Baber on wargames

German Infra-red Nightfighting Equipment in WW2

This is an updated version of an article I wrote for the SOTCW Journal

Now the last desparate months of the Reich in WW2 isn’t an interest of mine per se but I do enjoy gaming the battles for the German border and winter 1944/45. 

Recently I found myself reading Tomb of the Panzerwaffe by Aleksei Isaev and Maksim Kolomiets for review. The book covers the last major offensive by the Germans in Hungary and, whilst covering the make-up of the German forces, the authors discuss the use of infrared equipment by the Germans. This got me thinking and I did a bit of digging.  

Germany began to develop such devices in the 1930s. AEG actually created a prototype in 1939 which was fitted to a 37mm Pak 35/36 anti-tank gun but the results were disappointing to the military who needed sights with capabilities equivalent to firing at daytime. In the autumn of 1942 tests of a night optical sight (ZG1221) for the 75mm Pak40 gun were started concluding in the middle of 1943. Whilst the results were okay (firing was possible on targets to a range of about 400 metres) the Wehrmacht didn’t give approval. AEG, on its own initiative, produced 1,000 optical sights for the Pak40 in early 1944. The effects of Allied airpower over Normandy in June 1944 finally served as a stimulus with the need for Wehrmacht units to move at night and to avoid the attentions of Allied planes.  

In November 1944, the Panzer Lehr Division was relocated to the Fallingbostel military training area in Bergen in order to test the still top secret infrared image converter night vision devices and Uhu-Spw, which were currently being developed, in troop trials.

At the end of November the equipment was complete and a dress rehearsal took place in front of the Inspector General, Colonel General Guderian . After this Guderian exercise, which did not go well in the snow because the snowflakes were reflected by the infrared light from the image converter devices, 

The sight consisted of an infrared searchlight and an image converter. The searchlight came in various diameters (up to 60cm) but all received the designation Uhu (Owl). In accordance with their intended use there were different versions of night vision devices – Zielgerät (aiming device), Fahrgerät (night driving) and Beobachtungsgerät (observation device). 

In practice one 60cm Uhu would be assigned to a group of five IR equipped Panther - the range of the IR viewer on the Panther was increased to 700 meters through the capability of the larger searchlight.  

Two different arrangements/configurations were created and used on Panther tanks:  

Version A – Sperber (Sparrow Hawk) was made up of one 30cm infrared searchlight (with a range of 600m) and an image converter operated by the commander – FG 1250. From late 1944 to March of 1945 some Panzerkampfwagen V Panther Ausf G (and other variants), mounted with FG 1250, were successfully tested. From March to April of 1945 approximately 50 Panthers Ausf G (and other variants), mounted with FG 1250, saw combat service on both the Eastern and Western Fronts. Panthers with IR operated with SdKfz 251/20 Uhu (Owl) half-tracks with a 60cm infra-red searchlight and SdKfz 251/21 Falke (Falcon). This version could be easily mounted on any type of armoured fighting vehicle. 

Version B – the second, more complicated arrangement was "Biwa" (Bildwandler) which, in addition to the provision under the Sperber configuration, also provided the driver and gunner with one 30cm infrared searchlight (with range of 600m) and image converter (installed respectively on the front hull and on the mantle in front of the gun sight). Various variants of Panthers were converted and mounted with "Biwa". It was reported that tests were successful but there are very few combat reports from the Eastern or Western Fronts. Due to the lack of evidence the existence of Version B is still questioned and even considered a hoax. 

Various units are reported by various internet sourses as having received IR Panthers including 116^th Panzer Division - 3rd company of 24th Panzer Regiment, Western Front, Autumn of 1944 (see below), Sixth SS Panzer Army (Hungary, Spring 1945) and both Panzer Divisions Müncheberg and Clausewitz towards the very end. 

Here things become a little mirky!! 

One combat report is by a veteran of 1st SS Panzer Regiment of 1st SS Panzer Division "LSSAH", who states that a few Panthers equipped with infrared night-vision devices (possibly from 116th Panzer Division) were used in 1944/45 during the Ardennes Offensive. 

