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Sd.Kfz. 251SdKfz 251Mittlerer Schützenpanzerwagen
Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.A
Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.B
Sd Kfz 251 Ausf C
Panzergrenadier kompanie 1942.
Sd.Kfz. 251/1 m.SPW.
"Stuka zu Fuss" (Sd.Kfz. 251 mit Wurfrahmen 40)
SdKfz 251/1 mittlere Schützenpanzerwagen (Wurfrahmen 40), Mittlerer Schuetzenpanzerwagen mit Wurfrahmen, SdKfz 251/1:
Sd.Kfz. 251/2 m.SPW. (s.Gr.W)
251/3 m.Funk Pz.Wg.
Sd.Kfz. 251/4 m.SPW Munitionswagen
Sd.Kfz. 251/6: m.Kdo.Pz.Wg.
Heinz Guderian in a SdKfz 253/6 halftrack.
Sd.Kfz. 251/7 m.Pi.Pz.Wg.
Sd.Kfz.251/8 mittlerer Krankenpanzerwagen
Sd.Kfz. 251/9: m.SPW. (7,5 cm K) "Stummel”SdKfz 251/9 mittlere Schützenpanzerwagen (7.5cm), Gerät 909:
Sd.Kfz. 251/10 m.SPW. (3,7 cm Pak)SdKfz 251/10 mittlere Schützenpanzerwagen (3.7cm PaK), Gerät 910
SdKfz 251/11 mittlere Fernsprechpanzerwagen, Gerät 911:
SdKfz 251/12 mittlere Messtrupp und Gerätpanzerwagen, Gerät 912:
Carried artillery surveying squad and equipment. Carried the FuG8 radio with a frame antenna. Built until 1943.
SdKfz 251/13 mittlere Schallaufnahmepanzerwagen, Gerät 913:
Built until 1943. Sound recording vehicle for artillery spotting.
SdKfz 251/14 mittlere Schallauswertepanzerwagen, Gerät 914: Built until 1943.Used as sound ranging for artillery spotting. SdKfz 251/15 mittlere Lichtauswertepanzerwagen, Gerät 915: Built until 1943. Used as flash spotting for artillery spotting. SdKfz 251/16 mittlere Flammpanzerwagen, Gerät 916:
Had 2 1.4cm Flammenwerfer on each side with 700 liters of fuel and 2 7.92 mm MG34 or MG42 with 2,010 rounds. Delivery started in January 1943.Had a range of about 60m (another source says 35m). Could fire about 80 bursts up to 2 seconds each. Earlier versions also had a 7mm Flammwerfer 42, which was a portable projector attached to a 10m hose.
TACTICS OF PERSONNEL CARRIERS MOUNTING FLAME THROWERS
The official German Army directive which is paraphrased below discusses the tactics of the armored half-track flame-thrower vehicle (see fig. 21). This is the medium personnel carrier used in Panzer Grenadier units, fitted with two large flame throwers and one small flame thrower, in addition to the regular machine-gun mounts at the front and rear.
A large flame thrower is mounted in a V-shaped shield on each side of the vehicle. The small flame thrower on the back of the vehicle is simply the cartridge ignition projector used in the small portable flame thrower; this projector is attached to one end of a 33-foot length of hose, which connects it to the propulsion unit and fuel tank. Tanks situated next to the side armor plates, in the interior of the vehicle, carry 154 gallons of flame-thrower fuel. A small gasoline engine and a pump, used to propel the fuel, are situated in the center of the interior.
The effective range of the large flame throwers is about 40 yards, whereas that of the small equipment is unlikely to exceed 30 yards. The fuel carried is sufficient for about 80 bursts, each lasting from 1 to 2 seconds.
1. The medium armored flame-thrower vehicle is a close combat weapon of the Panzer Grenadiers. It is used in the offensive when the other weapons used from the vehicle do not promise to be sufficiently effective.
