How exactly did the 5:1 (Shermananther) ratio come into being? How was it calculated, and how accurate is it?
The 5:1 is the ratio normally claimed for the Tiger v Sherman, not the Panther v Sherman. Where it came from is a bit of a mystery, but one claimed source is the post war quote of a German Panzer commander, which was " even if we knocked out 5 Sherman's, there was always a sixth". Far as I'm aware it never has been. Given that tank battles were almost never in isolation, it is extremely difficult to give credit to individual tanks in a large battle I think its a soundbite more than anything else. note. In Normandy the ratio of tank (of all types) losses (to all causes) was 2:1 in the Germany's favour
Belton Cooper in his book said unless it was shot through the turret ring, completely burned out, or blown to bits, he and his boys could put it back in service. Another problem of definition. Temporarily gone, or all the way gone? Is a plane that makes it back to base and then scrapped considered shot down? Does the pilot who inflicted the damage get the credit? What category do the pencil pushers put this one in? Where do you draw the line? During the Schweinfurt raid 60 planes were shot down, but 87 others never flew again for a plethora of different reasons.
I see. So it's an arbitrary, unproven number... Thank you for all concerned. You see, I've seen this ratio everywhere (or the 4:1 ratio), and wondered what truth there was behind it.
I recall Belton also mentioned something about the electric circuits in the turret ring. If they had been burned the tank was useless? ( not repairable? ) Even if "nothing else" had happened?
You are correct sir. I remember that as well. Something about the wiring harness, and the "big" job it was (to the point of forget about it). I'd have to look through the entire book to find it again, and I'm short of time to do such things, so I agree.
