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Panther TankJune 5th 1943, Kursk

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As ordered by the Stavka, I have gatheredrecent research and evidence surroundingthe new German Super Tank, called the

Panther by our front line commanders andtroops. While the power of these tankscannot be disputed the Germans have wronglydeployed their tanks during the Battle ofKursk and as such we were able to retrievea number of damaged tanks for closer study.

This report holds up to date information onthis new German tank and we hope to use itagainst the Germans in the upcomingoffensive on the 1st August 1944.

While our Engineers were initiallyimpressed by the quality of these tanks the

Germans hold very few of them, and as suchthey will not pose any real threat on thestrategic level. However, on the tacticallevel, our frontline commanders andsoldiers need to be made aware of thedangers these tanks pose.

For the Motherland

Aleksander Bielski

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Initial Sightings

Our first sighting of the Panther tankoccurred during the first days of theBattle of Kursk (5 July 1943). Soldiers

noted the T-34 shaped tanks, at firstbelieving that they might be captured T-34s. It is indeed no incident that theGermans copied the design of our T-34tanks, repositioning the turret closer tothe 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 difficultywith punching through the front of thePanther, but tank hunter teams were quickto neutralise the threat by sneaking up onthe sides and rear of the Panthers. Complex

network of defenses, artillery and airforce also contributed to the destructionof these tanks.

While the Panther proved deadly againstour own tanks, its gun and accuracyoutmatching our own, it was not asefficient in dealing with our infantry. Our

Guard units, in conjunction with hiddenZiS-3 guns, managed to ambush these tanks

with ease.

A closer analysis of the Panther follows onthe next few pages.

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Panther Tank Analysis

Engineers have reported that the Pantheris one of the most modern tanks used by anyforce in the world. Their scopes allow forlong visibility, their calibrationinstruments are of top quality, while theirgun caliber can penetrate any of our tanks'armor with ease.

Despite this quality of equipment, theGermans have failed to sufficientlyreinforce the sides and rear of thePanther, both on the turret and the hull.This makes it highly vulnerable to ambushesand flanking attacks, as our Kurskexperience has shown. The incredible cost

of producing one of these tanks, as well asthe amount of work needed to repair and

maintain them, makes it worthwhile to hunt

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down these tanks when possible, since theloss of these tanks will weigh heavily onthe Germans.

We should be careful when the Germans usethese tanks, as we are certain that theirinitial experience taught them how to usethese tanks more effectively. While in theupcoming offensive we will have betteraccess 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 anadditional Machine Gun, manned by one ofthe Crew Members in the top hatch. This has

made the tank far deadlier against our

brave soldiers. Furthermore, certainveteran crews have improvised additionalprotection on their panthers, adding moreplating to their vulnerable sides. Panthercrews can be easily identified by the kill

markings on their tanks. If such Panthersare spotted commanders should both becareful when engaging them, but when given

the chance these tanks should be destroyed.

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Suggested Tactics

With experience thus gained, from Kursk andlater battles, the following are

recommended when dealing with thePanther.

1. Ambush

It is clear that attacking the Panther fromthe front is suicidal. In order toefficiently dispatch these tanks Anti-Tankguns or Tank Destroyers must work together

with Guard units or Engineers to immobilizeor slow down the Panthers for the largerguns to destroy them. Guard units shoulduse their DP-271 Machine Guns to buttonthe vehicle. Alternatively a T-34 may

sacrifice itself to ram into the Panther,thus slowing it down.

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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 ahalt, giving your guns precious seconds to

fire.

If you must fight the Panther from thefront overwhelming firepower must be usedin order to effectively penetrate itsfront.

2. Death From Above

Our brave IL-2 pilots have the means todestroy the Panthers effectively, but theyare not always available to all frontlinecommanders. Artillery Guns and the mightyKatyushas may also be used in destroying

the Panther tanks from above. If aCommander manages to identify a repair areaof a German force great care should betaken to bomb it at the most opportunetime, especially if Panther or Elefanttanks are currently being repaired.

3. Enemy Weapons

By capturing German anti-tank weapons wecan use them against their own Panthers.The Panzerschreck and Pak 40 are the most

prized among these. Our soldiers shouldretrieve them, when possible, to counterall German Armor.

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Further Notes

ISU-152 and IS-2 Tanks, while still veryfew in number, can be put to great effect

when facing the Panthers. However, theirloss will not only be costly, but thecommander in charge will be court

martialled for mal-use of government issuedequipment. While our men are ready to diefor our Great Motherland, we need all ourtanks and vehiles to remain functional for

the eventual push on Berlin.

While the destruction of the Panther tankswill aid the war effort no commander shouldbe careless enough to throw away the bestour factories can offer on pointlessassaults.

With these words I conclude this report.Attached are the notes and photographs fromfield tests on the captured Panthers.

For The Motherland

Aleksander Bielski