2. In addition to employing its machine guns against personnel at ranges of as much as 440 yards, the vehicle may direct flame against personnel and static targets at ranges of as much as 40 yards. If the flame does not destroy hostile troops, it should at least force them to leave their cover. Attacks with flame are particularly effective in mopping up ground quickly, in liquidating hostile soldiers who put in a sudden appearance near the vehicle, and in destroying hostile personnel in hasty permanent field fortifications.
Figure 21. Armored Half-track Flame-thrower Vehicle.
3. These flame-thrower vehicles normally are employed by whole platoons, and always in close cooperation with mounted Panzer Grenadier units in the attack.
4. For combat in fortified areas, attacks on permanent fortifications, and so on, the vehicles may be employed singly, under the command of mounted Panzer Grenadier platoons. When the latter dismount, the flame-thrower vehicles will be left behind with the armored personnel carriers.
5. It is forbidden to use these vehicles like infantry tanks or assault guns, as "point" vehicles on the march or in action, for protective duty, or as independent patrol vehicles.
6. In the pursuit, the platoon will support local and prepared counterattacks by mounted Panzer Grenadiers.
7. Every effort must be made to employ the platoon as a whole, for greater effectiveness.
TACTICS 1. Preparations for the attack (terrain estimate, tactical reconnaissance. protective
duties, camouflage. and so on) follow the same principles as are observed by tanks and Panzer Grenadiers.
2. In the attack the flame-thrower vehicles move in extended order behind the mounted Panzer Grenadier units. The action normally is opened by machine-gun fire. Covered by the fire of other weapons, as well as by the weapons in the personnel carriers themselves, the flame-thrower platoon will break into the hostile position.
3. If the opposition remains under cover, it will be burnt out. Bursts of fire from the flame throwers should be projected only against those targets which definitely are within range. To fire flame bursts indiscriminately, before reaching the opposition, merely wastes fuel and obscures vision.
4. It is important to direct the flame against the bottom of the target first and then work up, so that hostile personnel who may have close-range antitank weapons in readiness will be destroyed.
5. The type of target and the course of attack will determine whether fire is to be opened while on the move or at the halt.
6. Trenches will be crossed and engaged from the flank. Tree tops, roofs, and raised platforms may be set afire if the presence of hostile soldiers is suspected.
7. If a large conflagration is desired, the target first will be sprayed with oil and then ignited by a burst of fire. This is especially effective when attacking dugouts, trenches, entrances to pillboxes, and — of course — wooden buildings.
8. Fire will not be opened in thick, natural fog, except by special order. "The official German Army directive which is paraphrased below discusses the tactics of the armored half-track flame-thrower vehicle (see fig. 21). This is the medium personnel carrier used in Panzer Grenadier units, fitted with two large flame throwers and one small flame thrower, in addition to the regular machine-gun mounts at the front and rear.
A large flame thrower is mounted in a V-shaped shield on each side of the vehicle. The small flame thrower on the back of the vehicle is simply the cartridge ignition projector used in the small portable flame thrower; this projector is attached to one end of a 33-foot length of hose, which connects it to the propulsion unit and fuel tank. Tanks situated next to the side armor plates, in the interior of the vehicle, carry 154 gallons of flame-thrower fuel. A small gasoline engine and a pump, used to propel the fuel, are situated in the center of the interior.
The effective range of the large flame throwers is about 40 yards, whereas that of the small equipment is unlikely to exceed 30 yards. The fuel carried is sufficient for about 80 bursts, each lasting from 1 to 2 seconds.
1. The medium armored flame-thrower vehicle is a close combat weapon of the Panzer Grenadiers. It is used in the offensive when the other weapons used from the vehicle do not
promise to be sufficiently effective.
2. In addition to employing its machine guns against personnel at ranges of as much as 440 yards, the vehicle may direct flame against personnel and static targets at ranges of as much as 40 yards. If the flame does not destroy hostile troops, it should at least force them to leave their cover. Attacks with flame are particularly effective in mopping up ground quickly, in liquidating hostile soldiers who put in a sudden appearance near the vehicle, and in destroying hostile personnel in hasty permanent field fortifications.
