Panzer Aces GB January 2007 to May 31, 2008

Archer has a generic German turret numbers sheet that's almost a perfect match for the numerals in the photos, both in size and shape. It'd probably be your best bet.

http://www.archertransfers.com/AR35061B.html 

It's also possible that the turret numbers were red, in some photos they look black and in others they look significantly lighter than the black in the Balkenkreuz. Either way should be fine - Archer makes the above sheet in red, too.

Thanks Jonathon-you've been a big help.

Here is another interesting list of German tankers which may prove useful to some of you with your research.  

TANK KILLERS

Contributors; Ron Klages, David C. Clarke, Erich Brown, Steve Eckardt, John S.

1.Kurt Knispel -168 Kills (sPzAbt. 503)
2.Otto Carius - 150+ Kills (sPzAbt. 502)-Tiger I--Knight's Cross 5/4/44, Oak Leaves 7/27/44.
3.Johannes (Hans) Bolter-- 139 Kills (possibly 144) (sPzAbt. 502) Tigers- Knight's Cross 4/16/44, Oak Leaves 9/10/44.
4.Michael Wittman - 138 Kills (sS.S.PzAbt. 101 Liebstandarte)-Tiger I-Knight's Cross 1/14/44, Oak Leaves 1/14/44 with Swords, 6/25/44.
5.Hans Sandrock - 123 Kills (assorted AFV last unit HJ )
6.Paul Egger - 113 Kills (s SS Pz. Abt. 102)-Tigers- Knight's cross 4/28/45
7.Fritz Lang- 113 Kills (StuG. Abt. 232)
8.Arno Giesen - 111 Kills (Das Reich)
9.Oberfahnrich Rondorf-106 kills (sPzAbt. 503)-Tigers
10.Feldwebel Gaetner ( Gartner?)- 103 Kills (sPzAbt. 503)-Tigers
11.Karl Koener - 100+ Kills (sS.S.PzAbt. 503)-Tigers-Knight's Cross 4/29/44.
12.Albert Kerscher - 100+ Kills (sPzAbt. 502)-Tigers-Knight's Cross 10/23/44.
13.Balthazar (Bobby) Woll-100+ Kills, 81 as Gunner (sSS Pz. Abt. 101)-Knight's Cross-1/16/44.
14.Helmut Wendorff-84 Kills (sS.S.Pz Abt.101)-Tigers-Knight's Cross 2/12/44.
15.Ernst Barkmann-82+ Kills (Das Reich)-Panther-Knight's Cross 8/27/44.
16.Eric Litztke-76 Kills (sPzAbt. 509)--Tigers- Knight's Cross 10/20/44
17.Hermann Bix - 75+ Kills (4th Panzer Division)-Knight's Cross 3/22/45.
18.Hans Strippel - 70 Kills (4. / II/ PzAbt. 1, 1st Pz. Division)-Pz. IV-Knight's Cross 6/4/44.
19.Emil Seibold - 69 Kills (Das Reich)-Pz IV+ Captured T-34s
20.Wilhelm Knauth-68 Kills (sPzAbt. 505)-Tigers-Knight's Cross 11/14/43.
21.Hugo Primozic- 68 Kills (StuG Abt. 667)-Knight's Cross 9/25/42, Oak Leaves 1/25/43.
22.Karl Bromann - 66 Kills (sS.S.PzAbt. 503)-Tigers.
23.Josef William (Sepp) Brandner - 61 Kills (StuG Brigade 912)-Knight's Cross 1/17/45, Oak Leaves 4/30/45.
24.Hans-Bobo von Rohr - 58 Kills (25 Pz. Abt., 7th Pz. Division)-Knight's Cross 11/15/44, Oak leaves 4/8/45 (Posthumously).
25.Karl Heinz Warmbrunn-- 57 Kills, 44 as gunner (s SS Pz. Abt. 101)-Tigers
26.Albert Ernst-55 Kills-(s.Pz. Jgr. Abt. 519)--Nashorn-Knight's Cross-2/7/44.
27.Richard Engelmann-54 Kills (StuG Abt. 912)-Knight's Cross 7/22/44.
