Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.J — Fgst.Nr. 68676
On 15 February 1943, the division withdrew from Kharkov against Hitler's explicit order and assembled in the Krasnograd area.
On 19 February 1943, the division launched an attack on both sides of the Orel and Samara southwards and then eastwards into the Pavlograd area.
On 25 February 1943, the division advanced in a northeastern direction towards Lozovaya.
By 6 March 1943, the division reached Novaya Vodolaga and Merefa until the German advance bogged down in the mud.
On 14 March 1943, Kharkov was finally recaptured after further fierce attacks.
In the subsequent pursuit, Belgorod was reached on 18 March 1943, followed by clearing the area west of the Donets.
SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"
Die Kpf.Wg. wurden bei der Wiedereinnahme von Charkow in stark beschädigtem Zustand von der Division aufgefunden, sichergestellt und der Instandsetzung zugeführt. (The tanks were found by the division in a heavily damaged condition during the recapture of Kharkov, secured, and sent for repair.)
SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"
Die Kpf.Wg. wurden bei der Wiedereinnahme von Charkow in stark beschädigtem Zustand von der Division aufgefunden, sichergestellt und der Instandsetzung zugeführt. (The tanks were found by the division in a heavily damaged condition during the recapture of Kharkov, secured, and sent for repair.)
In the fighting from 30 January to 20 March 1943, the division lost 4,498 men.
In April 1943, the division was transferred to the Peresetschnaya area for replenishment, during which the motorcycle battalion was disbanded.
SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"
Listed in status report, repair by unit
SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"
In Instandsetzung bei der Truppe
SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"
in repair with the unit
From 5 June 1943, the division participated in Operation Citadel, advancing towards Berezov.
On 6 June 1943, the division was in the Luchki area.
SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"
In repair at unit (not ready for action)
On 11 July 1943, the division was positioned 3.5 km from Prohorovka.
On 18 July 1943, the division's offensive was called off, and it was withdrawn to prepare for transfer to Italy following the Allied landing in Sicily.
On 30 July 1943, the division attacked the Soviet bridgehead across the Mius river south of Kuibyshev, throwing the enemy back.
As early as 4 August 1943, the division was redeployed back to the Kharkov area for heavy defensive fighting.
On 23 August 1943, Kharkov had to be abandoned.
On 2 September 1943, the division began its retreat via Poltava toward the Dnieper.
On 25 September 1943, the first elements of the division crossed the river at Kremenchug and immediately moved to the Kanev area.
On 22 October 1943, the division was officially renamed 2. SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich".
2. SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich"
Ist davon (Actual status)
2. SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich"
Ist davon (Actual status)
On 6 November 1943, the division was relocated to the Fastov area.
On 21 November 1943, the division was withdrawn from its positions and moved east of Zhytomyr to push the enemy back towards Kiev.
2. SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich"
Actual status (noted in remarks)
2. SS-Panzer-Division "Das Reich"
Actual status (noted in remarks)
Version (Ausf.): Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.J
Production date: 1941.05
Producer: MNH, Hannover
Main armament: 5 cm Kw.K. L/42
Data source: Panzer Tracts 03-3-26
Modification type: field_conversion
New standard (Ausf.): Ausf.J
Tactical role: Rearmed with 5 cm L/60 („KwK 5cm lg. eingebaut”), 20.6–1.7.1943. Report gives only a count of 7, no chassis numbers – attribution deduced by elimination (9 L/42 on 1.6.1943 minus 2 Fahrschul-Pz.), not stated directly. Col. 19 from 31.10.1943.
New armament: 5 cm KwK 39 L/60
Źródło: RH.021.04.450.S0559No technical events recorded.
No specific features recorded for this vehicle.
In doc. T313.R391.S0411 or S0413, the tank is not explicitly assigned to Spalte 19 (mit 5 cm KwK L/60), but the total number of vehicles in the Pz.Kpfw.III lists of both documents matches the value in the table at the intersection of Spalte 19 and row 2 (Ist).
No associated archival photos for this chassis number.