Various internet forums have had flame-ups over the use of IR equipment being used at all in the West and basically dismiss such claims as being rubbish and unproven.  

In April of 1945, Panthers equipped with Biwa IR equipment joined Panzer Division Clausewitz and, in mid April near Ülzen, destroyed an entire platoon of British Comet cruiser tanks. Also on 21st April 1945, The same Panthers overran an American anti-tank position on the Weser-Elbe Canal. Most of those reports can’t be confirmed and are questionable. 

Again both these reports are generally discredited and dismissed by the a majority of online forums, etc 

In addition, it is reported but not supported that a single unit equipped with Jagdpanthers received and used infrared night-vision devices.

Another uncredited report I found on the internet states:

“Uhu and Puma (the author claims Panthers with IR gear were called Pumas, but I have not read this elsewhere??)  in combination were said to have been used by two units on the Eastern Front with immense success; it was claimed that 67 Russian tanks had been knocked out in one night. These two units and the unit captured were said to be the only three German units equipped with I.R. gear. Gear for other units was, however, said to be in existence hidden in various places, which are known to Major von Werthern.

It is not recorded how many Panther tanks with I.R. gear were in each unit, however the training unit that was captured by the Allies was made up of 4 Sd.Kfz.251/20 Uhus, 16 Sd.Kfz.251/20 Falkes, and 3 staff cars. Even if the unit in question had 16 Panthers, which seems unlikely, that is still more than 4 kills claimed on average per tank! 

Also In the spring of 1945, a Sparrowhawk group was sent from the Panzertruppenschule in Bad Fallingbostel to StuhlweiBenburg in Hungary as part of the 6th SS Panzer Army. They were responsible for a large number of tank kills during the surprise offensive from February 17th to 24th, 1945 that destroyed the Russian bridgehead.

The remaining Panther tanks in the association also moved east. However, they were wiped out in Hungary because their infrared devices were allegedly ineffective due to heavy snowfall. There was a thaw back then! In reality, the remaining 63 Panthers actually arrived in Hungary on time, but without their infrared equipment which remained in Bad Fallingbostel for no apparent reason.

Infra-red equipped tank units were accompanied by panzergrenadiers, some of whom were armed with their own night fighting equipment – the vampire. The ZG 1229 Vampir weighed in at 2.25 kilograms (about 5lbs) and was fitted by means of lugs onto the StG44 assault rifle at C.G. Hänel at Suhl, the weapons production facility.

The grenadier carrying this was known as a Nachtjäger (night-hunter). As well as the sight and infrared spotlight, there was a 13.5 kilogram (about 30lbs.) wooden cased battery for the light and a second battery fitted inside a gas mask container to power the image converter. This was all strapped to a Tragegestell 39 (pack frame 1939). The searchlight consisted of a conventional tungsten light source shining through a filter permitting only infrared light. It operated in the upper infrared (light) spectrum rather than in the lower infrared (heat) spectrum and was, therefore, not sensitive to body heat.

Vampire gear was first used in combat in February 1945. However small arms infrared device introduction took place in early 1944 and I have read one report of Americans finding odd STG44s with large strange optic sights during the Ardennes battles (field tests maybe?)

 310 units were delivered to the Wehrmacht at the final stages of the war. Russian reports consist of snipers shooting at night with the aid of 'peculiar non-shining torches coupled with enormous optical sights' mounted on their rifles. Similar infrared gear was reportedly fitted both to MG34 and MG42 machine guns.

Other branches of the German military also developed IR equipment:

Kriegsmarine

The "Seehund" an infrared device developed for the Kriegsmarine and used from 1941 for signaling and infrared detection mounted on a 35cm searchlight. It seems to have had a maximum range of 4.5km under perfect conditions.

There was also a passive shore based aiming device "Warmepeilgerate" designed by Zeiss resp. Elac, which appears to have had good results up to 40km (large targets) under perfect conditions.

                                                                             Luftwaffe

The first on-board aid in German night fighters was the IR-based optical search device Spanner built by AEG .

