The Sturmartillerie was the brainchild of German General von Manstein, whose idea it was to employ a mechanised artillery force to accompany and support infantry in the battlefield. Vehicles were to be deployed in small numbers; and employ "hit and run" tactics when eliminating enemy defensive positions and armour. Sturmartillerie units were intended to support infantry attacks; act as mobile anti-tank artillery; and perform the indirect fire role in rear positions. This was quite different from the German strategic view of the role for tanks. According to von Manstein, the Panzers were expected to fight as independent strike units against the flanks and rear areas of enemy forces; and as "breakthrough" units against the front lines. In summary, the Sturmartillerie supported the infantry; the Panzers performed the role of the "cavalry".