Sturmgeschutz

The Sturmgeschütz was a genuine German invention and, although the idea of mounting a gun in a fixed superstructure was neither new nor future-looking, the type became a vital weapon in the arsenal of the Third Reich and was produced in very large numbers.

As described in my book Sturmartillerie (Osprey, 2016) the Sturmgeschütz assault gun was originally intended to be a support weapon for the assault infantry. The requirement for such a vehicle was noted in a letter, dated 8 June 1936, written by an officer of the Generalstab des Heeres (GenStdH – General Staff of the Army) to his superiors:

We have to ascertain that the Panzerwaffe and the Sturmartillerie, which are both similarly equipped, will follow absolutely different tactical approaches.

I.) Panzerverbände [tank formations, here Panzer divisions (PzDiv), author] are mixed units able to fight independently and pursue their own combat missions. These PzDiv are equipped with motorized artillery and infantry to enable success.

II.) Panzerbrigaden [tank brigades] is the force for the focal point of an attack. In contrast to the PzDiv, the Panzerbrigade is unable to operate independently.

III.) Sturmartillerie, it is relevant as to whether it will be produced as a tank or a self-propelled gun, or a support weapon for the infantry. It should be able to provide support fire at a minimum range of 7km as part of the divisional artillery. The Sturmartillerie is deployed as escort artillery to support an infantry assault by directly attacking dangerous targets. Unlike a tank formation, which attacks in large numbers, the Sturmartillerie will only be committed in platoon strength.

Each infantry division will have to be issued at least with one battalion of Sturmartillerie formed of five batteries with six assault guns each. The division should consider the removal of a light artillery battalion or the tank destroyer battalion.

A Sturmgeschütz Ausf F/8 carrying Luftwaffe infantry, possibly during a training exercise. The only markings on the vehicle are the solid Balkenkreuze (the word is for a cross made from two baulks of timber and not a reference to the Balkans) which were applied by the manufacturer. (Anderson)

1)In general, we agree on the specification and tactical deployment for the proposed Sturmgeschütz.

2)It seems necessary to emphasize the difference between the Sturmartillerie and the divisional [conventional, author] artillery to set clear requirements for the development of the type.

3)It is the task of the Sturmgeschütz to destroy enemy machine-gun nests by direct fire; thus it is a weapon of the infantry, and must not be committed as artillery. Also as the infantry operates at ranges up to 4km only, sighting devices for indirect fire up to 7km range are not necessary.

4)Also it must be explored if the Sturmgeschütz can perform as the (currently under development) tank destroyer. Thus duplicated development can be avoided.

However, the demand for the production of such a large number of Sturmgeschütz was beyond the capacity of the German armaments industry. In 1939, the first phase Mobilmachung (general mobilization) resulted in the formation of 39 infantry divisions, five tank divisions, three mountain divisions and four light divisions. As part of this plan, the GenStdH decided that there was a far from realistic requirement for more than 1,100 Sturmgeschütz.

At the beginning of Fall Weiss (Case White), the Polish campaign, the Panzerwaffe was equipped with some 3,000 tanks, but only 750 were truly of combat value. German military planners accepted the situation, and all plans to provide an infantry division with a Sturmgeschütz detachment were forgotten.

This was possibly instigated by Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (one of the ‘fathers’ of the Panzerwaffe and certainly its most influential supporter), who had identified the financial limitations. Subsequently he strongly opposed any suggestion of supplying the infantry with tanks, being convinced that the establishment of an armoured element for the infantry would weaken his creation; a battle-winning powerful and efficient Panzerwaffe.

However in 1940, when forces commanded by General Erich von Manstein – who supported the idea of armoured elements for the infantry – received 30 Sturmgeschütz a new military force was born: the Sturmartillerie.

