Yes, I know it's short, but it's an introduction chapter. This is a nice little idea I had that I hope to continue, read and review!
1945: World War 2 has been raging for 6 years now, and is still in a bitter stalemate. Russia had been crushed back in 1941, as the Luftwaffe had bombed the Soviets into extinction. Turning it's undivided attention to Britain and America, the Germans had unveiled their newest tank projects, a series of prototypes such as the Lowe and the E-100. In the air, the Germans had also taken control using their new ME-262's.
Intimidated by these new designs, the Allies had rushed their own prototypes into full production. America had started to mass produce the new T-29, possibly the only American tank capable of engaging the new King Tiger and Lowe tanks. More designs were on the way, but the US believed the T-29 could hold up until they arrived. The British, on the other hand, had mainly focused on tank destroyers. The new AT-series where known for their armor, and the FV 215b (183) in particular was feared for its massive gun. Britain's greatest achievement, however, was the excellent Centurion series. These tanks were loved by Americans and British crews alike, who loved their excellent maneuverability and firepower. Using these new tanks, the Allies had managed to hold their own.
One regiment in particular had been taking the fight to the Germans for 4 years, the 17th Heavy tank Battalion. Made up entirely of T-29's and M26 Pershings, This is the story of the crew of the "Hunter," a T-29 that had been fighting since 1944. Crewed by a group of valiant Americans, they have been sticking the fight to Germany since the war began. This is their story, these are their experiences.
"Contact left!" Yelled the commander, receiving a nod from the gunner.
"35 degrees to the left! Short range!" The gunner of the tank turned the turret quickly, stopping dead on target. He looked through his sights, and elevated the gun accordingly. The cannon breach opened up, and the loader picked up a 105mm AP round, slamming it into the breach.
"FIRE!" Yelled the commander. The gun fired with great force, sending a shell across a road and into the hull of a Tiger 1. The Tiger careened to the right, falling into a ditch and bursting into flames.
"Kill confirmed! The commander said, receiving a cheer from the crewmates.
"That's our fifth kill this week sir!" Said the radioman, with a large smile on his face.
"And I doubt it'll be the last, Tiger II, range: 200 yards!" the commander replied, looking through the periscope. The Tiger II turned its turret towards the Hunter, and fired an 88mm shell. The warhead made impact with the turret cheek, bouncing off due to the angled armor. It left a sizzling scratch on the turret, another battle scar for the old girl.
"76 degrees to the right, mid range!" The commander barked. The loader picked up an APCR round, and shut it inside the cannon barrel. Without the commander needing to yell it, the gunner quickly rotated the turret on target, and fired a shell right into the lower glacis of the King Tiger tank. The tank exploded, blowing the turret clean off the enemy vehicle. The commander of the Hunter jumped out of his seat in excitement, cheering with a smile on his face.
"Kill confirmed, that makes 7!" He yelled, his crew cheering even louder this time. The radio crackled to life, with the voice of a British tank crew coming over.
"That was a fantastic show mates, bloody good job!" The voice said. The radioman smiled, and listened some more. After about 15 seconds, he looked up to his commander.
"That's it, we've kept the Germans at bay again sir!" He said. The crew relaxed a bit, and the commander unlatched the cupola. He popped his head out, and looked out at the battlefield. 4 Tiger 1s, three Tiger II's, and a Lowe, all burning. The commander smiled at the display, and ordered his tank around. America might just stand a chance after all.