German Infantry Unit
This infantry box set contains 4 squads of four infantry models and one command base of two models. It alos includes 3 Sd Kfz 250 armoured troop carriers, a unit of 3 x Panzerschrecks and a unit of 3 x HMGs.
The German infantry in World War II comprised various units that played key roles in the conflict. The backbone was the Wehrmacht's regular infantry, equipped with rifles and machine guns. The elite Waffen-SS units were known for their combat prowess. The German Army's panzergrenadiers were mechanized infantry, often accompanying armored units. Fallschirmjäger, or paratroopers, were highly trained airborne troops. The Gebirgsjäger specialized in mountain warfare. Late in the war, the Volkssturm consisted of civilian militias. Each unit had specific roles, contributing to the German military's overall effectiveness during the Second World War.
The German Sd.Kfz. 251, often referred to simply as the "Hanomag" after its manufacturer, was a half-track armored personnel carrier used extensively by the German military during World War II. Introduced in the late 1930s, the Sd.Kfz. 251 was designed to transport infantry directly into the battlefield while providing some protection against small arms fire. It could accommodate a squad of soldiers and was equipped with machine guns for fire support. The Sd.Kfz. 251 had various modifications, serving in roles such as an armored ambulance, command vehicle, and anti-tank platform. Its versatility and mobility made it a key component of German mechanized infantry units during the war.
The German Panzerschreck was a portable anti-tank rocket launcher used during World War II. Introduced in 1943, it was designed to address the shortcomings of the earlier Panzerfaust. The Panzerschreck, officially named Raketenpanzerbüchse 54 (Rocket Anti-Tank Rifle 54), was a reusable weapon that fired a rocket-propelled grenade. It had a larger caliber than the Panzerfaust, providing improved armor penetration.
The Panzerschreck was operated by a two-man crew and played a significant role in the later stages of the war, particularly on the Eastern Front. Its design influenced subsequent rocket launchers, and it represented a more sophisticated and powerful anti-tank weapon in the German arsenal during World War II.
The primary German heavy machine guns of World War II were the MG 34 and MG 42. Introduced in the mid-1930s, the MG 34 was known for its versatility and reliability. Its successor, the MG 42, developed later in the war, gained widespread use and became iconic for its exceptionally high rate of fire, approximately 1,200 rounds per minute. Both machine guns were air-cooled, belt-fed, and played crucial roles in providing German infantry with effective and rapid firepower on the battlefield.