Dragon DRR60304 German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 142 Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. G Assault Gun - Panzer-Grenadier Division "Grossdeutschland", Eastern Front, 1943 (1:72 Scale)
"We must do everything we can to promote anti-tank defense, and work just as hard to guarantee successful counter-attacks through the instrument of powerful tank forces of our own."
- Major-General Heinz Guderian, "Achtung Panzer!"
The German Sturmgeschutz (StuG) was one of the most successful armored fighting vehicles of the Second World War. It arose from an original concept of the pre-war panzer divisions, whereby a special vehicle for infantry support work was planned. During the war years, the Sturmgeschutz was rapidly developed and upgunned, and was used both in its original role as an assault gun and also as a tank destroyer.
Dragon Armor has issued a fine 1:72 scale model of an armored vehicle from the "Grossdeutschland" Division fighting in 1943. The model portrays a StuG.III Ausf.G Early Production variant from the division's Sturmgeschutz (Assault Gun) Battalion. This particular battalion was composed of an HQ and three batteries containing six StuG.III assault guns each. As is the norm for Dragon Armor items, the model is extremely accurate dimensionally, and even the smallest detail is fully represented. It is painted in a summer camouflage scheme of sand covered in wavy green lines. The balkenkreuze is clearly emblazoned on the superstructure sides, as well as the division's famous 'helmet' insignia. The finish is topped off by judicious dry-brushing, resulting in an extremely attractive and realistic-looking vehicle. This is a fine StuG.III Ausf.G model from the division that was nicknamed 'die Feuerwehr' (The Fire Brigade), and it is sure to spark a lot of interest amongst collectors!
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Dimensions:
Length: 3-1/2-inches
Width: 1-1/2-inches
Release Date: October 2007
Historical Account: "Greater Germany" - On June 23rd, 1943, Infanterie Division "Grossdeutschland" was officially re-classified as a Panzergrenadier Division. The two infantry regiments became known as Panzer Grenadier Regiment Grossdeutschland and Panzer Fusilier Regiment Grossdeutschland. Interestingly, both units retained their white arm-of-service or branch color (waffenfarbe) rather than the new grassgreen piping adopted by the panzergrenadiers. Involved in Operation: Zitadelle, Panzer Grenadier Division Grossdeutschland was, in actuality, a full-fledged panzer division since it was one of only a handful of units equipped with a battalion of Tiger tanks.
After Kursk, the unit fought on the Dniepr Line, and by early 1944 was fighting in the north, retreating into East Prussia and Latvia as the Russian onslaught continue to gather momentum.
In November 1944, the
Grossdeutschland Division was still regarded as a Panzergrenadier division, although other units within its 'sphere of influence' were expanded to form the Panzerkorps Grossdeutschland.