Get your own Free Home PageLeaflet 75a/ 20
I. Performance and Features.
The Jagdpanther is a heavy tank-destroyer. It is a primary assault weapon for deployment by the High Command to smash hostile tank attacks and is deployed in heavy tank-destroyer battalions (Jagdpanther) as part of the Army.
With its 8.8 cm s.Pak [heavy anti-tank gun] (L/ 71) it can destroy all known enemy tanks at long ranges. Its cross-country mobility and armour allow it to engage enemy tanks in an offensive rôle as well as carry our own attacks forward.
Lack of all-round firing capability, limited close quarters defense and limited vision prohibit the use of Jagdpanthers as tanks and require protection to be provided by infantry or tanks.
II. Employment Guidelines.
The use of entire battalions is the primary condition for a successful engagement.
If Jagdpanther companies must be deployed separately, then they must be directly attached to units of less than divisional status. Regiments and battalions are instructed to cooperate with them. Prior to the issuance of orders the commander of the Jagdpanthers must be heard out. In any case, he remains responsible for the completion of his orders.
The vehicle maintenance of individually deployed companies is the responsibility of the battalion.
Deployment of individual platoons can only be authorized for attacks against fortified positions (Number 15) and in difficult terrain.
The deployment of single Jagdpanthers is forbidden.
To reinforce anti-tank defenses, Jagdpanthers are to be utilized where the main thrust and direction of the enemy�s tank attacks are evident. In these situations the Jagdpanthers are to be deployed in force.
The Jagdpanther is not an anti-tank gun.
It is inappropriate to use them to secure positions.
The Jagdpanther is not self-propelled artillery.
The firing of high-explosive ammunition against unarmoured targets can only be justified if, there are no enemy tanks apparent, other heavy weapons are lacking or unavailable, the supply of munitions permits it.
Following the completion of their orders the Jagdpanthers are to be withdrawn from the front lines. They are to be permitted the opportunity to attend to maintenance and the restoration of combat readiness. The provision of regular supplies will have a direct bearing on the combat readiness of the Jagdpanthers.
III. Battle tactics.
In battles with enemy tanks, especially when they have numerical superiority, the long range of the main gun is to be fully taken advantage of by opening fire early (starting at 2500m).
When Jagdpanthers are deployed in hidden positions and have not been spotted by enemy tanks, they should allow the enemy tanks to reach the firing line. Firing should commence suddenly and at short range, concentrating fire to maximize effect.
Fire-fights are to be fought fully utilizing their mobility, frequent position changes and opening fire from different angles to enhance effectiveness.
Enemy tank attacks can be tied down by a number of Jagdpanthers creating a fire front while the majority attack from the flank or rear and destroy them.
Tasks of the Jagdpanther in the framework of a tank attack are:
- supporting initial encounters by engaging the heavy and heaviest tanks, - tying down the enemy�s tanks along a front allowing them to be engaged from the flanks or rear, - protection of one or both flanks of a tank assault.
Jagdpanthers supporting infantry attack should follow immediately behind the foremost troops. Their main objective is engaging enemy tanks to the front and flanks. Provided no enemy tanks are encountered, infantry targets can be engaged with machine gun fire and high explosive rounds should the success of the attack be jeopardized.
When attacking bunkers, Jagdpanthers support the advance of shock troops effectively by targeting the embrasures of the bunkers. In conjunction with other mobile units Jagdpanthers take part in chasing the withdrawing enemy forces. Fuel and ammunition re-supply is to be secured in advance.
When on the defensive, Jagdpanthers are to be kept in closed formation behind lines threatened by enemy tank attacks; approach routes, ready areas and firing positions are to be explored and prepared. Distributing them mince-meal along long stretches of the front lines diminishes the weapon�s advantage and makes leadership and supply difficult.
The digging in of Jagdpanthers in the main battle line is forbidden.
Enemy tanks that have broken through the front lines are to be destroyed according to the guidelines in Numbers 9-12.
When breaking off from an engagement and retreating, the Jagdpanthers are to be used as a mobile rearguard. Good firing positions fully utilizing the available terrain are to be duly explored. The firing positions are to be laid out to allow the Jagdpanthers to quickly reverse out of their positions to take cover. For the immediate support of the rearguard troops they are unsuitable due to the lack of a turret and enhanced difficulty in recovering them. Close cooperation with the infantry is essential.
When fighting for forests or towns the Jagdpanther provides covering fire for the attacking units until they achieve a break-through. For fighting in forests and towns they are of limited use, because their mobility cannot be brought to bear and the length of the main gun makes turning in confined areas impossible. Sufficient infantry protection is essential at all times.
At night, after in-depth reconnaissance Jagdpanthers can be used in close conjunction with other weapons in localized attacks.
Appendix 1.
Composition of the heavy tank-destroyer Battalion (Jagdpanther).
Battalion headquarters: 3 Jagdpanther.
3 Companies: each with 14 Jagdpanther (2 in the company headquarters, 4 each in 3 platoons).
Headquarters company: Signals platoon, Engineer platoon, Anti-aircraft platoon.
Supply company.
Workshop platoon.
Appendix 2.
Technical data for the heavy tank-destroyer V "Jagdpanther".
Armament: 8.8cm s.Pak [heavy anti-tank gun] 43/ 3 (L/ 71) 1 le.MG [machine gun]. (in front glacis plate) 1 le.MG [machine gun]. (loose)
Combat weight: 46,000 kg
Maximum speed: 30 km/ h
Cruising speed: Street....25 km/h Average terrain.....15 km/h
Range: Street....140 km Average terrain.....110 km Rough terrain.....80 km
Length (over all).....9.654 m
Width (over all).....3.270 m
Height (over all).....2.715
Firing height.....1,850 m
Fording capability.....2,45 m
Stepping capability.....0.90 m
Climbing capability: upward/ downward.....30°/40°
Wading capability.....1.55 m
Ammunition in stowage bins.....60 rounds
Gun: elevation.....13° depression.....8° traverse..... 14° == 28°
Crew: Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver, Radio operator.
Appendix 3.
Index of leaflets and regulations.
1. Leaflets
(for use only as reference in connection with the current leaflet ):
Leaflet 471/ 32: "Guidelines for the employment of the heavy tank-destroyer "Ferdinand" (now Elephant), Tiger-Porsche" of the 20. 5. 43. Leaflet 75/ 3: "Guidelines for employment and application the tank-destroyer company 7,5/IV" of the 2. 10. 43.
2. D-regulations
(for the chassis� of the Jagdpanther):
" Panzerkampfwagen Panther, models A and D, equipment description of the chassis" of the 1. 1. 44. " Panzerkampfwagen Panther, models A and D, notebook for lube and regular maintenance for the chassis" of the 1. 11. 43 (to be left in the vehicle). " Panzerkampfwagen Panther, models A and D, handbook for tank drivers" of the 1. 11. 43. " Panzerkampfwagen Panther, models A and D, guidelines for tank maintenance, running gear" of the 24. 1. 44. "Panzerkampfwagen Panther- Maybach motor HL 230 P--HL 210 P 30 workshop handbook."
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