How did the term fire fighting come about at eastern front?

Question

With reference to the Panzers.

Answer 1

Not sure on this one. However, this accuratly describes the policy used when deploying the indipendant heavy brigades and SS units.

After 41 the German army was on the defensive. A mobile reserve appeared to have been kept to rush to breaches in the line, plugging any gaps that occured. Typically, elite units were used for this (As stated SS and WH heavy units were used.). Basically, when a fire breaks out, the heavy counter punch would be employed by the mobile researve, to put it out.).

You might want to look at Ospreys 6th pzr armee for an idea of this.

Luck

Answer 2

Maybe it had something to do with all the tonnes of flaming metal falling on to German heads and the extreme risk of incineration if your panzer or tiger was hit.