German Bundeswehr Panzergrenadier Battalion (IFV), 1967–1970

German Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm Tank Destroyer

In 1967 the organisation of the 5. (schwere) Kompanie of the Panzergrenadierbataillon (SPz) was changed. The 81 mm mortar platoon was dropped from the roster. The M41 Panzerjägerzug was replaced by two tank-destroyer platoons equipped with four Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm each. These new JagdPzK platoons were only available to Panzergrenadierbataillons serving in a mechanized infantry brigade, called Panzergrenadierbrigade in German. The sole Panzergrenadierbataillon of a Panzerbrigade only retained the 120 mm mortar platoon in its Heavy Weapons Company. The reason being that the two Panzerbataillons of a tank brigade provided enough anti-tank capability to protect their attached mechanized infantry battalion from enemy armour.

Bundeswehr Panzergrenadierbataillon (SPz), 1967–1970

Stab (Battalion HQ)
1. Stabs- und Versorgungskompanie (HQ Company)
- Fernmeldezug (Signals)
- Versorgungsstaffel (Supply & Logistics)
2. Panzergrenadierkompanie (Mechanized Infantry Company)
- Kompanietrupp (Company HQ)
  - Lkw 0,25 t (Jeep)
  - 3 Kräder (Motorcycles)
  - Schützenpanzer HS 30 APC with 20 mm Cannon
- 1. Zug (Platoon)
  - Schützenpanzer HS 30 APC with 20 mm Cannon
  - Schützenpanzer HS 30 APC with 20 mm Cannon
  - Schützenpanzer HS 30 APC with 20 mm Cannon
  - Schützenpanzer HS 30 APC with 20 mm Cannon
  - SPz HS 30 APC with 20 mm Cannon and 106 mm Recoilless
- 2. Zug, as above
- 3. Zug, as above
- Kompaniefeldwebeltrupp (CSM’s Section)
  - Lkw 0,25 t (Jeep)
  - Lkw 1,5 t (Radio Truck)
  - Lkw 5 t (Supply Truck)
3. Panzergrenadierkompanie, as above
4. Panzergrenadierkompanie, as above
5. (schwere) Kompanie (Heavy Weapons Company)
- Kompanieführungsgruppe
  - Feuerleitpanzer HS 30 (Forward Observer Vehicle)
- Mörserzug 120 mm (Mortar Platoon)
  - Panzermörser 120 mm HS 30
  - Panzermörser 120 mm HS 30
  - Panzermörser 120 mm HS 30
  - Panzermörser 120 mm HS 30
  - Panzermörser 120 mm HS 30
  - Panzermörser 120 mm HS 30
- Panzerjägerzug JagdPzK (Tank Destroyer Platoon)
  - Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm
  - Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm
  - Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm
  - Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm
- Panzerjägerzug JagdPzK (Tank Destroyer Platoon)
  - Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm
  - Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm
  - Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm
  - Jagdpanzer Kanone 90 mm

The Schützenpanzer HS 30 APC had significant mechanical problems initially, which reduced the combat-readyness of the Panzergrenadierbataillon (SPz). The problems were eventually solved, but after 1966 the HS 30 was no longer capable of following and supporting the new Leopard main battle tank in action.

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