Well, Friedrich, they weren't panzer battalions- they were tank destroyer battalions. I think the question is, why weren't they deployed WITH the panzer battalions. Usually, assault gun or tank destroyer battalions would be deployed for infantry support, but at Kursk there were also plenty of tanks available as well. I think Model seperated them too much... he tried repeatedly to use all his armor against some of the stronger, more fortified locations, like Ponyri, while deploying the infatry and support battalions too thinly along the rest of his line. I would think it would work better to deploy the infantry and support against strongpoints, and try and get the tanks into open country and use their range more...
Kai, good stuff on the Ferdinands... those kill numbers seem rather high, but the russians did take extremely heavy losses...
Regardless of natural magnetism, imagine the amount of metal littering the battlefield within an hour of the battle's start!
RedBaron, Healy claims 66 of the Brummbars were finished for Kursk. They served in the 216th heavy assault gun battalion with Model's forces on the northern pincer. Unfortunately, while Healy makes repeated mention of the Elephants, he dosen't give any action history for the Brummbars... I don't have time at the moment (I really need hispeed at home!), but Achtungpanzer may give some. I'm still checking as well...
Carl, I have at least a couple OOBs (any other acronyms, anyone
)...not sure how detailed or complete they are though- they could be somewhat cursory. I'll check them out.
Hey Erich... nice too see you back!
I don't have any specifics at the moment, but all my sources agree on the outstanding performance of the WSS units at Kursk. They definetely earned part of their comabt reputation in that operation. But likewise, I'd also be interested in more info on the specifics. I'll review what Healy has to say, but it won't have too much depth... (although I would have to go with him for my best source for general info on Kursk)
[ 22 August 2002, 12:30 AM: Message edited by: CrazyD88 ]