Panzerbefehlswagen 38(t) tank of 12. Panzer-Division on the Eastern Front

Panzerbefehlswagen 38(t) tank of 12. Panzer-Division on the Eastern Front, 1941. German forces were equipped with a large number of type PzKpfw 38(t) – tchechoslowakisch – light tanks manufactured in Czechoslovakia, but were of limited fighting value, especially on the Eastern Front where German forces faces such a "beast" tanks like T-34 or KV1 and KV2 tanks.

Source :
Book "Panther" by Thomas Anderson

Training of the German Scouts Force

It’s an old German military adage that Schweiß spart Blut (“sweat spares blood”), which means that a rigorous training program ensures that battle-inexperienced troops have a better chance of survival in their baptisms of fire. The German Army also practiced that adage, and its training programs were probably second-to-none in the prewar years. It was superior German training, coupled with flexible leadership and well-defined doctrine, that allowed the Germans to compensate for inferior numbers and occasionally inferior equipment. As the war lengthened and expanded in scope, the Germans were unable to sustain the rigorous training pace of the peacetime army. In addition, the continued attrition of the leadership ranks, particularly at the junior level, virtually assured a continuous decline in quality that also contributed in part to the inevitable downfall. Those factors also weighed heavily on the reconnaissance force, but because it and the other mechanized and armored forces shared a certain élan, they were called upon to be the backstop for the less mobile elements of the army and were often able to achieve far more than their mere numbers would indicate. The training for the force could be geared toward the individual soldier, the crew, the section, the platoon, and higher levels of command and also toward other service branches, but the end effect was directly related to the quality of the instruction and the instructors. The Germans insisted on after-action reports, thorough discussions of what transpired, and a debriefing of the entire unit or formation. In this image, a reconnaissance officer talks to some of his soldiers at the Bruck Training Area in modern-day eastern Austria in 1943.

Source :

Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards

A Befehlspanzer on the Russian Steppe

A Befehlspanzer (commander tank), based on Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.J or L, sits next to a peasant's home on the open steppes of the Soviet Union. There are two rod antenna masts, one on either side of the panzer, as well as 20mm spaced armor on the mantle and the superstructure front plates. This panzer also seems to be mounting the longer L/60 version of the 5cm KwK39 main gun. The picture was taken at Kharkov region in 1943.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto
https://id.pinterest.com/pin/288371182369236735/

Panzer III of 24. Panzer-Division

This Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.J, chassis number 74035 belongs to the 24. Panzer-Division as indicated by the leaping horse and rider insignia on the fender, at left (not quite visible in this photo). There is also a diagonal arrow next to the driver's pivoting visor, which was probably an alternate division insignia. This panzer is armed with the longer L/60 version of the 5cm KwK39 main gun. Note the arrangement of various lights and the horn, as well as the power conduits that run to them. The panzers also has covers on all of its weapons, as well as spare tracks stored on the front and for extra protection. The picture was taken on July 1942, when 24PzD was subordinated to 4. Panzergruppe / Heeresgruppe Weichs. Defensive operations of Soviet troops at South-Western direction were the main actions of summer 1942. In Western links this campaign is known as operation Blau and Klausevic, and in the domestic historiagraphy as Voronezhsko-Voroshilovgrad defensive operation. Wehrmacht caught again stratigic initiative, using big concentration of troops on the main hit directions and mistakes of Red Army's command in organizing defense and pursuing defensive operation. German troops have penetrated Soviet defensive lines on the Southern wing of Soviet-German front and were able to move in some areas upto 150-400 kilometers into Soviet Union's territory, causing threat for invading Northern Caucasia and the area of Stalingrad. Due to losses of Bryansk, South-Western and Southern fronts Soviets have lost main industrial and agricultural areas (Voroshilovgrad, Voronezh, Rostov, Lisichansk, Novocherkassk, Shakhty and so on), and German units have been able to seize several bridgeheads on the left bank of the Don river.
Despite of all of that, Red Army's unit have been able to escape large encirclement and suffered great combat casualties. On the official data about Soviet Union Armed Forces casualties during the Great Patriotic war, in Voronezhsko-Voroshilovgrad operation from the 28th of June to the 24th of July, 1942, Red Army lost in dead, wounded and captured 368347 soldiers and officers, 2436 tanks, 133716 guns and mortars and 783 fighting planes. Nevertheless, German command haven't accomplished its task - to encircle and destroy main forces of Southwestern and Southern fronts, and couldn't seize Stalingrad from the move and approach the Caucasus.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto
http://www.aviapress.com/viewonekit.htm?FRI-026

