"More dangerous than the tank itself is the fear it provokes!" Such is the motto of the Panzerknacker ("tank cracker") booklet, which was intended to give ordinary German infantrymen a guide on how to deal with the enemy's steel monsters if they should come face to face with them. This was reflected in the subtitle of the work, which read Anleitung für den Panzernahkämpfer – roughly "a guide for close-combat tank hunters".

The Panzerknacker booklet was first published in May 1944, and at least one further print run likely followed (suggested by slightly different cover variants that can be found). The very publication of this work shows how desperate the Germans must have been in the face of the enormous numerical superiority of Soviet armour. German tanks and anti-tank guns simply could not cope with so many enemies, and so infantry had to be drawn into the fight as well. The publication did not call on German soldiers to actively seek out and destroy Russian tanks. It was intended rather as a guide for situations where infantry would have no choice – meaning when they came up against Bolshevik tanks without the support of their own heavy weapons and it was kill or be killed.

The Panzerknacker was a fairly slim booklet (only 24 pages) produced in a similar style to the illustrated manuals for tank crews. The text was therefore accompanied by short rhymes and cheerful cartoon illustrations, from which the authors naturally hoped for greater comprehension and, above all, a greater willingness on the part of ordinary soldiers to actually read the thing. The summaries of individual pages below are in no way literal translations – they are brief summaries of the content only.

SELECTION OF CONTENTS:

Page 1

You too can crack a tank! Tanks don't only go where anti-tank guns are positioned – they can break through anywhere. So you might encounter one whether you're serving on the front line or with the supply troops. And when that happens, it won't stop to ask whether you know what to do.

Page 3

If others can do it every day, so can you! More than 10,000 German soldiers wear the badge for destroying an enemy tank at close quarters. That is the equivalent of the equipment of 200 Russian tank brigades, or six months of Russia's entire tank production – all achieved using the most basic means imaginable. How is it possible, you ask? Because a tank is designed to fight a different kind of enemy than you – other tanks and guns. It doesn't expect anything from you. But you can still crack it!

Page 4

A fight between a man and a tank may seem unequal, but a tank has its weaknesses too. It sees poorly – especially what is happening immediately around it. It also hears poorly and struggles to defend itself at close range. It is important that you can identify the type of tank facing you and know its specific weak points.

Page 5

Tracks, the turret ring, hatches, vision ports, ventilation openings, the gun mantlet – all of these can be weak spots on a tank, like worn-through patches in its armour. Knowing these weak points is your key to success.

Page 6

You must be able to identify the most important enemy tank types at a glance. Only then does it make sense to learn about their weak points. And to make it easier, the T-34, KV-1, KV-85, Sherman, Churchill and Valentine are described in verse.

Page 7

A tank is not entirely defenceless against close-range attack, however. It has openings through which its crew can fire pistols or submachine guns. You must know where visibility from a tank is possible and where the danger lurks.

Page 8

It is much easier to get at a tank when it is stationary. So if it won't stop on its own, make it stop! The heavier the tank, the more cumbersome it is. And in confined terrain it sees even less. That is precisely the kind of terrain you must lure it into and force it to halt. If nature doesn't provide the obstacles, create them yourself. And when the tank finally stops, your moment has come.

Page 9

He who runs, dies! If you don't have a Panzerfaust, you will have to get close to the tank during your attack. You must stay within its blind spot and not run where it can see you. Or blind it entirely by firing at its vision ports and optics. When the tank is stationary it's not so hard to hit them. A tank hears poorly – but watch out when its engine is switched off.

Page 10

Your weapons are the best you could ask for. The Panzerfaust is the most important of them – it will penetrate 200 mm of armour. Its effective range is marked on the warhead and the sights. The Panzerschreck lets you fire from up to 150 metres away and penetrates 160 mm of armour. The rifle anti-tank grenade and the signal pistol can also be used. So – do you know your weapons?

