Jon Smith Modellbau - German Anti-Tank Gunner, Prussian 27th Reserve Infantry Regt. 1918

Jon Smith Modellbau

120mm. Resin Cast.

German Anti-Tank Gunner, Prussian 27th Reserve Infantry Regt. Beaucamp, Cambria, Western Front, September 1918. The figure depicts an officer from the Prussian 27th Reserve Infantry Regt Inf.-Regt. Prince Louis Ferdinand von Preußen (2. Magdeburgisches) Nr. 27 in an action, which took place in September 1918. Part of the original combat report, with the English translation is included in this infosheet. 27.09.18 ...erste Erwähnung von Tankgewehren während der Abwehrschlachten vor Cambrai. Eine neue Gefahr entstand im Laufe des Gefechts duch das Erscheinen von Tanks, die schon in den Morgenstunden von unseren Posten im Anmarsch gemeldet waren. Anfangs hatte man die Richtigkeit dieser Meldung bezweifelt. Lt. Freytag hatte vorher Tankmunition angefordert. Er war im Besitz von 20 Tankpatronen. Plötzlich stieß aus der Flanke ein großer englischer Tank, von Beaucamp aus an der Stellung der 1. Kp entlangfahrend, gegen den alten Kampftruppenkommandeur-Unterstand vor. Infanterie und MG-Feuer vermochten ihn nicht aufzuhalten. Kurz entschlosen und mit sicherer Hand nahm Lt. Freytag persönlich mit einem Tankgewehr im letzten Augenblick den Kampf auf. Er eröffnete auf etwa 150 Meter Entfernung das Feuer. Nach dem 11. Schuß stand der Tank zum ersten Male, etwa 60 Meter vor unserer Linie. Der Tank erholte sich aber nochmals und wurde von Lt Freytag mit dem 17. Schuß auf etwa 20 Meter Entfernung zum Stehen gebracht. Die Besatzung des Tanks bestand aus sechs Mann, von denen der eine tot war. Die übrigen wurden beim Verlassen des Tanks niedergeschossen......Der Tank hatte eine starke Panzerung. Translation: 27.09.1918 ...first reports of tank-rifles during the defensive battles by Cambria. A new danger became apparent in the course of the fighting with the approach of tanks reported from our sentries during the early hours. Doubts were at first raised at these reports. Lt. Freytag had already ordered up more tank ammunition. He just had 20 rounds. Suddenly a large English tank appeared on the flank, from the direction of Beaucamp, along the position of the First Company, heading towards the old command bunker. Infantry and MG fire were having no affect. Lt. Freytag instantly decided there and then and with a steady hand personally open fire with the tank-rifle. He opened fire at 150 meters. After 11 rounds and approx. 60 meters in front of our line the tank stopped for the first time. The tank resumed and was stopped with Lt Freytag's 17th shot, approx. 20 meters distance away. The tank-crew comprised of 6 men, of which 1 was dead. The others were shot down whilst leaving the tank...the tank had strong armour. Contents: Figure (6 parts) Water Bottle - Feldflasche M.07 Haversack - Brotbeutel M.1887 Gas Mask - Gasmaske M.17 Metallbehälter Mauser Tank Rifle -Tankgewehr Mauser M1918 (3 parts) Standard MG 08/15 Bipod - MG08/15 Zweibein Ammunition Holder - Munitionstashe 9 x Loose 13mm Anti-Tank Ammunition 2 x Stick Grenade - Stielhandgranate M.15 Multi Charge Grenade - Geballte-Ladung (2 parts) Steel Helmet - Stahlhelm M.16 Figure Base (Model Plaster) The figure depicts an officer from the Prussian 27th Reserve Infantry Regt Inf.-Regt. Prince Louis Ferdinand von Preußen (2. Magdeburgisches) Nr. 27 in an action, which took place in September 1918. Part of the original combat report, with the English translation is included in this infosheet. 27.09.18 ...erste Erwähnung von Tankgewehren während der Abwehrschlachten vor Cambrai. Eine neue Gefahr entstand im Laufe des Gefechts duch das Erscheinen von Tanks, die schon in den Morgenstunden von unseren Posten im Anmarsch gemeldet waren. Anfangs hatte man die Richtigkeit dieser Meldung bezweifelt. Lt. Freytag hatte vorher Tankmunition angefordert. Er war im Besitz von 20 Tankpatronen. Plötzlich stieß aus der Flanke ein großer englischer Tank, von Beaucamp aus an der Stellung der 1. Kp entlangfahrend, gegen den alten Kampftruppenkommandeur-Unterstand vor. Infanterie und MG-Feuer vermochten ihn nicht aufzuhalten. Kurz entschlosen und mit sicherer Hand nahm Lt. Freytag persönlich mit einem Tankgewehr im letzten Augenblick den Kampf auf. Er eröffnete auf etwa 150 Meter Entfernung das Feuer. Nach dem 11. Schuß stand der Tank zum ersten Male, etwa 60 Meter vor unserer Linie. Der Tank erholte sich aber nochmals und wurde von Lt