Panther G 122 IR

Panther Ausf. G ,with F.G. ( IR ) See low heights.April 1945 

Panther nr 122 was commandete by Feldwebel Hoffmann. It first saw action with the IR-equipement between Gusow and Seelow ( east of Berlin ) around April 1945. It is hard to confirm total success,but indeed many Russian tanks and AT guns were destroyed that night by the ubit. All in  all there were 10 Panthers in a IR-company,supported by 3 UHU and Falke SPW,s (zug.Lt , Draeger, Company Hptm.Steuer ).- This unit 1,/29 ( Pz. Division " Muncheberg ) was commanded by Oberlt. Rasim. On the engine deck there were two Grenadiers with IR-MP.44 (Z.G.1229 ) to protected the commander and the vehicle during the night. After the first night action with IR the 1,/29 never saw action again as a whole unit.One Panther  ( 121 ) saw light action in the center of Berlin.

Panther 122 was destroyed and knocked out east for Berlin in late April. The crew survived but the commander lost his arm and the others were lightly wounded. In this area was also other units (Company ) with IR Panther in action. There is some speculation why the Russians used the big searchligt around Seelow heights -it is liekly because they knew that the Germans used IR in this area and the IR Panther would not operate successfull under such circumstanses. The IR Panther was also " blind " in rain,fullmoon,fog,etc.