by the Germans: I have doubts about the speed on sand which seems excessive to me, although the limited track width is compensated for by the effects on pressure due to the long length.
As for the M.X. II A 2 (Matilda) and M. 3 Pilot [I have not previously seen this name for the US M3 tank] it was not possible to find any specimen because they were mostly used near Tobruch, and therefore remained in the area not yet reoccupied: it seems that a specimen of M.K. II (Matilda) was shipped awhile ago to Italy; it was probably lost on a steamer returning from the A.S.
The tracks of the Mark 2 A 4 undercarriage is made of rubber-covered steel elements. In order to increase traction on certain terrain, devices similar to steel knives can be attached to the tracks. I brought some specimens of these devices and track elements for particular examination.
The Germans were also very interested in this track, so much so that on my visit to Solluch I was asked by the German officer about the possibility of reproducing it in Italy rather than Germany - to which, of course, I replied that I had no authority to be able to answer him about it.
Mark II (Valentine) thank is noted that it is the first type of tank with diesel engine. This shows how the British are also moving towards such types for fighting tanks, essentially for their fire safety. In fact, in many enemy reports, the ease with which the English tanks catch fire, unlike ours and the German tanks, is complained about. - Since, however, the latter also employ a petrol engine, it is reasonable to think that the ease or not of [catching on] fire also relates to the type of projectile that hits the tank; in an English report, in fact, calls for a incendiary anti-tank round. This of course does not detract from the greater safety of diesel compared to petrol.
English tanks are generally much faster than ours. This gives them the opportunity to employ combat or escape at will. This possibility is strongly complained [about] by our own.
Range is significant and is increased through additional fuel and water tanks applied to the outside of the tank.
Much space is gained inside the tank by using straps instead of seats: it is often used only for drivers.
All tanks are equipped with magnetic or sun compasses.
A very important detail, which is also found in armored cars, is a special shoulder support, in the shape of a vertical crescent, attached to the main weapon: which allows the gunner to maintain an almost unchanged position of his eye with respect to the sight instrument when maneuvering the weapon even with the tank in motion. This of course allows greater speed and greater precision in aiming.
Armored cars - Armored cars are used for reconnaissance and forward artillery observation. For this second purpose, they are sent very far, near the targets to be fired upon, and by radio they communicate observation data to the batteries. Artillery officers were often captured in armored cars.
The speed of the British armored cars, although not excessive on the road (75-80 km/h), however, is very considerable on the track and the A.S. terrain. (55-65 km/h) and this allows them to easily escape the enemy's offense and attacks.
They have all-wheel drive, but only front steering. I do not know whether a dual steering system is applied, a system which, given the space available, is an almost useless complication.
Range is increased by the usual external fuel and water tanks.
The engines are exuberant, so as to allow rapid acceleration and quickly bring the vehicle to the maximum allowed speed.
The suspensions are particularly robust. The tires are generally of a known safety type (pneumatic outer tire with an internal rubber ring).
The photos and main features of the Guy armored car are shown below.
Weight: about 5 tons .;
Armor: from mm. 5.5 to 15 mm;
Speed: about 75 km / h;
Crew: 3 men;
4 wheel drive - 2 (front) wheel steering;
Petrol engine inline 6 cylinder.
An example of this armored car will be sent to Italy (together with some tire specimens) by the A.S.
Trailers for transporting tanks. - I had the opportunity to see two types of trailers for transporting light tanks.
The first type has the following characteristics:
length: 3.40 m - width of the loading surface: 2.12 m - height from the ground to the cargo surface: 0.70 m - drawbar with adjustable position - tire size 10.50-16.
The second type, slightly larger than the previous one, has a maximum range of 6 tones. It is composed of elements that make up an [open] the frame on which the [track] guides rest.
Both trailers are without active suspension.
This is made possible by the large dimensions of the tires, and consequently results in the small height of the loading surface from the ground.
Tank recovery vehicles - Not of particular importance.
