Side Arms/Personal Weapons for Panzer Crew?

[Dubar1]

What was the prevalent weapon used by panzermen? Did the entire crew have pistols, just the commander, or did they also carry rifles and MGs?

Most photos I've seen show them outside the tank unarmed, not a lot of "in action" photos of the crews other than the commander standing up in the turret.

[tony james]

i would say pistols at the front and in combat.i know the MP40 was carried in various tanks and stugs. training pictures show the bow MG34 removed by the crew to be used as self defence.



tony

[Dubar1]

Thanks Tony!

Does anyone have any pictures of crewmen, other than the tank commander, wearing sidearms?

Bob

[George Cone]

I believe that all tank crews were issued side arms.
Depending on the vet you talk to, they carried what they wanted.
I know a LT. that became a Capt. who told me he always had a Luger.
When I asked him what date, he laughed. He stated that he had 11 tanks knocked out under him, and he lost his pistol every time. Seldom did they wear the holster and belt in the tank as it could get hung up while exiting the tank in haste. He stated that he kept it in his bag and never took it when he was knocked out.
Another man I know was a Unteroffizier, he carried a Sauer 38 in his breast pocket attacked to a white sashay cord over his shoulder...as a lanyard.
Another fellow I know carried a Sauer 38 in his pant pocket.
The smaller the better in the confined quarters.
I believe once in combat they carried what they wanted and where they wanted. But it was common for them to each have a pistol. Also,I believe they had a MP38-40 in the tank for protection.

[Dubar1]

Thanks George! I read somewhere that all crewmen were issued Lugers, but that was on another forum I think and not direct from any type of manual or field order. It does make sense though and it also makes sense they would choose the smallest weapon available to them to carry on their person. Putting the Sauer 38 in their pocket would explain not seeing too many holsters in photos. Either that or they all positioned their holsters behind their backs.

I'm looking thru my MKIV books and have yet to come across any photos or drawings of brackets for MP38-40, but did find a photo of a MG34 with detached bipod and the caption said they could take the gun out with them if they had to bail out.

If I remember correctly, my father told me he was issued a P38.

[Dubar1]

If I remember correctly, my father told me he was issued a P38.

Excellent!!! What type of armor did your dad get to "play" with? My British uncle was a tank commander, but I never found out what he rode around in.

Excellent!!! What type of armor did your dad get to "play" with? My British uncle was a tank commander, but I never found out what he rode around in.

This was one!
check this thread.
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=339105

[Dubar1]

Nice!!! Thanks for sharing,
Bob

Glad you like it.

[LuckyStrike23]

Normally everything in german army is strictly ruled. Today you have inside a tank 2 pistols (driver and gunner) and two MPi (loader and commander). Most commanders excange the weapon with the gunner and wear a pistol. You dont have to wear these weapons inside the tank, there are special hangers for them.
In WWII every tanker had for sure a weapon, at least a pistol. but I suppose there were also at minimum one Mpi within the crew.

[DavidByrden]

Here, in the Tiger, is the standard bracket for the MP40.

[jotuntroll]

I have seen bailed out german crew escaping with mp 40 s on newsreel.

[dessa.de]

If I remember correctly, my father told me he was issued a P38.

I'll support that one; a relative of mine (elite NCO) told me he carried a P38 inside his jacket.

[Jaegermeister]

I'll support that one; a relative of mine (elite NCO) told me he carried a P38 inside his jacket.

Didn't they have shoulderholster?