Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

German weapons, vehicles and equipment 1919-1945.

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Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by Rui Esteves »

Operation Barbarossa, showed the Germans the major use of mobile rocket platforms, from that, the Germans started to use captured French chassis with captured French/Soviet weapons in different kinds of rocket artillery. After that, it starts using the German equipment.

It will be interesting to know the production/delivery stats, unit assignments. And also the strengths and losses of this kind of vehicles. (Mainly in the major battles, such, Kharkov, Zitadelle, Normandy, Ardennes)

With my researches, i found this out:

> Multiple rocket launchers
(Panzerwerfer 42 - 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 rockets)
15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 (Sf) auf Sd.Kfz.4/1, based on the Opel Maultier
15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 (Sf) auf schwerer Wehrmachtsschlepper, based on the sWS
15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 (Sf) auf m.gep Zgkw. S303 (f), based on the Somua MCL
15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 (Sf) auf m.gep Zgkw. Somua S307 (f), based on the Somua MCG

(Vielfachwerfer - Soviet 8 cm BM-8 rockets)
8 cm Vielfachwerfer auf m.gep.Zgkw. Somua S303 (f), based on the Somua MCL
8 cm Vielfachwerfer auf m.gep.Zgkw. Somua S307 (f), based on the Somua MCG
8 cm Vielfachwerfer auf m.gep.Zgkw. U305(f), based on the Unic TU1


> Multiple rocket projector launchers
(Wurfrahmen - 28 cm/32 cm Wurfkoerper rockets)
Sd.Kfz. 251/1 mit Wurfrahmen 40
28/32 cm Wurfrahmen (Sf) auf Infanterie-Schlepper UE (f), based on the Renault UE
28/32 cm Wurfrahmen (Sf) auf PzKpfw 35H (f), based on the Hotchkiss H35
28/32 cm Wurfrahmen (Sf) auf PzKpfw 38H (f), based on the Hotchkiss H38
28/32 cm Wurfrahmen (Sf) auf PzKpfw 39H (f), based on the Hotchkiss H39


> Tiered mortar launchers
(Reihenwerfer - French 8 cm Brandt mortars)
8 cm Reihenwerfer auf m.gep.Zgkw. Somua S303 (f), based on the Somua MCL
8 cm Reihenwerfer auf m.gep.Zgkw. Somua S307 (f), based on the Somua MCG

(Granatwerfer – 8 cm GrW34 mortar)
Sd.Kfz. 250/7 leichter Granatwerferwagen
Sd.Kfz. 251/2 mittlerer Granatwerferwagen
8 cm Granatwerfer auf leSPW U304 (f), based on the Unic-Kégresse P107
8 cm Granatwerfer auf PzKpfw 35R 731 (f), based on the Renault R35 and R40
8 cm Granatwerfer auf PzKpfw 38H 735 (f), based on the Hotchkiss H38
8 cm Granatwerfer auf Panzerspähwagen AMR35 (f), based on the AMR-35


> Multiple anti-tank rockets launchers
(Raketenpanzerbusche – 8.8 cm RPzB 43/54)
8.8 cm Panzerjäger Borgward B IVc Ausführung mit Raketenpanzerbüchse 54, based on the Borgward B IV
8.8 cm Panzerjäger Bren 731 (e), based on the Universal Bren Gun Carrier
8.8 cm Panzerjäger Bren 732 (e), based on the Universal Scout Carrier
Sd.Kfz. 251 (8.8 cm RPzB 43/54)
Volkswagen Kübelwagen (8.8 cm RPzB 43/54)


I know also, that the Vielfachwerfers were mainly used by Waffen-SS, the Granatwerfers were used by the Panzergrenadiers, the Wurfrahmens were mostly employed by the Panzer-Pioneres and Panzer-Zerstörergruppen used the 8.8 cm Panzerjäger Bren 731/732 (e).


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Re: Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by sniper1shot »

Any pics to show the various models either in action or on static display??
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Re: Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by Waleed Y. Majeed »

Through Google image search...

