Tank Crew Casualties

[Cross]

Thanks Don,

One of things I love about SP is how the random results are 'realistic' as far as wargames go.

I understand you don't want to mess with the code, but hey if this crew survival issue makes it onto the bottom of your list to be looked at in the future then great.

This is just feedback, and an interesting subject, but I trust to you guys to make the best decisions for the game in the long run. You've done a pretty good job so far.

Cheers,
Simon

[chuckfourth]

Hi Cross
I have had a thought on this topic.
In game people commonly buy a king tigers, stalins, 17 pdrs ect. So when comparing game statistics with 'real' statistics we would have to consider that on average, in-game the tanks armour may be overmatched by a bigger factor than in real life, so the game results may be correct or in fact underestimates.
I would have thought that a tank that burned regularily would have a lower survivability than an 'average' tank.
Best Regards Chuck.

[Cross]

Hi Chuck,

Yes I'm sure that typical SP battles are more intense, and at closer ranges than the average WWII engagement. Weren't about half actual WWII casualties caused by artillery?

That said, most of my tank losses in 1944 have been to 75mm or 50mm guns; I do recall losing 1 of those 20 tanks to a Tiger.

I'm sure you're also right about lower crew survival for tanks that burn, but all the data seems to indicate I should be getting higher crew survival than I am.

Keep in mind that I retire crews to the rear ASAP, I almost never use them for scouting etc.

I think I'll continue to watch and record my crew survival rate.

cheers
Cross

[Cross]

ps.

If you haven't seen it, here's a video showing 3 or 4 crew bailing out of a burning Panther just shot by a US Pershing at close range:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=l_ZDBinC0XI

for the full story see here:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Jt5bJQOkI1g

[PanzerBob]

Good day all.

There is sure something to said for our own conduct of battles and it's relation to crew survivability. While the game allows troops to surrender for example, we are more likely to mow down units that don't do so immediately.

My stats could be over stated or even unrealistic due to my style of campaigning and the experience levels some units reach over time. But the higher real stats may depend on what time frame, troop experience and which battles. As mentioned by Chuck, I believe our battles do not play out ever exactly like what happened in those times. Nor would they if those guys could replay them I'm sure.

Interesting to note, as I'm relearning in PBEM games, human commanders are different yet again to play against and troop training, moral and leadership yet again make big differences as well.

As Crosses' results with Cromwells and Challengers were much different than the results with Shermans. Against the Finns in 1941 I thought I had an Ace up my sleeve with a Coy of T34's, but as soon as they entered the fray, their crews were out to lunch, and BTW no crews except the 3 that surrendered survived. IIRC

As Don mentioned much goes into the "rolls" when "our" troops set loose.

I Love this game!!