"Spanner I" worked actively, with headlights, lenses and image converters

"Spanner II - IV" worked passively, with a lens and image converter (without headlights). However, they were only produced in small

The Do 17 Z-10 Kauz II was an improved version of the Do 17 Z-7 Kauz I, with a larger, more effective armament and early infrared technology (although I doubt this feature would be implemented). It was a night fighter variant of the infamous flying pencil, and unlike the earlier Kauz I, it did not possess any suspended armament. The Do 17 Z-10's offensive armament consisted of four 7.92 mm MG 17s grouped above the IR searchlight in the center of the nose and two 20 mm MG FFs in the lower nose, compared to the three MG 17s and one MG 151 of the Z-7. While each MG FF had a drum of only 90 rounds, the drums could be reloaded mid-flight by a dedicated crew member.

DO-17 Z10 "Kauz II" night-fighter with "Spanner" infrared detection system of I/NJR 2 at Gilze Rijen, Holland 1941

Now how we incorporate this technology onto a wargames table is an interesting question, obviously IR equipped tanks, etc can move and see better at night. But unless you are running a specific scenario I don`t see IR having much of an effect on  a tabletop. During my time as editor of the SOTCW Journal, I published a scenario by Stuart Pearson about a Nachtjager raid on Russian lines. I can easily see a skirmish type scenario with these IR equipped weapons being used making an interesting change of pace. Bolt Action actually covered Nachtjager in their late war supplement and Warlord Games actually produced a few figures so equipped.

S&S Models do an add on kit for your plastic or resin Panthers in 20mm

 Collecchio Game 2 

German Breakout Attempt

This is the second game based around the Battle at Collecchio, Italy 26-27 April 1945. I laid our my plan for a couple of games based on this late war action in an earlier post and suggest anyone reading this refers to that piece for a more complete background.

https://baberonwargames.blogspot.com/2023/11/collecchio.html

One last desperate throw of the dice and break through to Highway 62 and the way north. The Germans moved units around Collecchio through the thickly wooded areas, then launched an attack against the dug in Brazilians above the town. The victory conditions are simple – the Germans must break through and open the highway for their comrades bottled up south of the town. The Brazilians must hold the line preventing any German units escaping the valley.

 German force

Elements of 148th Infantry Division

Composite Battalion HQ:

CO, 2IC, 3 officers, 2 RTO, NCO, 4 runners,

8 man security platoon (LMG)

12 – Weak platoons with:

9 men each (weapons to be divided among platoons – 7 LMG, 1 Panzershreck [1D3 rockets], 3 Panzerfaust, 1 Flamethrower [3 bursts], sniper rifle, 1 grenade rifle)

2 – MMG (man packed 9 figures inc 4 ammo bearers)

2 – 81mm mortars (1D6 turns of ammo) (man packed 9 men inc ammo bearers)

Support - the game starts with the Germans getting 3 turns of random 105mm fire off two guns onto the Brazilian positions.

Brazilian Forces

All troops can be entrenched

 Composite HQ

CO (Gen. Mascarenhas), 2IC, 3 officers, 2 RTO, FOO, 4 runners, 10 man security platoon (BAR) + transport and medical detail

Coy HQ – CO, RTO, NCO, 3 runners

3 – 10 man platoons (1 BAR)

Support platoon - .30cal, Bazooka, 60mm mortar (10 men)

As 6th Company above

2 x MMGs

M8 armoured car

M3 half-track w/.50cal - 8 man platoon (BAR)

Battery 81mm mortars (8^th company, II Battalion, 11^th Infantry) 2 tubes

 My table

Initial deployment

The Brazilians deployed along the rough road leading out of Collecchio to the west, the centre of their line being the ruined farmhouse. They deployed 6^th Coy on the left, 9^th Coy in the centre one MMG was given to each company for direct support; the recce squadron was on the far right, they deployed a .50cal HMG off their half-track. The mortar FOO was placed dead centre of the table to give him the best overall view to call in support fire for either company.

6^th Coy on the left, MMG position

Troops of 9^th Coy in the ruined farm

Recce Squadron on the far right

The Germans elected to have wide deployment across the entire width of the table, though they held three platoons in reserve to follow the lead units on turn 3. The divided the MMGs among two of the lead platoons so they could be well forward and provide fire support during the assault phase on the Brazilian positions. They also divided the HQ into two units, one of which took direct command of the mortars, the other formed a command unit/platoon within the attacking platoons, so they could if needed rally or change platoon orders, both command sections had a radio link allowing them to communicate.

