Flakpanzer IV Kügelblitz

Discussions on the vehicles used by the Axis forces. Hosted by Christian Ankerstjerne
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Pipkin90
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Joined: 09 Oct 2019, 20:05
Location: Sweden

Flakpanzer IV Kügelblitz

#1

Post by Pipkin90 » 14 Oct 2019, 20:50

Is there any good sources on what units used the few Kügelblitz tanks that where built in the final months of WWII?

My google-fu is kinda bad, and all I can find are pictures of the knocked out one in Berlin, the knocked out one in Spichra and pictures of the unfinished turret with cradle at the former german airdefence school.

Berlin one:
https://i.imgur.com/m223KUj.png

Spichra:
https://i.imgur.com/atCOSc0.png

Rendsburg turret:
http://fcdn.valka.cz/files/thumbs/t_norden-04.jpg

bam
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Joined: 08 Sep 2005, 23:10
Location: moseley-u.k.

Re: Flakpanzer IV Kügelblitz

#2

Post by bam » 24 Nov 2019, 00:49

I don't think anyone knows for certain how many KBs were built or who used them. We know pieces.
The only certainty is that at least 1 was used at Spichra, Thuringia.

Panzertracts 4-1 "Flakpanzerkampfwagen IV" states only 2 were produced, in Feb 45, presumably by Stahlindustrie Duisberg.

Nuts & Bolts #25 says that the Spichra KB was lost on April 1st fighting US 4th Armored div.
N&B state the unit may have been from 3.(Fla.)/ Panzer ersatz und Ausbildungs Abt 204. They trained Flak panzer crews, eg the Flakpanzer 38T crews, and had moved to Thuringia. Their Hauptmann Klausa received orders to create "Pz. Fla. Versuchskompanie z.b.V." on 22nd March. The unit was to be formed by April 15th, to comparatively test the latest Flakpanzers, and may have had 17 vehicles comprising Kugelblitz, Ostwind and Wirbelwind.
Count Seherr-Thoss, leader of Ostbau Sagan who created the Wirbelwind and Ostwind apparently stated that Klausa really did form a unit.

The photo of the (probable) KB Hull in Berlin might not be from a complete turreted vehicle. Panzer Wrecks state in Panzers in Berlin, that the total lack of any signs of damage make it improbable that its turret was blown off. Apparently 2 KB superstructure without turrets were delivered to D.Benz Berlin in Oct44. The Berlin photo is likely one of those, perhaps used as an improvised turretless AFV or Muni wagen in the final battles.


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