Panzerschreck

Lore & Background

The Panzerschreck was designed as a lightweight infantry anti-tank weapon and was essentially an enlarged copy of the American bazooka, captured during the Tunisian campaign in November 1942. It was shoulder-launched and fired a fin-stabilized rocket with a shaped-charge warhead. The weapon was made in much smaller numbers than the Panzerfaust, which was a light, disposable anti-tank weapon using a system akin to recoilless rifles. The Panzerschreck had an 88 mm calibre, compared to the 57 mm calibre of the bazooka, allowing it to penetrate thicker armour but requiring a larger motor that created more smoke when firing. The earliest production model was long and weighed about when empty. Unlike American bazooka rockets that extinguished before leaving the tube, RPzB rockets kept burning for about after exiting the tube. Users were instructed to wear heavy gloves, a protective poncho, and a gas mask without a filter to protect from the heat of the backblast. In February 1944, the RPzB 54 was fitted with an official blast shield, making it heavier. Small numbers of the shortened RPzB 54/1 were later produced with an improved rocket, a shorter barrel, and increased range. Firing generated copious smoke both in front of and behind the weapon, revealing anti-tank teams and requiring them to shift positions after firing. Firing from inside closed spaces filled the room with toxic smoke and revealed the firing location immediately. Late war German tactical doctrine called for Panzerschreck teams to set up in staggered trenches no further than apart, aiming for thinner side or rear armor. Allied armored units attempted improvised protections like sandbags, spare track units, logs, and metal mesh, but about 1 meter of air gap was required to substantially reduce penetration; skirts and sandbags were ineffective. In 1944, Germany provided the Panzerschreck to Finland, which used it against Soviet armour. The Italian Social Republic and Hungary also used it; Hungary used it extensively during Operation Spring Awakening.

In Their Own Story

The air in the French village was thick with dust and the acrid smell of burnt rubber. Sergeant Miller crouched behind a shattered stone wall, his eyes scanning the narrow street ahead. Suddenly, a flash erupted from a second-story window, followed by the distinctive roar of a rocket. The Panzerschreck screamed through the air, impacting the flank of the lead Sherman tank with a deafening explosion that sent shrapnel flying in every direction.

Reader's Guide

The Panzerschreck is a reusable, shoulder-launched anti-tank rocket launcher. It is not recoilless; firing from inside buildings is dangerous due to toxic smoke and backblast. Operators must wear protective gear (heavy gloves, poncho, gas mask without filter) due to heat and backblast. The weapon produces copious smoke, revealing the user's position, so teams should shift positions after firing. Aim for thinner side or rear armor. Improvised tank protections like sandbags or skirts are ineffective; only about 1 meter of air gap reduces penetration.

Did You Know?

• The Panzerschreck was an enlarged copy of the American bazooka, captured in November 1942.
• Its official name Ofenrohr means 'stove pipe' due to the smoke produced.
• The Finnish name for the weapon was Panssarikauhu, a literal translation of the German name.
• The Panzerschreck was made in much smaller numbers than the Panzerfaust.