So, what did the Germans call their tanks?

It is now. Thanks, Stik. I thought his word "Tanks" was slang for "Thanks" and he had requoted me to embarrass me in some way. Yes, that's the world I live in. And I do tend to be too literal at times, especially when I don't know someone's sense of humor. I got a little too intense there. My apologies, BS214. That's actually a good one! :-)

    Don't be embarassed for being you Barrettduke, some folks "seem" abrasive when actually they are very polite and helpful. Had I not been so wrapped up in your original post I might have answered the same way....it is funny. Thank you for stepping up, explaining how you felt, and not turning this thread into a flame war. I found your question interesting and original. Enjoy our hobby, keep asking for knowledge as your not just helping yourself and relax, most of us don't bite.......much LOL. HAPPY MODELLING!!

stikpusher

I’m willing to bet that at the smaller unit level commanders and crews, especially in the pre name days referred to specific types as “Mark IIIs” or Mark “IVs” or “Panzer II“, etc.

 

Stik is right. If you read the writings of Cruwell and Von Luck, they refer to Mark III's and Mark IV's and the light tanks as Panzer I and Panzer II. They also use the word panzer for the III's and IV's. The long barreled IV were called "specials". They also used the terms Tiger and Panther but also mediums and heavies. Since I've not read their writings in the original german I don't know how much of that is translaters and editors

Today I met a man with a  wooden leg, named Smith.

Whats the name of his other leg?

pure literal humor.

Some things come across far better spoken, compared to being read. The timing and vocal inflection are missing.

So getting back to the original subject question, at the lowest tactical level, the platoon. The commander would refer to the section, or at lowest level individual tanks by bumper or turret number in taskings.