In early 1944, to allow an increase in production of the Sturmgeschütz it was decided to use the chassis of the PzKpfw IV resulting in the Sturmgeschütz IV. The vehicle has been coated with Zimmerit anti-magnetic paste and is fitted intact with Seitenschürzen (side skirts). Although no unit markings are visible, the vehicle is known to be from SS-PzAbt 17, part of 17.SS-PzGrenDiv Götz von Berlichingen. (Schneider)

Due to severe financial constrictions, Sturmgeschütz production commenced in late January 1940 and proceeded at a very slow rate. Over the next 12 months some 184 were produced, and a further 540 were built during 1941. Five independent batteries were established, before and during the invasion of France, possibly to trial how the type could be used in combat. In the autumn of 1940, the first assault gun battalions with three batteries of six Sturmgeschütz each were established. Despite the original intention to provide each infantry division with a StuG battalion, these units were organized on Heerestruppen (army troop) level. The staff at higher command level decided that they should be deployed at the focal point of an attack, either concentrated during a major assault or divided into single batteries.

A Sturmgeschütz carrying infantry advances towards Banská-Bystrica (an anti-Nazi stronghold) to attack partisan forces fighting in the Slovakian National Uprising, which began on 29 August and was put down on 27 October 1944. (Anderson)

A Sturmgeschütz from 24.PzDiv; this was the only PzDiv to maintain the traditions of a former cavalry division. Instead of batteries or companies, the unit had Schwadronen (squadrons). The vehicle appears to be new and has a chassis number (95210) stencilled on the front, identifying it as having been built by Mühlenbau und Industrie AG (MIAG). (Münch)

The leading idea behind the Sturmartillerie was to give the attacking infantry battalions an armoured spearhead, a ‘battering ram’ intended to neutralize enemy infantry or anti-tank gun positions. However, it is interesting to note that before World War II began discussions were taking place as to whether the Sturmgeschütz could also be used as a tank destroyer, possibly replacing the dedicated tank destroyer battalion in an infantry division.

The crew of a Sturmgeschütz Ausf G from 1.Skijäger-Division are wearing the standard-pattern field grey Sonderbekleidung (special clothing). The vehicle is fitted with Winterketten (winter tracks) to improve mobility over muddy or snow-covered terrain. A wooden beam, for recovery purposes, has been placed on the track cover. (Anderson)

At that time the GenStdH preference was for open-topped vehicles which allowed the crew to have to a clear (but dangerous) view of the battlefield. This was soon dropped, since the vehicles would operate near or at the front-line and under heavy fire from all types of weapon.

By 1939, the design and development of a very low-profile vehicle with a multi-angled superstructure built on the chassis of the PzKpfw III Ausf F had been completed. It was armed with a short-barrelled 7.5cm K 37 L/24 in a mounting which allowed limited side traverse.

The somewhat (at that time) heavy calibre gun had a flat trajectory ideal for attacking enemy positions with high-explosive (HE) ammunition. Combat against an enemy tank was to be avoided and only occur in an emergency.

After the launch of Unternehmen (Operation) Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, Sturmgeschütz units were compelled to attack a wider range of targets when German infantry divisions were faced by masses of Soviet tanks. The situation became more desperate when the Red Army deployed the T-34 medium tank and the KV heavy tank, in ever-growing numbers on the battlefront. German tank destroyer battalions had become depleted and could not cope; the situation began to threaten the front-line positions held by the infantry.

When available, Sturmgeschütz proved to be capable of defeating the superior modern Russian tanks; at close range the 7.5cm gun, when firing HE ammunition, could seriously damage the turret or destroy the running gear on a T-34 or KV. If armour-piercing (AP) ammunition was available then the gun could penetrate the side and rear armour of an enemy tank. However, the clear tactical superiority of the better-trained crews and their well-functioning radio equipment should turn out to be of greater importance in deciding many battles.

The men of the Panzerwaffe, including Guderian, had no choice other than to accept that the Sturmgeschütz was a very versatile weapon and that the Sturmartillerie was a valuable asset to the army. Alkett, at that time the sole manufacturer of the Sturmgeschütz, was ordered to increase production; around 80 were completed in April 1941, and this number would steadily be increased.