Only the arrangement of the crane should be noted. With this arrangement, which can be seen in the following photographs, the floor of the bed for the loading of material and tools is completely left free.
Artillery tractors and specifically those for the artillery - The tractors I have seen have not shown particular interest: the following photograph represents the tractor-observation for 88 [25 pdr] guns.
Note the complete sheet metal cladding (perhaps to provide support for the observation seat) and the observation seat, the details of which I could not detect because all those [vehicles that] I saw were in very poor condition and lacked many pieces. According to all these perches are very useful.
In the photographs that follow, details of the arrangement for towing the English 40mm gun.
It should be noted that when the tractor exerts the traction force necessary to start movement on the drawbar, the front wheels automatically fold down under the carriage, placing them in a towing position, where they are held by a special spring bolt.
The original copy of this particular report is from La meccanizzazione dell'Esercito fino al 1943 tomo II Documento 52. As always, any errors of translation are mine and all words/comments in [ ] are additional to clarify understanding and enhance readability.
-------------------
MISSION OF CAPTAIN TRANIELLO IN A.S.
(March 1 - April 3, 1942)
Comments on the characteristics of the various terrain that make up the theater of operation. - View English materials from prewar. - Observation on the behavior of our motor ists and armored vehicles. - Related proposals. -
LOCATIONS: Areas of: Tripoli - Homs - Misrata - El Agheila - Agedaba - Bengasi - Barce - Derna - El; Mechili - Soluch - Saunna. -
TERRAIN
The terrain is an element of the utmost importance for the determination of the characteristics of the vehicles that must cover it.
Overall the terrain of A.S. can be divided into the following categories:
- rough terrain;
- sandy soil with water outcrop;
- flat sandy ground;
- sandy with a slightly more consistent crust covered by a dense network of small bushes that protrude about 10-15 cm high;
- sandy and stony ground;
- stony ground;
- slopes;
- via Balbia.
Terrain types 1) and 2) can be considered almost intransitable; however, they can be easily avoided, because they are well defined and limited in size.
All other types of terrain can be driven by wheeled vehicles (having certain characteristics) and by tracked vehicles.
The terrain nº 3) is what is commonly understood when referred to as desert terrain: in it the slopes are almost ignored, with regard to the calculation of the performance, the sinking due to the looseness of the sand leads to an increase in the rolling drag coefficient that in some cases reach 700-800% of normal, and, if the dimensions of the vehicle's drive components (wheels and tracks) are insufficient, and therefore have excess sinking, also reach the limit of the adhesion coefficient; in this case the result will be the slipping of the wheels or the track.
Nor can the use of non-slip means contribute to the improvement of adhesion, since the cohesion of the sand is so minimal that such use could not have some positive results.
Characteristics necessary for a wheeled vehicle to transit on similar terrain are:
— combination of wheels of very low pressure tires, wide, and possibly of large diameter;
— engines of exuberant power and great recovery, in order to allow you to overcome any sudden increases in resistance without having to stop: stopping in clogged conditions is sometimes equivalent to not being able to start again;
— minimum height from the ground not less than 25-30 cm .;
— possibly total adherence;
— Terrain nº 4) is, in a certain sense, more easily practicable than the previous one: in fact the slight surface crust of greater consistency allows a better buoyancy for the vehicles: however, this crust is easily breakable, especially if there are several vehicles following the same path; in this sense, this soil type falls, in terms of consistency, in type nº 3) already examined. Furthermore, the presence of the bumps mentioned above requires particular care in the suspension, especially if this terrain must be passable, as is the case with English vehicles (vans) at high speeds.
The characteristics necessary for vehicles driving in this terrain are similar to those already examined for terrain nº 3) (the large width and the low pressure of the tires are necessary to avoid the possibility of breaking the surface crust, and to be able to continue driving even in the event that this break occurred). To these characteristics it is necessary to add, as already mentioned, a convenient strength and rigidity of the suspension.
— Sandy and stony ground: it is slightly more consistently than the previous one. The characteristics required of vehicles do not vary with respect to the previous ones.
