German tank and anti-tank gunners typically had several different types of ammunition available to be used against different types of targets. Not all types of ammunition were developed for each gun, but most tank and anti-tank guns had at least some type of armor piercing and high explosive ammunition.

The standard armor-piercing ammunition for most guns was a solid-body steel shot (AP, ABC, APCBC). For some guns, the standard armor-piercing ammunition was HEAT. This was typically the case for guns that could not handle high-pressure ammunition, such as the 7,5 cm Pak 97/38, or weapons that were designed to be recoilless, such as the Panzerschreck. Later in the war, HEAT ammunition became available to most large-caliber guns.

To defeat targets with armor too thick for the standard armor-piercing ammunition, many guns also had APCR ammunition. Due to raw material shortages, German APCR ammunition was often in short supply, and for many guns only a small number of test rounds were ever manufactured.

Each gun had an officially number of each type of round. The number of each type actually carried depended on front-line availability. In addition, the official guidelines would likely have been deviated from for specific missions. Even so, the official loadouts are helpful in determining which ratio of different types targets the guns were expected to encounter.

For a detailed description of the ammunition types mentioned below, see the anti-tank ammunition type article. For a detailed description of the German ammunition designations, see the German ammunition nomenclature article.

Allocation Process

The following procedure is an abridged description based on an 8 August 1944 document issued by the Gruppe Munition (Ammunitions Section) of the Oberkommando des HeeresArmy high command
Look up term1Munitionsversorgung des Feldheeres : Unterlaten für die Tätigkeit der Gruppe Munition beim OKH/Gen St d H/Gen Qu. NARA T78 R726 H 17/14. . The full process included a total of 33 different forms.

  • Army groups and armies reported their ammunition inventory at regular intervals. There were different intervals for different army groups and armies, as well as for different types of ammunition:
    • By default, daily inventory reports were to be sent by teletype. For Heeresgruppe E, Heeresgruppe F, and 2. Panzer-Armee, the teletype reports were to be sent every third day.
    • On the 1st, 10th, and 20th of every month, an inventory report was to be sent by courier.
    • On the 1st and 15th of every month, an inventory report was to be sent by courier. This report on the 1st of every month was different from the previous report on the 1st of every month.
    • Every five days, an inventory report of tank and anti-tank gun ammunition was to be sent.
  • On the 15th of every month, army groups were to telephone in their ammunition requests. Under special circumstances, additional telephone requests could be made at any time.
  • Ammunition components were delivered from the factories to the local Heeres-Munitionsanstaltarmy munitions plant
    Look up term     (Army Ammunition Plant) for assembly. Some ammunition, such as rounds up to 20 mm, were delivered fully assembled by the factories. The Ammunitions Section had a liason officer placed with the Feldzeuginspektionordnance inspectorate
    Look up term    , who reported back ammunition requirements:
    • On the 20th of every month, a report was sent of all expected ammunition production, except ammunition in short supply.1This was defined as ammunition for rifles and machine guns, and the Sturmgewehr 44, as well as ammunition for the 7,5 cm Pak 40, 8,8 cm Pak 43, 7,5 cm Kw K 40, 7,5 cm Kw K 42, 8,8 cm Kw K 36, 8,8 cm Kw K 43, Puppchen, Panzerschreck, and Panzerfaust.
    • Every fifth day of the month, starting on the 1st and then continuing from the 5th, the production of ammunition in short supply was telephoned in.
  • Based on the tactical requirements and the inventories reported by the units, ammunition was allocated by the Ammunitions Section.
    • Most common ammunition types, except ammunition in short supply, was allocated on the 21st of every month.
    • Remaining ammunition types, except ammunition in short supply, was allocated on the 1st, 10th, and 30th of every month.
    • Ammunition in short supply was allocated every five days, starting on the 1st of the month and then continuing from the 5th.
    • Practice ammunition was allocated for delivery with regular ammunition.
    • Air drop supply containers was allocated as needed.
  • Ammunition was shipped to the army groups by train. Trains were only sent if the allocation could fill an ammunition supply train, equal to approximately 450 tons of ammunition (375 tons for Heeresgruppearmy group
    Look up term     Ukraine and Heeresgruppearmy group
    Look up term     C).

Authorized Allocation

Ammunition in the German Army was issued according to what was called 1. Ausstattung (first allocation). This was the authorized full allocation of ammunition per gun. This not only included the ammunition carried with the gun for immediate use, but also included rear area supplies for re-stocking.

The following tables are examples of authorized ammunition allocations at different times during the war.

Assault guns, April 1942

These numbers from a 27 April 1942 field manual2Brand. Merkblätter für Artillerie Nr. 34 : Richtlinien für den Einsatz der Sturmgeschütz-Einheiten. General der Artillerie Nr. 1600/42 (I b). NARA T78 R269. describe the full ammunition compliment for each assault gun in an assault gun battalion.

Ammunition type Quantity
HE 224
APCBC-HE 46
Smoke 30

Assault guns, January 1943

These numbers from a 15 January 1943 order to create five new assault guns battalions3Aufstellung von leichten und schweren Sturmgeschütz-Abteilungen. AHA (IaII) 170/43 g.Kdos.. NARA T78 R866 H 37/101. describe the 1. Ausstattung (first allocation) for each gun.

