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Anti-tank Company Basic Training Pictures from 1967

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    Anti-tank Company Basic Training Pictures from 1967

    Team - I apologize for being an inattentive mod during this holiday season but the family has kept me busy.

    To make it up to you, I've put together this collection of basic training pictures depicting a squad being put through their paces at Prince Eugen Barracks in late 1967. While it can't compete with the awe inspring Fallschirmjäger thread that Christian provided earlier this month, it does offer a comprehensive look at a single unit in both the field and garrison environment.

    Below is a brief history of Panzerjägerkompanie 360. The first picture shows the newly established platoon getting one of their first training briefs.

    All the best - TJ


    Panzerjägerkompanie (PzJgKp) 360 was established as independent unit on October 16, 1967 at Prince Eugen Kaserne in the Baden-Wurttemburg town of Külsheim. It was subsequently assigned to PzBde 36, 12 PzDiv (36th Panzer Brigade, 12 Panzer Division).

    The Panzerjägerzug (Anti-tank Platoon) from 5./PzGrenBtl 362 (5th Company, Panzer Grenadier Battalion 362) served as the nucleus of the new organization. The need for non-commissioned officers was urgent and as a result, the staff of AusbKp 10/12 (Training Company 10/12) was almost completely absorbed by the new company.

    The new organization was equipped with the French made SS-11 Anti-tank Missile which were also known as “tank defense guidance rockets” (Panzerabwehrlenkraketen SS-11, abbreviated PzAbwLenkRak SS-11). These were mounted on the Type 2 Tank Destroyer (Raketenjagdpanzer 2 or RakJGPZ 2).

    The new company worked hard to overcome the challenges of establishing a brand new organization. The unit leadership was successful in integrating the new personnel and equipment. They became quite proficient in their tactical mission and soon gained the reputation as the “go to” or “fire department” unit of their brigade.
    Attached Files
    Last edited by Thomas J. Cullinane Jr.; 01-01-2011, 02:24 PM. Reason: typo

    #2
    Next up is an informal photo of the unit outside.

    Note that the older type BW M43 field cap with the crossed swords under the roundel is still being worn c.1967. Note too, the mix of marching boots and low quarter boots with leggings.

    The white patch under the left chest pocket is a name tag.
    Attached Files

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      #3
      "Home sweet home". This is presumably a long view shot of Prince Eugen Kaserne in the Baden-Wurttemburg town of Külsheim.

      Can anyone confirm?

      Thanks - TJ
      Attached Files

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        #4
        Fooling around in the barracks squad room.

        Note that the trainee on far right (arm in sling) is wearing a fatique shirt which seems to be missing a gefreiter's stripe. An old set of fatigues recycled and issued to a trainee?

        You can also just make out an early version of the oliv canteen attached to the medium combat pack resting on top of the wall locker in the extreme left of the photo.

        Did we decide what we were calling these canteens?

        Thanks - TJ
        Attached Files
        Last edited by Thomas J. Cullinane Jr.; 12-30-2010, 01:40 PM.

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          #5
          Movement to the field for "BRM", basic marksmanship training.
          Attached Files

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            #6
            On the range.
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              #7
              Interesting pictures. It looks like they are wearing some items that although supposedly were phased out by then are still in use, M43 style caps, older jackets with no flags on the sleeves ect. Good example of the "wear-out" period of older stuff. Looks like some are even wearing the HBT Arbeitsanzug?

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                #8
                PASSAUER8884 - I agree with all of your observations. We'll see more uniform close-ups in upcoming photos.

                Thanks - TJ

                Comment


                  #9
                  The dreaded NBC training. The training NCO seems happy indeed not to have to wear a protective mask.
                  Attached Files

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                    #10
                    This doesn't look fun. Even the guy getting carried looks miserable.

                    Note the olive-drab trigger finger mittens.
                    Attached Files

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                      #11
                      Extremely important subject for any self-respecting tank hunter; rifle grenade training.

                      Bundeswehr infantrymen were initially issued with the U.S. M9A1 grenade for use with the M1 rifle, switching over to the 75 mm ENERGA (DM 12) or Hispano (DM 22) rifle grenades when the G1 and G3 rifles were adapted.

                      This appears to be the training version of the DM 22.
                      Attached Files

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                        #12
                        A closer look.
                        Attached Files

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                          #13
                          "Grab-ass time".

                          "Smoke 'em, if you got 'em."
                          Attached Files

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                            #14
                            Even more dreaded than NBC training, a winter bivouac.

                            Note the olive-drab shelter halves.
                            Attached Files

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                              #15
                              I did mention that this was a winter bivouac, didn't I?

                              The non-tactical engineer tape deployed around the "pup-tents" was a safety measure designed to alert vehicle drivers and others to the presence of dismounted troops in a bivouac area. The intent was to prevent tanks and APCs from rolling through sleeping troops.
                              Attached Files
                              Last edited by Thomas J. Cullinane Jr.; 12-30-2010, 04:33 PM.

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