- For the Steel Division II unit see SD2:PIAT (UK)
PIAT is a British Anti-tank unit. It is the British infantry anti-tank equivalent of the US bazooka and the German Panzershreck teams and provides lethal anti-tank capacities at very close range. The Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank (PIAT) was a unique British weapon that had a design that fundamentally differed from most portable AT weapons at the time, using a kind of spring mechanism to launch its projectile.
Overview[ | ]
PIAT teams were one of the most important anti-tank assets at the United Kingdom's disposal. While PIATs could be used by a lone soldier, they were usually issued to teams of two: One operated the projector, while the other acted as ammunition carrier and loader.
As the Boys Anti-tank rifle and the No.68 AT Rifle grenade had become obsolete against anything more than lightly armoured vehicles, a new weapon was needed to combat German tanks. The UK's War Office accepted the PIAT design (after some trials and several corrections). Production started in late 1942 and the PIAT went on to become Britain's foremost portable infantry AT weapon. It was in essence a spring, a kind of horizontal mortar launching a shaped charge capable of taking out virtually any tank at close range.
The PIAT had several advantages and disadvantages. It did not make use of combustion, and as a result no muzzle flash was produced when firing. This gave the anti-tank team an advantage as it concealed their position from return fire. It also did not make use of expensive high-grade materials and could act as a mortar if the need arose. However, it had a powerful recoil, was rather inaccurate, bulky and heavy, the ammunition tended to be unreliable and it was difficult to cock (load) the weapon. This has led to divided opinions on this remarkable weapon. All in all, the main point was that the PIAT worked and could effectively destroy tanks. It saw service in every theatre that British and Commonwealth troops participated in and would remain in service until the 1950s.
Only a few units had a designated PIAT teams. One is the CMDO Tank Busters the other were Artillery units serving as infantry Battalion Type "C" from April 1945, on occupation duties. A standard Infantry Company were equiped for three PIATs to be issued out as required. PIATs were also scattered around the various units.
Strategy[ | ]
Although slightly less accurate than the bazooka or the Panzershreck, the PIAT is effective at close range against enemy tanks. the PIAT team should be used in hedgerow terrain and towns, where it can surprise tanks or vehicles at close range.
Its main asset is concealment and the element of surprise - once discovered, the two-man team has little chance of surviving against return fire. The unit should sneak up on enemy vehicles and destroy them in preferably one shot.
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