Panzergrenadier

Throughout history, infantry has been the main attacking force deployed by armies around the world, but deploying substantial infantry forces has always required precious time to assemble the troops to launch an attack or form defensive positions. Transportation of men and their equipment has been a major issue through the ages, and one that was only partly alleviated by the establishment of railway systems in the 19th century and motor vehicles in the early 20th century.
With the development of the German Panzerwaffe, military planners realized both the enormous potential of the tank as a breakthrough weapon, but also the issues faced by support units following the attacking force – including the infantry. A tank assault moved rapidly forwards and this required a motorized infantry which could keep pace with the attack and provide all necessary support. This motorized infantry element for a Panzer division was an integral Schützenbrigade (rifle brigade), and it was equipped with a suitable means of transport – the Schützenpanzerwagen (armoured personnel carrier).
During Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, German forces were faced by a massive Red Army and unforeseen weather conditions. With the onset of the harsh Russian winter the operation failed, and the war in the east entered a new phase. From experienced gained from the operation, a new arm of the military was created: the Panzergrenadier. Following the advance on Stalingrad and the subsequent battle for the city in 1942–43, the infantry was forced to adapt in the face of new situations, leading to the improvement of Panzergrenadier elements in the Panzer divisions and the deployment of a a new combat formation, the Panzergrenadier division.
This title will describe the development and evolution of the armoured infantry force that accompanied the German Panzers as they crossed the battlefields of Europe, as well as detailing the vehicles and equipment that was developed to support their specialised role.