28.Heinz Kling-51 Kills (s SS Pz. Abt. 101)--Tigers.
29.Johann Muller-50 Kills ((sPz. Abt. 502)--Tigers-Knight's Cross 10/23/44.
30.Josef Dallmeier-50 Kills (Fhr. PzJager Kp.1183)-Hetzer-Knight's Cross 4/3/45(?).
31.Walter Feibig-50+ Kills (StuG Brigade 301)
32.Heinz Kramer - 50+ Kills (sPzAbt. 502)-Tigers-Knight's Cross 10/6/44.
33.Alfredo Carpaneto - 50+ Kills (sPzAbt. 502)-Tigers-Knight's Cross 3/28/45.
34.Oberleutnant Mausberg - 50+ Kills (s.Pz. Abt. 505)-Tigers.
35.Wolfgang Hans Heimer Paul von Bostell-48 Kills-( Pz. Jgr. Kp. 1023, Pz. Jgr. Abt. 205)-Knight's Cross 9/2/44, Oak Leaves 4/30/45.
36.Jurgen Brandt-47 Kills (sS.S.Abt. 101)-Tigers.
37.Heinz Deutsch - 44 Kills (Fsch. StuG Brigade 12) Knight's Cross 4/28/45.
38.Fritz Amling-42+ Kills (in 48 Hrs. with StuG Brigade 202) Knight's Cross 12/5/42.
39.Heinz Scharf-40+ Kills (StuG Brigade 202) Knight's Cross 9/5/44.
40.Walter Oberloskamp - 40+ Kills (StuG Brigade 667) Knight's Cross 5/15/43.
41.Fredrich Tadje-39 Kills (StuG Abt. 190) Knight's Cross 10/24/42.
42.Rudolf Roy-36 Kills (12 S.S. PanzerJager Abt. HJ)-JP IV-Knight's Cross 10/16/44.
43.Gottwald Stier-30+ Kills (StuG Brigade 667) Knight's Cross (date unknown).
44.Josef Trager - 30+ Kills (StuG Brigade 667) Knight's Cross (date unknown).
45.Richard Schram-30 Kills (StuG Brigade 202) Knight's Cross 12/12/42.
46.Karl Pfreundtner-30 Kills (StuG Abt. 244) Knight's Cross 9/18/42.
47.Karl Heinrich Banze - 24 Kills (13 on one day StuG Abt. 244) Knight's Cross 5/27/42.
48.Felix Adamowitsch -23 Kills (in an 8 day period, StuG Abt. 244) Knight's Cross 10/20/44.
49.Eugen Metzger-23 Kills (StuG Abt. 203) Knight's Cross 9/29/41.
50.Hauptmann Rade -23 Kills (StuG Abt. 244)
51.Heinrich Teriete - 22 Kills (in one engagement, sPzJgAbt. 653) Knight's Cross 7/22/43.
52.Franz Staudegger-22+ Kills (sS.S.Pz Abt. 101) Knight's Cross 7/10/43.
53.Franz Kretshmer - 21 Kills (sPzJgAbt. 653) Knight's Cross 12/17/43
54.Horst Naumann-21 Kills (StuG Abt. 184) Knight's Cross 1/4/43
55.Klaus Wagner - 18 Kills (in two days, StuG Abt. 667)
56.Hermann Feldheim-16 Kills (sPzJgAbt. 654)
57.Heinrich Engel -15 Kills (StuG Abt. 259) Knight's Cross 11/7/43
58. Rudolf von Ribbentrop- 14 Kills (LSSAH+ HJ) Knight's Cross 7/20/43.
59. Wachtmeister Moj-12 Kills (StuG Abt. 190)
60. Siegfried Freyer- 11 Kills in one engagement (Pz. Abt. 24) Knight's Cross 7/23/43.
61. Alfred Reginitor-10 Kills (StuG Abt. 279) Knight's Cross (date unknown).

I just started reading Panzer Aces II by Franz Kurowski (Stackpole Books).  The first section is about Sepp Brandner who served most of the war in the 202nd Assault Gun Battalion.  Very interesting!  His exploits in StuG IIIs were pretty amazing! 

There is a chapter on Kurt Knispel later in the book, I'm really looking forward to learning about him! 

