Early War Panzer Battalions

I recently embarked on collecting an early war German Panzer formation. The aim was to collect vehicles that could be used on the Western Front, during the invasion of France in 1940, as well as the initial operations against the Russians as part of Operation Barbarossa.

I have always like the look of the Panzer 38t and decided to use the formations equipped with these vehicles as a basis my early war German Panzer formations. The question was trying to determine the changes of organisation that took place in these formations over two years as new equipment was introduced.

After some reading, as well the following general information supplied by John Moher, my initial Panzer formations were organised as follows.

Panzer 38t and Panzer IVD tanks advance during a 1941 game on the Eastern Front. Models by Heroics & Ros.

The following TO&E are supplied in a Spearhead format. 

France 1940                                                      Morale: Regular

Battalion Headquarters:
HQ: 1 Panzer 38t
1 Recon Panzer II
2 - Light Tank Companies each with:
2 - Panzer 38ts
1 - Panzer 38t or Panzer I
1 - Panzer II
1 - Medium Tank Company with:
2 - Panzer IVDs
1 - Panzer II

Notes:

1. In 1940 there were only Panzer II A-E were available, all have DEF 2/2 only.
2. In France during 1940 the 7th Panzer Division would have the 1 x Panzer I per light company while the 8th Panzer Division a third Panzer 38t.

 

Russia, Summer 1941                                        Morale: Veteran or Regular

Battalion Headquarters:
HQ: 1 Panzer 38t
1 Recon Panzer II
2 - Light Tank Companies each with:
3 - Panzer 38ts
1 - Panzer II
1 - Medium Tank Company with:
2 - Panzer IVDs
1 - Panzer II

Notes:

1. In 1941 all Panzer II are F models. Earlier model vehicles have been up armoured. All therefore have a DEF 3/2.
2. Five divisions were so equipped. Being the 7th, 8th, 12th, 19th and 20th Panzer Divisions.

 

Russia, 1942                                                      Morale: Veteran or Regular

Battalion Headquarters:
HQ: 1 Panzer 38t
1 Recon Panzer II
2 - Light Tank Companies each with:
3 - Panzer 38ts
1 - Medium Tank Company with:
3 - Panzer IVDs or Panzer IVEs

Notes:

1. IIn 1941 all Panzer II are F models. Earlier model vehicles have been up armoured. All therefore have a DEF 3/2.
2. Panzer 38ts would be later models so should be up armoured with a DEF of 4/2.
3. Panzer IVs are either D or E models. 

 

[World War II in Miniature] This article is compiled by Keith McNelly.