11th PzDiv images in Vol3 (part 2)

There are a series of images from the same source on pages 90 - 92 of Vol3 that show an Ausf F2(G); turret number 623 undergoing some maintenance in a wood. It carries the 3 vertical bars over a horizontal bar (upside down cricket stumps) symbol used by 11th PzDiv from 1943. This is often confused with the symbols used by SS PzDiv during Kursk. Here is another image from the same period, some of the crew are still around. This view shows the large box on the engine deck rear plate still in place, it was fitted earlier in 42 on vehicles sporting the ghost rider emblem.

Another well known image from the same unit and time frame.

It appears that 11th PzDiv were supplied, around the time of Kursk with a mix of new late Gs with Schurzen, upgrade early Gs with schurzen and some, as 632 below, in their original set up. Images show this mix in both 9th and 6th Kps.

Supplements to 11th PzDiv images in Vol3 (part1)

By chance there are a number of images of 11th PzDiv early Gs in Vol3. There are a group that show them during the Summer of 42 with the famous Ghost-rider (p50-53)and others that show them surviving through to the following Summer carrying the Kursk three vertical bars (p90-92). 

However I did not think the photo on page 48 of an Ausf F2(G) falling through a small bridge was anything to do with this unit. There seemed to be no clear unit markings, it wasn't until I came across this link to a trooper's album from III/PzRgt 15 - 11th PzDiv ; 

http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39243 

that the subtle emblem on the turret side became evident. The emblem is a "Wildesaukopf" = Boar's head, which is apparently an association to the estate of one of the third Abteilung's Leutnant's. 

This image of the incident from the album shows the interaction with the bridge more clearly as well as that Boar's head applied to the side of the turret.

This close up gives a good view of what the Boar's head looked like and how easily this unit's markings disappeared beneath even a thin layer of dust and grime.

Another image from a different source, this time the Archive of Modern Conflict (AMC). The emblem is visible here although hard to spot behind the open turret door and the watermark. 

The spare wheel fitted on the right superstructure side was also fitted to the other Abteilung vehicles in 11th PzDiv PzIV's during this period. These early vehicles pictured during the Summer of 42 still carry the smoke discharger on the rear plate of the engine deck.

Another well known image that I have never seen identified within the context above:

In all the images of Gs around this time I never see the Boar's head and the Ghost-rider together but both units have the Divisional symbol of the circle with bar. Does this mean that the Ghost and boar were Regimental or Battalion symbols at this point? There was only one Panzer Regiment within the Division in 41 so it was a moot point that the Ghost-rider was seen on all Division's Panzers. With the restructuring in early 42 this appears to have changed and the famous Ghost was not subsequently carried by all.

Vol4 supplementary images (Kursk)

In Vol 4 page 52 an early H from 2nd PzDiv circa Kursk; turret number 634 is described and reference is made to a film showing the same irregular number size. Here is a clip from that film showing 624 along with another image that may indicate the size issue was isolated to the digit 4 alone. 

On the the following page (p53) what is described as a late G or early H is shown rearming again during the Kursk offensive. 

This second image shows the scene from a slightly wider view, which allows a more concrete identification as a late G because of the now visible location of the aerial.

AFV Modeller review of 1st Update

The latest edition of AFV Modeller (no69) reviews Update No1 in their "new releases" section:

"We've been very impressed by the previous releases from the author Craig Ellis featuring his 8wheels-good collection of period photographs of Panzer IVs and variants. This latest release will certainly be of interest if you have the volumes 1-5 of the series as the book is split into chapters updating information and using newly obtained photographs for each volume. Some of the shots include new angles of vehicles previously featured in the usual large format. The rare nature of the photographs means that quality varies from very good to excellent but the real beauty is the subjects, fantastic modelling inspiration with very detailed captions. As well as being a must to anyone with the previous releases in their collection, this Update volume serves as an excellent taster of the series as it covers early to late vehicles and variants. Indispensable reference on the PzKpfw IV with a great mix of interesting un-seen photographs and well researched detailed captions. The titles can be ordered from the Blurb website www.blurb.com, go to "bookstore" and put "8wheels-good" into the search box to see all of the titles available".

BLURB voucher

I have just used the voucher code BOOK15OFF to get 15% of a purchase of 5 books on blurb UK.