Panzer Crew Waves Aerial Recognition Flag

Taking no chances on being attacked by friendly aircraft, this crew of a Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.J gestures and waves their Nazi aerial recognition flag towards the sky. This panzer has a rather worn white-wash applied; note how the area behind the removed track storage on the bow has not been covered in white. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Schmidt-Schaeder on March 1942.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/3226/45319250898f805d813a663bf499b961/

Scouts in Front of Their Sd.Kfz. 232 (Fu) (6-Rad) Vehicles

German Aufklärer stand in front of their Sd.Kfz. 232 (Fu) (6-Rad) vehicles, lined up in a motor pool. This image was probably taken around 1935, since the national insignia (“eagle”) is not present on either the Panzer jackets or the berets. The turrets have had form-fitted tarpaulins placed over them to protect the vehicle interior from the elements. It was also common German practice to christen vehicles in accordance to a unit- or battalion-dictated formula. In this case, the name of choice was apparently that of famous German generals, as indicated by “Gneisenau” on the middle vehicle (names on the other two vehicles cannot be deciphered).

Source :

Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards

Panther Tank Balanced on a Rocky Outcrop

A production PzKpfw V Panther Ausf D mounting the long-barrelled 7.5cm KwK 42 L/70 balanced on a rocky outcrop. They said that the Panther's invulnerable Kruppstahl was too strong for any Allied gun, so they had to attack the ground around it until the Panther was stuck on a slight elevation and could not move in any direction without breaking its final drives.

Source :
Book "Panther" by Thomas Anderson
http://sturgeonshouse.ipbhost.com/topic/11-stug-iii-thread-and-also-other-german-vehicles-i-guess/?page=44

Member of 9. Panzer-Division Playing with Donkey

Tanks of Panzer-Regiment 33 / 9.Panzer-Division during the Balkans campaign. A few weeks later the unit was sent to fight in the Soviet Union. At the time, it was equipped with 11 PzKpfw III Ausf Es armed with the 3.7cm KwK L/45 which, like the PzKpfw II, could defeat earlier Soviet tank types.

Source :
Book "Panther" by Thomas Anderson

Panzer III with the 5cm Kampfwagenkanone

By June 1941, most PzKpfw III (here an Ausf G) were fitted with the 5cm Kampfwagenkanone (KwK – tank gun) L/42. By firing the strictly rationed tungsten-core PzGr 40 shell, the gun could penetrate 55mm thick armour at 500m, hardly sufficient against Soviet tanks of the time.

Source :
Book "Panther" by Thomas Anderson

Panther of 15. Panzer-Division

Photographed on the Panzer-Regiment 8 / 15.Panzer-Division training area in Sagan, Silesia this excellent view of a Panther Ausf D, shows all the power and grace of this superb tank. The 75mm KwK42 L/70 gun was extremely lethal, being able to penetrate 88mm of armour plate at 2,000 metres.

Source :
Book "Panther" by Thomas Anderson

White Chalk Camo of Panzer III

This Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.J is an excellent example of how the Germans would improvise a winter camouflage scheme, in this case using chalk! Note the "scribbled" manner in which the white color has been applied. In the background is a pair of mittlerer schützenpanzerwagen Sd.Kfz.251s, probably Ausf.Bs. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Tannenberg on February 1942, on the way to Moscow.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/3217/

Panzer III Driving through a Burning Russian Village

This Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.J, driving through a burning Russian village on 11 October 1941, shows its chassis number, possibly 68435 on the superstructure front, to the left of the driver's pivoting visor. There is also a single-digit tactical number, a white-outlined "7" on the forward side of the turret, and a sprayed outline of a European bison just behind it, identifying this panzer as belonging to Panzer-Regiment 7, originally of the 10. Panzer-Division. It flies a pennant from its rod antenna. Unusually, the crewman perched on the turret wears his steel helmet.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto
https://panzerphotos.com/pz-kpfw-iii

