June 5th 1943, Kursk

Panther Tank

As ordered by the Stavka, I have gathered recent research and evidence surrounding the new German Super Tank, called the Panther by our front line commanders and troops. While the power of these tanks cannot be disputed the Germans have wrongly deployed their tanks during the Battle of Kursk and as such we were able to retrieve a number of damaged tanks for closer study. This report holds up to date information on this new German tank and we hope to use it against the Germans in the upcoming offensive on the 1st August 1944. While our Engineers were initially impressed by the quality of these tanks the Germans hold very few of them, and as such they will not pose any real threat on the strategic level. However, on the tactical level, our frontline commanders and soldiers need to be made aware of the dangers these tanks pose. For the Motherland

Aleksander Bielski

Initial Sightings Our first sighting of the Panther tank occurred during the first days of the Battle of Kursk (5 July 1943). Soldiers noted the T-34 shaped tanks, at first believing that they might be captured T34s. It is indeed no incident that the Germans copied the design of our T-34 tanks, repositioning the turret closer to the front and adding sloping front plating, their fighting experience must had shown how innovative our T-34 design was. Zis-3 and T-34 guns had great difficulty with punching through the front of the Panther, but tank hunter teams were quick to neutralise the threat by sneaking up on the sides and rear of the Panthers. Complex network of defenses, artillery and air force also contributed to the destruction of these tanks. While the Panther proved deadly against our own tanks, its gun and accuracy outmatching our own, it was not as efficient in dealing with our infantry. Our Guard units, in conjunction with hidden ZiS-3 guns, managed to ambush these tanks with ease. A closer analysis of the Panther follows on the next few pages.

Panther Tank Analysis

Engineers have reported that the Panther is one of the most modern tanks used by any force in the world. Their scopes allow for long visibility, their calibration instruments are of top quality, while their gun caliber can penetrate any of our tanks' armor with ease. Despite this quality of equipment, the Germans have failed to sufficiently reinforce the sides and rear of the Panther, both on the turret and the hull. This makes it highly vulnerable to ambushes and flanking attacks, as our Kursk experience has shown. The incredible cost of producing one of these tanks, as well as the amount of work needed to repair and maintain them, makes it worthwhile to hunt

down these tanks when possible, since the loss of these tanks will weigh heavily on the Germans. We should be careful when the Germans use these tanks, as we are certain that their initial experience taught them how to use these tanks more effectively. While in the upcoming offensive we will have better access to artillery and heavier tanks, as well as the T-34/85, we should still be wary of the Panthers. It has been noted, in later engagements, that the Panther was armed with an additional Machine Gun, manned by one of the Crew Members in the top hatch. This has made the tank far deadlier against our brave soldiers. Furthermore, certain veteran crews have improvised additional protection on their panthers, adding more plating to their vulnerable sides. Panther crews can be easily identified by the kill markings on their tanks. If such Panthers are spotted commanders should both be careful when engaging them, but when given the chance these tanks should be destroyed.

Suggested Tactics

With experience thus gained, from Kursk and later battles, the following are recommended when dealing with the Panther. 1. Ambush It is clear that attacking the Panther from the front is suicidal. In order to efficiently dispatch these tanks Anti-Tank guns or Tank Destroyers must work together with Guard units or Engineers to immobilize or slow down the Panthers for the larger guns to destroy them. Guard units should use their DP-271 Machine Guns to button the vehicle. Alternatively a T-34 may sacrifice itself to ram into the Panther, thus slowing it down.

Other methods include the use of mines, that could damage the Panther's Engine. Building obstacles, such as sandbag walls, could be used to force the Panther into a halt, giving your guns precious seconds to fire. If you must fight the Panther from the front overwhelming firepower must be used in order to effectively penetrate its front. 2. Death From Above Our brave IL-2 pilots have the means to destroy the Panthers effectively, but they are not always available to all frontline commanders. Artillery Guns and the mighty Katyushas may also be used in destroying the Panther tanks from above. If a Commander manages to identify a repair area of a German force great care should be taken to bomb it at the most opportune time, especially if Panther or Elefant tanks are currently being repaired. 3. Enemy Weapons By capturing German anti-tank weapons we can use them against their own Panthers. The Panzerschreck and Pak 40 are the most prized among these. Our soldiers should retrieve them, when possible, to counter all German Armor.

Further Notes ISU-152 and IS-2 Tanks, while still very few in number, can be put to great effect when facing the Panthers. However, their loss will not only be costly, but the commander in charge will be court martialled for mal-use of government issued equipment. While our men are ready to die for our Great Motherland, we need all our tanks and vehiles to remain functional for the eventual push on Berlin. While the destruction of the Panther tanks will aid the war effort no commander should be careless enough to throw away the best our factories can offer on pointless assaults. With these words I conclude this report. Attached are the notes and photographs from field tests on the captured Panthers. For The Motherland Aleksander Bielski