The Czech workhorse


"Commander of a panzerjager abteilung in the East reports:

I report, that the 1. tank mechanic of the company, feldwebel Pratzer, and company tank drivers - Uffz. Handrack, Obgefr. Diewok. Obgefr. Zell and Obgefr. Borngen performed well and achieved exceptional results.

The drivers mentioned drove their Pak 40 (t) self-propelled guns on August 30, 1943 and since then traveled a distance of  roughly 4000 km  without a change of motors, transmissions or suspensions. Tracks were changed once at 3000 km. The sprocket gears, which are now worn out to about a half, have not yet been changed.  Distances traveled were read from the odometer, and represent a minimum.

These results were achieved in a complex terrain under exceptional circumstances (encirlements and withdrawals from Kiev to Korosten - Winnitza in Stanislau area.). The self-propelled guns have been operational until they were released from the siege of Kameniec - Podolski on 11.4.1944.

The self-propelled guns could still be moved and are scheduled for repair in homeland workshops.

Within the company, there are two more self-propelled guns that have the same mileage, but engines changed.

The 1. mechanic of the company contributed greatly to achieving this performance.

The Inspector General of tank forces expresses special thanks to  Feldwebel Pratzer, Uffz. Handrack, Obgefr. Diewok. Obgefr. Zell and Obgefr. Borngen for this performance."

   
- from chapter 10-IX in Nachrichtenblatt Der Panzertruppen, No.12, June 1944.

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