Freytag mit dem 17. Schuß auf etwa 20 Meter Entfernung zum Stehen gebracht. Die Besatzung des Tanks bestand aus sechs Mann, von denen der eine tot war. Die übrigen wurden beim Verlassen des Tanks niedergeschossen......Der Tank hatte eine starke Panzerung. Translation: 27.09.1918 ...first reports of tank-rifles during the defensive battles by Cambria. A new danger became apparent in the course of the fighting with the approach of tanks reported from our sentries during the early hours. Doubts were at first raised at these reports. Lt. Freytag had already ordered up more tank ammunition. He just had 20 rounds. Suddenly a large English tank appeared on the flank, from the direction of Beaucamp, along the position of the First Company, heading towards the old command bunker. Infantry and MG fire were having no affect. Lt. Freytag instantly decided there and then and with a steady hand personally open fire with the tank-rifle. He opened fire at 150 meters. After 11 rounds and approx. 60 meters in front of our line the tank stopped for the first time. The tank resumed and was stopped with Lt Freytag's 17th shot, approx. 20 meters distance away. The tank-crew comprised of 6 men, of which 1 was dead. The others were shot down whilst leaving the tank...the tank had strong armour. Uniform Field Service Dress: Feldbluse M1915. Was to replace the early M1907/10 and the simplified M1914 service dress tunics. All three were in fact worn along side each other throughout the war. Colour: made out of a dark grey material (Jäger and Schützen units wore sometimes a green- grey version), with generally a baggy appearance. The turn down collar was a light-green. The officer epaulettes (shoulder straps) were of silver coloured embroided cord, with interwoven diagonal thread in the district colours. The piping (outside, slightly lower edge of the epaulette) was of a stiffened, reinforced cloth, either in the colour of the regiment or arm of the service - in this case white for the infantry. The regimental number and button were normally gold plated metal. Some units removed the shoulder straps altogether, particularly towards the end of the war. The six front buttons to the Feldbluse were hidden behind a flap. On the Feldbluse itself, the structure and fold of the creases follows the standard form copied from various photos of troops in the field. It is always better when gathering reference material to use original photos of troops who have been actually wearing their uniforms over long periods of time, as most garments (as indeed all types of clothing, depending on the material used) will crease and fold in roughly the same way. Some reference books, especially for collectors of uniforms are helpful for colour-reference and information etc., but will not always portray an accurate picture of how the uniforms appeared after many days of being worn. Tent Cloth M1892 and Greatcoat: Around the upper body the soldier wears a wrapped up greatcoat inside the M1892 tent section. Under the arm the two ends are held together with the leather greatcoat-fixing strap. Colour: Light brown/grey. Service Dress Trousers: Uniformhose M1914. Were identical to the M1907/10, but made out of a stone- grey material. Quite often produced without the red stripe - Litzen - running down each side of the trouser leg. Colour: stone- grey. Puttees: Wickelgamaschen. Made out of any material available. Designed to cover the cap between boot and trousers, also keeping the lower leg warm and dry. Officer Ankle Boots: From 1912 onward the ankle boot for officers was introduced. Produced through many private companies these items differed in small details. Colour: brown. From autumn 1916 onwards black. Equipment Steel Helmet: Stahlhelm M.16. This helmet, which first entered service in 1916 was designed by Professor Friedrich Schwerd and made from high quality chrome-nickel steel. Weighing between 950 and 1200g, depending on size - more heavier than the Allied helmets, but giving a better protection to the face, ears and neck. The horn venting bolts on each side enabled the fitting of an extra armoured shield over the helmet (also available in 1:15th, 120mm from JSM, winter 2008) for sentries, snipers or other more dangerous employment. This weighing around 2000g was seldom used; although a total of 50 000 were produced. Colour: the helmet was issued in field- grey, but was sometimes repainted at the front with a four- colour