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The M13/40 tank is the medium tank of the Italian army in FHSW, the tanks captured by Australia are the only vehicle particular to Australia. While a medium tank according to Italian classification it is only sligthly larger than the Soviet T-26 and Polish 7TP light tanks that are also derivatives of the Vickers 6 ton and have similar main guns.

M13/40[]

Carro Armato M13/40
Carro Armato M1340
General Historical Information
Place of origin Italy
Category Medium tank
Speed 32 km/h
Main armament 47 mm Cannone da 47/32 M35
(72 rounds)
Coaxial weapon 8 mm Breda 38
(24 rounds)
General Ingame Information
Used by Italy
Australia
Germany
Crew in‑game 2
Seat 2 2x 8 mm Breda 38
(Each 24 rounds)
Historical Picture
KCarro Armato M1340

When Italy went to war in June 1940, its tanks were inferior to practically anything the British or Germans had. The previous medium tank was the M11/39 it had a turret which only had machine guns and a 37 mm gun in the hull. Although it was clearly a better tank than its predecessor the M11/39, it was still poorly armoured, quickly caught fire when hit and usually had no radio. One advantage it had compared to the many tanks with 37 and 40 mm guns was its 47 mm gun that was also the standard Italian anti-tank gun. Nevertheless, over 700 M13/40s were shipped to North Africa to fight the British. They had a time of success at the battle of Bir El Gubi, the Italians managed to hold the British off. Despite all its shortcomings the only major differences between the M13/40 and its successor, the M14/41, were the engine and frontal armour. More than 2000 M14/41s were produced during the war. The final version of the tank was the M15/42, it had a petrol engine, even more frontal armour and a improved 47 mm gun with a longer barrel.

After armistice between Italy and the Allies in September 1943 the Germans took control of any Italian military equipment including these tanks. They were reissued to German troops and a few were sent to the Italian units still loyal to the Germans and Mussolini.


Captured M13/40[]

Carro Armato M13/40
Au M1340
General Historical Information
Place of origin Italy
Category Medium tank
Speed 32 km/h
Main armament 47 mm Cannone da 47/32 M35
(72 rounds)
Coaxial weapon 8 mm Breda 38
(24 rounds)
General Ingame Information
Used by Australia
Crew in‑game 2
Seat 2 2x 8 mm Breda 38
(Each 24 rounds)
Historical Picture
M1340 Aus

During Operation Compass a lot of M13/40 tanks were captured by the allies and because of the lack of armour in fighting shape on the allied side, they were pressed into service with British tank batallions. When the Germans advanced back into Libya in early 1941 many allied M13/40s ended up with the Australians in Tobruk. Some of these tanks had kangaroos painted on them to identify them as Australian. These tanks are also at Pasir Panjang in FHSW.

The low detail model seen when any M13/40 tank is far away lacks any decals from the side but from the front and top the kangaroo decal is visible.

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