Panzerwerfer 42 - 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 rockets & Vielfachwerfer - Soviet 8 cm BM-8 rockets
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Waf ... rfer-R.htm

Wurfrahmen - 28 cm/32 cm Wurfkoerper rockets
http://www.militaryimages.net/photopost ... hoto/23627

etc.


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Re: Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by Rui Esteves »

Inages, for example, could be found at:

Multiple anti-tank rockets launchers
http://www.geocities.com/Augusta/8172/panzerfaust3.htm


15cm Panzerwerfer 42 auf Selbstfahrlafette Sd.Kfz.4/1
http://www.achtungpanzer.com/votw/sdkfz41.htm


Reihenwerfer auf Somua MCG S307(f) - "Walkaround"
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/557361586SAgZCv

Could find a lot pics researching the web.


In Normandy, 21.Panzer Division had:
Rgt.Einh./Pz.Gren.Rgt. 125 and Rgt.Einh./Pz.Gren.Rgt. 192, each had 4 Reihenwerfer auf Somua.
10./Pz.Art.Rgt. 155 had Nebelwerfer (Sf)


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Re: Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by Doktor Krollspell »

Hello Gentlemen!

Here's an addition to the Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread with the Werfer officers who recieved the Ritterkreuz...


Wolf Andreae, who recieved the RK on 24.06.1944 as an Oberst commanding Werfer-Rgt. 71

Albert Dubicki, who recieved the RK on 12.08.1944 as an Unteroffizier and VB in the 1./Werfer-Rgt. 14

Hermann Henle, who recieved the RK on 19.09.1943 as a Hauptmann and Fhr. II./Werfer-Rgt. 70 (für Verdienste als Fhr. II./GR 9)

Herbert von Kalinowsky, who recieved the RK on 30.04.1945 as an Oberst and Kdr. Volks-Werfer-Brig. 8

Josef Kuher (alt. Kuper), who recieved the RK on 05.03.1945 as an Oberwachtmeister and Bttr. Offz. u. VB i. d. 7./Werfer-Rgt. (mot) 3

Egbert Martens, who recieved the RK on 03.11.1944 as an Oberst and Kdr. Werfer-Rgt. 70

Prochazka, Robert Freiherr von, recieved the RK on 19.12.1943 as a Hauptmann and Abt. Fhr. im Werfer-Rgt. 55

Walther Schellhase, who recieved the RK on 30.10.1943 as a Leutnant d.R. and Bttr. Offz. in 6./Werfer-Rgt. 52

Helmut Wieselhuber, who recieved the RK on 14.05.1944 as a Leutnant in the 1./s.Werfer-Rgt. (mot) 1


Then there is also the younger brother of Generalfeldmarschall Erhard Milch but I'm not sure if his unit was equipped with rocket artillery in anyway... See also link for a short biography (with photograph) of Werner Milch.

Dr. jur. Werner Milch, who recieved the RK on 09.01.1945 as a Hauptmann d.R. and Kdr. Fsch.Granatwerfer Lehr- und Versuchs-Btl.

http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Per ... /Milch.htm



Comments, corrections and additions is as always very welcome and wanted...


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Krollspell
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Re: Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by Doktor Krollspell »

See the following link for a detailed Gliederung der Nebeltruppe. It contains a lot of information on unit organization, structure and deployment.

http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... truppe.htm


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Krollspell
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Re: Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by Rui Esteves »

Hi,

In Normandy, besides the eight 8cm Reihenwerfer auf SPW Somua S303/307 (f) and the 15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 (Sf) in 21. Panzer Division, there was also 8cm Vielfachwerfer auf SPW Somua S303/307 (f) in this division.

The Artillerie Regiment 1716 / 716. Infanterie Division, had at Normandy:
8cm Reihenwerfer auf SPW Somua S303 (f)
8cm Vielfachwerfer auf SPW Somua S307 (f)


The 8cm Vielfachwerfer auf SPW Somua S303 (f) had two racks of 80mm rockets and carried 232 HE and 56 smoke rockets.