The Panzerschock (tank shock) became more prevalent among German forces as ever-increasing numbers of T-34 and KV tanks appeared on the battlefront. To improve the situation a number of measures were expedited, the most important being the development of a new and powerful tank (also anti-tank) gun: the 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 (for tank use) or StuK 40 L/43 (for Sturmgeschütz use). The gun had a long barrel which produced a much higher muzzle velocity. In March 1942, this high-performance gun began to be mounted in the Sturmgeschütz and the PzKpfw IV Ausf F2 and Ausf G.

A short time after the first KwK 40-armed Sturmgeschütz reached front-line units it was found that it could be successfully used as a Panzerjäger (tank destroyer). Many Sturmartillerie units, deployed to support the infantry, were re-tasked to this new role and the Sturmgeschütz became a weapon much feared by Soviet forces on the Ostfront (Eastern Front).

December 1944: A Sturmgeschütz in a battle-damaged German town during fighting to the west of Aachen. Retreating German troops would soon set up positions in the Hürtgen Forest, in an attempt to delay the advance by US forces. The Seitenschürzen (side skirts), intended as protection against the Soviet anti-tank rifle. (Anderson)

One question, seemingly a ridiculous one, arises: What exactly defines a Sturmgeschütz? Is it the technical layout; the lack of a turret, or is it how it was deployed tactically? It is my opinion that combination of all these features that characterizes the German Sturmgeschütz.

While the original task of ‘supporting an assault by the infantry’ was the primary deployment for the StuG as part of the Sturmartillerie, assault guns were being issued in growing numbers to other services. For a number of reasons (which will be discussed later), Sturmgeschütz were assigned to the Waffen-SS, and also to the Panzerjäger detachments of Luftwaffe field units. By 1943 the situation with the supply of tanks became desperate: inadequate production in the Reich forced military planners to divert assault guns to Panzer grenadier and tank divisions.

At around the same time the meaning of the term Sturmgeschütz would also change. As enemy equipment improved, military planners initiated the rapid development of new weapons. Parallel to the work on heavy tanks, a schweres Sturmgeschütz was produced, using the chassis of Ferdinand Porsche’s ill-fated design for the Tiger tank. Known as the ‘Ferdinand’ it was intended as a schwerer Durchbruchspanzer (heavy breakthrough tank), thus strengthening the offensive arsenal of the Sturmartillerie. The schweres Sturmgeschütz was assigned to five Sturmartillerie battalions; three existing (StuGAbt 911, 197 and 912) and two new units. However, all were transferred to the Panzerjäger Truppen (tank hunter Troop).

Sturmgeschütz of an unidentified unit advance along a mud-covered road: The crew has fitted a large tarpaulin over the superstructure to prevent rain from entering the fighting compartment. (Getty)

A factory-new Sturmgeschütz Ausf G: The single numeral ‘7’ possibly indicates that it is from a smaller unit, such as a company issued to an infantry PzJgAbt. The cast-metal deflector fitted in front of the cupola was added on the assembly lines. The crew has used concrete to further reinforce the armour. (Andserson)

Adolf Hitler’s obsession for a heavier tank had been temporarily satisfied. However, German engineers were compelled to design and produce ever heavier types, culminating in the 70-ton Jagdtiger.

During this period, at the instigation of Guderian, a time-consuming conflict of interests began in the military. While the artillery was confident of getting new heavy weapons, the new Generalinspekteur des Heeres persuaded Hitler to supply the new Ferdinand to the Panzerjägertruppe, and thus under his control; the Sturmartillerie had finally lost any prospect of receiving more effective weapons.

Despite the fact that the Sturmgeschütz had proven to be a reliable and effective tank destroyer on the Eastern Front, continued availability of the type was put into question. To facilitate the manufacture of the PzKpfw V Panther, all production of the PzKpfw III was halted despite the effect this would have on the supply of assault guns. In medium turn, it was considered that all Sturmgeschütz would be produced on the chassis of the PzKpfw IV. However, these plans were not implemented.