Weapon Round Ammunition type Quantity
7,5 cm Stu K (L/24) 7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl Kw K HEAT 270
7,5 cm Nbgr Patr Kw K Smoke 30
7,5 cm Stu K 40 (L/48) 7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 38 Kw K 40 HE 150
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K 40 APCBC 108
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 40 Kw K 402In case no rounds were available, 7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K 40 or 7,5 cm Gr. Patr 38 Hl/A Kw K 40 could be used instead. APCR 30
7,5 cm Nbgr Patr Kw K 40 Smoke 12
10,5 cm Stu H 42 F H Gr m A Z HE 162
F H Gr m Zt Z HE 9
10 cm Gr 39 rot Hl/A or
10 cm Gr 39 rot Hl/B 		HEAT 36
F H Gr Nb Smoke 18
8,8 cm Stu K 43/1 8,8 cm Sprgr Patr Kw K 43 HE 120
8,8 cm Gr Patr 39 Hl Kw K 433In case no rounds were available, 8,8 cm Pzgr Patr 39/43 Kw K 43 could be used instead. HEAT 72
8,8 cm Pzgr Patr 39/43 Kw K 43 APCBC 24
8,8 cm Pzgr Patr 40/43 Kw K 433In case no rounds were available, 8,8 cm Pzgr Patr 39/43 Kw K 43 could be used instead. APCR 24

Anti-tank company, February 1944

These are the number of rounds specified for a tank destroyer company following Kriegsstärkenachweisung (war-time table of organisation and equipment)Look up term 1149, equipped with either Sturmgeschütz III, Jagdpanzer 38, or Jagdpanzer IV, as described in a 1 February 1944 supply unit training manual4Einsatz der Versorgungskompanie einer Abteilung (Btl.) " Freie Gliederung " vom 15.4.1944. NARA T78 R620 H 16/213. . The tank destroyer company had two versions, with either 10 or 14 vehicles.

Ammunition compliment

These are the number of rounds authorized for the entire company.

Vehicle Round Ammunition type Quantity
10 vehicles
Jagdpanzer IV or
Jagdpanzer 38 		7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K 40 APCBC-HE 400
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 40 Kw K 40 APCR 100
7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 34 Kw K 40 HE 400
Sturmgeschütz III 7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K 40 APCBC-HE 510
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 40 Kw K 40 APCR 190
7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 34 Kw K 40 HE 700
14 vehicles
Jagdpanzer IV or
Jagdpanzer 38 		7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K 40 APCBC-HE 510
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 40 Kw K 40 APCR 190
7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 34 Kw K 40 HE 700
Sturmgeschütz III 7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K 40 APCBC-HE 714
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 40 Kw K 40 APCR 266
7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 34 Kw K 40 HE 980

Carrying capacity

These numbers are the maximum number of rounds that could be carried by the company.

Section Carrying vehicle Number of vehicles Rounds per vehicle Rounds in total
10 Jagdpanzer IV
Combat section Jagdpanzer IV 10 79 790
Maultier 3 120 360
Combat supply section 3 ton truck 2 180 360
1½ ton truck 1 90 90
Total 1600
14 Jagdpanzer IV
Combat section Jagdpanzer IV 14 79 1106
Maultier 3 120 360
Combat supply section 4½ ton truck 1 240 240
3 ton truck 2 180 360
1½ ton truck 1 90 90
Total 2156
10 Jagdpanzer 38
Combat section Jagdpanzer 38 10 55 550
Maultier 3 120 360
Combat supply section 3 ton truck 2 180 360
1½ ton truck 1 90 90
Total 1360
14 Jagdpanzer 38
Combat section Jagdpanzer 38 14 41 574
Maultier 3 120 360
Combat supply section 4½ ton truck 1 240 240
3 ton truck 2 180 360
1½ ton truck 1 90 90
Total 1624
10 Sturmgeschütz III
Combat section Sturmgeschütz III 10 54 540
Maultier 3 120 360
Combat supply section 4½ ton truck 1 240 240
3 ton truck 2 180 360
1½ ton truck 1 90 90
Total 1590
14 Sturmgeschütz III
Combat section Sturmgeschütz III 14 54 756
Maultier 3 120 360
Combat supply section 4½ ton truck 2 480 480
3 ton truck 2 180 360
1½ ton truck 1 90 90
Total 2046

General allocation, May 1944

The following allocation numbers are from the official Oberkommando des HeeresArmy high command
Look up term manual for ammunition supplies issued 1 May 19445Zahlenangaben für den Munitionsnachschub : Stand vom 1. 5. 44. Anhang 2 zur H. Dv. g 1, Seite 11 a, lfd. Nr. 1. NARA T283 R146. .

For some guns the allocation could be filled in several ways. This is especially true for guns where both solid shot and hollow-charge armor piercing ammunition existed.

