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Here's what I've found in "PANZER TRACTS No.5-4 Panzerkampfwagen Panther II and Panther Ausfuehrung F"
According to the article we may see that two Panther F theoretically could take part in the battle for Berlin.
Panther Ausf.F armor hulls in the welding jigs at Ruhrstahl in April 1945 still had the glacis plate interlocks with the supersturcture side plates cut perpendicular to the side. With the exception of the 40-mm and 25-mm thick roof plates, these Panther Ausf.F hulls being completed at Ruhrstahl were still identical to Panther Ausf.G armor hulls. The hole around the superstructure vent was countersunk for fitting a cylindrical guard and there were still holes for mounting rear bump stops but no holes for rear shock absorbers. Track pin return plates were welded on at the armor suppliers.
According to the article we may see that two Panther F theoretically could take part in the battle for Berlin.
In September 1945, without access to records, representatives from M.A.N, replied to the question: Were several Ausfuehrung F employed in action? M.A.N, never completed any Panther 1 Ausfuehrung F. Daimler-Benz had delivered chassis for the Ausf.F but outfitted with the Ausf.G turret and with steel-tire, rubber-cushioned road-wheels mounted in staggered pairs.
When interrogated in July 1945, representatives from Daimler-Benz were not asked and did not state if any Panther Ausf.F had been completed. However, the report stated that samples of the Schmalturm had been evacuated from Berlin for shipment to the U.K. and the U.S.A. Photographs taken after the war show four incomplete Ausf.F chassis mixed in with Ausf.G chassis in the assembly line at Daimler-Benz Werk 40, Berlin-Marienfelde. Daimler-Benz was to have completed 2228 (250 Ausf.D, 675 Ausf.A, and 1303 Ausf.G) Panthers before starting on the Ausf.F. After converting to Ausf.G assembly, Daimler-Benz had completed only 1004 Panthers by the time production ceased on 24 April 1945 (about 300 short of the original transition target goal).
As proven by a report listing their Fgst.Nr., all the Panthers issued to the next to the last unit were still Panther Ausf.G assembled at Daimler-Benz Werk 40. Therefore, if a few Panther Ausf.F had been successfully completed, they would only have been issued on 20 through 23 April 1945 to the II. Abteilung/Panzer-Regiment 2 for immediate employment in defense of the Berlin area.
Panther Ausf.F armor hulls in the welding jigs at Ruhrstahl in April 1945 still had the glacis plate interlocks with the supersturcture side plates cut perpendicular to the side. With the exception of the 40-mm and 25-mm thick roof plates, these Panther Ausf.F hulls being completed at Ruhrstahl were still identical to Panther Ausf.G armor hulls. The hole around the superstructure vent was countersunk for fitting a cylindrical guard and there were still holes for mounting rear bump stops but no holes for rear shock absorbers. Track pin return plates were welded on at the armor suppliers.
Last edited by lockie on 2015-04-13, 06:00; edited 1 time in total
