StG 44: Usage and Deployment by German Troops

The StG 44 in German Military Operations

The StG 44 (Sturmgewehr 44) was a semi-automatic intermediate-powered infantry weapon developed by Nazi Germany and first adopted in 1943. It was designed to replace the existing bolt-action rifles and submachine guns in German service. Although the primary intended recipients of the StG 44 were the Volksgrenadier divisions, other units also saw the weapon in service.

Deployment of StG 44 in Various Units

There is evidence that the StG 44 was also issued to some Panzergrenadier units. However, the precise allocation varies across different sources, with some reports suggesting that armored and rear-transported Panzergrenadiers could potentially receive the StG 44.

Panzergrenadiers and the StG 44

Within armored and Panzergrenadier units, the StG 44 might have been distributed more liberally. For instance, some units reported four machine guns (LMG) for every Platoon, suggesting a more assertive and diverse armament configuration.

VG Units

VG (Volksgrenadier) units typically had a specific organizational structure featuring the StG 44. Each platoon leader would command a squad of three grenadiers equipped with StG 44, supplemented by nine soldiers armed with 98k rifles. Rifle grenade launchers would be fitted to some of these soldiers, along with a light machine gun (LMG).

Three grenadiers with StG 44 Six grenadiers with 98k rifles and rifle grenade launchers One LMG

Specifically, each of the two squads had eight men equipped with StG 44, while one squad comprised eight members with an LMG, one MP-40 submachine gun, and seven equipped with 98k rifles. When a Platoon Leader was detached from the HQ, the remaining HQ LMG could be reassigned to a third squad, providing two LMGs to that squad instead of one.

Standard Armament of Panzergrenadier Platoons

A standard armored Panzergrenadier platoon would generally have a higher concentration of LMGs, typically around seven. This configuration would include:

Two LMGs per squad (a total of twelve) Two LMGs in the platoon HQ, one in a command vehicle (251/1), and one each in the other three 251/1 251/21, and 251/10 SPW (special purpose vehicles)

Note that the exact configuration varied depending on the specific vehicle used as the platoon HQ. Typically, this setup would accommodate one less LMG if a 251/17 or 251/21 was used in place of a 251/1.

Understanding the StG 44's Classification

Interestingly, in German documentation, the StG 44 was often classified as a MP (machine pistol) or machine rifle/automatic weapon, which is a classification similar to the MP38 or MP40 submachine guns. This classification may have been due to the political climate of the time, particularly under Hitler's orders. During the StG 44's implementation between 1943 and 1944, Hitler halted further development and production of assault rifles, classifying them as infantry automatic weapons.

Despite the classification, the StG 44 performed a vital role in the German military arsenal, providing infantry units with a more effective and versatile weapon compared to the traditional K98k bolt-action rifle and MP40 submachine gun.

Conclusion

The deployment of the StG 44 across various German units, particularly within the Panzergrenadier and Volksgrenadier divisions, reflects the weapon's strategic importance in enhancing infantry combat capabilities. Understanding its distribution and classification within German military structures provides insight into the tactical and political contexts of World War II.