Sturmartillerie: Spearhead of the Infantry

When one thinks of the German military during World War II, images of tiger tanks and blitzkrieg strategies often come to mind. However, there is one lesser-known branch of the German Army that played a crucial role on the battlefield - the Sturmartillerie. This specialized unit was the spearhead of the infantry, providing crucial firepower and support during key offensives.

Initially established in the late 1930s, the Sturmartillerie was designed to bridge the gap between the artillery and infantry forces. Their primary mission was to provide close-range fire support to the advancing infantry, and to eliminate fortified enemy positions that hindered their progress. Equipped with high-caliber guns mounted on tracked vehicles, the Sturmartillerie was a formidable asset on the battlefield.

The Birth of a Powerful Unit

The concept of the Sturmartillerie was born out of the experiences and lessons learned during the trench warfare of World War I. The German military recognized the need for a dedicated unit that could support infantry troops more effectively and break through enemy defenses. After much experimentation and development, the Sturmartillerie finally came into existence in the years leading up to World War II.

Sturmartillerie: Spearhead of the infantry

by Thomas Anderson(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	128246 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	347 pages

FREE

The Sturmartillerie units were equipped with self-propelled artillery vehicles, mainly the Sturmgeschütz III and Sturmgeschütz IV. These vehicles were heavily armored and could withstand enemy fire while delivering devastating blows to enemy positions. They were capable of firing high-explosive rounds, armor-piercing shells, and even had secondary machine guns to suppress enemy infantry.

The Role and Significance on the Battlefield

During offensive operations, Sturmartillerie units were deployed directly alongside infantry divisions. Their mission was to neutralize enemy strongholds, provide fire support during assault operations, and ensure the momentum of the attack was maintained. Operating in close coordination with the infantry, these units were often engaged in intense urban combat and played a significant role in the breakthrough of heavily fortified areas.

What made the Sturmartillerie even more effective was their ability to rapidly adapt on the battlefield. The Sturmgeschütz vehicles could be easily modified and were equipped with additional tools to overcome obstacles. For example, bulldozer blades could be attached to clear paths through minefields, and they could even be converted into makeshift bridges to overcome water obstacles.

Key Battles and Notable Achievements

The Sturmartillerie's impact on the outcome of various battles cannot be overlooked. They played a crucial role in the Eastern Front, participating in major offensives such as the Battle of Kursk and the Siege of Leningrad. These units were also deployed on the Western Front, where they contributed significantly to the defense of Normandy against the Allied invasion.

One notable achievement of the Sturmartillerie was during the Battle of Stalingrad. As the German forces were desperately trying to break the Soviet defenses, Sturmartillerie units provided direct support to the infantry in the brutal urban combat. Their heavy firepower and ability to tackle fortified positions played a vital role in the initial success of the German offensive, albeit ultimately unsuccessful.

Legacy and Impact

Despite the eventual defeat of the Axis powers, the Sturmartillerie left a lasting impact on mechanized warfare. Their innovative tactics and versatile vehicles laid the groundwork for the tank destroyer concept that would be adopted by many modern armies. The lessons learned from their experiences also influenced future developments in armored warfare.

Today, the Sturmartillerie stands as a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability demonstrated by the German military during World War II. Although overshadowed by more glamorous branches of the German Army, their role as the spearhead of the infantry should not be forgotten.

, the Sturmartillerie played a pivotal role on the battlefield. They provided crucial fire support, broke through enemy defenses, and paved the way for the infantry. Their impact, both in terms of battle outcomes and technological advancements, cannot be overstated. It is important to recognize and remember the sacrifices and contributions of the Sturmartillerie, as they were truly the spearhead of the infantry.

Sturmartillerie: Spearhead of the infantry

by Thomas Anderson(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	128246 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	347 pages

FREE

The Sturmartillerie was a key part of Germany's armoured arsenal throughout World War II. Its armoured assault guns were designed to support the artillery on the battlefield, largely using the purpose-built Sturmgeschütz infantry support gun.
This new and exhaustive study details the development and operational history of this innovative force, as well as describing how its role and the tactics it employed changed from the glory years of Blitzkrieg through to the desperate defence of the last years of the war. It also describes the technical development and evolution of the vehicles employed, and includes combat action reports and excerpts from interviews with veterans.