How the 'Tiger-fibel' and 'Panther-fibel' came about
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- During World War II, the German armored forces introduced innovative educational tools known as the "Tiger-Fibel" and "Panther-Fibel." These pocket-sized booklets served as essential guides for tank crews, offering detailed information on tank components, operation procedures, maintenance instructions, and tactical considerations.
What set them apart was their unique 'comic book' style, featuring cartoons, limericks, bullet points, and simple language, making the complex information easily accessible.
Generaloberst Heinz Guderian, appointed as Inspector General of the Panzer Troops, entrusted Major General Theiß with overseeing regulations for armored troops, leading to the creation of these fibels. The Tiger-Fibel's genesis is attributed to Oberstleutnant Hans Christern, and Leutnant Josef von Glatter-Goetz played a crucial role in its development, using humor and risqué illustrations.
This unconventional approach resulted in the production of numerous leaflets covering various aspects of tank technology and tactics. The success of this 'comic book' style extended to post-war military manuals, emphasizing the enduring impact of these fibels on military education.
References
‘Die Schulen der Panzertruppen des Heeres’ Helmut Ritgen
‘Panther-fibel’ translated and published by the Tank Museum. tankmuseum.org/
Thread on the Tiger-fibel with period images by Fräulein Feldgrau @Glockengeist / 1020836191221010432
Thanks
I’d also like to thank:
Muz @LozSchlepper37L on Twitter for help with clarifying some translated words and for the memorable observation - “That Tigerfibel is a comic for teenagers learning to drive and fix and shoot a Tiger”
Kriegsspuren @kriegsspuren on Twitter for help clarifying English translation of the word ‘fibel’.
This was some very cool information.
Thank you - glad it was of interest. Think it’s a bit niche but enjoyed the digging for info :)
The US Army (or at least, the ROTC 😁 ) uses the same simplified "comic book" approach. A friend who was in the ROTC at college showed me some of the materials they were given. There was one about the Soviet army, explaining their equipment - the character explaining the stuff called you "Komrade". 🤣
Cool anecdote! Thx for sharing it. :)
They can't have been that good, as they lost the war.
Never said they were.
Luckily for the allies being successful at war fighting involves a lot more than creating innovative manuals.
Well not lucky - the Nazi regime was screwed from 1941 just they didn't know it then.
@@George_MCMembers of the Nazi government knew they were stuffed in 1943 (like Herman Goering according to his diaries) but it was politically “unacceptable” to mention it to Adolf Hitler.
Agreed. Post Stalingrad what passed for strategic thinking with the Nazi regime began to focus more on containing the Soviets rather than defeating. By 43 they were goosed. Just a matter of how long it would take.