How effective was the German 88mm antitank gun in WW2?

The German 88mm gun, originally designed as an antiaircraft artillery weapon, was equally effective as an antitank gun.

What was the impact of an 88mm round on a British tank?

In fact, none of the Matildas destroyed in June 1941 troubled the gunners of the German 88s. Cyril Joly in his excellent book Take These Men described the impact of an 88mm round on a British tank: “As I spoke I saw the flame and smoke from the German’s gun. In the next instant, all was chaos.

What was the most feared anti-tank weapon of WW2?

A German artillery crew relaxes next to their 88 mm gun. The famous flak gun became one of the most feared anti-tank weapons of the Second World War, serving everywhere from the sands of North Africa to the snowy wastelands of the Russian front. Image courtesy the German Federal Archive.

What is an 88mm flak gun?

A German artillery crew relaxes next to their 88 mm gun. The famous flak gun became one of the most feared anti-tank weapons of the Second World War, serving everywhere from the sands of North Africa to the snowy wastelands of the Russian front.

How many 88mm guns did the Luftwaffe have?

Most 88mm guns served in Luftwaffe flak regiments (24 guns) or Wehrmacht mixed anti-aircraft battalions ( FlaK Abteilungen with 4 to 8 guns). The 88 was typically towed by a half-track (Sd.Kfz 7 or Sd.Kfz 11) with seats for the ten-man crew and some ammunition.

Why was the 88 the best gun of WW2?

The 88 earned its reputation as the best overall gun of the war. It was justifiably feared by Allied airmen, tankers, and foot soldiers because of its accuracy, lethality, and versatility. The weapon was deployed on German tanks, as an antitank gun, an assault gun, and for antiaircraft purposes.

How fast does a German 88mm gun fire?

The figures for the German 88mm gun vary a bit for the first three models, considering the specific model and the training of the crew. It could fire 15 to 20 rounds per minute, and even with a diminished six-man crew, the gun could be put into action within 21/2 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgVBucLNA1Y