I'm almost done with the chapter in Panzer Aces II about Kurt Knispel.... man he is THE Panzer Ace.  I see another Tiger in my future.....

espins1 wrote:

I'm almost done with the chapter in Panzer Aces II about Kurt Knispel.... man he is THE Panzer Ace.  I see another Tiger in my future.....

The more I research, I'm finding more Tigers that I would like to build. I just received my books, "Tigers in the Mud" & "Tigers in Combat I".  Both should be good reading, but I don't think that either will help me sort out some 'conflicting' info.  Based on the Otto Carius bio in Achtung Panzer web site, Carius was in Tiger 217 & Kerscher had Tiger 213 when they attached the village of Malinava on July 22, 1944. Looking at an artist painting of the event,

it would appear that Kerscher's Tiger was an early Tiger, but perhaps with zimmerit? I need to read up this evening and see if this would have been the case.  I did a quick read of sPzAbt 501 (by mistake!) equipment and they were field zimmerit (a whole 'nother discussion) at that time.  Need to read up on sPzAbt 502 this evening. Don't really want to do zimmerit, but I guess I have to start sometime....perhaps some insight will be gleaned as I research thru the two books.   I made an assumption (and we all know where that leads) that the Tamiya instructions were of Kerscher's Tiger (and accurate ), based on local & unit..

 As always, any & all info/thoughts/insights & opinions are appriciated.

Thanks Bob.  You'll enjoy Tigers in the Mud, it was a good read.   

I just finished the chapter about Kurt Knispel in Panzer Aces II, he was amazing!  It's too bad he died in the last few days of the war, such a tragedy.  I'm going to have to build either his Pz IV, Tiger or Tiger II in the near future... need to do some more research. 

I tell you, it's so much harder researching tank Aces and their mounts than it is for Fighter pilots and their planes.  I'll see if I can find some more info for you Bob when I get a chance.  I spend a lot of time doing research when my wife is watching chick flicks (when I'm not working at my bench that is ).

Bob, if you end up having to do zimmerit, the Cavalier Zimmerit sets are very nice and pretty easy to use.  I used their set for my Elefant and was pretty happy with it. 

As you can see from this first pic, the zimmerit for the hull sides comes in a sheet that's very easy to cut with an X-acto blade.  The rear hatch and front hull plate came as resin replacement parts for the kit parts.  Obviously the set for the Tiger would be different.

I used epoxy to add the pieces so that I would have a little bit of time to get them positioned correctly.  You can use super glue but you have to get it positioned right pretty much the first time.... if you blow it you're screwed. 

It takes paint very well too, as you can see from the photo below.

Sorry about the photo quality, these were taking a couple of years ago when I was first getting back into modeling and was just beginning to learn the ins and outs of model photography with my old digital camera.

Thanks Scott. 

I agree-researching armor commanders (both Axis & Allied) is a bit more difficult.  Some of the more popular (Wittmann) have a lot of info/pics, but for the most part, there is a lot left to the imagination.  Also thanks for the tip about the Cavalier Zimmerit.  I've already done a search on Great Models web site but it looks like either GM is not carring it or Cavalier is not making a set for the Tamiya.  I'm not opposed to doing zimmerit-I think I would rather do the putty/tool/die/screwdriver route.

 Based on a quick scan of Tigers in Combat, it would appear that it may have been possible for Kerscher's Tiger to not have zimmerit in early 1944.  However, it is also possible that the Tigers of sPzAbt 502 could have had green camo striping overtop the factory yellow.  Although it doesn't call out Kerscher's name/turret number specifically, on the unit "org chart" the turret number 217 is not in service for .2/sPzAbt 502 during the 1943/1944 time frame.  However, turret number 213 is, thus making the argument that the Tamiya decal instructions are for Kerscher's tank.....assuming that Tamiya's research is correct....

...ah..the more I research...the more confused I get...looking thru Tigers in Combat has me not sure what number early Tiger Kerscher was commanding and what the camo scheme was.  Looking at the painting (David Pentland) of Kerscher & Carius attaching Soviet forces near Krivani, it appears that Kerscher's Tiger is a mid version.  I can always use the info that Jonathon (Hermesminiatures) provided, that Kerscher's turret for the Early Tiger was 217, and run with that....or build Kerscher's late Tiger.  Would like to see some pics thou, just to use as a basis for the camo scheme.  I'm assuming that it was yellow-olive, possibly with green-olive 'snake-like lines added' (Tigers in Combat). 

