Syrian Brigade and Independent Battalions - 1967

The following TO&E are given in a format suitable for Modern Spearhead. 

On the surface the Syrian's were able to field a substantial army by 1967, though it was to be found lacking in equipment and training. Much of the equipment was of World War II vintage. In MSH terms the Syrians are best rated as Third World.

Interestingly even by 1967 there was no permanent Syrian organisation above the brigade level. This was only changed just prior to the 1973 War when divisions level formations began to be formed.
 
As France increased it's sales of equipment to Israel in the 1950's it felt compelled to supply more useful equipment to the Syrians to maintain a balance between the two nations. To this end a number of reconditioned German vehicles were supplied in some numbers. These included PzKpfw IV Ausf H and a limited number of Stug IIIs and JadgPanzer IVs. However, as the Syrian moved to the left the French influence was replaced by that of the Soviets.

This "new" Soviet equipment included initially numbers of T-34/85s which along with the PzIVH were involved in the 1964 "Winter War". This in turn resulted in the supply of T-54s to replace the T-34s.

Knocked out Syrian Panzer IVH after fighting in the Golan Heights

By 1967 the Syrians fielded some 750 tanks and 585 APCs. At least one mechanised Brigade was formed using BTR-152s and two Armoured Brigades which Zaloga describes as "primarily" equipped with T-54 and T-55s. Churchill indicates an additional armoured brigade was transferred to the Golan Front on June 5th 1967.

Zaloga provides a summary of the more unusual ex-German vehicles in Syrian service. It would seem that France supplied 40 reconditioned vehicles consisting of PzKpfw IV, Jagdpanzer IV and Stug IIIs. Later more PzKpfw IVs were purchased from Czechoslovakia and Spain. In his book, Tank Battles of the Middle East Wars Part One, are photographs of Syrian Jagdpanzer IVs (stated they had 6), Hummels (5), Stug III G (28) and Panzer IVs from France (28).

Three battalion sized attacks were launched by the Syrians into Israel on the 6th of June. Each was supported by 15-20 tanks. They were directed at the Israeli settlements of Tel Dan, Kibbutz Dan and She'ar Yashuv in the extreme north eastern corner of Israel. Their was only one Syrian infantry brigade in the fornt line in this sector so its possible that this was completly allocated to these attacks or it used reserve formations initially held back behind line.

Operations during the Six Day War in the Golan cost the Israelis some 160 tanks. In contrast Syria lost 73 T-34/85s, PzKpfw IVs and T-54s; seven SU-100s; and a few old StuG IIIs. The T-34's, Pz IVH's and Stugs were primarily involved in the fighting, 30 being entrenched in the Golan Heights.

Artillery should be allocated to the brigades as required and would likely follow the organisation defined in the MSH TO&E charts. A higher number of guns may have been the older M-1938 122mm guns as rather than the newer D-30s. A limited number of BM21 and 130mm guns were also used.


Syrian Infantry Brigade                                     Morale: Green or Regular

Brigade Headquarters:
HQ: 1 HQ Stand in Truck
1 - Anti Tank Company:
2 - 57mm or 85mm Anti-Tank Gun & Truck
1 - Anti Aircraft Battery:
1 - ZPU1 or 37mm AA & Truck

3 - Infantry Battalions each with:
Battalion Headquarters:
 1 - HQ Stand
3 - Infantry Company each with:
2 - Rifle stands
Heavy Weapons Company:
2 - HMGs
1 - 82mm Mortar

Notes:

1. This TO&E is supposed to be typical only.
2. Trucks are likely to be provided for movement of troops as required.
3. At least one Mechanised Brigade existed, probably more. The 17th Mechanised Brigade is known to be equipped with BTR-152 APC's while it's Anti-Tank Company used SU-100s rather than towed anti-tank guns. Churchill indicates others may also have had SU-100s

Syrian Independent Tank Battalion                  Morale: Green

Battalion Headquarters:
HQ: 1 HQ Stand in Tank
3 - Tank Companies each with:
3 - Tanks

Notes:

1. Eight Tank battalions existed and were to be used in support of the Infantry Brigades. They can be allocated out as support companies.
2. Tanks were mostlyT34/85, but with some Panzer IVs; StuG III,  and a handful of JadgPanzer IVs. The Stugs and Panzer IV's may be in weak battalions or, more likely, allocated out by companies for static entrenchments.

 

 

Syrian Armoured Brigade                                 Morale: Green or Regular

Brigade Headquarters:
HQ: 1 HQ Stand in BTR-152
HQ Defence: 1 - BRDM-1
1 - Recon Company:
2 - BRDM 1
1 - Anti Tank Company:
2 - SU100 Assualt Guns
1 - Anti Air Company:
1 - ZPU-1 or 37mm AA & Truck

3 - Armoured Battalions each with:
Battalion Headquarters:
 HQ: 1 - T54 or T55
3 - Tank Companies each with:
3 - T-54 or T55

1 - Mechanised Battalion with:
Battalion Headquarters:
 1 - HQ Stand in BTR-152
3 - Mechanized Company each with:
2 - Rifle stands in BTR-152
Heavy Weapons Company:
2 - HMGs in BTR-152 or Trucks
1 - 82mm Mortar & Truck

Notes:

1. The Syrian 14th and 44th Armoured Brigades were formed with T54s or T55s and some T34/85s. Churchill indicates a third Brigade. Therefore optionally replace one tank battalion's T54/T55 tanks with T34/85s.


Sources:
Churchill, Randolph, The Six Day War, London: Heinemann, 1967.
Zaloga, Steven, Armour of the Midde East Wars 1948-78, London: Ospey Publishing, 1981.
Zaloga, Steven, Tank Battles of the Middle East Wars Part One.

[Return to the Modern Spearhead Page] This article is compiled by Keith McNelly.