camouflage scheme - red- brown, ochre (brownish- yellow), green and blue- grey. Some helmets had these patterns also outlined in black. Helmets were also covered using the light brown sandbag material, or the issued helmet-covers, seen particularly in the later war period. The M.17 & 18 helmets followed with only slight differences to the inside and chin strap fasteners. The last model to see service during the war, if only in small numbers was the M.18 Ohrenausschnitt, or Helmet with ear cut-outs (also available in 1:15th, 120mm from JSM, winter 2008), more commonly (and stubbornly) known as the Cavalry or Telegraph Helmet. In fact the cut-outs were a further design feature of the M.18 to improve the hearing ability of the wearer. Note: The rim and underneath edge of the helmet can be thinned out, giving a more realistic appearance of the original item - for casting reasons this has to be thicker. The brown card supplied can be used to represent leather or material chin straps etc. Cut the card approx. 1.2mm wide and 22 mm long and flatten or rub down on a hard surface with a blunt tool (handle of a modelling knife is ideal). Bend the strip around a pencil to give a natural curve and glue into position on the figure. The colour, thickness and texture achieved from rubbing down the card gives a good reproduction of leather in this scale. Belt: Koppel M1895. From 1915 onwards, belts were issued blackened. The buckle was painted grey. With the other items of attached to the belt the figure portrays the typical reduced field equipment at this time of the war. Haversack: Brotbeutel M1887. Also known as the bread bag. Made out of a canvas material and generally used for rations etc. It was a popular place to keep the spare gas mask filter. Colour: grey- brown. Water Bottle: Feldflasche M1907. This had a capacity of 1¾ pint and was attached to the haversack by means of a leather strap and buckle. Originally made from aluminium, later Ersatz material and covered with a brown felt material. On one side are the four metal snap fasteners, which were normally painted over in grey. It was quite common for front line troops, particularly during combat periods to carry a second water bottle. Gas Mask: Gasmaske M1917. The gas mask was kept in a metal container, which had a brown cloth strap. Troops serving in the front area often wore it in the alert position at the front of the chest. There was no room for the reserve filter in the container. Through constant use the containers became dented. Colour: grey. Using the brown card supplied cut into 1mm strips to make the cloth strap. These are attached to both the top fastening loops on the container (the bottom loop was used to fasten the container to one of the tunic M1907/10 buttons by a small strap when being worn in the alert position). Ammunition Holder: Munitionstashe. In accordance with German Army Tank Rifle regulation the Gunner No.1 would carry a holder with 20 x 13mm rounds of ammunition. Gunner No. 2, or the reserve gunner is issued 2 holders (1 on each hip) and carries a wooden crate with an extra 79 rounds. These canvas holders are a rare and sought after collector's item. The one with the figure was modelled from pictures taken of an existing item at the Army Museum in Brussels, Belgium. The holder is made out of khaki canvas and has 2 metal buttons at the front. The Gunner No.1 was also responsible for a tool bag. One would assume that in his haste Lt. Freytag would not of had the time to obtain this item of equipment. Also, up until now it has not been possible to acquire this original article (pictures, drawings or the measurements). The ammunition holder needs to be fixed to the body of the figure before the left arm is attached. Alternately one can cut down the fitting plug most of the way and slide it under the arm, adding the left hand afterwards. Weapons Mauser Tank Rifle: Tankgewehr Mauser M1918. Designed and produced in the Mauser factory at Oberndorf as a short-term answer to the new tank problem. This single shot bolt-action weapon was the world's first anti-tank rifle. Total length 168 cm, weight with 08/15 MG bipod attached 17.1 Kg. Nicknamed the Elefantenbüchse, or Elephant-rifle at Mauser this weapon was too heavy, the recoil too strong and the penetration when used against armour insufficient. (Most of the allied tanks were stopped by direct or indirect artillery fire). In action these rifles were used