Gun Ammunition Type Allocation Percentage
Rifles
Rifle grenades Gew Sprgr HE 45 60%
Gr Gew Pzgr HEAT 30 40%
20 mm
2 cm Kw K 38
In armored cars 		2 cm Sprgr Patr L'spur HE-T 450 50%
2 cm Br Sprgr Patr L'spur Incendiary
2 cm Br Sprgr Patr vk L'spur Incendiary
2 cm Pzgr Patr L'spur HE-T 450 50%
2 cm Pzgr Patr L'spur Zerl AP-HE-T
2 cm Kw K 38
In armored personnel carriers 		2 cm Sprgr Patr L'spur HE-T 720 80%
2 cm Br Sprgr Patr L'spur Incendiary
2 cm Br Sprgr Patr vk L'spur Incendiary
2 cm Pzgr Patr L'spur HE-T 180 20%
2 cm Pzgr Patr L'spur Zerl AP-HE-T
2 cm Flak 30 and 2 cm Flak 38 2 cm Sprgr Patr L'spur HE-T 480 33%
2 cm Br Sprgr Patr L'spur Incendiary
2 cm Br Sprgr Patr vk L'spur Incendiary
2 cm Br Sprgr Patr o L'spur Incendiary 480 33%
2 cm Pzgr Patr L'spur Zerl AP-HE-T 480 33%
2 cm Flakvierling 2 cm Sprgr Patr L'spur HE-T 2900 33%
2 cm Br Sprgr Patr L'spur Incendiary
2 cm Br Sprgr Patr vk L'spur Incendiary
2 cm Br Sprgr Patr o L'spur Incendiary 2900 33%
2 cm Pzgr Patr L'spur Zerl AP-HE-T 2900 33%
37 mm
3,7 cm Kw K
In Pz Kpfw III 		3,7 cm Sprgr Patr HE 125 50%
3,7 cm Pzgr Patr AP-HE 125 50%
3,7 cm Pak 3,7 cm Sprgr Patr HE 125 50%
3,7 cm Pzgr Patr AP-HE 125 50%
3,7 cm Stiel-Gr 41 HEAT - -
3,7 cm Flak
With divisions 		3,7 cm Sprgr Patr 18 L'spur HE-T 960 80%
3,7 cm Br Sprgr Patr L'spur Incendiary
3,7 cm Br Sprgr Patr vk L'spur Incendiary
3,7 cm Pzgr Patr L'spur AP-HE-T 240 20%
3,7 cm Flak
With army level units 		3,7 cm Sprgr Patr 18 L'spur HE-T 720 90%
3,7 cm Br Sprgr Patr L'spur Incendiary
3,7 cm Br Sprgr Patr vk L'spur Incendiary
3,7 cm Pzgr Patr L'spur AP-HE-T 80 10%
50 mm
5 cm Kw K (L/42)
In Pz Kpfw III and Pz Bef Wg 		5 cm Sprgr Patr 38 Kw K HE 125 50%
5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K APC-HE 125 50%
5 cm Kw K 39 (L/60)
In Pz Kpfw III 		5 cm Sprgr Patr 38 Kw K 39 HE 125 50%
5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K 39 APC-HE 125 50%
5 cm Kw K 39 (L/60)
In armored cars 		5 cm Sprgr Patr 38 Kw K 39 HE 100 50%
5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K 39 APC-HE 100 50%
5 cm Pak 38 5 cm Sprgr Patr 38 Pak 38 HE 110 50%
5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Pak 38 APC-HE 110 50%
75 mm
7,5 cm Kw K (L/24)
In Pz Kpfw III and Pz Kpfw IV 		7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 34 Kw K HE 125 50%
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/B Kw K HEAT 125 50%
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/C Kw K HEAT
7,5 cm Nbgr Patr Kw K Smoke 4According to tactical requirements. -
7,5 cm K 37 (L/24)
In armored cars and armored personnel carriers 		7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 34 Kw K HE 75 50%
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/B Kw K HEAT 75 50%
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/C Kw K HEAT
7,5 cm Nbgr Patr Kw K Smoke 4According to tactical requirements. -
7,5 cm Stu K (L/24)
In assault guns 		7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 34 Kw K HE 120 40%
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/C Kw K HEAT 120 40%
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr Kw K APCBC-HE
7,5 cm Nbgr Patr Kw K Smoke 30 10%
7,5 cm Kt Patr Canister 30 10%
7,5 cm Kw K 40 (L/48)
In Pz Kpfw IV 		7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 34 Kw K 40 HE 125 50%
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K 40 APCBC-HE 125 50%
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/B Kw K 40 HEAT
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/C Kw K 40 HEAT
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 40 Kw K 40 APCR - -
7,5 cm Nbgr Patr Kw K Smoke 4According to tactical requirements. -
