Battle of Berlin in 1945, some World War I-era tanks were reportedly used in combat. This unusual situation arose due to the desperate circumstances faced by Germany as Soviet forces closed in on the city. These relics of a bygone era highlight the extreme resourcefulness and dire straits of the German defenders.
What Were These Tanks?
The World War I-era tanks reportedly used during the Battle of Berlin were primarily French Renault FT tanks. These tanks had been captured by the Germans during the French campaign in 1940 and subsequently used for secondary roles such as training, airfield defense, or as static fortifications. The Renault FT, introduced in 1917, was a revolutionary design for its time, featuring a fully rotating turret, but by 1945 it was utterly obsolete compared to modern tanks.
Why Were They Used?
Desperation: By the time of the Battle of Berlin, Germany was facing severe shortages of modern equipment, fuel, and trained personnel. The Wehrmacht and Volkssturm (the German militia) were forced to scavenge any available weapons, including outdated tanks, to bolster their defenses.
Static Defense: Many of these tanks were not used as mobile combat vehicles but rather as static pillboxes, buried into the ground to serve as makeshift fortifications. Their small-caliber guns and thin armor were ineffective against modern Soviet tanks like the T-34 or IS-2, but they could still serve as deterrents against infantry or light vehicles.
Training Units and Airfield Defense: Renault FT tanks and similar outdated vehicles were often assigned to units tasked with airfield defense or rear-area security. As Soviet forces advanced, these units were pushed into frontline combat, despite their inadequate equipment.
Effectiveness in Combat
The combat effectiveness of these World War I-era tanks during the Battle of Berlin was negligible. Against Soviet armor and artillery, these relics stood no chance. Their thin armor, low speed, and underpowered guns made them easy targets. However, their use underscores the extraordinary circumstances and improvisation that characterized the final days of the war.
Other Obsolete Equipment
The use of World War I-era tanks was not unique. The German defenders also pressed other outdated equipment into service, including:
Captured foreign tanks: Vehicles like the Czech LT vz. 38 (used as the Panzer 38(t)) and French tanks from earlier campaigns.
Improvised armored vehicles: Trucks or civilian vehicles hastily armored and equipped with machine guns or anti-tank weapons.
Static artillery: Old field guns and anti-aircraft weapons repurposed for ground combat.