This voucher is meant to last until 20th April but they don't always work as long as they say they should.

supplementary editions reviewed on Modell.de

Thomas Hartwig has added reviews of the two supplementary editions to hie excellent German language military modelling site. In his email informing me he summed them up as "REALLY interesting and very helpful to depict a special vehicle of a special unit".

The full german language review and sample pages can be found by following this link, along with those previously written on the 5 volume series:

http://www.panzer-modell.de/ausgepackt/archiv/8wg/8wg.htm

PzRgt 8: White wheels (DAK)

The topic of white road wheels and return rollers on PzRgt 8 vehicles in North Africa in 41 pops up quite often. I have managed to collect a few (7) photos showing the phenomenon myself, which are in Vol2 and the first Update. But occasionally there are still sceptical voices and surprisingly it still hasn't been picked up by the modelling community.

So I thought I would try and bring the evidence together. Here is the first discussion (some images and the original album long deleted) from ML in 2007:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47207/thread/1186421043/White-painted+tyres+in+Africa

 The Regiment was shipped to Tripoli as part of 15th PzDiv arriving between the 24th of April and the 6th of May 41 on three consecutive convoys. The 2nd & 3rd Kps landed on the 2nd of May and the 6th & 7th Kps on the 6th. It consisted of 20 PzIVs of the followings types: 10 basic Ausf Ds, 5 PzIV Ausf Ds with zusatzplatten and 5 PzIV Ausf Es with zusatzplatten.

And here are images showing the white wheels on PzIVs and PzIIIs.

 I will just add images to this post as and when I find new ones

Embarking/Disembarking

Tripoli parade

Action in the desert

Summary: So a very short lived activity, specific to this unit within a narrow time frame. Only seen on PzIV & III and some softskins (blitz, kubelwagon) up to this point. There are images of aircraft in NA with similar. Reasons and process as yet are still unknown.

Volume 1 - front view

These images show the vehicle pictured on page 68 from the front. They confirms that it is an Ausf B....

....and although the Divisional symbol on the superstructure front is not clear it does indicate PzRgt 11, 6th PzDiv when seen in conjunction with the wooden plank jerrycan holder on the vehicle side (on the first image). A Notek light mount is also visible on the the glacis plate.

The location may also be near the one in Montcornet shown on p12-15 in UPDATE 1 and on p83 in Vol 1.

Different views for two JadgPz in Vol5

I found another three images of the scene on pages 74-75 of Vol5. The poster of these indicated that he thought they were taken in Southern Silesia, close to Czech border around the end of the war.

"This photos was taken by Mr. Alojzy Klon on summer 1945 (some says that lower photo was taken on 1947) at Rogow, Poland (Rogau, Oberschlesien - German wartime spelling) where German forces fought against 1st Czechoslovak Independent Tank Brigade. This L/70 was either knocked out or left abandoned. Similiary painted and equipped vehicle was photographed in Chuchelna, now Moravia area, Czech Republic about 15 km from Rogow (photo published in one of Panzerwrecks albums).
I presume both Jagdpanzers might be assigned to I./Pz.Rgt.39 17 Pz.Div".

I came across this fourth image that apparently shows the vehicle already in the ditch with German troops still in the background. 

The most interesting thing they reveal, which was not apparent from the front on view is the full set of standard rubber rimmed road wheels a very unusual feature for late vehicle with factory camo.


The second JagdPz to be spotted in other images is the one depicted on pages 64-65.





Judging by the landscape and some additional damage to the right track both these seem to be later than the one in Vol5. However they do show it was still a popular photo opportunity for passers by.

1st Update repackaged and online

Update No.1 is now complete and uploaded to blurb. Click on the cover below for a full preview:

PzKpfw IV at the front UPDATE No.1 by from the collection of 8wheels-good | Make Your Own Book

After discussion with Bam (the reliable proof reader) the previous cover was dropped in preference to the one you now see. Internally there has been no change to the images previously posted here, however significant extra info has been added to the descriptions, which has lead to the delay in getting it published.

The next Update will cover Russia 1941 again adding more Barbarossa Stowage information. This is coming on nicely and could be finished soon. When it is out of the way the Hummel will be the next supplementary edition and looks likely that the content will be a joint project between Bam and myself.

TauchPz edition review

The TauchPz IV supplementary edition has been reviewed in AFV Modeller 64. Follow this link for the full text.

http://tauchpziv.blogspot.co.uk/