Anderson - Panther

Photographed on the 15th 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. (Panzerfoto)

Introduction

Summer 1941. The appearance of a modern Soviet tank, the T-34, came as a complete surprise and put paid to the current developments and future plans of the German armaments industry. A new beginning was called for. In 1942, under dramatic circumstances, the development began of the PzKpfw V Panther; possibly the best main battle tank of the World War II.

The Eastern Front

The war began at 05:45 hrs on 1 September 1939, when German forces invaded Poland. On 10 May 1940, The Low Countries were invaded as a prelude to the invasion of France. By 14 June, German forces were parading through Paris and an armistice was signed on 22 June, leaving northern Europe occupied. On 21 July 1941, Unternehmen (Operation) Barbarossa was launched against the Soviet Union, opening a new stage of the war. While a rapid victory appeared very achievable during the summer months, the arrival of the heavy rains of autumn and then severe frost and snow of winter destroyed all ambition. Battle-proven German forces, and above all units of the Panzerwaffe, who had become accustomed to victory, were halted at the gates of Moscow.

In the months before the invasion, the Panzerwaffe had been experiencing a phase of changes to organizational structure and equipment inventory.

1941 The Initial Situation

A document from 3.PzGruppe, dated 10 May 1941, describes the problems of this adjustment:

I. Old Panzer Divisions

1 .) The combat units of 7.PzDiv are in, or are being brought into, good order. Recently returned from France for general maintenance, 7.PzDiv still has a large number of vehicles at workshop units for major overhaul. Therefore it has, at this time, only limited mobility.

II. New Panzer Divisions

2 .) All of the Panzer regiments in the new tank divisions are well equipped.

3 .) The artillery is equipped with an adequate number of armoured command vehicles.

4 .) The equipping of the infantry regiments does not meet with requirements. There is worrying lack of armoured vehicles.

5 .) Two weeks ago, 19.PzDiv received a large number of vehicles for their infantry units... but the number is so small that still they have to operate with the vehicles of various other units for exercises.

6 .) As a temporary measure, 20.PzDiv is being equipped with captured French types... but training time still remains very limited.