Mk VII Tetrarch vs. M22 Locust

Scenario -
In late 1944 the German Warmacht catches sight of several large American craft flying overhead. The thought-to-be-bombers are quickly shot down and crash in nearby fields. The Germans, upon inspecting the crashes, find that the planes were in fact cargo planes with tanks inside! With minor repairs, the Germans now have in their possession one platoon of American M22 light tanks.

The Germans would not make any modifications to these tanks other than changing them to German colors and printing a swastika on the turret.

German crews waiting for replacement tanks are quickly thrown into these new vehicles and they are immediately send to the front in their own little convoy. On the way, an equivalent force of British Mk VII Tetrarch tanks are spotted having broken through some weak area in German line. A slug out ensues.

Terrain is roughly even, favoring no one side. Large field with a road moving along side it interrupted only by a few shell holes. There is a single rolling hill flanking the road, topped by a thick hedge. There are several huge patches of tall grass that reaches, give or take, to the tanks turrets. On the other side of the field is a river too deep to ford. The two parties initiate the engagement at 800 meters.

Conditions -
Given the open terrain, each side has only two options: Destroy the enemy platoon of vehicles or retreat. Terrain does not permit bypassing one another. They are forced to a head-on with room to maneuver and several terrain features that can be utilized to gain the advantage.

 

Hmm...
Interesting scenario.
(I'll resist being a killjoy Pedant, and ignore the Tetrach never being used in such a manner!)

a few stats:

Locust -

armour: 9mm - 25mm
gun: M6 37mm
speed: 40mph (30mph cross country)

Tetrach -

armour: 4mm - 14mm
gun: 2pdr
speed: 40mph (28mph cross country)

So basically both could kill the other at comparable ranges, and both had similar performances.

I'd put it down to the crews, and I'd give the Brits the edge here, as the Germans - however good they are - are operating a foreign tank that they have not trained in, and thus are at a big disadvantage.

 

It should also be noted that the locust has a very well sloped front hull which may make a difference in the first few vollies before the tanks close the distance (If they choose to.)

 

I favour the Tetrarch purely on grounds of greater crew familarity with their equipment, although this is off set somewhat by the Locust having defenders advantage.

With armour you could sneeze a hole in this is an engagement that will be won by the side that manuvers better.

 

Who sees who first?

If the Germans spot the Brits first, I can see them setting up a very nasty ambush in that terrain, probably by trying to encourage the Brits to attack by staging a false attack, then retreating, allowing the hidden tanks to engage the Tetrachs from side & rear.

If the Brits see the Germans first, they would either sneak up or blast straight for them (shooting and / or advancing). Or, they could decide to call down artillery & air support first!

At the same moment - well, then it is down to the first accurate shots. My money here is on the Brits, again because of the issue of equipment familiarity.