PANZERSCHRECK Meaning and
Definition
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Panzerschreck is a noun used to describe a German anti-tank rocket launcher that was used during World War II. Literally translated as "tank fright" or "tank terror" in German, it was developed as a handheld weapon to counter armored vehicles.
The Panzerschreck consisted of a simple metal tube, about 5 feet in length, with a trigger mechanism at one end. It operated by firing a rocket-propelled projectile, known as the RPzB. The RPzB contained a shaped charge warhead designed to penetrate the thick armor of tanks and armored vehicles.
To operate the Panzerschreck, a soldier would load a round into the tube, take aim at the intended target, and pull the trigger. Upon firing, the projectile would launch from the tube with a trail of thick smoke and a loud report. The Panzerschreck had a considerable effective range, capable of hitting targets up to approximately 150 meters away.
Although the Panzerschreck was an effective weapon against tanks and other armored vehicles, it had limitations. It was heavy and cumbersome to carry, which restricted its mobility on the battlefield. Moreover, it was a single-shot weapon, requiring reloading after each use. Additionally, the Panzerschreck was not very accurate over long distances, making the operator vulnerable to enemy counterattacks. Nonetheless, it played a significant role in the German anti-tank arsenal during World War II.
Etymology of PANZERSCHRECK
The word "Panzerschreck" (pronounced pahn-tsəʁ-ʃʁɛk) is derived from the German language. "Panzerschreck" is a compound word formed by combining two terms: "Panzers" and "Schreck".
- "Panzers" is the plural form of the German word "Panzer", which means "armor" or "tank". It comes from the Middle French word "pantine", meaning "full armor".
- "Schreck" is a German word that translates to "fear" or "terror". It derives from the Old High German word "screcko".
Therefore, "Panzerschreck" can be translated as "tank-fright" or "tank-terror".
