"Cossacks in German Service" Topic

Ok, I've seen the new crusader minis and have an attack of "shine stuff".

Scoping out a project I have read the Osprey book "Hitler's Russian & Cossack Allies" and generally know a bit about WW2, Cossacks and so forth as I play Back of Beyond.

Q: What vehicles and armour did the Cossacks get from the Germans ?

The Osprey book is a bit vague on this mentioning only briefly Jagdpanzer 38(t), T34s and AT guns.

Would the jagdpanzers be marders etc ? Not the later versions ?

Q: I assume they would have access to more common (cheaper!) vehicles like Hannomags and the like ?

Q: Would a force of ~30 troops plus command a few support items be enough for either/and/or Chain of Command and bolt Action ?

I have no problems with what small arms they had/uniforms, its the support elements that were missing from the info.

Of course if there is a web source or book, save time/pixels and point me there. My google -fu has failed me so far.

TIA

I'd be amazed if Cossacks had anything like an Sdkfz 251.

The Jagdpanzer and AT guns will be for the divisional AT battalions, a lot of Ost units just used Russian weapons. Yes, they sound like Marder types, not Hetzer (which were very late war anyway).

If my memory serves, the Cossacks were largely used to fight
partisans and keep the locals in line. They got around on horses. I would not be surprised if supplies were carried in wagons (even the regulars used wagons alot).

I have seen references to armored cars, light armor, tanks, etc. but no specifics. The one thing that is certain is that the Cossacks only had a handful of AFVs. I don't think I'd have any armor at all. Cossacks were issued Pak 38s for AT guns. They also had some 80mm mortars, and 75 mm field guns. The Cossacks were poorly motorized and relied on horses and mules. I, too, would be surprised to see a 251 with the Cossacks.

The cossacks were in fact part of the SS in 1945 (against their will mind you). But they did in fact see an uptick in armament because of their new status. Initially, they had various small arms (both Russian and German), but by the end of the war, they were completely supplied by the Germans. If I am not mistaken they also received some PaK50's. They were supported by various armored formations in Yugoslavia and worked with Brandenburg units there as well. By the time they fought against the Russians, they distinguished themselves well, but it was to little to late.

Thanks for the feedback.

Sounds like my pecking order of purchases are:-
- Mortar(s)
- AT guns…the Osprey had a picture of a 75mm gun being used
- *a* Marder

I might go for a Hannomag for a German cadre of supervisors, but its unlikely.

Casting an eye over the crusader miniatures line they do German cavalry so they might form another unit funds permitting (I am attempting a £100.00 GBP budget but North Star have just announced a 10% discount tomorrow [sob]).

Both the book and my cursory knowledge indicated the Cossack/Russian forces were relegated to behind the line anti-partisan activities, but they did end up on the front line, including in Italy and Normandy as well as the eastern front so I would think there is scope for this project to fight against most allied, Soviet and irregular forces, and indeed against their former Axis allies. (Prague)

A certain amount of 2nd line armour was allocated to support anti Partisan operations, captured French (and later Italian) tanks in particular.

An H39 or R35 in German colours might be fun, or some sort of Armoured car. AB41s were popular.

I took advantage of the NorthStar Minis discount and ordered the Cossacks, plus a mortar and AT gun (75mm)…the later crews will probably experience some head swaps to make them more "Cossacky".

Having blown through the £100.00 GBP budget, I will have to wait till next month for a Marder Ausf111(M), chosen because
(a) it was the most produced
(b) it looks like the Matchbox 1/76 scale one that I always really wanted as a kid !

The French, Italian and other tanks will be even further out and purchased only to vary my force as and when / if I get to play this force. As will a second unit of cavalry.

Thanks once again. :-)

If you need a few Cossack heads for conversions here is my site : gothiclineminiatures.com

The Osprey book is a bit vague on this mentioning only briefly Jagdpanzer 38(t), T34s and AT guns.

This comment interested me and so I bought a copy of the book. I am unable to find the reference to the equipment you describe. Could you help and point me to the correct page? Thank you.