December 2, 2024
PanzerKampfwagen IV AusF G (late production), 1st SS Panzer Regiment, Kursk Salient, July 1943. In preparation for Operation Citadel, 1. Panzergrenadier Division LAH was supplied new tanks and mustered 12-Tiger I, 72-PzKw IV, 16-PzKW III, and 31-StuG III. The PzKw IV G model represented a major repurposing of the PzKw IV from howitzer support tank to main battle tank. The 75mm L/48 gun was capable of knocking out Soviet T-34 and KV-1 tanks at ranges up to 1500 meters or better. The Operation began on 5th July 1943 with LAH advancing on the left flank of the vanguard II SS Panzer Korps along with Das Reich and TotenKopf (2. and 3. SS Panzergrenadier Divisions) to their right. The tanks advanced with motorized infantry and Luftwaffe support. The 1st defensive line was breeched early on day 1 and the second was breech on day 2. By day 4, LAH had advanced 18 miles and was aiming to breakout beyond Prokhorovka into the rear of the Soviets. On July 12, the II SS Panzer Korp clashed with over 500 Soviet tanks on the approaches to Prokhorovka. The Soviets charged into the German tanks in a wild melee. By days end, both sides withdrew to lick their wounds. Losses had been heavy on both sides of the battle, but the breakthrough had not been achieved. On July 12, Operation Citadel was canceled, and LAH was withdrawn to reform in Italy.