— Stony ground: requires special care in the suspensions. The very low tire pressure can significantly ease the task of the suspension.
— Tracks: the tracks are naturally affected by the characteristics of the terrain on which they are traced: generally they are badly grounded, with deep holes: they also require particular attention to the suspensions and the minimum height from the ground, as well as convenient tire widths.
— Via Balbia: it is completely asphalted. Excellent in all respects. It is flanked in almost all its length by tracks which could serve to increase its logistical capacity if vehicles suitable for traveling were available.
BRITISH AUTOMOTIVE AND ARMORED VEHICLES
Small trucks - These are vehicles specially designed for driving on soils characteristic of the A.S.
The British use them for patrols with a very long range of action for the purpose of essentially disturbing the rear and communication routes.
They are three types: small - medium - large and of different manufacturers: Morris - Dodge - Chevrolet.
The characteristics observed by means of the workshops of the 120º autoraggruppamento of the "Morris" types are indicated in Annex no. 1.
It should be noted:
— the large width of the tires (I have personally found that the mounted sizes vary from 9.00 - 13 to 10.50 - 16);
- the considerable power from the engine which, especially in the "Dodge" and "Chevrolet" types, allows the vehicle to be extremely fast even on the slopes and on loose and uneven ground;
— an appropriate sizing of the suspension components, which is, on the whole, rather rigid: this in order to prevent triggering the oscillation and consequent excessive dancing/jumping movement (with the Fiat 1500 car, in fast driving on uneven ground, which notoriously has very flexible suspensions, has not been able to march on even good tracks at very limited speed and at the cost of continuous braking and gear changes, precisely due to the phenomenon of dancing/jumping: the Fiat 508 CM Torpedo performs better);
— the great range, obtained with spare tanks for water and fuel (the range data shown in the attachment refer to the normal tank only), as well as with numerous places for food and comfort items. For this purpose, there is a free space between the cabin and the front door of the body, of rather considerable dimensions, as well as innumerable compartments made in the sides;
— in the more recent types of trucks (especially in large ones) four-wheel drive begins to appear;
— the turning radius is relatively large, and this can be explained by the fact that in the A.S. you generally have all the space you need to make the necessary turns;
— all the trucks are equipped with special devices, consisting of pieces of slightly curved plates lengthwise, about 2 meters long and which have some holes, which serve as flotation devices to overcome any areas that are particularly sandy or to free vehicles that the sand has covered up: these devices are attached to the sides of the body;
— they are generally equipped with sand-colored camouflage cloths which are used to hide the trucks in rest/hide positions at the location or track where they intend to ambush;
— we do not have any vehicles that can oppose the action of these patrols, since the speed of transport available to them allows them to escape very easily: nor do we have similar vehicles — to perform similar disruptive actions against the enemy;
— it appears that a British truck for a long time has been sent to Fiat for examination;
— in the following reproduced photographs: detail of the front axle of the large four-wheel drive “Dodge” truck, a 9.00-13 wheel of the small truck “Morris”; Medium ‘Morris' command truck.
Tanks — The summary of the characteristics of Mark VI - Mark V - Mark III (Valentine) tanks are listed in annexes nos. 2, 3, 4, 5. About the Mark VI I have to point out that the speed data was provided to us by the Germans: I have doubts about the speed on sand which seems excessive to me, although the limited track width is compensated for by the effects on pressure due to the long length.
As for the M.X. II A 2 (Matilda) and M. 3 Pilot [I have not previously seen this name for the US M3 tank] it was not possible to find any specimen because they were mostly used near Tobruch, and therefore remained in the area not yet reoccupied: it seems that a specimen of M.K. II (Matilda) was shipped awhile ago to Italy; it was probably lost on a steamer returning from the A.S.
The tracks of the Mark 2 A 4 undercarriage is made of rubber-covered steel elements. In order to increase traction on certain terrain, devices similar to steel knives can be attached to the tracks. I brought some specimens of these devices and track elements for particular examination.