Turns 1-3 As the Germans advanced their 105mm guns dropped shells among the Brazilian positions

These caused some casualties among both companies, 9^th Coy lost both its .30cal machine gun and 60mm mortar to this fire!

Brazilian 81mm mortars did cause a few casualties among the advancing Germans in return.

Turns 4-5 The Germans continue their advance, but are now within HMG and MMG range as well as continued mortaring. The platoon on the far left walks right into the recce Squadron and is decimated by .50cal and vehicle mounted MMG fire! The fail a morale check and break at the start of turn 6!!

Turn 6 The Germans deploy their MMGs and 75IG to support a direct assault on the Brazilians

Their 81mm mortars are now targeting the .30cal MMG position in the middle of 6^th Coy`s line.

Turn 7 The .30cal is wiped out and the Germans press forward against 6^th Coy, the German MMGs support this advance and the general attack on the centre and the ruined farm, which is also targeted by the 75IG

Turn 8 two German platoons are shot to pieces on the far right trying to turn the flank of 6^th Company, but two others cross stone walls into the fields at the companies centre threatening a breakthrough!

On the Brazilian right the Recce Squadron finds itself without attackers so begins a move to strike into the German left flank  

The Germans are throwing everything at 9^th Company and the farmhouse, which is being raked by MMG and again targeted by the 75IG

The German mortars are now out of ammunition, so the command platoon orders the men to pick up their rifles and move forward to support their comrades.

Turn 9 The Germans on the right are stopped dead crossing those open fields. In the centre supported by MMG and IG fire, two platoons make a desperate close assault across the road to the ruined farm. Their attached flame-thrower causes casualties and a morale check!

A combination of MMG, BAR and the Germans attacking over an open road result in them taking awful casualties! They too require a morale check……….

Turn 10 The Brazilian morale holds (just), the Germans fail their check and run back to the comparative shelter of the road side ditch, but it is at this point the Recce Squadron hits them in the flank causing more casualties and yet another check – which they blow badly and break!!

With both flanks exposed and the Brazilians still well entrenched, the Germans can do no more and withdraw.

A closer run thing than it looked in the AAR, a bit more luck with “to hit” rolls and one failed Brazilian morale check and the result could have been quite different.

As I wrote in my initial post (see link above) if you play Rapid Fire! or another battalion level set you could quite easily play both these two games as one on a single table with little or no re-writing.

The Battle at Collecchio

With the Brazilians in Italy April 26 - 27, 1945 by Richard Baber

Game 1 – The Brazilians Assault Collecchio

I laid our my plan for a couple of games based on this late war action in an earlier post and suggest anyone reading this refers to that piece for a more complete background.

https://baberonwargames.blogspot.com/2023/11/collecchio.html

For the first game I decided to concentrate on the evening attack by 5^th company (II/11th infantry) and 2nd company (I/6th infantry) supported by the US tanks. The Brazilians had none of their organic artillery present due to a tactical decision where the artillery transport had been utilised as infantry transport to assist the divisions speed and movement during this final pursuit phase in the occupation of Northern Italy. I allowed Lt. mortars from the other dug in companies to be used in support of the attacking units.

 By evening the Germans had established themselves within the town and had set up defensive positions facing northeast up highway N62. Their artillery (what there was of it) is positioned in the south of the town in the groves and orchards. They have no tanks, but a few armoured cars from 90th PG, the `88 was positioned off the town square deployed without tow.

 Brazilian units

5th Company, II Battalion, 11th Infantry

Coy HQ – CO, RTO, NCO, 3 runners

3 – 10 man platoons (1 BAR)

Support platoon - .30cal, Bazooka, 60mm mortar (10 men)

As 5th Company above

Elements US 751st Tank Battalion

4 – M4 Sherman (75)

Off table

60mm mortar support fire

 Special rule: these 60mm mortars can only fire 40 inches onto the table at which point they are out of range.

