THE GERMAN 88mm (known by the Germans as 8.8cm) was to gain a fearsome reputation in the Western Desert. Designed as an anti-aircraft gun the Germans found it could also be used against tanks with devastating effect. In 1941 its capabilities were largely unknown to most Allied troops. British tankers often mistakenly thought the destruction of their tanks was due to tank guns.

Initially it was produced as the Flak 18. Later developments included the Flak 36 and 37 and 41. The Flak 41 wasn't widely available till 1943.

The Flak 88 was first used against tanks during an "emergency" in the Spanish civil war. From then on it included a shield, surface sight and anti-tank ammunition.

88s were always in short supply, so Rommel seconded Luftwaffe 88 units from airfield defence and used them in the ground role. He had used 88s in this way in France.

No allied tank was safe from the Flak 88.