3. These flame-thrower vehicles normally are employed by whole platoons, and always in close cooperation with mounted Panzer Grenadier units in the attack.
4. For combat in fortified areas, attacks on permanent fortifications, and so on, the vehicles may be employed singly, under the command of mounted Panzer Grenadier platoons. When the latter dismount, the flame-thrower vehicles will be left behind with the armored personnel carriers.
5. It is forbidden to use these vehicles like infantry tanks or assault guns, as "point" vehicles on the march or in action, for protective duty, or as independent patrol vehicles.
6. In the pursuit, the platoon will support local and prepared counterattacks by mounted Panzer Grenadiers.
7. Every effort must be made to employ the platoon as a whole, for greater effectiveness.
TACTICS
1. Preparations for the attack (terrain estimate, tactical reconnaissance. protective duties, camouflage. and so on) follow the same principles as are observed by tanks and Panzer Grenadiers.
2. In the attack the flame-thrower vehicles move in extended order behind the mounted Panzer Grenadier units. The action normally is opened by machine-gun fire. Covered by the fire of other weapons, as well as by the weapons in the personnel carriers themselves, the flame-thrower platoon will break into the hostile position.
3. If the opposition remains under cover, it will be burnt out. Bursts of fire from the flame throwers should be projected only against those targets which definitely are within range. To fire flame bursts indiscriminately, before reaching the opposition, merely wastes fuel and obscures vision.
4. It is important to direct the flame against the bottom of the target first and then work up, so that hostile personnel who may have close-range antitank weapons in readiness will be destroyed.
5. The type of target and the course of attack will determine whether fire is to be opened while on the move or at the halt.
6. Trenches will be crossed and engaged from the flank. Tree tops, roofs, and raised platforms may be set afire if the presence of hostile soldiers is suspected.
7. If a large conflagration is desired, the target first will be sprayed with oil and then ignited by a burst of fire. This is especially effective when attacking dugouts, trenches, entrances to pillboxes, and — of course — wooden buildings.
8. Fire will not be opened in thick, natural fog, except by special order."
"The main armament was two 14mm spray-tubes with quick closing valves, also a hand-held 7mm spraytube with 10m flexible hose and two MG34 or MG42. There were 700 litres of flame fuel carried and 2010 rounds for the MG's."
The extension hose is clearly visible in the middle two pictures. The tube is nice for firing around the corner of a building without exposing the halftrack to fire...
SdKfz 251/17 mittlere Schützenpanzerwagen (2cm), Gerät 917:
AA model with antiaircraft gun installed with sides that folded outwards.
SdKfz 251/18 mittlere Beobachtungspanzerwagen, Gerät 918:
Had a FuG12 installed. Had a large map table built on top of the driver's roof plate.Observation vehicle for artillery spotting.
SdKfz 251/19 mittlere Fernsprechbetriebspanzerwagen, Gerät 919:Mobile telephone exchange vehicle.
SdKfz 251/20 mittlere Schützenpanzerwagen (Infrarotscheinwerfer), Gerät 920:
Had 60cm Beobachtungs Gerät 1251 and telescope Beobachtungs Gerät 1221 (infra red searchlight) installed to be used with Panther tanks at night. The searchlight had a range of about 1,500m. Only about 60 were built. Known as the UHU (eagle owl). This was used as the commanders vehicle of a Panther platoon that was equiped with infrared sighting equipment. Mainly used on Eastern front starting in 1944.
SdKfz 251/21 mittlere Schützenpanzerwagen (Drilling MG151S), Gerät 921:
Had 3 1.5cm MG151/15 or 2cm MG151/20 AA guns with 2,000 rounds of ammunition installed. Rate of fire was approximately 700 rounds per minute. Construction started in August 1944.
