Pz.V Ausf.D “Panther” from 51st Panzer Brigade and Pz.VI “Tiger”, most likely from the division “Grossdeutschland” or 503rd Heay Tank Battalion. Kursk, July 1943
Panzergrenadiers of the 2nd SS Panzer Division ride their half-track in an advance on Voronezh Front of the Battle of Kursk
Photograph shows the Tiger I tank that knocked out the first M26 Pershing tank in World War II.
After knocking out the M26, the Tiger I backed up to escape but became stuck on a rubble pile. The crew abandoned the tank. The action occurred on February 26, 1945. The M26 (still designated as a T26E3) was knocked out in an ambush at Elsdorf while overwatching a roadblock. The action was described as follows: Fireball, for that was the tank's name, was in a bad position, silhouetted in the darkness by a nearby fire. A Tiger, concealed behind the corner of a building only about 100 yards away, fired three shots - the first 88 mm projectile entered the turret through the co-axial machine gun port [the M26's gun mantlet], killing both the gunner and the loader instantly. The second shot hit the muzzle brake and the end of the 90 mm barrel and the resulting shock waves set off the round that was in the chamber. Even though this round finally cleared the end of the tube, it still caused the barrel to swell about halfway down. The third and final shot glanced off the righthand side of the turret and in doing so took away the upper cupola hatch which had been left open. But that was the end of the Tiger's run of luck.
26 June 1941. Assault on the Molotov Line by Flammpanzer Char B’s
On 26 June 1941, Pz.Abt.(F) 102 was attached to the 296 Infanterie Division. Employment was greatly hindered because of mechanical problems with the French Pz. Kpfw. On 29 June by 1300 hours, the commander of the 296 Infanterie Division reported that Wielki Dzial had been captured. This was the last strong border fortress group in the IV.Armee Korps sector. Details on the participation of Pz.Abt.(F) 102 are provided in the combat report from the II.Bataillon/Infanterie-Regiment 520, as follows: “During the evening of 28 June, Pr.Abt.(F) 102 moved forward into their assigned assembly area. In response to the loud noise from the tank motors the opponent opened lively fire with guns and machine guns but didnt hit anyone. After a delay to let the fog clear; at 0555 hours on 29 June the action was opened by 8.8 cm Flak guns firing directly at the bunker's embrasures. The 88s continued to fire until 0704 hours, during which time it was observed that most of the embrasures had been hit and silenced.
Responding to a green flare, the Flammpanzer of Pz Abt.(F) 102 attacked at 0705 hours. The Infanterie and Pioniere following directly behind the Flammpanzer were assigned the task of placing explosive charges on the bun-kers. When several of the bunkers again opened fire, some of the Pioniere sought temporary shelter in the anti-tank ditch. Covering fire was provided by the 88 mm Flak guns and other heavy weapons. Bunkers No. I through 4 were suppressed by the Flammpanzer. The Infanterie and Pioniere storm troops reached the bunkers and began to place and detonate their explosive charges. Bunkers No.1, 2, and 4 damaged by hits from the 88s could fire only infrequently. The Flammpanzer were almost able to completely hold them in check. The crews in the bunkers tenaciously resisted in spite of the damage. 2 Flammpanzer were hit by 76 mm guns firing from Bunker No.3a. Both Flammpanzer caught fire and their crews evacuated. Three slightly wounded crew members were rescued under enemy fire by the brave actions of Sanitats Unteroffizier Kannengiesser. The Flammenwerfer did not damage the bunkers because the flame oil did not penetrate through the ball mounts in the embrasures. Some of the bunkers continued to fire after being engaged by the Flammpanzer.
Panzer IV Ausf. H knocked out by frontal 6 pounder penetrations after encountering the 1st Airlanding Antitank Battery at Arnhem on September 18th 1944
We are a non commercial community interested only in the discussion of all things military.
We do not sell or authorise the use of images hosted on our servers, if you wish to purchase or use imagery contact the uploader directly.(you will need to register). Any requests received to purchase or use imagery will be ignored. Thank you and welcome to MI.Net
You have been here as a guest for a while, I guess we are doing something right?
Register as a member and join in the discussions, its completely free and we would welcome your contributions.
All the best admin - MI.Net
We value your privacy
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.