The Panther Brigade had excellent leadership especially in Decker and von Lauchert, however the Panther being brand new had too many mechanical breakdowns, most of their loses being mechanical. It wasn't until 44 that the newer Panthers were much improved. They also didn't perform as well because they were led a bit recklessly either by Strachwitz or Decker considering who you believe. Though both were excellent Panzer commanders, one of them was a bit too reckless at Kursk. Blood Steel and Myth really covers this controversy really well. It's similar with Bake. As a panzer commander in the East he was brilliant, however when he was placed in command of Panzer Brigade 106, in his first actions in the West, the whole Brigade was almost wiped out fighting the Americans, whom Bake had never fought against. The very aggressive cavalry type tactics from the East didn't work in the West. Of course, being an excellent commander he soon learned from his mistakes, and the Brigade performed better.
Wow, those last three posts of yours are excellent. What are your sources, what books did you get all that information about the Panzer Battalions 51 and 52, the 24th Pz division after Stalingrad, and the rest about the 14th pz, and the rest??? I would love to know what book (s) have all that information. Thanks.
Wow, those last three posts of yours are excellent. What are your sources, what books did you get all that information about the Panzer Battalions 51 and 52, the 24th Pz division after Stalingrad, and the rest about the 14th pz, and the rest??? I would love to know what book (s) have all that information. Thanks.
Comment