The US Army's development of the 37mm anti-tank gun began in response to needs identified during the Spanish Civil War. By the time it entered service in Tunisia in 1943, the gun was already obsolete, and the US began the licensed manufacture of the British 6-pdr in the hope of finding a quick solution to their artillery requirements. This in tum proved unequal to the demands of warfare in France, 1944, and further anti-tank measures were developed - rocket propelled grenades for infantry use, and weapons designed specifically for use by the Tank Destroyer Force. The development of America's anti-tank weapons is detailed here, and the organisation and operation of Tank Destroyer Battalions is discussed.

Author Biography

Steven J Zaloga was bom in 1952, received his BA in history from Union College, and his MA from Columbia University. He has published numerous books and articles dealing with modern military technology, especially armoured vehicle development. His main area of interest is military affairs in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in the Second World War, and he has alos written extensively on American armoured forces. Brian Delf began his career working in a London art studio producing artwork for advertising and commercial publications. Since 1972, he has worked as a freelance illustrator, and has provided work on artillery subjects for Osprey ranging from Ancient Greece, through to the Napoleonic period, and up to World War II. Brian lives and works in Oxfordshire.