Lone Sentry: TM-E 30-451 Handbook on German Military Forces: Armored Organic Units: Combat Troops (Fechtende Truppen): Organization of the Field Forces

CHAPTER II. ORGANIZATION OF THE FIELD FORCES

Section VI. COMBAT TROOPS (FECHTENDE TRUPPEN)

4. Armored Organic Units

Armored troops (Panzertruppen), created as an arm in April 1943, include many units which, according to the American conception, belong to other arms. This refers specifically to the Panzer Grenadier units which the Germans include in the armored troops arm, while we consider them as belonging to the infantry; tank destroyer units; and armored reconnaissance units, each of which we consider as belonging to their appropriate arm while the Germans include them under armored troops.

a. THE ARMY TANK (Panzer) REGIMENT. This consists of two tank battalions of three companies each, but a fourth, an assault gun company, frequently may be encountered. It is believed that the tables of organization specify 14 tanks for each of the companies, distributed as follows: two in company headquarters, and four in each of the three platoons. One battalion usually is equipped with Pz. Kpfw. V tanks, and the other with Pz. Kpfw. IV tanks. (See Figures 87 to 96.)

b. THE SS TANK (Panzer) REGIMENT. This regiment is organized similarly to the Army Tank (Panzer) Regiment except that the tank companies are believed to consist of 17 instead of 14 tanks. They are distributed as follows: two in company headquarters and five in each of the three platoons. The SS tank regiment has therefore more strength and fire power than the Army Tank Regiment. (See Figures 97 to 101)

c. THE TANK BATTALION. In the Army Motorized Division this battalion is organized similarly to the tank battalions in the Army Armored Division; it sometimes may be replaced by an assault gun battalion.

d. THE TANK BATTALION. In the SS Motorized Division it is organized similarly to the tank battalions in the SS Armored Division.

e. THE SS TANK COMPANY. In the SS Mountain Division this is organized similarly to the SS tank companies in the SS Armored Division; it may be replaced sometimes by an assault gun company.

f. FLAME-THROWER TANK PLATOONS. These consist of six flame-throwing Pz. Kpfw. II tanks, and are frequently organic in the tank regiment (Army and SS). They are either a part of the regimental headquarters company or are assigned directly to the regimental headquarters.

TM-E 30-451 Handbook on German Military Forces		LoneSentry.com