I've also been reading about Kerscher's exploits (in a Late Tiger?) at the edge of the Neuhausel Forest in the closing days of the war.  Quite a story.  Also the subject of another David Pentland picture.  As a cheap (well, not really) insurance policy, I took advantage of the Squadron sell and just purchased the Tamiya Late Tiger kit that includes metal barrel & metal tracks....on sale.  Not dirt cheap but reduced enought to make it feasible.  And my wife never knows what to  get me for Christmas, so I thought I'd do the shopping for her....

Here is a link to a great website on Tiger II Tanks of s. SS-Pz.Abt. 501 Engaged in the Ardennes Offensive that may prove useful to some of you.  

Tiger II Tanks of s. SS-Pz.Abt. 501 Engaged in the Ardennes Offensive

Below is an org chart a buddy of mine came across and e-mailed to me.  I couldn't find the original chart online so I apologize for shamelessly copying and pasting it here.  I believe it's located somewhere on the lone sentry website.  This may help some of you with the confusion surrounding the Heavy Panzer Battalions and their unit designations.

German WWII Tiger Tank Battalions (schwere Panzer Abteilung)

During WWII, German Tiger tanks were primarily organized into special schwere Panzer Abteilung (roughly "heavy tank battalions"). Ten Wehrmacht and three Waffen-SS schwere Panzer Abteilung were formed.

Hi all

Do any of you know if the new Dragon King Tiger w/Zimmerit kit contains markings for any aces?

From what I can gather the majority of the aces came from Abt 101 and Abt 503.

There are options in the kit for 2x 101 tanks, turret #111 and #113, all in Normandy.

And 1x option for 503, #300/303? (download instructions, so not 100% sure).

Finding aces and there units isn't a problem, but their turret numbers are.

John-I agree-it is very 'challenging' to try to find turret numbers to match up with a specific tank commander. 

I did a quick scan of 'Tigers in Combat I' and did find some info on Abt 503-turret #300 was Hauptmann Scherf.  #322 was Leutnant Rambow.  However, I can't find any  info on the number of kills.  Perhaps someone else in the group can help.  Also, you may want to post the question over in the Armor section.

bobbaily wrote:

John-I agree-it is very 'challenging' to try to find turret numbers to match up with a specific tank commander.  I did a quick scan of 'Tigers in Combat I' and did find some info on Abt 503-turret #300 was Hauptmann Scherf.  #322 was Leutnant Rambow.  However, I can't find any  info on the number of kills.  Perhaps someone else in the group can help.  Also, you may want to post the question over in the Armor section.

Hauptmann Scherf did command #300 but only for a very short time in late summer 1944 before he took leave of the company to train for battalion commander.  It is quite possible he never used it in combat.  Leutnant Richard von Rosen assumed temporary command of Abt 503 and also KT #300.  This is the vehicle he was using during the famous KT propaganda video.  Von Rosen probably took #300 into combat in Hungary, but there is no documentation to support this. 

Hope this helps!

Hey guys, couple of updates.

I apologize for not being around much lately.  I posted this in the Kursk GB about a week ago and figured I had better say something here for those that aren't in the other GB.  My family is going through a bit of a tough time right now so I've been a been a bit pre-occupied with all of that.  My wife's father had 6 way bypass surgery and isn't doing too well.  Her sister is undergoing radiation therapy to battle cancer, 3rd time in 10 years .  And my wife was recently diagnosed with skin cancer and goes in for surgery Oct. 23rd.  I may have some skin cancer issues as well, I'm scheduling an appointment to see my Doctor today.  Just thought I'd let everyone know.  

I'm still totally committed to this GB however and will be starting soon.  I'm just about done with my Das Reich Tiger for the Kursk GB and am working on a side project that I started a couple years ago... I'm building the Aberdeen Elefant as it appeared in Italy shortly before it broke down and was captured by the Americans. 

We only have about 6 months left (I know, seems like a long time but man, those deadlines seem to sneak up fast!  )  I'm going to build the JagdTiger for this GB first, then I'll tackle the Nashorn.  If you aren't in the Kursk GB you might want to check it out from time to time, there are lots of great builds going there and lots of great information flying around.

