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Panzer Leo -> (6/11/2002 2:25:38 AM)
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The German infantry divisions always had organic arty on the regimental level.
The reason for some sources to believe there was none, is the fact, that the organic arty consisted of the 75mm and 150mm infantry guns.
The designation of the lIG18 and sIG33 as infantry guns in the english sense of this weapon type seems to cause some confusion.
Both guns were used in direct and indirect fire roles and sources like the Handbook on German Armed Forces therefore call these weapons actually Inf Howitzers, being closer to what they were used for (and the fact, that they were fired in the upper register, too).
These guns used the same optics like the 105mm lFH, that were made for direct and indierct laying.
The tactical use of these weapons seems to be closer to mortar units, then to "real" arty units.
The big setback was a very limited range, making the guns useless for arty duty like counterfire or helping out units, that where not directly in close contact to them.
But they nevertheless made up for an important support for the infantry battalions.
The Inf Howitzer company of an infantry regiment consisted of 6 75mm IGs and 2 150mm IGs.
The 75mm IG18 was later replaced by the IG37, especially in Volksgrenadier divisions (including complete reorganization), The 150mm was build up to the end of the war with an ever increasing quantity.
hope that helps...
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