7,5 cm Stu K 40 (L/48)
With divisions 		7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 34 Kw K 40 HE 125 50%
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K 40 APCBC-HE 125 50%
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/C Kw K 40 HEAT
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 40 Kw K 40 APCR - -
7,5 cm Nbgr Patr Kw K 40 Smoke 4According to tactical requirements. -
7,5 cm Stu K 40 (L/48)
With army level units 		7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 34 Kw K 40 HE 130 48%
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K 40 APCBC-HE 130 48%
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/C Kw K 40 HEAT
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 40 Kw K 40 APCR - -
7,5 cm Nbgr Patr Kw K 40 Smoke 10 4%
7,5 cm Kw K 42 (L/70)
In Pz Kpfw Panther 		7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 42 Kw K 42 HE 100 50%
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 39/42 Kw K 42 APCBC-HE 100 50%
7,5 cm Pak 40 7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 34 Pak 40 HE 75 50%
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Pak 40 APCBC-HE 75 50%
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/B Pak 40 HEAT
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/C Pak 40 HEAT
7,5 cm Pak 39 (L/48) 7,5 cm Sprgr Patr 34 Kw K 40 HE 75 50%
7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K 40 APCBC-HE 75 50%
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/B Kw K 40 HEAT
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/C Kw K 40 HEAT
7,5 cm Pak 97/38 (L/36) 7,5 cm Sprgr Patr (f) HE 75 50%
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/B (f) HEAT 75 50%
7,5 cm Gr Patr 38 Hl/C (f) HEAT
le I G 18, le I G 37, and le I G 42 7,5 cm Igr 18 HE 168 89%
7,5 cm Igr 38 Hl/A HEAT 21 11%
7,5 cm Igr Patr 38 Hl/A HEAT
7,5 cm Igr 18 Deut HE - -
le Geb I G 18 7,5 cm Igr 18 Al HE 168 89%
7,5 cm Igr 38 Hl/A HEAT 21 11%
7,5 cm Igr Patr 38 Hl/A HEAT
7,5 cm Igr 18 Deut HE - -
76.2 mm
7,62 cm Pak 36 7,62 cm Sprgr Patr 39 Pak 36 HE 75 50%
7,62 cm Pzgr Patr 39 rot Pak 36 APCBC-HE 75 50%
88 mm
8,8 cm Kw K 36 (L/56)
In Pz Kpfw Tiger Ausf. E 		8,8 cm Sprgr Patr Kw K 36 HE 125 50%
8,8 cm Pzgr Patr 39/1 Kw K 36 APCBC-HE 125 50%
8,8 cm Gr Patr 39 Hl Kw K 36 HEAT
8,8 cm Kw K 43 (L/71)
In Pz Kpfw Tiger Ausf. B 		8,8 cm Sprgr Patr 43 Kw K 43 HE 80 40%
8,8 cm Pzgr Patr 39/43 Kw K 43 APCBC-HE 120 60%
8,8 cm Gr Patr 39/43 Hl Kw K 43 HEAT
8,8 cm Pak 43 (L/71) 8,8 cm Sprgr Patr 43 Kw K 43 HE 100 50%
8,8 cm Pzgr Patr 39/43 Kw K 43 APCBC-HE 100 50%
8,8 cm Gr Patr 39/43 Hl HEAT
8,8 cm Flak 18, 8,8 cm Flak 36, and 8,8 cm Flak 37 8,8 cm Sprgr Patr L/4,5 (Kz) m Zt Z HE 192 80%
8,8 cm Sprgr Patr L/4,5 (Kz) m A Z HE 24 10%
8,8 cm Pzgr Patr APCBC-HE 24 10%
Puppchen 8,8 cm R Pz Gr 4312 HEAT 45 100%
Panzerschreck 8,8 cm R Pz Gr 4322 HEAT 10 100%
105 mm
10,5 cm Stu H 42
With divisions 		F H Gr m A Z HE 153 68%
F H Gr m Dopp Z HE 9 4%
10 cm Gr Patr 39 rot Hl/C Stu H 42 HEAT 45 20%
F H Gr Nb Smoke - -
F H Gr 40 Deut Colored smoke - -
F H Gr Br Incendiary - -
10,5 cm Lt Gs Illumination 18 8%
10,5 cm Stu H 42
With independent units 		F H Gr m A Z HE 112 69%
F H Gr m Dopp Z HE 8 5%
10 cm Gr Patr 39 rot Hl/C Stu H 42 HEAT 30 19%
F H Gr Nb Smoke 12 7%
F H Gr 40 Deut Colored smoke - -
F H Gr Br Incendiary - -
10,5 cm Lt Gs Illumination - -
150 mm
15 cm Stu H 43 (L/12) 15 cm Igr 38 HE 80 80%
15 cm Igr 39 Hl/A HEAT 20 20%
s I G 33 15 cm Igr 38 HE 100 93%
15 cm Igr 38 FES
15 cm Igr 33 Nb Smoke - -
15 cm Igr 39 Hl/A HEAT 7 7%
15 cm Igr 33 Brand Incendiary - -
15 cm Stielgranate 42 HEAT - -