German forces

Recon Elements 90th Panzergrenadier Div.

Sdkfz 222 armoured car

Sdkfz 232 armoured car

HQ – CO, 2IC, FOO, 2 X RTO, NCO, 4 runners, sniper, medical unit

6 - weak 8 man platoons (including – 3 LMGs, 3 Panzerfaust)

Support – 1 panzershreck team (1D3 rockets), 1 Pak97/38 & crew, 1 88mm Flak & crew

 
Off table

3 turns of 105mm artillery (2 guns)

5 turns of 81mm mortar (2 tubes)

Some soft skinned transport is scattered through the town, short on fuel.

Brazilian orders are to clear the town, the Germans are trying to stop the Brazilian advance southwards.

My Table

Even though I knew there were no Germans I deployed a couple of platoons to check out ruined factory buildings.

In the town the German defenders waited

On turn 3 the German FOO called down artillery on the leading Brazilian company, luckily for the Brazilians it fell short

The advance continued through turns 4 and 5, even though the Germans continued to throw shells, the Brazilians remained amazingly unharmed!!

On turn 5 they did however received small arms fire and took a couple of casualties from a MG42 by the church. The supporting Shermans fired on any spotted positions causing casualties themselves.

Turns 6 to 9 saw the Brazilians with their armoured support moving forward against stiff opposition within the outskirts of the town. Even though the German defenders had good positions, once they exposed themselves to fire the Shermans opened up with their 75s and the Brazilians plastered the buildings with .30cal, BAR & rifle grenades.

Turn 8 saw the Brazilian platoon on the far right (1^st platoon of 5^th company) crossing more open ground towards a farm, they came under small arms fire and took casualties. Luckily the FOO for the off table 60mm mortars was close by and called in fire against the two shacks.

On turn 9 one shack was hit, a role for effect was devastating killing all inside!

Turn 10 the first German line collapses, survivors break and run! On the Brazilian right the 60mm mortars drive out the remaining defenders of the farm shacks! On the left the platoon there (3^rd of 2^nd Company) clears the graveyard and moves to clear the church.

Turn 11 in the centre 2^nd Company get hit from dug in Germans across the park, an Sdkfz 232 adds its 20mm fire to the mix causing further casualties.

The armoured car is immediately spotted and knocked out by a Sherman!

Turn 12 2^nd Company go to ground under heavy German fire, but the German position is wiped out by several HE hits from various supporting Shermans!

Further right the lead Sherman supporting 5^th Company is fired on by a concealed Pak 97/38 (miss)

Turn 13 the Sherman supporting 2^nd company continue to blast the area around where the German machine guns were.

This causes more casualties among that German platoon and causes a morale check!

On the right the Sherman engages the AT gun, which fires again and hits but fails to penetrate! The Sherman is bang on and wipes out the gun……

Turn 14 2^nd and 5^th Companies continue their push into the town. The German platoon across the park having suffered 50% casualties breaks and flees.

Turn 15 2^nd and 5^th companies push forward, some Germans are still hidden among the houses and cause casualties.

On the far right 1^st platoon of 5^th Company finds more German in the buildings across the road from the farm, luckily they have a Bazooka team attached and decide to engage the buildings with it.

Turn 16 a Panzershreck scores a hit on one of the Sherman supporting 2^nd Company

Men from 2^nd company destroy a shack killing all the defenders

On the far right the Bazooka goes to work

Turns 17 – 19 With the Shermans somewhat reluctant to advance into close terrain with Panzershrecks around the infantry are forced to clear houses one by one, they have good results but do take casualties.

Turn 20 members of 5^th Company approaching the square get a nasty shock when an 88 opens up with HE

Turns 21-23 The 88 continues to blast away at anything visible, this shot on the inn caused the death of 1^st platoons CO!

The Shermans now with a cleared path move forward and give fire support to 2^nd company on the left, destroying a couple of German emplacements.

Turn 24 a brave Sherman commander (a successful heroic test) orders his crew to move against the 88. The 88 is surprised and misses the tank, which in turn nails its deadly opponent!

With most of their infantry dead, captured or running and all the guns destroyed, I think this is a good place to call time.