The Germans were also very interested in this track, so much so that on my visit to Solluch I was asked by the German officer about the possibility of reproducing it in Italy rather than Germany - to which, of course, I replied that I had no authority to be able to answer him about it.
Mark II (Valentine) thank is noted that it is the first type of tank with diesel engine. This shows how the British are also moving towards such types for fighting tanks, essentially for their fire safety. In fact, in many enemy reports, the ease with which the English tanks catch fire, unlike ours and the German tanks, is complained about. - Since, however, the latter also employ a petrol engine, it is reasonable to think that the ease or not of [catching on] fire also relates to the type of projectile that hits the tank; in an English report, in fact, calls for a incendiary anti-tank round. This of course does not detract from the greater safety of diesel compared to petrol.
English tanks are generally much faster than ours. This gives them the opportunity to employ combat or escape at will. This possibility is strongly complained [about] by our own.
Range is significant and is increased through additional fuel and water tanks applied to the outside of the tank.
Much space is gained inside the tank by using straps instead of seats: it is often used only for drivers.
All tanks are equipped with magnetic or sun compasses.
A very important detail, which is also found in armored cars, is a special shoulder support, in the shape of a vertical crescent, attached to the main weapon: which allows the gunner to maintain an almost unchanged position of his eye with respect to the sight instrument when maneuvering the weapon even with the tank in motion. This of course allows greater speed and greater precision in aiming.
Armored cars - Armored cars are used for reconnaissance and forward artillery observation. For this second purpose, they are sent very far, near the targets to be fired upon, and by radio they communicate observation data to the batteries. Artillery officers were often captured in armored cars.
The speed of the British armored cars, although not excessive on the road (75-80 km/h), however, is very considerable on the track and the A.S. terrain. (55-65 km/h) and this allows them to easily escape the enemy's offense and attacks.
They have all-wheel drive, but only front steering. I do not know whether a dual steering system is applied, a system which, given the space available, is an almost useless complication.
Range is increased by the usual external fuel and water tanks.
The engines are exuberant, so as to allow rapid acceleration and quickly bring the vehicle to the maximum allowed speed.
The suspensions are particularly robust. The tires are generally of a known safety type (pneumatic outer tire with an internal rubber ring).
The photos and main features of the Guy armored car are shown below.
Weight: about 5 tons .;
Armor: from mm. 5.5 to 15 mm;
Speed: about 75 km / h;
Crew: 3 men;
4 wheel drive - 2 (front) wheel steering;
Petrol engine inline 6 cylinder.
An example of this armored car will be sent to Italy (together with some tire specimens) by the A.S.
Trailers for transporting tanks. - I had the opportunity to see two types of trailers for transporting light tanks.
The first type has the following characteristics:
length: 3.40 m - width of the loading surface: 2.12 m - height from the ground to the cargo surface: 0.70 m - drawbar with adjustable position - tire size 10.50-16.
The second type, slightly larger than the previous one, has a maximum range of 6 tones. It is composed of elements that make up an [open] the frame on which the [track] guides rest.
Both trailers are without active suspension.
This is made possible by the large dimensions of the tires, and consequently results in the small height of the loading surface from the ground.
Tank recovery vehicles - Not of particular importance.
Only the arrangement of the crane should be noted. With this arrangement, which can be seen in the following photographs, the floor of the bed for the loading of material and tools is completely left free.
Artillery tractors and specifically those for the artillery - The tractors I have seen have not shown particular interest: the following photograph represents the tractor-observation for 88 [25 pdr] guns.
Note the complete sheet metal cladding (perhaps to provide support for the observation seat) and the observation seat, the details of which I could not detect because all those [vehicles that] I saw were in very poor condition and lacked many pieces. According to all these perches are very useful.
In the photographs that follow, details of the arrangement for towing the English 40mm gun.
It should be noted that when the tractor exerts the traction force necessary to start movement on the drawbar, the front wheels automatically fold down under the carriage, placing them in a towing position, where they are held by a special spring bolt.
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