Ammunition Consumption

9. Panzer-Division, June 1941 to October 1943

From the beginning of the invasion of the Soviet Union to the autumn of 1943, 9. Panzer-Division kept very detailed records of its ammunition consumption. The ammunition comsumption until October 1942 is grouped into three reports. From November 1942, the comsumption is described month-to-month.

These reports allow for a very detailed analysis of the ammunition comsumption in the division. As could be expected, the consumption is generally higher during months of heavy combat, such as March 1943 (defensive operations around Zhizdra) and July 1943 (Battle of Kursk).6HERMANN, Carl Hans. Die 9. Panzer-Division 1939-1945 : Bewaffnung, Einsätze, Männer. ISBN 3-7909-0053-2. In addition, the reports allow an insight into the ratio of how the different types of ammunition were used.

Some caution should be taken when analyzing the data. While the numbers give an indication of how the different types of ammunition was used, it does not explain why this was the case. For example, it is not possible from these numbers to conclude that APCR was used less than regular armor-piercing because the regular ammunition was sufficient, or because no more composite ammunition was available. In addition, some of the months appear to combine several ammunition types, such as high explosive and incendiary 20 mm ammunition.

Tungsten cored 7.92 mm ammunition for machine guns (S m K H) and anti-tank rifles only appear in the numbers between June 1941 and January 1942, with 154 000 and 4700 rounds respectively. For comparison, 3 702 000 armor-piercing (S m K/S m K L'spur) and 5 046 000 regular rounds were fired during the same period.

Type 1941-06-22/1942-01-227Kriegstagebuch Nr. 1 der 9. Panzer-Division I b/Qu für die Zeit vom 18.5.41. bis 22.1.42.. NARA T315 R533. 1942-01-23/1942-07-148Anlage 1 zum K. T. B. Nr.: 2 vom: 23.1. bis: 14.7.1942 : 9. Pz. Div.. NARA T315 R539. 1942-07-15/1942-10-319Kriegstagebuch Nr 3 mit Anl 1 - Russland : 15.7.42 - 30.11.42. NARA T315 R541. 1942-1110Kriegstagebuch Nr 3 mit Anl 1 - Russland : 15.7.42 - 30.11.42. NARA T315 R541. 1942-1211Tätigkeitsberichte zu Ergänzung zu K.T.B. Nr. 3 vom 1.12.42-31.12.42. NARA T315 R542. 1943-0112Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. NARA T315 R543. 1943-0213Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. NARA T315 R543. 1943-0314Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. NARA T315 R543. 1943-0415Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. NARA T315 R543. 1943-0516Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. NARA T315 R544. 1943-0617Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. NARA T315 R544. 1943-0718Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. NARA T315 R544. 1943-0819Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. NARA T315 R544. 1943-0920Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. NARA T315 R544. 1943-1021Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. NARA T315 R544. Total Ratio
Rifle Grenades
Hollow charge - - - 400 1 605 1 651 20 2 381 420 310 386 6 773 570 640 970 16 126 48%
High explosive - - - 550 2 230 1 280 - 2 157 300 310 370 7 084 585 685 1 750 17 301 52%
20 mm (all types)
Armor piercing, solid 74 220 40 640 23 780 34 740 5 350 250 - 14 600 2 000 14 000 2 620 62 980 12 500 14 050 11 980 313 710 32%
Armor piercing, composite - - - 1 040 2 600 200 - 5 000 - - - 3 210 200 - - 12 250 1%
High explosive 131 700 128 800 24 542 60 260 17 650 1 000 - 53 070 4 000 9 500 3 100 64 600 12 300 17 500 12 650 540 672 55%
Incendiary - - - 300 4 200 120 - 6 300 - 2 000 2 820 47 600 16 900 19 300 15 140 114 680 12%
28 mm (all types)
Armor piercing, squeeze bore - 160 80 440 200 - - - - - - - - - - 880 67%
High explosive - 120 40 220 50 - - - - - - - - - - 430 33%
37 mm (all types)
Armor piercing, solid 16 500 2 893 920 614 720 40 - 2 080 180 510 60 4 160 450 685 500 30 312 40%
Armor piercing, composite 4 110 1 006 22 200 320 - 12 580 30 10 - 346 - 36 - 6 672 9%
Stick grenade - - - 4 95 5 - 186 - - 10 15 - - - 315 0%
High explosive 20 610 1 484 940 1 200 2 326 - 12 3 540 300 700 548 3 636 367 1 210 1 360 38 233 51%
50 mm (all types)
Armor piercing, solid 9 230 9 222 7 413 5 199 4 995 200 18 3 542 70 720 315 9 109 1 265 599 810 52 707 40%
Armor piercing, composite 2 180 3 738 122 264 2 070 - 20 953 20 280 32 2 442 20 - - 12 141 9%
High explosive 18 450 9 845 11 224 3 990 6 130 150 20 4 933 30 1 030 356 6 898 1 520 1 451 1 084 67 111 51%
75 mm (all types)
Armor piercing, solid 1 200 2 645 575 215 666 65 - 1 137 150 175 41 2 909 816 1 318 774 12 686 17%
Armor piercing, composite - - - - - - - 41 60 - 20 555 - 66 40 782 1%
Armor piercing, squeeze bore - - - - 10 - - - - - - - - - - 10 0%
Hollow charge - 680 320 810 2 412 120 - 1 536 - 50 430 15 043 2 715 2 408 2 098 28 622 39%
High explosive 5 540 2 212 1 934 1 190 2 188 100 - 2 013 105 255 207 9 672 896 1 834 802 28 948 40%
Smoke 280 652 42 - 40 - - 46 - - 58 442 20 12 - 1 592 2%
76.2 mm (all types)
Armor piercing, solid - - - - - - - - - - - - - 38 18 56 40%
High explosive - - - - - - - - - - - - - 60 25 85 60%
88 mm (all types)
Armor piercing, solid - 600 136 530 462 - - - - - 80 642 187 739 367 3 743 17%
High explosive - 3 022 1 781 518 975 - - - - - 342 6 792 850 2 222 1 695 18 201 83%

