"Halftracks in the 21st Panzer Division in Normandy" Topic

I had always imagined that like most other Heer Panzer divisions, the 21st in Normandy had one battalion of Panzergrenadiers in halftracks and that those halftracks were SdKfz 251s. However, having just read Kortenhaus' combat history of the division it seems that they were Unic P107s, the French vehicles converted by Major Becker.

Was this really the case? It certainly came as a surprise as I have seen representations of the 21st's Panzergrenadiers in SdKfz 251s and I have already started collecting such vehicles.

Can anyone shed a light on the situation?

My rivet-counting cred is minimal, so look for better-informed people. But pay serious attention to precise dates. As I understand it, the 21st Panzer was almost entirely equipped with French equipment when it was reconstituted in 1943, gradually replacing it with German production over the next year. And given the German half-track production and allocation was pretty low, (a) the process could still have been going on, or (b) just possible someone forgot to turn in the P107s when the 251s showed up. (c) Would be equipment brought back out of storage to replace attritional losses in Normandy--where, again, it's possible someone forgot to inform higher HQ.

I used to work with supply sergeants. It was very educational.

There are numerous posts on TMP re 21 Panzer Div, covering the topic of when old French Army kit was replaced by German issue. Worth doing a search via the function of via Google for them.

Gary

Never heard of this vehicle but wiki says as follows:

During World War II, the Germans used these captured half-tracks extensively under the name leichter Zugkraftwagen 37 U304(f) to tow various anti-tank guns.[9] With German half-tracks in short supply, Major Alfred Becker of the 21. Panzerdivision (which in 1944 was stationed near Caen in Normandy) suggested converting captured French vehicles. He ordered the conversion of available Unic half-tracks into leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (light armoured personnel carriers).[9]

Other than the Recce Battalion which had various SdKfz250 and SdKfz251 variants, the two Panzer grenadier Regiments (125th and 192nd) each had one armoured battalion mounted in leSPW U304(f) halftracks. The engineer battalion had two companies mounted in mSPW S303 halftracks. The motorised battalions were in various French and Italian softskin vehicles. The Division started to be re-equipped with German vehicles after the battles in Lorraine ( it took over one of the Panzer Brigades) from Kortenhaus, and was re-equipped for operation Nordwind.

Yes, the 21st Panzer Div in Normandy is extensively documented and had piles of French kit (including two panzer grenadier battalions in French halftracks).

Sadly for war gamers everywhere, the Somuas assigned to the Panzer Regiment were withdrawn before D-Day and it went into action with just Panzer IVs, despite the Somuas being listed in Zetterlings OB for the 21st in June. I guess they were still on strength but not employed.

21st Panzer was also a bit unusual in that it had an entire battalion of towed 88mm Pak 43s attached.

Other divisions in Normandy had weird allocations of halftracks too, the whole of Panzer Lehr was mechanised for example. You need to look at the specific individual divisional OBs.

Used the original guns the Germans did add a split hatch to the roof of the cupola

Save your German Somuas. The Germans did not throw them away after reequipping 21st Panzer. Lots of French gear shows up in 1944 with non-divisional units or divisions not authorized tanks. I've seen comments by US vets that they were mainly fighting French tanks until about St Lo, and that we'd still run into them during the breakout period. Not too many left by October/November, but the Free French are going through holding areas putting them back in French service. I've seen contemporary photos of 1940 vintage French tanks in late war German camo with Free French markings.

The Char 1 flame tanks lasted till at least late'44 in Holland and they weren't as easy to move around as the Soumas

The only Panzer Battalion in the Cotentin Peninsular (the 101st iirc?) was equipped with French tanks. Mostly H39s.

Fascinating. Thanks for the information everyone. Maybe I need to go with another division.

Perhaps, before I swing away from 21 Panzer, does anyone know of a manufacturer who does Unic P107s in 20mm? At least the basic infantry vehicle?

ACE does several versions in 1/72 if you can find them: link

If you do go for another division, may I suggest the 9th. Early war thru East front and ended the war on the Western front.

It's what I did.

link

Perfect for the 21st!

Tally Ho!

Thanks Nick and ING. Interesting sources.

link at 0:47

21st Panzer also also had all sorts of unusual SP guns built on French chassis. If you want a division with 'normal' vehicles, this isn't it.

Martin, ain't that the truth!

21st Panzer also also had all sorts of unusual SP guns built on French chassis

The 15cm sFH auf Lorraine Schlepper(f) is my personal favourite. Lots of bang for your buck!

I think EWM (Early War Miniatures) has them in their different variants.

For hard-hitting AT they also had Pak40s on French haft-tracks.
If you haven't, you MUST read "D-Day Tank Hunter". Cheesy title, silly looking cover, but one of the best memoirs I have read – all about one of these beasties.
link

I may do a seperate review of this book in another thread.