The antenna is as crucial a part of a tank as any. Without it, the orders of the division commanders could not be carried out by the individual tank commanders, and all coordination efforts between tank commanders would be impossible.

The antenna serves to recieve radio signals sent by other tanks, while encryptions and code words prevent enemy units from listening in.

All tanks serving on the eastern front had antennas and radio sets, although the configuration was different between tanks. Some tanks had fixed radio antennas while others featured antennas that could be lowered into armored casings (see the picture at right) to prevent combat damage. Command tanks also included a more advanced "crow foot" (named after the shape of the antenna) antenna that offered incredible range and message clarity, but could not be mounted externally. These "crow foot" antennas would be hoisted up through the hatch and held by hand, and thus could only be used before the bullets started flying.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR AN ANTENNA

The placement of antennas varied wildly with tank variant. Some tanks featured turret mounted antenna while the Panzer III pictured to the right had its antenna mounted on its side. Look out for a long, thin pole jutting out from some part of the tank and make sure to note that some tanks have multiple antennas.