Since the combat objectives for different gun types were different, it can be expected that they used different quantities of ammunition. In the following tables, the numbers have been divided into gun type and are presented as the ratio between the different types of ammunition. Guns and ammunition types that only saw very limited use with the division have been excluded to make the comparison clearer. This includes:

  • 3,7 cm Kw K (1340 solid anti-tank, 230 composite anti-tank, and 420 high explosive rounds fired between June 1941 and January 1942)
  • 3,7 cm Stielgranate 41 (315 rounds fired between November 1942 and July 1943)
  • 7,5 cm Pak 41 (10 anti-tank and 47 high explosive rounds fired in December 1942)
  • 7,5 cm Pak 97/38 (37 hollow charge and 81 high explosive rounds fired in December 1942)
  • 7,62 cm Pak 36 (56 anti-tank and 85 high explosive rounds fired in September and October 1943 combined)
  • 8,8 cm Kw K 36 (L/56) (600 anti-tank and 1276 high explosive rounds fired in September and October 1943 combined)
  • 8,8 cm Pak 43 (L/71) (303 anti-tank and 220 high explosive rounds fired in July and October 1943 combined)

Tank guns

Gun Type 1941-06-22/1942-01-2222Kriegstagebuch Nr. 1 der 9. Panzer-Division I b/Qu für die Zeit vom 18.5.41. bis 22.1.42.. NARA T315 R533. 1942-01-23/1942-07-1423Anlage 1 zum K. T. B. Nr.: 2 vom: 23.1. bis: 14.7.1942 : 9. Pz. Div.. NARA T315 R539. 1942-07-15/1942-10-3124Kriegstagebuch Nr 3 mit Anl 1 - Russland : 15.7.42 - 30.11.42. NARA T315 R541. 1942-1125Kriegstagebuch Nr 3 mit Anl 1 - Russland : 15.7.42 - 30.11.42. NARA T315 R541. 1942-1226Tätigkeitsberichte zu Ergänzung zu K.T.B. Nr. 3 vom 1.12.42-31.12.42. NARA T315 R542. 1943-0127Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. NARA T315 R543. 1943-0228Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. NARA T315 R543. 1943-0329Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. NARA T315 R543. 1943-0430Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. NARA T315 R543. 1943-0531Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. NARA T315 R544. 1943-0632Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. NARA T315 R544. 1943-0733Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. NARA T315 R544. 1943-0834Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. NARA T315 R544. 1943-0935Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. NARA T315 R544. 1943-1036Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. NARA T315 R544. Total
Tank guns
5 cm Kw K APC-HE 16% 29% 21% 42% 29% - - 34% - 30% - - - - - 24%
APCR 6% 15% 5% 2% 16% - - 11% - 18% - - - - - 10%
HE 78% 56% 75% 55% 56% - - 54% - 51% - - - - - 67%
5 cm Kw K 39 (L/60) APC-HE - 42% 41% 46% 38% - - 33% - 43% 35% 39% 42% 24% 28% 39%
APCR - 17% 0% 0% 19% - - 0% - 10% 7% 16% 0% 0% 0% 8%
HE - 41% 59% 54% 43% - - 67% - 47% 58% 45% 58% 76% 72% 53%
7,5 cm Kw K (L/24) APCBC-HE 17% 27% 7% 0% 12% 8% - 14% - 54% 0% 11% 18% 3% 0% 14%
HEAT 0% 17% 32% 34% 47% 62% - 39% - 0% 68% 68% 32% 66% 83% 38%
HE 79% 39% 57% 66% 40% 31% - 45% - 46% 16% 16% 47% 29% 16% 43%
Smoke 4% 16% 4% 0% 1% 0% - 2% - 0% 16% 5% 2% 1% 0% 5%
7,5 cm Kw K 40 (L/48) APCBC-HE - 71% 27% 19% 9% 14% - 27% 0% 0% 1% 7% 21% 24% 23% 18%
HEAT - 0% 0% 39% 53% 57% - 41% 0% 100% 58% 45% 64% 47% 63% 42%
APCR - 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% - 0% 0% 0% 0% 2% 0% 0% 2% 1%
HE - 29% 73% 42% 38% 29% - 32% 100% 0% 40% 46% 14% 29% 13% 39%
Anti-tank guns
3,7 cm Pak AP-HE 39% 54% 49% 30% 21% 100% 0% 34% 35% 42% 10% 51% 55% 35% 27% 40%
APCR 10% 19% 1% 10% 10% 0% 50% 9% 6% 1% 0% 4% 0% 2% 0% 9%
HE 51% 28% 50% 60% 69% 0% 50% 57% 59% 57% 90% 45% 45% 63% 73% 52%
5 cm Pak 38 APC-HE 62% 54% 43% 69% 45% 57% 31% 47% 58% 41% 52% 59% 47% 38% 30% 54%
APCR 10% 18% 1% 5% 14% 0% 34% 18% 17% 7% 3% 11% 1% 0% 0% 10%
HE 28% 29% 57% 26% 41% 43% 34% 35% 25% 52% 45% 30% 52% 62% 50% 36%
7,5 cm Pak 40 APCBC-HE - - - - 33% 42% - 39% 56% 17% 21% 16% 13% 37% 35% 24%
HEAT - - - - 20% 17% - 18% 0% 0% 32% 46% 74% 9% 30% 38%
APCR - - - - 0% 0% - 2% 22% 0% 11% 5% 0% 6% 1% 4%
HE - - - - 47% 42% - 41% 22% 83% 36% 32% 13% 48% 34% 34%
Anti-aircraft guns
8,8 cm Flak AP-HE - 17% 7% 51% 32% - - - - - 19% 5% 18% 22% 4% 15%
HE - 83% 93% 49% 68% - - - - - 81% 95% 82% 78% 96% 85%

