Fallschirm-Pionier-Bataillon KSTN

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eliw00d
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Fallschirm-Pionier-Bataillon KSTN

#1

Post by eliw00d » 09 Sep 2014, 19:42

Any chance there is any information on the bayonet strength of a Fallschirm-Pionier-Bataillon in 1944? I am trying to figure out what a Fallschirm-Pionier-Zug would look like.

Gary Kennedy
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Re: Fallschirm-Pionier-Bataillon KSTN

#2

Post by Gary Kennedy » 10 Sep 2014, 21:37

The gliederung available on Sturmpanzer.com gives a support weapon strength of 11 LMG and 2 HMG, plus 2x 8-cm mortars. The normally helpful US Army handbook on German Forces doesn't give any personnel figures unfortunately. You could try a PM to Piet Duits on the forum, he might be able to help.

Gary


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Christoph Awender
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Re: Fallschirm-Pionier-Bataillon KSTN

#3

Post by Christoph Awender » 12 Sep 2014, 07:30

Hello,

A Pionierzug KStN 8221 (L)

Zugführer (Lt.) Sp.

- Zugtrupp:
Zugtruppführer Sp.
Vermessungsmann Sp.
2x Melder Sp.
Waffenwart Sp.
3 Kraftfahrer Sp.

- Zug:
3x Gruppenführer Sp.
30x Pionier Sp.
6x le.M.G.Schützen
3x Kraftfahrer Sp.

1x le.Krad 350ccm
1x Krad m.Seitenwg.
1x le.Pkw., gl (4sitzig)
3x Lkw., 3t, offen, für Mannschaftstransport

31x Gewehr, 3x Gewehr mit Zielfernrohr
8x Pistole
10x MPi.
3x Kampfpistole
6x Gewehrgranatgerät
3x l.M.G.
1x Fahrrad

Summe: 1 Offz., 50 Uffz. u.Mannschaften

/Christoph

Edit: The "Sp." means Springer for jumping personnel.

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eliw00d
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Re: Fallschirm-Pionier-Bataillon KSTN

#4

Post by eliw00d » 12 Sep 2014, 18:09

Thank you, Christoph!

So, this would be typical of a Fallschirm-Pionier-Zug in 1944?

I'm guessing the Gruppe would be equipped along these lines:

1 x MP40 (Squad Leader)
1 x K98k Scoped (Assistant Squad Leader)
9 x K98k (Riflemen)
1 x P38 (Assistant Machine-gunner)
1 x P38, 1 x MG34 or MG42 (Machine-gunner)

With two riflemen using rifle grenades. Does that sound about right?

Gary Kennedy
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Re: Fallschirm-Pionier-Bataillon KSTN

#5

Post by Gary Kennedy » 13 Sep 2014, 02:18

It's a bit difficult trying to decide individual weapon allocation from the Luftwaffe KStN tables, as the few I've seen for the 1944 Para units just give an overall total for subunit, whereas Army tables could go down to man for man detail. With 10 MP40s for the Platoon I'd reckon on at least two per Squad, but other than that I'd go with your estimate.

Gary

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Re: Fallschirm-Pionier-Bataillon KSTN

#6

Post by eliw00d » 13 Sep 2014, 21:34

Thank you, Gary! That actually makes more sense, now that I think about it.

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Re: Fallschirm-Pionier-Bataillon KSTN

#7

Post by eliw00d » 28 Sep 2015, 22:22

Is this one of the May 1944 KSTNs? If so, are there any guesses to the size of a Fallschirm-Pionier-Zug in the 1943 org? I am trying to determine how they would have been equipped for existing divisions in 1944. Thanks!

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