Panthers at Kursk

The Frontline Illustration book called: ‘Panthers at Kursk’ (roughly translated) - the following is new according to the book:

a. The 52nd Abt. used different company colours for its snarling panther head logos. 5th Company had white head with black details, 6th blue head with white details, 7th black head with white details and the 8th a brown head with black and white details, as well as a red tongue. The head of the 8th company also differs in details. The photos included are clear enough to support the theory of different colours, but the blue one is difficult to proof.

b. The book is suggesting the following numbering system: R01-R08, I01-I08, II01-II08 and then x01-x02, x11-x15, x21-x25, x31-x35 and x41-x45 for the eight tank companies. This is supported with photos of R04, 101, 121, 142, 144, 214, 231, 312, 432, 434, 445, 502, 521, 535, 613, 632, 633, 634, 732, 735, 745 and 824.

c. There are a number of clear shots showing R04, and it has no logo.

d. The prowling panther in black outline is said to have been used by the 51st Abt. when it was serving with Grossdeutschland after Kursk. There are shots of Panthers 102, 124, 211, 301, 322 and 445, all showing this logo. The one numbered “4” in the earlier thread is probably the one said to be 124 here. The shot shows “24” with the one being added in the caption. Of further interest is that at least 102 and 445 has the first style turret with the “Klappe” on the LHS of the turret.

e. The table with cause-of-demise for Panthers is also given here. It is for tanks KO between the 20th and 28th of June 1943. The interesting thing is that the following turret numbers are given in this: 95, 170, 281, 381, 440, 551. They do not fit into the suggested numbering system proposed in this book, and it is also clearly stated. None of these "odd ones" appears in the photos, only tanks that fit in.

As to the odd turret numbers listed, it may well be that they were guessed from remains of burnt-out Panthers. Perhaps a bit shaky explanation, but at least a possible one.

The panther head logo of the 8th company actually appears to be in the some brown shade as the normal camo brown. It may be that it is a transparent logo, which would also explain the additional details.