Panzer Aces and the Pzkw IV Ausf. G or Ausf. H?

[Glen B]

I am interested to hear comments regarding the number of panzer aces who served on the Pzkw IV Ausf. G or Ausf. H.

From my limited research, the sources that list aces and their tanks, the Tigers, Panther and Stug III outnumber the Pzkw IV, even though the later was quite numerous.

I wonder if this reflects on the Pzkw IV or is it due to them playing a different role than the other AFV's?

[Saxondog]

You have raised a valid point. This is something that seems very interesting. I'm sure alot of the information was propaganda, the more famous persons fighting in the newest and best equipment.

Still this does seem interesting to me and think it is worth researching. How would you like to proceed? Are their sites? I have done alot of research on the Tiger I and King Tigers, the Jagdpanther's and Panthers. But that's all. Glen if you want to add to the reference section or need help doing the research I'm willing as this seems very interesting. Blake

http://rctankwarfare.co.uk/forums/viewforum.php?f=105" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jrc]

hi Sax

this is a good starting point -

http://www.panzerkampfwagen-tiger-181-e ... r_Aces.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ross

[Saxondog]

Thanks Ross, This site is new to me and shall look forward to reviewing it in detail. Would you please post a link in the reference section as I am sure others will like this information as well. Great find and thanks for posting. cheers Sax

[Glen B]

Glen if you want to add to the reference section or need help doing the research I'm willing as this seems very interesting.

Here is the one site I examined;

http://www.panzerkampfwagen-tiger-181-e ... r_Aces.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You have raised a valid point. This is something that seems very interesting. I'm sure alot of the information was propaganda, the more famous persons fighting in the newest and best equipment.

From what I have seen, the Tiger and Panther did get a lot of "press". However, the less "glamorous" Stg shows up a lot, too.

[Glen B]

I don't know if the site listed is accurate or totally inclusive.

It doesn't differntiate all the time between Stug III and Stug IV, often just listing "Stug", then there are cases where the person listed used both at one time or another.

Anyway, I did an unofficial, unscientific count, unless I missed a few, here is what I got;

Pzkw IV 4

Panther 4

Tiger I 33

Tiger II 3

"Stug" 29

Panzer IV, the low number u a surprise to me;

- the F & G had the long 75mm gun
- they were one of the most numerous German tanks

The low number for the Panther was a surprise for me because;

- it entered service in 1943, not as late as the Tiger II or Jagdpanther
- made in higher numbers than the Tiger I
- any reports I have read indicated it's 75mm gun was very effective
- it was reported as more mobile than the Tiger I or II

The Tiger I numbers were not a surprise;

- I suspect they were used in defensive roles against enemy tanks
- I suspect they were held specifically for specialized anti-tank use
- the 88 had a well desrved reputation

The Tiger II was too late and not numerous enough to reflect high numbers, IMHO

Stugs (III & IV)

- I have read that they were often used as antitank weapons, giving opportunity
- their 75mm guns, while not in the league of the Tiger or Panther was still quite effective
- the low profile had to help in concealment and make for a more difficult target to hit