Hi, I tried to find a positive reference to the use of the Panzerwerfer 42 in the Ardennes Offensive. I can find reference to the use of the towed Nebelwerfer, and would presume that the Pzrwerfer 42 would have been used. They were used in Normandy after the landings, But I'm not sure about the AO and if so which unit.

Cheers
Henk

Henk -

In doing some more reading on "Ardennes", I found in Osprey's "Battle of the Ardennes 1944 (1)" by Steven Zaloga a reference to "the 1st SS-Panzer Corps also had two Nebelwerfer rocket artillery brigades..." Not much I know as far as "specifics" but I'd agree that you could assume that these included the Panzerwerfer 42 in support of probably both 1st SS & 12 SS Panzer's attacks. I know I've seen pictures and will try to do some more digging. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

Blade48mrd

They were used, but I don't know by which units....

Blade and Martin, Thanks for your efforts, I have found plenty of reference to the towed Nebelwerfers, of which an very large amount seem to have been used. Not surprising as there was hardly enough fuel for the Tanks, let alone for the heavy towed artillery which needed dedicated movers. The nebelwerfers could be towed by anything with a towhook, even kubelwagens and were therefore ideal to drag through the Ardennes. As for the Panzerwerfer, no luck with any reference, so I think I'll go for a 'start of Wacht am Rhein' scenario, with a Panzerwerfer in the German lines getting ready for the pre attack barrage. I'll have to get some more ammo for it then, but as the stogage tubes are simple round tubes, scratching them should not be a problem.


Cheers
Henk

Henk -

Sounds like a good plan. I did see a reference to an Italeri Panzerwerfer 42 kit? Is this what you're working on? Verlinden shows a kit (#1068) for "Nebelwerfer Rockets". Also just happened to see on "Ebay" there is a listing for a "Panzerwerfer 42 Interior/Exterior Detail Set" for an Italeri kit ($22.99 bid start). This listing expires today 11 Feb at 12:38 pm (Pacific Standard Time) if you're interested. Hope this helps some and good luck. Anxious to see your project as it develops.

Blade48mrd

Blade,

No, I'm building the Azimut kit. It's an all resin and metal kit, very nicely detailed but there are some fit issues.. The large resin castings for the hull need a lot of work to make them fit. The amount of detail, inside and out, makes up for it though. It comes with some interior fittings, but no stowage and no radio's or the likes. These however I can scratch. Accuracy will not be of the greatest importance for the cabin, as you can't realy see in there good enough through the opend hatches.



The box


The parts

Cheers
Henk

Henk -

Sounds like you've got a handle on it all, and it will turn into a "sweet" looking build. Best of luck and keep us posted,

Blade48mrd

Check this link:
http://www.missing-lynx.com/articles/german/swwerfer/swwerfer.htm

I think you'll find it helpfull.

Cheers.

Thanks Mondo, that is a nice link. Funny as I have looked on ML but didn't see this.
Only problem is that this is more evidence of the deployment of Panzerwerfers in the Ardennes without proof, as the photo's are very nice, but could have been taken in Belgium, Germany, Poland or Russia during the winter of '44-'45. Problem is that none of the pictures shown any unit emblems, just the battery no.'s and balkenkruetz. It doesn't help that only 300 where ever build, so not many opportunities for foto's.

Oh well, I plan on finishing in a three tone camo colour scheme at any rate, so I'll just keep looking whilst I built.

Cheers
Henk