SG 4 losses 26.12.1944

[George Hopp]

I would also like to get a copy of the report, if that is possible.

Here, from p. 213 of "Flugzeugbewaffnung" by Hanfried Schliephake is a copy of the British drawing of that rocket from the downed Fw 190. Note that the author calls it a "Panzerblitz 1" whereas, at least on the drawing, it is termed only an "8 cm Rocket Projectile."

[Horst Weber]

Hello George !

This drawing doesn't show a weapon with armour-piercing capabilities. How comes the name "Panzerblitz" ?.

Best regards,

Horst Weber

[George Hopp]

A very good question, Horst. As I said, the British did not call it an armour-piercing rocket. And, since the Germans were attacking airfields and not tank concentrations, there is no reason why their Fw 190s should be carrying anti-tank rockets. So, as you questioned, Horst, this does not appear to be the Panzerblitz rocket at all, and is perhaps the M.8 rocket that John Manrho has referred to.