Mobile Flak gun crews training in the engagement of ground targets in 1943

6 months ago
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0:00 Three types of mobile Flak guns roll past the camera, starting with a real mouthful whose full designation was apparently Schwerer Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen 4.5t Mercedes-Benz L4500A als Flakwagen für 3.7cm Flak 37 . This was a conversion of the standard Mercedes-Benz L4500A heavy-duty truck into a SPAAG by mounting a 37mm autocannon on the bed as well as armoring the cab and front of the engine bay. This is followed by an 8.8cm Flak 36 towed by a Sd.Kfz. 7 half track and a series of Sd.Kfz. 10/4 half tracks mounting 2cm Flak 30 autocannon.

0:19 The 37mm autocannon engages targets on the ground, note that the stabilizing outriggers are not lowered. This is followed by a shots of the 88mm Flak firing while still mounted on its transport carriage, with the lateral outriggers lowered for stability. It is interesting to note that this is a technique taught in training and not a field improvisation.

0:46 The vehicle crew is in Luftwaffe uniform wearing Splittermuster camouflage.

0:55 The man behind the sight of the Flak 37 is wearing Luftwaffe Oberleutnant collar tabs.

1:06 The 88mm Flak is now firing while properly emplaced while the 20mm is firing from a camouflaged position.

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