What would be a typical support vehicle for Ferdinands at Kursk?
Pz lll N's, or StuG lll's (short 75mm, or long 75), or 105 mm StuH's? I understand the Ferdinands required support as they had no protection against Russian infantry attacks.

During one of the Ferdinand's first uses in combat, they were sent with a battalion of StuGs to capture a hill. I think they had the long 75mm gun, but I'm not entirely sure.

Panzerjäger-Regiment 656 (Ferdinands) was assigned Panzerkompanie (FKL) 314 (10 Stug III and 36 B IV Ladungsleger) and Sturm Pz. Abt. 216 with 10 Sturmpanzer IV (Brummbär) as support.

Thanks.

Hi Leo

Deploying my copy of “The Combat History of schwere Panzerjager Abt 654” (K. Munch/Fedorowicz/2002)…using a block & tackle…here’s a summary of support vehicles photographed with 654’s Ferdies at Kursk;

Kubels/ Schwimmies (Signals & medical support)/ 18 ton Famos…on p.127 there’s a pic of FIVE of these needed to tow a Ferdie - a great dio subject requiring a new mortgage/ Steyr & Bussing-Nag trucks/converted Mk III munition-schleppers.

Supporting UNITS:

12th Pz Div Mark III’s (short 75mm guns)/St.Abt 216 Sturmpanzers (early Brumbaers)/Funklenk Komp 313 Borgward IV remote-controlled tankettes with Mk III control tanks.

Most of the photos never get published elsewhere in print or on the ‘net, so if/when you have specific vehicles in mind, let me know via my members in-box & I’ll send you scans of any photos that show them.

Cheers, Tim