Yep they had some Greyhounds in the movie, wheeled scout AFV. 37mm gun, M2 50 cal and a 30 cal.
Ah yes the logs...useless against all German weapons except magnetic mines.
In fact the small extra stand off distance improved the shape charge effect on Panzerfaust and Panzershreck (German 88mm Bazooka).
But l'm guessing the crews never knew that then.
Most often used as traction in mud or could jack the tank up or down somewhat for extra gun ele. or depression. Laid em crosswise under front or rear.
Russians always carried em on T-34 and actually chained them to tracks iirc when needed.
Easy 8 had duck bill grousers added for extra traction on tracks too.
Pete
"I wonder if some of the improvised armour had this effect ie acting as spaced armour like modern day bar armour or RPG netting?"
It needs a fair distance too work prolly at least a foot or two off the armor then the blast focus would be lessened l think.
Pzkp-IVH and late models had the skirts around the turret and sides. Also zimmerit anti mine coating.
Heres a good link on it
http://www.achtungpanzer.com/panzerkampfwagen-iv.htmBecause the Pzkp-IV looked a lot like the Tiger in late war a lot of tankers believed they had encountered Tigers when in fact they had not.
It was a very capable tank in its own right.
