Panterturm I

Pantherturm I with one Panther turret and turret base plate.

By 1943 the concept of utilizing tank turrets in fixed fortified positions had become standard practice within the German Army. Generally the turrets used for these purposes were either from captured enemy tanks or obsolete designs.

Using such turrets, especially those that were obsolete meant the turret itself was under gunned and offered poor armor protection; therefore posing little threat to the Allied tanks facing them.

In October 1943, the Germans had a radical change in philosophy toward the tank turrets being used. It was decided that the Panther turret with its excellent armor protection and outstanding 7.5cm KwK42 L/70 gun would be employed for this purpose.

The change was thought to be radical due to the fact that the Panther was still in production and was at the time Germany’s premier medium battle tank.

Manned by a specially trained crew of three; a commander, loader and gunner the Panther turrets were employed as part of the fortified positions known as the Hitler Line overlooking the Liri Valley during the Cassino campaign.

Positioned with long fields of fire, the Panther turrets were flanked by towed Anti-tank guns and machine-guns to protect the vulnerable areas of each turret.

Miniatures are provided unpainted and may require assembly.