World War 2 Tank Battles: The Brutal Reality Behind the Scenes

Never has history witnessed such an unprecedented number of tanks and armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) being built and deployed around the world. Photographers who had the misfortune of witnessing these battles firsthand captured the devastating consequences of tank warfare, including the gruesome deaths that often occurred within and outside the cramped, armored shells of these rolling fortresses.

This article presents a collection of photographs depicting the brutal reality of tank battles during World War 2, with many taken in the very region where the movie Fury is set. The film follows Wardaddy, a battle-hardened army sergeant, and his five-man crew as they embark on a perilous mission behind enemy lines in a Sherman tank.

As the Allies make their final push in the European Theatre, Wardaddy's crew faces overwhelming odds, including being outnumbered and outgunned. Their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany are fraught with danger, making their story a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought on the front lines.

The movie Fury is set to open in October, bringing another big-budget production to the screens, following in the footsteps of other acclaimed films like Casablanca, Saving Private Ryan, Downfall, Stalingrad, Das Boot, The Big Red One, The Great Escape, and Empire of the Sun. It seems that World War 2 has been fought on screen more than any other war in history.

The sheer volume of books, plays, and films produced about the conflict since its inception in 1939 is a testament to the enduring fascination with this pivotal moment in human history. From the chaos of battlefields to the quiet moments of camaraderie among soldiers, World War 2 continues to captivate audiences worldwide, serving as a reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the bravery of those who fought for their countries.

World war 2 tank battles