For tank guns, it is interesting to note that until the end of 1942, the ratio between armor-piercing and high explosive rounds is very similar for the 5 cm Kw K, the 5 cm Kw K 39 (L/60) and the 7,5 cm Kw K (L/24) is very similar. From 1943, the ratios start to diverge.

There are two trends that are true for both tank and anti-tank guns:

  • APCR ammunition saw very little use with the long-barreled 75 mm guns, and only relatively limited use with the 50 mm guns.
  • HEAT ammunition was the predominant 75 mm armor-piercing round. Whether this was due to the supply situation or due to tactical decisions by the gun crews is not clear.

The 5 cm Pak 38 consistently used more armor-piercing ammunition than the 50 mm tank guns. By comparison, the 7,5 cm Pak 40 had approximately the same ratio as the 7,5 cm Kw K 40 (L/48). This would make sense, as the high explosive ammunition of the 7,5 cm Pak 40 had a larger explosive charge that that of the 5 cm Pak 38.

For the 8,8 cm Flak, the high explosive ammunition was partially with impact fuzes and partially with timed fuzes:

Time Armor piercing High explosive, impact High explosive, time delay Total
1941-06-22/1942-01-22 - - - -
1942-01-23/1942-07-14 600 450 2 572 3 622
1942-07-15/1942-10-31 136 192 1 589 1 917
1942-11 530 518 1 048
1942-12 462 545 430 1 437
1943-01 - - - -
1943-02 - - - -
1943-03 - - - -
1943-04 - - - -
1943-05 - - - -
1943-06 80 117 229 426
1943-07 362 6 179 443 6 984
1943-08 187 820 30 1 037
1943-09 439 875 709 2 023
1943-10 44 236 771 1 051
Total 2 840 9 414-9 932 6 773-7 291 19 545

While the time delayed fuzes were the most commonly used until the the fall of 1942, usage shifted to impact fuzes. This could indicate that the anti-aircraft guns were increasingly used against ground targets.

Notes

  1. This was defined as ammunition for rifles and machine guns, and the Sturmgewehr 44, as well as ammunition for the 7,5 cm Pak 40, 8,8 cm Pak 43, 7,5 cm Kw K 40, 7,5 cm Kw K 42, 8,8 cm Kw K 36, 8,8 cm Kw K 43, Puppchen, Panzerschreck, and Panzerfaust. Back
  2. In case no rounds were available, 7,5 cm Pzgr Patr 39 Kw K 40 or 7,5 cm Gr. Patr 38 Hl/A Kw K 40 could be used instead. Back
  3. In case no rounds were available, 8,8 cm Pzgr Patr 39/43 Kw K 43 could be used instead. Back
  4. According to tactical requirements. Back