Page 11

Among close-combat weapons, the shaped charge is the most reliable. Dish mines and large conventional charges can also be used. Their blast may not always penetrate the armour, but it can tear off the turret or cause devastating damage inside the tank through the shockwave and overpressure. You also have incendiary bottles and small canisters of blinding gas that can be thrown into the tank's fighting compartment.

Page 12

What good is the finest weapon if you don't know how to use it? You can't fell a tree with a penknife or sharpen a pencil with an axe – everything has its purpose. The Panzerfaust, Panzerschreck and rifle grenade must be aimed at vertical surfaces; a shaped charge must be placed so that it destroys something vital inside; and a blinding agent must reach the interior of the tank.

Page 13

The end justifies the means – so when destroying tanks, use whatever you have. Mines and large charges are best placed either close to the turret ring or on the rear above the engine. An incendiary bottle also works well at the rear, as the burning liquid will flow through the ventilation into the engine. A jerrycan of petrol with a grenade attached can also be used.

Page 14

Always stay calm, think, and ask yourself a few basic questions: WHAT tank is facing me and what are its weak points? HOW is it positioned – is it alone, does it have infantry support, is it about to attack? WHERE is it standing or moving – is the terrain favourable for it, where can I attack it and where can I find cover afterwards? Think first, then act!

Page 15

Always deal with the accompanying infantry first. Machine guns, submachine guns, rifles – you must destroy or drive the infantry to cover, in short separate them from the tank. Then focus on the tank itself, fire at the vision ports and hatches and force the crew to button up inside. And when you finally make your move towards the tank with your charge, your comrades must cover you with everything they have. Work as a team!

Page 16

Before you go for the tank, shed everything you don't need – gas mask, entrenching tool, mess kit. Keep only your pistol. You must slow or stop the tank. If you plan to use a mine for this, never shove it directly under the tracks – you won't have time to get clear. The explosion of a charge will usually flush the crew out of the tank very quickly. That is your moment – and that's what the pistol is for.

Page 17

The Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck spare you the need to close right up to the tank. But remember: he who runs, dies! You must be well hidden and keep perfectly still. Any movement can give you away. Control your nerves and let the tank come to you. Then just aim carefully.

Page 18

It's either you or him – so go at him with everything you've got. Place the charge, pull the pin and get to cover fast. Don't run far – you don't have time. Go flat on your stomach, hands under your body, head towards the blast, mouth open, eyes shut, front rim of your helmet pressed to the ground. And if you don't destroy it first time, don't stop – go at it again immediately. It must go down!

Page 19

Watch out – it's not enough just to knock a tank out, you must destroy it, otherwise it will be back in a few weeks. The Ivans tow even the worst wrecks away for repair. And even once you've destroyed a tank, don't rest on your laurels. Stay alert for more tanks and accompanying infantry at all times.

Page 20

If you have enough time, prepare your ambush in advance. Find the most suitable terrain and lure the enemy into it using decoys. Put up "Beware – Mines!" signs or disturb the earth to make it look as though mines have been laid, blocking the tank from going any other way. Then dig yourself a foxhole and get your weapons ready.

Page 21

Ten commandments for the use of hand-held anti-tank weapons: how to load the Panzerschreck, how to aim when firing a rifle grenade, how to mix the contents of an incendiary bottle, and more. And remember: stupidity is dangerous!

Page 22

Don't let quiet periods pass unused! Training is everything! Know the tank types, know their weak points, know your weapons! Form tank-destruction teams – but be able to do it alone as well! Even in calm moments, scrounge, build and maintain your anti-tank weapons! And be ready to use them at any time!

Page 23

This is what success looks like! Now you can count on receiving the badge for destroying a tank single-handedly and two weeks' leave. Far more important, though, is knowing that you have achieved something to be proud of and that you stand among the bravest of the brave.

Page 24

The tables are turning. If you once feared the tank, now it will tremble before you. Every day our fight becomes more effective and more fearsome for the enemy. We have more and better weapons all the time, and with every tank cracked we gain more experience. Hearts of steel against masses of steel!