How common was it for the Germans to use captured T-34 tanks?

[F L Clemens]

I think it is safer to say that every Panzer unit used captured T-34's at one point or another. Most didn't use a particular tank for very long though because the Soviets were not always generous with ammunition and replacement parts when they were needed. Not to mention fuel - from time to time the Germans had to abandon even their own tanks because of fuel shortages.

[PzV]

T-34 use

the T-34 was used where possible by the Germans as it was an effective, simple to operate and reliable tank type. The so-called Beutepanzer were marked with very large Balkankreuze to avoid being taken out by their own people. The captured tanks were normally modified with radio gear as the Germans laid great value on communication between vehicles. I personally know a former Panther man, 1. Abt. 24 Pz Rgt who ended the war after the attempt to break through to Budapest, in a T-34 due to lack of replacement and/or parts for the Panther. I have numerous photos of Beutepanzer of all types and markings which I could post if desired (must be scanned first!).

Jim

[Erwin L]

very nice model Jody. I like it

regards erwin

[Jody]

German T-34

very nice model Jody. I like it

regards erwin

Hi Erwin,
Thanks a lot. I really like the model and to be honest I wanted something different than the standard Tiger or Panther.

Regards,
Jody

[sdacbob]

Emil Seibold, 69 Kills in the Das Reich, used the T34 tank.

[Edward L. Hsiao]

Recovery of T-34s and other Soviet tanks

Dear Fellows,

A lot of Soviet tanks that were knocked out or abandoned on the battlefield were salvaged by German recovery vehicles. Depending on what the conditions of these Soviet tanks were. Quite a few Soviet tanks that were knocked out in close combat(mines,grenades,magnet charges,and other explosives)could be recovered and repaired by the Germans. Many of the tanks were T-34s. I'm not so sure if a T-34 could be repaired after being knocked out by a 88-mm anti-tank gun.

Sincerely,

Edward L. Hsiao

[kammo man]

Didn't they just pull one out of a swamp with the cross on it !

[NickG]

Many Russian tanks were modified and put in use with added German specifications.

Note really related to front line service, but here is a neat image of Heeresversuchsstelle-Kummersdorf (testing facility for beute panzer)
Got the image from another forum btw!
and from a Russian site (English not that good) showing some modifications for German use T34 panzers (not always implemented or only partially)

[NickG]

Same facility ; shot includes US tanks too, some West front US captured (with Star), others like Shermans Lend-Lease Ost front captured
(with numerals)

[PzV]

here are a couple of "Beutepanzer" T-34

[PzV]

and two more

[Edward L. Hsiao]

Modifications of Soviet Vehicles.

Gentlemen,

It's pretty interesting on what kind of modifications did the Germans used to repair and refurnish T-34s and other Soviet tanks. Quite a few T-34s were converted to armored recovery vehicles or anti-aircraft tanks. Sometimes the T-34 turrets were used as stationary pillboxes.

Sincerely,


Edward L. Hsiao

[johnM]

This may interest you :

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47207...as+Reich+T-34s

Also don't forget the SS Panzerwerke in Kharkov that repaired many T-34 and KV-1.

[Larrister]

Interesting subject.

I have an Inf. Rgt. 19 (7 Inf. Division) album with a series of photos showing
the T-34 in use. There is also a series showing a panzer werkstattkompanie
working on T-34's, removing and disassembling/reconditioning their motors.

I don't know which werkstattkompanie is shown.
Here are the photos.

Cheers,
Larry

[Larrister]

2.