Brillantenträger Adelbert Schulz with His Fans

Generalmajor Adelbert Schulz smiling amongst happy spectators all around him. In his neck is the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten (Knight's Cross of the Iron Crosses with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds), which he received on 9 January 1944 from the hand of the Führer, almost a month after the initial radio announcement (14 December 1943). Schulz became the 9th recipient of the prestigious medal, and it was given for his brilliant leadership as a commander of  Panzer-Regiment 25 / 7.Panzer-Division. On 1 January 1944 he was promoted from Oberst to Generalmajor, and on 26 January 1944 he became the commander of 7. Panzer-Division. Tragically, only two days after he got elected, Schulz was wounded in action in the area of Shepetivka on 28 January 1944, and died the same day.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelbert_Schulz
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/216/Schulz-Adelbert.htm?c=aw

Two Sd.Kfz.223 Belong to Aufklärungs-Abteilung (mot.) 5

Two Sd.Kfz. 223 (Fu) vehicles lined up on a road. They belong to Aufklärungs-Abteilung (motorisiert) 5 / 2.Panzer-Division, which is easily determined by the unique battalion symbol painted on the front left fender.

Source :

Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards

White-Washed Panzer III Passed an Aerosan

A relatively neatly white-washed Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.J moves along a road during a winter on the Ostfront. There is a tactical number, in white on an uncamouflaged rectangle on the turret sides, possibly "212". Note the new drive sprocket as well as the new idler wheel, and the hull extensions drilled to accept a tow hook. Behind the panzer is a uniquely Soviet-inspired snow vehicle, called Aerosan Propellerschlitten WH/WL, in this case being towed by a local pony. This German version of the Russian Aerosan sports a Balkenkreuz on the nose of its white-painted body.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Eichenlaub Award Ceremony for Panzer Ace Otto Carius

Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe Oberrhein) awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #535 to Oberleutnant der Reserve Otto Carius from schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502. The picture was taken by SS-Kriegsberichter Ege on 2 January 1945 at the outskirts of Salzburg (Austria). The ceremony was quite extraordinary because Carius had already received the announcement of his award from 27 July 1944, but the ceremony was postponed until five months later! This is because the panzer ace was seriously injured by a multiple shot in the seven parts of his body (including the neck!) only a few days before he suppsosedly received the Eichenlaub, so he had to be taken to the intensive care for months at Feldlazarett (Field Hospital). Carius received the news of his award through newspapers when lying weak on the bed, and was only able to walk with his feet in September 1944. When this photograph was taken, he was no longer in charge of schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502 but had already been transferred to Panzer-Ersatz- und Ausbildungs-Abteilung 500. Another interesting fact is that the handed-over ceremony was performed by Himmler, whereas the Eichenlaub-grade medal ceremony and above was usually attended by Hitler directly. This is because from the end of 1944 the Führer began to restrict his public activities - along with the deterioration of the war situation - so that such activities were then represented to his closest confidants such as Himmler and Göring. Carius dedicated a chapter about this moment in his book 'Tigers in the Mud': "My first impressions of this man, whom his opponents called a 'bloodhound', had really pleasantly surprised me. I wasn't apprehensive about the upcoming 'cozy' conversation anymore. I described my visit with Heinrich Himmler in such detail, because he really surprised me. After the conversation in his staff headquarters , I gathered some hope for a successful conclusion to the war. That was after I had already considered a defeat almost certain."

Source :
https://audiovis.nac.gov.pl/obraz/36771/16681a180a83d321351d3a71c29af66e/

Panther Crossing a River Bed in Italy

A Panzerkampfwagen V Panther of I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 4 / 13.Panzer-Division crossing a river bed in Italy at slow speed. The crew has fixed a box across the rear, a valuable place for stowing rations and personal belongings. The driver’s hatch is wide open – apparently enemy contact was not expected. The PzKpfw V Panther represented a new pinnacle in tank design in World War II, as the Soviet-built T-34 had done in 1941. From 1943, the Panther pushed forward the limits of the three fundamental factors: firepower, mobility and armour. From the beginning, Generaloberst Heinz Guderian – the ‘Father’ of the Panzerwaffe – proposed that the technical specification and tactical capability of the Panther were to synchronize perfectly with his concept of a Panzer division. The same divisions, which with simple pre-war equipment had conquered large parts of Europe. The designers were required to create a tank. After great initial difficulties a vehicle resulted with extraordinary specifications and which, reduced to its achievements both technical and tactical, was superior to all enemy tanks from then to the end of the war. The combination of high mobility, an effective main gun and good armour pointed the way forward into the post-war period.

Source :
"Panther" by Thomas Anderson