The Granatwerfers use a 8 cm GrW34 mortar.

The Reihenwerfers use French 8 cm Brandt mortars:
8cm Schwerer Reihenwerfer auf SPW Somua S303 (f) 20x 81mm Brandt mortars on a single mount
8cm Leichter Reihenwerfer auf SPW Somua S307 (f) 16x 81mm Brandt mortars on a single mount


About the production, I found this out:
8cm Schwerer Reihenwerfer auf SPW Somua S303 (f), based on the Somua MCL, 16 produced

8cm Leichter Reihenwerfer auf SPW Somua S307 (f), based on theSomua MCG, 36 produced

8cm Vielfachwerfer auf SPW Somua S303 (f), 6 produced

28/32 cm Wurfrahmen (Sf) auf Infanterie-Schlepper UE (f), based on the Renault UE, 40 produced in 2 versions (You can see this, in the next 2 images)

15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 (Sf) auf Sd.Kfz.4/1, based on the Opel Maultier:
April of 1943 - March of 1944 300 produced by Opel
June of 1944 19 converted from Sd.Kfz.4 to Sd.Kfz.4/1

The Sd.Kfz.4s were Munitionskraftwagen für Nebelwerfer Sd.Kfz.4, ammuntion carriers for 15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 (Sf) auf Sd.Kfz.4/1, based on the Opel Maultier. Being produced 289 vehicles

Other sources states that were produced the following:
1943
Panzerwerfer 43 244
Munitionsfahrzeug 183

1944
Panzerwerfer 43 52
Munitionsfahrzeug 68


8cm Granatwerfer auf PSW AMR35(f)
Image


28/32 cm Wurfrahmen (Sf) auf Infanterie-Schlepper UE (f), based on the Renault UE
Image

Image



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Re: Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by sniper1shot »

This the first time I have seen these vehicles. All on capture Bren Gun Carrier chasis too it looks like.
Love to see more photos of the 81mm Mortar variant.
Thanks for these photos.
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Re: Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by Rui Esteves »

Normandy's Final Report about self-propelled Werfer Artillery:

21. Panzer Division had:
(10.) Rgt.Einh./Pz.Gren.Rgt. 125 -> 4 x 8cm Reihenwerfer auf SPW Somua S303/S307 (f)
(10.) Rgt.Einh./Pz.Gren.Rgt. 192 -> 4 x 8cm Reihenwerfer auf SPW Somua S303/307 (f)
10./Pz.Art.Rgt. 155 -> 6 x 8cm Vielfachwerfer auf SPW Somua S303 (f)

716. Infanterie Division had:
Art.Rgt. 1716 -> ? x 8cm Reihenwerfer auf SPW Somua S303 (f)
Art.Rgt. 1716 -> ? x 8cm Vielfachwerfer auf SPW Somua S307 (f)

7. Werfer Brigade had:
I./Werfer-Rgt. 84 -> 7 x 15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 (Sf)
II./Werfer-Rgt. 84 -> 8 x 15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 (Sf)


Another Werfer units in Normandy (but only with motorized 15 cm Nebelwerfer):
SS-Werfer Abt. 102 (From II. SS-Pz.Korps attached to 2. SS-Pz.Div. Das Reich)
Stellungs-Werfer Rgt. 101


(1x 15cm Panzerwerfer 42 (Sf) were captured by French forces, and used in FFI's 1ere GMR (Groupement Mobile de Reconnaissance)/ "Escadron Autonome de Chars Besnier" in December 1944. Probably captured from 7. Werfer Brigade in Normandy)

If in 1944 at Normandy, were only this self-propelled rocket artillery vehicles, where were all the other ones?
Panzerwerfers, Vielfachwerfers (the rest of them), Wurfrahmens (based on French and German chassis), Reihenwerfers (the rest of them) and the Granatwerfers (based on French and German chassis)?



