Thanks for this VERY informative post. Going by this, it seems that the long gun Pz III Aus J1 (L60) would be the most appropriate choice historically for TWI to add to the game. It also shows that the choice by TWI to add the Pz IV Aus F2/Aus G (L43) was a good one (despite many claims against this on the forums) since it was the most numerous Pz IV variant in the battle, especially on the winter maps like Gumrak and Fallen Fighters. It is still dwarfed in importance by the Pz III Aus J1...I hope they add this variant (it should have been the default German tank for the RO2 release, IMHO).
Well here's some info that the book I mentioned (the source of the tank numbers), and is from a report by the 24th panzer division at Stalingrad date 11 October 1942. (me paraphrasing)
Panzers should only be attached to panzergrenadiers as regular infantry have little idea on how to use tanks, the target should be scouted as much as possible and planed for accordingly. The use of single tanks should be prohibited as covering fire can not be used. Before the attack the Panzers with the guidance of infantry and terrain should knock out opposing tanks and AT Guns. The Panzers should stay behind the infantry attack providing covering fire, communications should be via the side hatch away from return fire. The infantry must not bunch up behind the tank but move foreword under the cover of the Panzers Guns and terrain.
The L24 gun is recommended due to it's short barrel, the L43 gun is said to take to much damage in the streets, AP rounds have been usefull on stone wallls, smoke is useful on infantry strong points to blind them. Panzer IIs have been useful at escorting supply units moving through contested areas.
In defense their use as a local reserve is recommended, also their use on the front lines is not recommended, though if pressed the use of single panzers in camouflaged positions have proven to be useful.
If disabled in operations the tank should be guarded by infantry until it can be removed to protect it from close in attacks.
I don't think the earlier Pz III were in frontline service at the time. The T-70 was in service in large numbers during the battle, making it an important historical addition. It is no counter to the Pz III Aus J or J1, that is a totally unfair contest. Russians will complain until the KV-1 is added. I hope they also add the small German tanks: Pz II Aus F and Pz 38(t) Aus G would be the most appropriate variants there, IMHO, perhaps someone could comment... StuGs and Marder IIs would also make fine additions once we get more big tanking maps.
Cheers,
Fafnir_6
Well they could use them for earlier battles, who says the game has to only take place at Stalingrad? It could very easily be retrofitted for earlier battles.
Their was 286 Panzer IIIs used in operation Barbarossa, with a further 64 in inventory...
Numbers and types of panzers in use in June 1941
Panzer I*...........181 (9th, 12th, 17-20th Pz)
Panzer II............810
Panzer III 37mm..286
Panzer III 50mm..707
Panzer IV...........448
Panzer 35t.........155 (6th Pz)
Panzer 38t.........625 (7th, 8th, 12th, 19th & 20th Pz)
Command tank....198
* Yes they where still in use it seems.
Also a German report (from Panzer Regiment 33, 9th Panzer Div) on the 50mm L60s ability to deal with the T-34 and KV-1 during the summer of 1942.
T-34 PzGr 38
Hull sides are penetrated at up to 500m
Turret & upper hull sides penetrated at up to 400m
Turret Front up to 400m
Hull front not effective, though drivers hatch can be removed
KV-1
Hull Sides at up to 300m
Turret and upper hull sides 200m
Turret Front under 100m
PzGr 40 (APCR) was not recommended due to the cartage casing getting stuck in the breach
The 75mm L43 gun is mentioned as dealing with the T-34 at ranges of 1,200 meters at any angle.
Though they also mention cartage extraction issues.