More importantly, in late 1942 the development of a ‘neues Sturmgeschütz’ (new assault gun), which was intended to replace the Sturmgeschütz as a tank destroyer, began. Guderian demanded that these new developments were placed under the control of the Panzerjägerwaffe; ultimately the new assault gun became the Panzerjäger. The tank destroyer units were clearly identified, and the Sturmartillerie had to be content with the Sturmgeschütz.

Thus with the Jagdpanzer IV, an improved Sturmgeschütz, which had an improved sloping superstructure providing in increased level of protection for the crew, entered service. Initially the 7.5cm KwK 40 L/48 gun was installed, but later versions (Panzer IV/70 [A] and [V]) mounted the 7.5cm KwK 42 L/70 gun as used for PzKpfw V Panther.

Interestingly, development of the well-known Jagdpanther commenced under the designation ‘8.8cm Sturmgeschütz 42’, and the later Jagdtiger under ‘schweres Sturmgeschütz mit 12.8cm Kanone’.

Heavy bombing of the Alkett factory at the end of 1943 destroyed vital parts of the StuG production line which forced planners to reactivate earlier plans to utilize the PzKpfw IV chassis. The resulting vehicle was the StuG IV, and nearly all were delivered to tank destroyer units. The older type was designated StuG III and remained in production until 1945.

In 1944, a new leichter Panzerjäger (le PzJg) was developed using the chassis and running gear of the obsolete PzKpfw 38(t). This vehicle, the le PzJg 38 Hetzer (Baiter), was issued to Panzerjäger companies and some StuGBrig.

My research for this book has been based on wartime documentation only, much of which is stored in the archives of NARA and Bundesarchiv/Militärarchiv and others. Original and relevant photographs are important to support the text, but the choice of such material is not without problems. Having collected thousands of images of Sturmgeschütz over the past decades, I have having always tried to assign the vehicle shown to its respective unit; I must admit that identification has been only 20 or 25 per cent successful.

Where photographs have been found in surviving albums assembled by veterans or private collectors, clear identification can be made with much greater certainty. If a unit badge is visible the task is easy, but such distinguishing features are not always visible. Furthermore, investigation was made more complicated due to the fact that many units never used a specific emblem, or they were not applied.

A Leutnant from PzJgKp 1021 in 21.Luftwaffe Felddivision (LwFeldDiv – air force field division) stands beside a Sturmgeschütz from the unit. After the crew had camouflaged the vehicle with whitewash, they welded metal rods around the commander’s cupola to allow the application of concrete for extra protection. (Anderson)

A Sturmgeschütz Ausf G from Lw-PzDiv Hermann Göring has been fitted with smoke candle dischargers. In Italy, the Sturmgeschütz was highly-valued by crews fighting Allied armour, but was dogged by mechanical reliability; particularly the delicate final drive units. The small box on the track cover, which was normally fixed on the engine deck, contained the track tools. (Anderson)

If an identified unit fitted some specific alterations or modifications to their vehicles, then this can be also be used when identifying images. A fine example of this are the different types of lamp guard fitted by the workshops in some units, and these distinctive features provide reliable identification of a number Sturmgeschütz batteries or battalions. Unfortunately not all units introduced such modifications, or there was not time to fit them on the battlefront. For instance, lamp guards were fitted during a short period which ended late 1941.

In late 1942, a growing number of Sturmgeschütz were beginning to be issued to tank destroyer detachments in Luftwaffe and infantry divisions; later to tank units. A number of these units were equipped with only 14 or even ten Sturmgeschütz, making identification virtually impossible.

An instructor lectures personnel of a Luftwaffe field unit on how to recognize and attack Soviet tanks by using a scale model of each type currently in service. (Anderson)

Surrounded by SS-officers, Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler inspects one of the first Sturmgeschütz Ausf A issued to Sturmbatterie Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler (LSSAH). Himmler was eager to assemble a political army and Waffen-SS units attracted his particular attention; many were to receive privileged treatment. (NARA)