Panzergrenadiers and equipment

[Undave]

So I've got a load of Hannomags and some sprues of Germans as I need something for my brave Brits to shoot at. This would suggest a good basis for an armoured Panzergrenadier platoon. The question is; do I put the equipment packs on them or not? On the instruction sheet it says " leave them off to represent motorised grenadiers or attach them for the typical landser" which leads me to believe I shouldn't use them. On the other hand I've seen pics and also some models which claim to be PGs and they have packs on (also I've already glued two before I realised )

Any info on this? Is it just a cosmetic thing to reinforce the image of a motorised unit or did they really not lug stuff around with them?

[Parus Ater]

~Generally speaking~ across the whole of WWII, if a company are mechanised they tend not to wear full pack.

However, German orders were that you should always have your gas mask tin on, you would always have the water bottle and the breadbag is a faff to take off and doesn't get in the way(it does make carrying the waterbottle easier). That leaves only the zelt and the ones that have the A frame thingy which has a name and it's 1am and I can't remember it.

Anyway, balance is, as a soldier would you carry something when you can leave it in your transport with stuff you should have or do you decide that not having any makes it easier to sit closer.... I'd say up to you and what you prefer. Personally, I'd do them without and see what they look like. You can always add them.

[Invisible officer]

PA is absolutely correct. Not to forget that Panzergrenadier does not say that the battalion has SPW, most units had just Lorries. And in fighting situations these are far away.
A clever soldier would not put his most valuable possessions in a big target.

My father used to name the SPW's "Fahrende Särge" / moving coffins. Being in the artillery he was often on forward observer post. Carefully avoiding being near to them with his Kübelwagen. They attracted enemy fire like fly paper flies.

[Undave]

Cheers guys, in that case I may as well tool them up. That way I'll be able to use them as regular Grenadiers as well and they'll fit in with the HMG teams.

[Undave]

OK howzabout this one? I'm looking for some way to differentiate the feldwebel from the unterofficer (I think I got those right) as both have MP40s. Did the FWs wear the cap that comes on the sprue or was that for higher ups only? Again photos are ambiguous, some are wearing them but they may be for dress uniform.

[Parus Ater]

My understanding is that FW would have a sidecap or peaked cap with coloured piping on the seams and silver piping on the collar edge and on the collar - same stuff as the rank chevrons.
Someone fill the gaps for me?

[Invisible officer]

The Schirmmütze für Offiziere peaked cap) was worn by Officers. Generals with gold Kordel / cords, others with silver.

But there was also the Schirmmütze für Unteroffiziere und Mannschaften / NCO and OR. It was worn by the Oberfähnrich with Aluminiumkordel, by others with a Leather Sturmriemen / Leather strap. But it was for Home and Etappe, hardly worn at the front.

At the Front only Officers used the Schirmmütze and they changed to Stahlhelm under fire. Many wore the Schiffchen instead of the Schirmmütze, again different Versions for Officers and NCO / OR.
And not to forget the Einheitsfeldmütze worn from 1943 on, looking like the Bergmütze of the Gebirgsjäger. Worn by all ranks in all Heeres units with slight differences.

So a non Officer with Schirmmütze is not realy wrong, but hardly to be seen at the front.