"Captured Russian Armor in Operation Herkules" Topic

I am wondering if someone has some reliable numbers, by type, for captured Russian armor to be used in the invasion of Malta. I understand that T-34s, KV-Is and KV-IIs would be used. I know the KV-IIs were modified with a Pz IIIg cupola and the idea was for the IIs to be used to take out bunkers and fortified positions.

While I have a pretty good OB, numbers a bit scarce. I know the captured armor was assigned to Panzerabteilung z.b.V. 66. I have seen 10 tanks quoted as total number of both Is and IIs but not further broken out and nothing on the T-34s. Any help welcome.

The book "Panzers at War" says that a single T34 and KV-2 were used to form the 66th Panzer Company for the Invasion of Malta along with 5 VK1801s (heavily modified Panzer 1's).

I think that speaks volumes about how seriously the Germans took these preparations.

This is from a series of articles on Operation C3 (the Italian name for Herkules)
German Panzer contribution (based on an article in Miniature
Wargames magazine, issue 182 (July 1998).

Panzer Abteilung (z.b.v.) 66
Organization, as of 30 May 1942:

- Commander: Oberleutnant Hans-Gunther Bethke

- HQ (unknown)

- HQ Company (unknown)

- 1. Kompanie (German tanks)
12x Pz IV G/BW (Trop) (75/43 type with 80mm frontal armour)
5x Pz I Ausf F – neuer Art verstarkt (up-armored new model) (a.k.a. VK 1801)
5x Pz II Ausf J – neuer Art verstarkt (a.k.a. VK 1601)

- 2. Kompanie (Russian tanks)
at least 10x KV-I and -II (at least 1x KV-II present)
unknown number of T-34/76

The VK 1801 and 1601 were PzI and II transformed in heavily armored
infantry assault tank with 80mm all round protection. The MW article
refers to them as built in 1939 for a planned attack on the Maginot line,
but the very informative site Achtung Panzer:
link
link
place their construction from March/April 1942 on.

Apparenty the special Pz IV briefly described here:
link
did not reveive any special Ausf.

The KV-II above is obviously the source for the "52-ton tanks"
reference I've speak about in my old posts.

All vehicles bore the tactical symbol "B" for "Bethke" on the
turrets in front of each vehicle's number.
The abteilung was eventually disbanded on 21 July 1942, both
companies going independently to the Eastern front.

Simply outstanding Greg, my thanks. This matches some of my other information.

Winston, my research shows the Germans were actually very committed, until Hitler pulled the plug, on the invasion.

When looking at the armor remember Italy also dedicated quite a bit actually and this in an area and terrain which really doesnt favor armor actions.

Thanks again to all.

Hi mates, does any one have air oob for Italians, regarding operazione C3/operation Herkules

Thanks