Just out of curiosity, has anyone started on their build yet? 

Scott, I'm sorry to hear all that has been going on. I'll keep you in my prayers for your family's full recovery. I too have been having a tough time of it with something going wrong in my legs and I'm due to see another doc; and orthopedic surgeon this time. I'm still trying to research to see iof an y of my tanks were driven/used by any Aces, so I haven't started yet. Hopefully I'll find something soon, because I'd really love to get started!

Good luck Scott and my prayers are with you and your family. 

Scott-you & the family are in my prayers.  And you too, Duke.  Sorry to hear about your legs.  I had an occurance with 'acute' arthritis in my legs a couple of weeks ago-scary stuff.  Ok now, but just wondering if it is something that I will have to deal with as I get older.

As far as armor....the only thing I've done is pick up three Tamiya Tigers-one Early, one Mid & one Late, the early & late with metal tracks.  The Early & Mid were from eBay, the Late from last months Squadron sale.  Still researching Kerscher's tanks-probably go with the Early, turret number 217...or maybe his Mid, turret number 213....or maybe even his Late, number ??? at Norgau.  Hope to get started within a month or two.  Or at least decide which one to build....

Thanks guys for the moral support, I appreciate it.  Sorry to hear about your troubles Duke and Bob.  That's the one thing we can't do anything about...... time.  Time will get to us all in one way or another, sooner or later, sucks getting older eh? 

I was looking over the directions for my Dragon JagdTiger during lunch today.  It looks like it should be a fairly quick and simple build.  I just need to gather my reference photos for Albert Ernst's JagdTiger and track down the appropriate markings for it. 

I've never used the Dragon provided individual plastic links before, so I'm a little apprehensive about them.  I think I'll try to put them together (might as well learn some time... ).  If it turns into a disaster I'll use something else for the tracks, maybe Friulmodels as those always look fantastic.  I love the weight of the metal links which gives a very realistic looking heft and sag to the tracks. 

Duke- my prayers are for you at mass tomorrow.

Espins- I'm a melanoma survivor. I get checked every year, and damn, they always get a piece of me, most recently a 3" circle on my chest. I swear by UCSF, they are so great. Vigilance and regular care equals survival.

The trick is to lower the things in your life that suppress your immune system, like stress and toxic chemicals and the sun, and increase the things that raise your immune system, like good food, driving slowly, your love for your wife and HOBBIES!!

Oh, and don't ever let your kids get a sunburn.

Thanks guys for the prayers. I'll need all I can get. I got a doctor appointment with the orthopedic surgeon on Thursday.

Meanwhile, still researching my my Aces here. I got nothing so far.... 

bobbaily wrote:

Duke-which Ace are you researching?

Bob, as others mentioned, I have the Dragon 1/72 scale Panther A with Zimm that I wanted to build for this. The markings included in this kit are:

3/Pz Rgt 12, 12th Pz Div "Hitlerjugend" Ardennes, 1944

Pz Rgt 27, 19th PzDiv, Warsaw, 1944?

Pz Abt 1, Pz Rgt 1, 1st Pz Div "LAH", Normandy, 1944.

I have been researching all three of these units and  have found nothing. As Scott has mentioned, there's a lot of great info on the units themselves, but none so far have revealed any particular Aces. As of now, I have yet to find a comprehensive history that focuses solely on the Aces themselves that reveals what units they served in, so I have found nothing so far. 

Hermes, thank you. I could always use another sheet of numbers. I'll PM you my address later.

Hey guys! Has an exact finish date been established? Something a bit more specific than "Spring 2008"? Just trying to see if I can cram another GB into my already packed GB calendar...and this one seems pretty sweet. Can't believe the wealth of info on the first page. Amazing!

I left the end date a bit "vague" so that everyone will have the time they need to finish their builds.  If I had to set one now I'd say May, since we've been doing a lot of information sharing so far, but not much building. 

6 or 7 months left, eh? That sounds doable. Let me take a much closer look at that first page (can't believe you guys put together a list of all of the aces!) and see what I can come up with!

Got to have something I can use in my stash.