What type Panthers did the 12th SS use in Normandy please

[littletankman]

I'm re working my Panther at the mo and wanted it from the 12th SS in Normandy . Just I'm making it a an Ausf. A at the mo . I'm just wondering did the 12th SS use the Ausf.As in Normandy . I have lots of period photos of 12th SS early Ausf.Gs . I do have a photo of an Ausf.A which may be from the 12th SS but the author wont commit as another unit had Panthers in that area ?

Thanks Littletankman

[Rivetcounter]

Majority of Panthers used in Normandy where of the A models, the G model had only been in production for a short time by Normandy though there where a number present though without checking I’m unsure as to whether there where more D than G models but as you wish to build an A model this would be the strongest possibility for any division serving in Normandy.

[Woz]

This looks like an A  (4th Comp SSPz. reg12) June 6-12th

[littletankman]

Hi Rivetcounter ,
thanks yer thats what I thought . Ive got loads of picts of Ausf.A s in Normandy but all the Panthers named to the 12th SS have been early Ausf. Gs . I would of thought they would have had Ausf.As aswell .

Thanks Littletankman

[littletankman]

Hi Woz , Nice pict , Im no expert but it looks as if it could be a G you can just see the begining of the G style skirt  . But I could be wrong  :-\

Thanks Littletankman

[Woz]

I think your right.

I was mixing it up with a pic of a 3rd comp tank.

[jrc]

the HJ were equiped with 'G' as far as I know

[Rivetcounter]

It would depend on when the tanks where issued to each division without having a look through books I cant remember but if you take Tiger Abteilungs for instance SS101 had the oldest Tigers with a mix of mid and late then SS102 all late and the newest Tiger went to 503 late and Tiger II, meaning that the premier divisions didn’t always get the newest tanks but where probably issued with tanks first

[jrc]

the photo I think is also an early 'G', doesn't appear to have drivers viewing port and no chin on mantlet

[BigPanzer]

Hi,

The photo is definately an early G. But that does not mean that the whole unit was equipped with them - they probably used whatever they had, so you would find A's, A's repaired with G bits such as hatches and maybe even the occasional D - with or without modifications.

Peter