Reihenwerfer auf SPW Somua S307 (f) - 21. Panzer Division, Normandy
Image


Reihenwerfer auf SPW Somua S307 (f) - 21. Panzer Division, Normandy
Image
(Photo for previous e-Bay's sale)

(There is a little difficulty to find photos of Reihenwerfer)
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Re: Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by Grzesio »

Just a couple of notices...
>(Vielfachwerfer - Soviet 8 cm BM-8 rockets)
8 cm Vielfachwerfer auf m.gep.Zgkw. Somua S303 (f), based on the Somua MCL
8 cm Vielfachwerfer auf m.gep.Zgkw. Somua S307 (f), based on the Somua MCG
8 cm Vielfachwerfer auf m.gep.Zgkw. U305(f), based on the Unic TU1
The launcher was also mounted on the 15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 chassis. SS-Vielfachwerferbatterie 521 and 522 were equipped with these vehicles, the 521 was assigned to 11. Freiwilligen Panzer Grenadier Division Nordland fighting in Kurland. According to Fleischer, only 13 8 cm R-Vielfachwerfers were built.
Contrary to popular belief, the 8 cm RSprgr was not a direct copy of the Soviet M-8 rocket*. It was obviously inspired by the M-8, but was significantly improved (heavier, faster, modern ignition system), offering much better performance than even the best version of the Soviet predecessor.
______
* The Soviet artillery rockets were designated with the letter M (probably from Mina - mortar shell). Abbreviation BM (Boyevaya Mashina) refered to a self propelled rocket launcher on a car or tank chassis.
> Multiple anti-tank rockets launchers
(...)
8.8 cm Panzerjäger Bren 731 (e), based on the Universal Bren Gun Carrier
8.8 cm Panzerjäger Bren 732 (e), based on the Universal Scout Carrier
Brens were NOT anti-tank rocket launchers, as opposed to e.g. Borgwards. They were just used for transporting tank hunters and so were equipped with racks for Panzerschrecks and Panzerfausts, but these weapons were to be used by soldiers in regular handheld way, outside of the carrier.

Regards

Grzesio
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Re: Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by Rui Esteves »

Here is a image of a Panzerjäger Bren 731(e) with Panzerschreck
Image

They were field conversions, with three Panzerschreck tubes and utilised by the Panzer-Zerstörergruppen. They carried also other anti-tank weapons, the Panzerfaust. The Panzerjäger Bren was used mostly on the Eastern Front.

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Re: Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by Rui Esteves »

Is the image of the Panzerjäger Bren 731(e) with Panzerschreck from 3. Panzer-Grenadier-Division?


Do anyone knows, which units used the Panzerjäger Bren and where they saw combat?



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Re: Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by pak »

Rui Esteves wrote:Is the image of the Panzerjäger Bren 731(e) with Panzerschreck from 3. Panzer-Grenadier-Division?
The marking on the back of the vehicle indicates that. See http://www.feldgrau.com/PzGrenDiv.php?ID=1
/pak
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Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by Rui Esteves »

8cm Vielfachwerfer auf SPW Somua S303 (f) of the 10./Pz.Art.Rgt. 155 of 21. Panzer Division at Lion-sur-Mer in April,1944:

Image

Image

Image




Do anyone can share info about which units used the Panzerjäger Bren and where they saw combat?



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Rui Esteves
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Re: Forgotten Artillerie - The Official Werfer-Artillerie Thread

Post by Rui Esteves »

Hi, does anyone knows any book in English about the German Rockets/Mortars (Werfer) and the vehicles that launched them?


I already find out these:
Joachim Engelmann. German Rocket Launchers in WWII. Schiffer Publishing.
Michael Foedrowitz. Stalin Organs: Russian Rocket Launchers. Schiffer Publishing. (maybe a little off-topic, but the Germans used/copied and improved the Soviet M-8 82mm Rockets).


Best regards,

Rui Esteves
"In the fog of History, there is sometimes a Light" - Rui Esteves
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