Germans on Patrol III.

The next group of Germans done. These are effectively an understrength veteran 'gruppe' still in their early war uniform. They look to be more of a 'defensive' squad with the HMG and ammo carriers and a couple of MP40's. Transport is provided by three Kfz 250's - a Kfz 250/1, a Kfz 250/7 with Mortar and a Kfz 250/9 with 2cm Cannon.

Leutnant Werfel and his men emerge from their bunker on orders to move to a new location...

The men exit the safety of the bunker.

Feldwebel Achen and Leutnant Werfel pause before moving out.

Gefreiter Biermann thinks he spots something and pulls up his MP40!

All is safe. The gruppe move out...

Figures are from Black Tree Designs. Vehicles are from Bolt Action and kindly prepared and painted for me by Tony Nicholls. Bunker is from the excellent p.m.c. range found on ebay.



German Squad Structure and Weapons.

Grenadier Squad.

Squad Leader (NCO or junior officer) – Pistol and MP40 SMG
SMG Team (2 men, gunner / loader) – MG34/MG42, Pistol, Kar98k Rifle

2nd in Command (NCO) – Pistol and MP40 SMG/Kar98k Rifle
Rifle Team (6/5 men) – Kar98k Rifles

Panzergrenadier Squad.

Squad Leader (NCO or junior officer) – Pistol and MP40 SMG
SMG Team (2 men, gunner / loader) – MG34/MG42, Pistol, Kar98k Rifle
Rifleman (2) – Kar98k Rifle

2nd in Command (NCO) – Pistol and MP40 SMG/Kar98k Rifle
SMG Team (2 men, gunner / loader) – MG34/MG42, Pistol, Kar98k Rifle
Rifleman (2) – Kar98k Rifle

The first section/team was the ‘fire’ team who would lay down the main suppressing (and killing) fire of the squad. Either the squad leader or the 2nd would lead this. The second section/team was the ‘manoeuvre’ element of the squad. They would close range / flank the enemy using small arms fire and grenades.

The squad may sometimes be supported by and extra anti-tank team of 2 men carrying Panzerfausts or Panzerschrecks and Kar98k rifles.

Of course there are always variations to this, especially as the war progressed. Many units were often undermanned even after re-supply.

These are the most common weapons of the Germans soldier:

Pistols -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luger_P08_pistol (early war but most kept hold of them)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walther_P38 (newer issue pistols)

Rifle -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kar98 (standard issue rifle)

LMG -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_34 (the standard squad LMG)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_42 (a new heavier version of the above with devastating firepower!)

SMG -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP_40 (the classic SMG used by Clint in "Where Eagles Dare")

Individual anti-tank -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzerfaust (one shot)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzerschreck (reusable)

For an extensive look at many of the weapons the Germans used http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:World_War_II_German_infantry_weapons