SdKfz 251/22 mittlere Schützenpanzerwagen (7.5cm PaK40), Gerät 922,7.5cm Pak 40 L/46 auf mittlerer Schuetzenpanzerwagen, SdKfz 251/22:
Had a 7.5cm PaK 40 L/46 with 22 rounds installed. Production began in December 1944 based on an order from Hitler. The complete PaK40 was installed, except the wheels. Some vehicles didn't have sidewalls. 9 were issued to Panzerjäger detachments, 3 to Panzer Aufklärungs detachments, and 6 to gun platoons.
SdKfz 251/23 mittlere Schützenpanzerwagen (2cm KwK), Gerät 923:Had a 2cm KwK38 with 100 rounds and a 7.92 mm MG42 with 2,010 rounds installed. A Hängelafette 38 turret (from SdKfz 234/1 armored cars) was installed. A FuG12 radio was carried.
SdKfz 251 Munitionspanzer: Transported ammunition for many different armored formations.
SdKfz 251 7.5cm PaK42 L/70 auf 3t Zgkw: On September 30, 1943, Hitler ordered the new 7.5cm PaK44 L/70 to be installed on a motorized carriage. On January 28, 1944, a prototype was ready but it was determined that this was an unsuitable carriage and the project was dropped.8.8cm KwK 43 L/71 auf mittlerer Schuetzenpanzerwagen:
Mittlerer Schuetzenpanzerwagen (2cm):
Luftwaffe, mSchtzPzWg (2cm Flak 38):
5cm PAK 38 in Sd Kfz 251, DAK
GD Sd Kfz 251 Ausf D 20mm AA vehicle
Equipped with a turret from a Russian tank
With Renault R35 turret
wooden Sd Kfz 251
Sd Kfz 251 fire truck role
Sd Kfz 251 recovery vehicle
Roncey Pocket Film SPWsI mentioned down the DG page an interesting sequence I made crappy stills of from a video Chris Leeman had copied. Here it is (previously posted some time ago). The majority of the SPW seem to belong to the Panzer-Pioneer Abteilung of 2.SS "Das Reich" Panzer-Division (there appears to be at least two from the Artillerie-Abteilung). Amongst this collection are
two old Ausf C and a curious ausf D as annotated:
This sequence above is the stuff I'm asking people to keep an eye out for in their digging please. It may shed some more light on that particular mysterious Ausf D - its a long shot, but possibly it could be a similar vehicle to this familiar eg, generall
lso attributed to Das Reich (2.cmKwK mount seems to be from an Sd.Kfz 222 armoured car):
As mentioned previously, all the SPW in the grabs above can be seen earlier back on the road in the background on the Pathe site. I can't see any suspicious looking Ausf D, here, but at least one SPW has tried to drive through a gate on the right, so maybe the mystery 251 is out of shot:
Both the leading vehicles in the shots above and below are the same, ie "132" by the looks. The open double outline Balkenkreuz on the bins is classic Das Reich. I think the third camouflaged vehicle back is an older Ausf C, later seen in some other shots below
Compared closely, it seems "132" was later pushed off the road and flipped onto its back:
Close ups of the Befehls PzIV "779", also a Das Reich vehicle:
The 251 on its side may be "105", making it a sister of "104", AKA "Kirschke" which going by its sternantenna mount was a 251/3 (or is it really a 251/12 Roger, Dan??). That SPW was originally pushed off the road behind the Hummel "Clausewitz", but is here seen above now sitting in front of the stone building. "Kirschke" and "Clausewitz" are covered in this recent post http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=47207&messageid=1063965930
Going back to the earlier scene on the road, this ghastly scene takes place some way down the column I feel, two vehicles behind "132" seen in the earlier grab:
The same 251 Ausf C is seen here after it was shunted off the road (note the repair patch on the armour):
You can see the Hummel "Clausewitz" off to the far right, in the back ground. Also behind this Ausf C are the 251s depicted already, ie "105", "132" and the Pz IV "779" along with the same stone building, minus "104" "Kirschke".
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