either with the 08/15 MG bipod (the original bipod designed for this weapon was seldom employed) or mainly without - the rifle being placed on top of the trench wall/parapet. Due to the considerable recoil and when practical the gunners would change over roles after every 2 - 3 rounds, engaging the enemy armour at as close a range as possible. In the instruction manual for the rifle it is stated that both gunners No. 1 and 2 should be chosen for their size and strength. They should be determined, cool-headed and also good shots. The employment of the T-Gewehr in groups of 3 or individually depends on the tactical situation and lay of the ground. The use of the T-Gewehr in combination with special armoured piercing SmK ammunition (Stahlmantel mit Kern) for MG increases the success. Common sights on original guns are the small indents/damages on the left hand side of the wooden butt (just behind the narrow part) caused by the rim of the gunner's steel helmet denting the rifle on recoil. On the model rifle this has been reproduced. The separate bolt can either be built in the open or closed position. Either separate the bolt and fix accordingly, or even better drill out the rear part of the breech (2mm hand drill). Here a small central indent has been placed for assistance. If possible and if the drill bit is long enough, drill out into the rear of the barrel a few mms as well. This will enable the bolt to function as in the original. The 13mm rounds supplied with the figure will in fact fit into the breech. At the front end of the bolt are the 3 discharge vents, which enabled excess gasses to be released when firing. Colour: the wooden stock and pistol grips were of a dark wood. All other parts were a dark gun- metal, the bolt, especially the handle were generally shinier. 13mm case - brass. Bullet head - dark copper. Tip: in order to achieve a smoother function of the bolt moving in and out of the chamber one can apply some sanded down pencil lead with an old paintbrush. This will not only` lubricate´ the parts, but also give it a natural shiny appearance, just like the original. Pistol 08: As a machine gunner he had a secondary weapon for self defence. The 08 - or Luger (the Germans never called this weapon the Luger - this is an anglicised name) was first produced in 1900, with the German military taken it on in 1908 - hence P 08. As a service pistol it had its drawbacks, mainly it was expensive, difficult to produce and susceptible to dirt. Colour of holster: blackened leather. Stick Grenade: Stielhandgranate M.15. The second type of German stick grenade to be issued (in greater numbers from 1916 onwards). The turned wooden handle would have the fuse duration stamped on one side, along with the makers name and production date. This grenade had the advantage of a screw cap, covering the porcelain ball and pulls cord igniter-system, keeping it dry and free from dirt. Most stick grenades were set with a 5.5 or 7-second time delay. The cap crown has 8 knurled indents to enable a better grip in wet/muddy conditions, or when wearing cloves. The metal clip on the side of the explosive charge is for attaching to equipment etc. On some original photos it can be seen that the screw caps have already been removed, ready for instant use if needed. The original master model was made using a fine grain wood to reproduce the surface of the handle. Colour: Metal parts - green/grey. Wooden stick/handle - untreated wood starts turning grey after a length of time when exposed to the elements. Note: with a bit of care and a thin, sharp blade it is possible to hollow out the gap behind the clip and the explosive charge, not forgetting to leave the bottom part of the clip still attached. Miscellaneous The Base: The base supplied with the figure depicts a section of old trench, damaged by previous artillery fire. Parts of the wooden revetment can still be made out around the raised area. On the base next to the figure's left knee is a small indent for the bottom corner of the Mauser rifle butt to be positioned - this is of cause optional. The area of Cambria, France has a brown soil, with small stones. Tip: when working with modelling plaster it is always advised to file and sand rather than cut or clip away as this could lead to a larger part breaking off. Hands: The area between forefinger and thumb on both hands can be cut out, giving a natural appearance. Here the resin has been cast thin.