For how long (if ever) was the ZB 37 machinegun used by the Leibstandarte, Das Reich and Totenkopf divisions?
/Daniel
ZB 37 in use by 1,2 & 3 SS-Division
Re: ZB 37 in use by 1,2 & 3 SS-Division
I rephrase my question: Were these weapons used by mentioned unis in 1943?
/Daniel
/Daniel
Re: ZB 37 in use by 1,2 & 3 SS-Division
Hi Daniel,
The ZB-37 or MG 37(t) as it was known to the Germans, was seized in quantities from the ZB factory in Brno when Germany invaded Czechoslovakia in March 1939. When the Totenkopf Division was formed in October, 1939, the Divisional Commander, Eicke was refused the issue of German weapons to the division by the Heer who were concerned about the military growth of the SS. Eicke then equipped his division with much captured Czech eqipment including the MG 37(t) for the MG Companies of the Totenkopf Division. The MG 37(t) was used by the division throughout the Western campaign of 1940 but was replaced by the MG 34 in November, 1940. All other SS Totenkopf Standarten, including those forming the SS Kampfgruppe Nord, were also equipped with the MG 37(t). It was never issued to or used by the LAH or Das Reich Divisions but was issued to the Prinz Eugen Division in the Balkans. Hope this helps!
ZB37(t)
The ZB-37 or MG 37(t) as it was known to the Germans, was seized in quantities from the ZB factory in Brno when Germany invaded Czechoslovakia in March 1939. When the Totenkopf Division was formed in October, 1939, the Divisional Commander, Eicke was refused the issue of German weapons to the division by the Heer who were concerned about the military growth of the SS. Eicke then equipped his division with much captured Czech eqipment including the MG 37(t) for the MG Companies of the Totenkopf Division. The MG 37(t) was used by the division throughout the Western campaign of 1940 but was replaced by the MG 34 in November, 1940. All other SS Totenkopf Standarten, including those forming the SS Kampfgruppe Nord, were also equipped with the MG 37(t). It was never issued to or used by the LAH or Das Reich Divisions but was issued to the Prinz Eugen Division in the Balkans. Hope this helps!
ZB37(t)