"When did company platoon commanders get the sd kfz 251/10?" Topic

stupid question, but wondered if these were issues from the outset, or came along later – and if so when? Am building a 9th Panzer historical force fro period winter 41 to winter 42… muchas gracias

Apparently there is some argument over this. The most commonly cited website says they were introduced in 1940. However, I found a discussion over at the Axis History Forum
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that has the following citation:

"You should look at the reliable authors Doyle and Jentz. In Panzer Tracts No.15-2 they state "that ONE Entwicklungsstueck (development piece) was delivered in May 1941. Mass production had delivered 80 by July/August 1941"."

Doyle and Jentz seem to be pretty good on this sort of thing, so I would probably go with that. Others will probably be along to dispute this, but it does seem that your force might have some.
BWW

That should say shutzen company platoon commanders

Brilliant thanks… I'll take a look at AHF too

Good question, think it's come up before on TMP and someone may have found a definitive answer. The first time they appear on the authorised organisation tables is Nov 1941, which should cover your winter 1941 onwards timeframe.

Gary

Thanks again Gary. looking at the divisional history they did not refit until after Barbarossa- spring 42, so probably had them for Stalingrad but not in 41 – maybe?

Keeping in mind that there was only 1 armored AFV company (3-4 platoons) per panzer division in '41, 80 of them is quite a few.

yes that makes sense, if around 20 panzer divs, 80 would give each platoon 1 in time for Barbarossa…

Have a look here:
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I think they existed as informal field modifications before becoming production models.
Rod Robertson

Took a long time to save all those 'Green Shield' stamps.

Here claims 1940
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I love the idea that 80 vehicles is 'mass production'.