Pz.Bef.Wg. Ausf.J — Fgst.Nr. 73722
In January 1943, the division returned to the Eastern Front and assembled in the area west of Kharkov.
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.
SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"
Einsatzbereite gep. Kfz. (ready for combat)
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"
Listed in status report, repair by the unit
SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"
in Instandsetzung bei der Truppe (under repair within the unit)
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, combat ready
SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"
Battle-ready
SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich"
Combat-ready
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"
Actual status
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On 18 July 1943, the division's offensive was called off, and it was withdrawn to prepare for transfer to Italy following the Allied landing in Sicily.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.Bef.Wg. Ausf.J
Production date: 1942.04
Producer: Henschel & Sohn, Kassel
Main armament: 5 cm Kw.K. L/42
Data source: ---
No conversions or special modifications registered for this vehicle.
No technical events recorded.
No specific features recorded for this vehicle.
Belongs to a distinct numerical group 737xx currently classified as Ausf.X. Vehicle identified in the 2nd SS Panzer Division after the Battle of Kharkov (1943.03) and again in document T313.R391.S0232 (1943.11) as Pz.Bef.Wg. mit 5 cm Kw.K. L/42 (Spalte 45). Requires further analysis as a potential element of a common production series.
No associated archival photos for this chassis number.