Flames of War Late War Waffen-SS Panther Kampfgruppe

Flames of War Late War Waffen-SS Panther Kampfgruppe

The SS panzer divisions were all-arms forces, with an armored group of tanks and armored infantry mounted in halftracks, infantry groups fighting on foot, and a reconnaissance group of armored cars and panzergrenadiers in light halftracks that was often used as the divisional reserve. These elite troops stopped attack after attack, fighting with fanatical determination against great odds. The Flames of War Late War Waffen-SS Panther Kampfgruppe set includes tanks, platoon, amored cars, Sd Kfz 250 (MG) half-tracks, rulebook, and start here guide.

The Panther

While the Panther tank was nominally a medium tank, its gun could penetrate any Allied tank with ease, while its own armor was difficult to penetrate in return. German doctrine required the panzer divisions to use their Panthers in strength, smashing anything in their way to the objective. They were then supposed to withdraw them from the front line to prepare for the next attack.

The Tiger

The Tiger I E heavy tank was the most feared German tank of the war—its reputation for death and destruction proven in every attack. To kill a Tiger I E heavy tank in combat would be a feat of valor worthy of a medal. Tiger heavy tanks were built to destroy Soviet tanks. Armed with a powerful 8.8cm main gun and protected by thick armor all around, the Tiger was an unstoppable force on the battlefield

The Puma

The 1st ‘Leibstandarte’ SS Panzer Division was fortunate in having the latest Sd Kfz 234/2 ‘Puma’ eight-wheeled armoured cars. Armed with a powerful 5cm gun, these cars were capable of dealing with anything that tried to stop them.

The SD KFZ 250

The Sd Kfz 250 half-track is a smaller version of the panzergrenadiers’ Sd Kfz 251, carrying a single MG42 team. Although faster than its bigger cousin, the Sd Kfz 250 has a much shorter wheelbase, limiting its ability to cross obstacles. The smaller size and greater speed of the Sd Kfz 250 makes it much easier to conceal and ideal for reconnaissance operations.

The SS Reconnaissance Platoon

The SS reconnaissance platoon had the same infantry component as an SS panzergrenadier platoon, but each squad was mounted in two small Sd Kfz 250 half-tracks rather than a single, larger Sd Kfz 251. This allowed them to cover a wider frontage and reduced their vulnerability to enemy fire while mounted.

The 8.8cm Gun

The new 8.8cm anti-tank gun is a tremendously powerful gun, capable of destroying any tank on the battlefield. The latest version is mounted on a cruciform chassis like the famous 8.8cm anti-aircraft gun but is much easier to conceal.

The SD KFZ 250

The Sd Kfz 250/9 2cm-armed half-tracked armored cars, and their Sd Kfz 250 command vehicle with its powerful radio, scout ahead of the panzer division, spearheading its advance. Although well-enough armed to tackle enemy armored cars, they attempt to avoid combat with anything bigger, using stealth to complete their scouting role.