References

  1. Munitionsversorgung des Feldheeres : Unterlaten für die Tätigkeit der Gruppe Munition beim OKH/Gen St d H/Gen Qu. GenStdH/GenQu/Abt I/Gruppe Munition, 1945. NARA T78 R726 H 17/14. Back
  2. Brand. Merkblätter für Artillerie Nr. 34 : Richtlinien für den Einsatz der Sturmgeschütz-Einheiten. General der Artillerie, 1942. General der Artillerie Nr. 1600/42 (I b). NARA T78 R269. Back
  3. Aufstellung von leichten und schweren Sturmgeschütz-Abteilungen. Der Chef der Heeresrüstung und Befehlshaber des Ersatzheeres, 1943. AHA (IaII) 170/43 g.Kdos.. NARA T78 R866 H 37/101. Back
  4. Einsatz der Versorgungskompanie einer Abteilung (Btl.) " Freie Gliederung " vom 15.4.1944. Panzerjäger-Lehrgang Mielau, 1944. NARA T78 R620 H 16/213. Back
  5. Zahlenangaben für den Munitionsnachschub : Stand vom 1. 5. 44. Oberkommando des Heeres, 1944. Anhang 2 zur H. Dv. g 1, Seite 11 a, lfd. Nr. 1. NARA T283 R146. Back
  6. HERMANN, Carl Hans. Die 9. Panzer-Division 1939-1945 : Bewaffnung, Einsätze, Männer. Podzun-Pallas-Verlag, 1975. ISBN 3-7909-0053-2. Back
  7. Kriegstagebuch Nr. 1 der 9. Panzer-Division I b/Qu für die Zeit vom 18.5.41. bis 22.1.42.. 9. Panzer-Division, 1941. NARA T315 R533. Back
  8. Anlage 1 zum K. T. B. Nr.: 2 vom: 23.1. bis: 14.7.1942 : 9. Pz. Div.. 9. Panzer-Division, 1942. NARA T315 R539. Back
  9. Kriegstagebuch Nr 3 mit Anl 1 - Russland : 15.7.42 - 30.11.42. 9. Panzer-Division, 1942. NARA T315 R541. Back
  10. Kriegstagebuch Nr 3 mit Anl 1 - Russland : 15.7.42 - 30.11.42. 9. Panzer-Division, 1942. NARA T315 R541. Back
  11. Tätigkeitsberichte zu Ergänzung zu K.T.B. Nr. 3 vom 1.12.42-31.12.42. 9. Panzer-Division, 1942. NARA T315 R542. Back
  12. Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R543. Back
  13. Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R543. Back
  14. Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R543. Back
  15. Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R543. Back
  16. Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R544. Back
  17. Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R544. Back
  18. Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R544. Back
  19. Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R544. Back
  20. Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R544. Back
  21. Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R544. Back
  22. Kriegstagebuch Nr. 1 der 9. Panzer-Division I b/Qu für die Zeit vom 18.5.41. bis 22.1.42.. 9. Panzer-Division, 1941. NARA T315 R533. Back
  23. Anlage 1 zum K. T. B. Nr.: 2 vom: 23.1. bis: 14.7.1942 : 9. Pz. Div.. 9. Panzer-Division, 1942. NARA T315 R539. Back
  24. Kriegstagebuch Nr 3 mit Anl 1 - Russland : 15.7.42 - 30.11.42. 9. Panzer-Division, 1942. NARA T315 R541. Back
  25. Kriegstagebuch Nr 3 mit Anl 1 - Russland : 15.7.42 - 30.11.42. 9. Panzer-Division, 1942. NARA T315 R541. Back
  26. Tätigkeitsberichte zu Ergänzung zu K.T.B. Nr. 3 vom 1.12.42-31.12.42. 9. Panzer-Division, 1942. NARA T315 R542. Back
  27. Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R543. Back
  28. Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R543. Back
  29. Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R543. Back
  30. Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R543. Back
  31. Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R544. Back
  32. Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R544. Back
  33. Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R544. Back
  34. Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R544. Back
  35. Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R544. Back
  36. Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. NARA T315 R544. Back

Sources

  1. Kriegstagebuch Nr. 1 der 9. Panzer-Division I b/Qu für die Zeit vom 18.5.41. bis 22.1.42.. 9. Panzer-Division, 1941. 282 p. NARA T315 R533.
  2. Anlage 1 zum K. T. B. Nr.: 2 vom: 23.1. bis: 14.7.1942 : 9. Pz. Div.. 9. Panzer-Division, 1942. 119 p. NARA T315 R539.
  3. Kriegstagebuch Nr 3 mit Anl 1 - Russland : 15.7.42 - 30.11.42. 9. Panzer-Division, 1942. 195 p. NARA T315 R541.
  4. Tätigkeitsberichte zu Ergänzung zu K.T.B. Nr. 3 vom 1.12.42-31.12.42. 9. Panzer-Division, 1942. 40 p. NARA T315 R542.
  5. Anlage 2 zum Kriegstagebuch Nr. 5 vom 1.5.1943 bis 31.10.1943. : 9.Panzer-Division Abt.Ib. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. 173 p. NARA T315 R544.
  6. Aufstellung von leichten und schweren Sturmgeschütz-Abteilungen. Berlin : Der Chef der Heeresrüstung und Befehlshaber des Ersatzheeres, 1943. 9 p. AHA (IaII) 170/43 g.Kdos.. NARA T78 R866 H 37/101.
  7. Tätigkeitsberichte zum K.T.B. Nr. 4. 9. Panzer-Division, 1943. 152 p. NARA T315 R543.
  8. Einsatz der Versorgungskompanie einer Abteilung (Btl.) " Freie Gliederung " vom 15.4.1944. Mielau : Panzerjäger-Lehrgang Mielau, 1944. 12 p. NARA T78 R620 H 16/213.
  9. Zahlenangaben für den Munitionsnachschub : Stand vom 1. 5. 44. Oberkommando des Heeres, 1944. 118 p. Anhang 2 zur H. Dv. g 1, Seite 11 a, lfd. Nr. 1. NARA T283 R146.
  10. Munitionsversorgung des Feldheeres : Unterlaten für die Tätigkeit der Gruppe Munition beim OKH/Gen St d H/Gen Qu. GenStdH/GenQu/Abt I/Gruppe Munition, 1945. 113 p. NARA T78 R726 H 17/14.
  11. Brand. Merkblätter für Artillerie Nr. 34 : Richtlinien für den Einsatz der Sturmgeschütz-Einheiten. Berlin : General der Artillerie, 1942. 15 p. General der Artillerie Nr. 1600/42 (I b). NARA T78 R269.
  12. HERMANN, Carl Hans. Die 9. Panzer-Division 1939-1945 : Bewaffnung, Einsätze, Männer. Dorheim : Podzun-Pallas-Verlag, 1975. 174 p. ISBN 3-7909-0053-2.