Both the Soviets and the Germans made extensive use of magnetic anti-tank mines. These mines would be hurled at a tank from a distance and would attach themselves magnetically to the tank's surface. When the timer fuse burnt out, the mine would explode and the tank would be destroyed.

To offset the effectiveness of these mines, the Germans came up with a brilliant new invention. After much deliberation, a new anti-magnetic paste was devloped (called Zimmerit) that could be painted onto the surface of a tank. This paste made the tank non-magnetic, and any magnetic mines thrown at the tank wouldn't stick. This paste gave the tank a "splintery" pattern (see picture to the right) and unfortunately didn't stick very long to the tank. Every few months, the tank crewmen would have to repaint the tank with the zimmerit paste kits provided to them.

Interestingly, Soviet tank crewmen came up with an easier - if somewhat less effective - method for reducing the tank's magnetic properties. Wood plankings would be nailed and bolted to the tank's exterior, greatly reducing magnetism and acting as an extra layer of armor.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR ZIMMERIT

An easier question would probably be "where not to look for zimmerit" since German tank crewmen were usually pretty good about making sure their tanks were adequetly covered. Just look for the splinter pattern somewhere on the tank to identify whether or not the tank has zimmerit.