The quote is from myself.The Pz38s of the PzVb 700
The origin of these panzers is unknown. There are two possibilities:
1. They got them from another unit
2. They got them from Germany (factory-fresh).
Let's discuss version #1. Who could be the previous owner of these tanks?
As we know, the unit recieved its components from 10. ID, 11. Pz, 19. Pz, 27. Pz and 22. Pz, as well as some personel from 14. Pz and 24. Pz. These are the units that are in play at the moment. Let's take them one by one.
a) 10. ID - did not operate this kind of Panzer, and the unit they gave to the PzVb was the PzSp Kp 700 - out of play.
b) 14. Pz and 24. Pz - did not operate this Panzer, and it seem that only personel like Hassel were diverted to this unit from them - out of play.
c) 11. Pz. Take a look at this link.
http://www.thirdreichforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=37643
As you can see from the data provided by the always helpful Andy Hill, this unit did not operate the Pz38 - out of play.
d) 19. Pz - As you could see in the above mentioned thread, they had approximately the same number of Pz38's in the Summer and November of '42, so it is extremely unlikely for them to be the suppliers - out of play.
e) 27. Pz - this was hard to determine, but finally I got it.
Quote:
Pz Verband 700 traf am 9 November mit ersten Teilen - im »E-TransEort über Kursk« herangeführt - bei 27 Pz Div ein Er zog im Raum um Nis neWeduga (nordöstlich Kastornoje) unter und begann mit seiner endgültigen Aufstellung, hierbei unterstützt durch AOK 2.
(As you can see, your info was crucial!)
As we know, the PzVb had the Panzer unit and the PzSp Kp. But, the PzSp Kp was formed only on Nov 20. So, the only unit that could be transported to them via rail was the Pz unit, so it couldn't have been part of this unit before - out of play!
f) 22. Pz - operated this kind of Panzer, was a constant supplier of equipment to 27. Pz.
We still have possibility no. 2 in play, but not for long. As we know, the PzVb had experienced constant technical difficulties with the Panzers, as well as lack of winter equipment. It is extremely unlikely that the brand-new Panzers would have an only 33% of them ready for use. Moreover, they wouldn't send a Pz unit to Southern Russia in October without a winter equipment! (the year is 1942, not '41).
Please add your comments.
Best,
Abel
) states Tessin's information is flawed; and "all other efforts pale in comparison" - I guess the only way a person can be absolutely sure of accurate information on the subject is to take a few years off and bury yourself in the German archives.
