by

What is an Armoured Spearhead?

Introduction An armoured spearhead is a formation of armoured fighting vehicles, mostly tanks, that form the front of an offensive thrust during a battle. The idea is to concentrate as much firepower into a small front as possible so that any defenders in front of them will be overwhelmed. As the spearhead moves forward, infantry… Read More

by

What is Hull-Down?

Introduction In sailing and warfare, hull-down means that the upper part of a vessel or vehicle is visible, but the main, lower body (hull) is not; the term hull-up means that all of the body is visible. The terms originated with sailing and naval warfare in which the curvature of the earth causes an approaching… Read More

by

Who was Irina Levchenko?

Introduction Irina Nikolaevna Levchenko (Russian: Ирина Николаевна Левченко; 15 March 1924 to 08 January 1973) was a tank commander in the Red Army during the Second World War. For her actions during the war, she was made a Hero of the Soviet Union in 1965. Refer to Aleksandra Boiko, Aleksandra Samusenko, and Mariya Oktyabrskaya. Early… Read More

by

Who was Mariya Oktyabrskaya?

Introduction Mariya Vasilyevna Oktyabrskaya (Russian: Мария Васильевна Октябрьская; 16 August 1905 to 15 March 1944) was a Soviet tank driver and mechanic who fought on the Eastern Front against Nazi Germany during World War II. After her husband was killed fighting in 1941, Oktyabrskaya sold her possessions to donate a tank for the war effort,… Read More

by

Who was Aleksandra Samusenko?

Introduction Aleksandra Grigoryevna Samusenko (Russian: Александра Григорьевна Самусенко, Ukrainian: Олександра Григорівна Самусенко, Oleksandra Hryhorivna Samusenko; 1922 to 03 March 1945) was a Soviet T-34 tank commander and a liaison officer during World War II. She was the only female tanker in the 1st Guards Tank Army. Samusenko was awarded the Order of the Red Star… Read More