German platoon and company strengths Normandy.

[RMD]

At the small-unit level, each panzer-grenadier section had two LMGs (MG34 or 42) and each company typically had 2-3 MG42 SFMGs and 2-3 81mm mortars. There were normally three sections per platoon, though platoons would usually be reduced to 2 sections as casualties were taken and then companies would be reduced to two platoons (each of two sections). Once companies were reduced to less than four sections they would usually be disbanded and amalgamated with another company. As losses increased further, regiments would be consolidated into battalions, as mentioned above. These amalgamated units often had massive quantities of heavy weapons, as the supporting elements were usually the last to suffer casualties.

[Etranger]

....

Kampfgruppe 'Meyer' was formed from Otto Meyer's SS-Panzer-Regiment 9, the remnants of III.(SPW)/SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 20, Zollhoefer's SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Regiment 'H', part of Graebner's SS-Panzer-Aufklaerungs-Abteilung 9 and most of the division's artillery. The survivors of 21. Panzer-Division were also placed under Meyer's command.
...

Any idea as to 21PzD residual strength at that point Mark? I've seen figures suggesting that they lost 50% + of personnel (& presumably equipment) in Normandy but some at least of their 'French' SPWs escaped as there are pictures from Lorraine in late 1944 of them.

[grizzlymc]

I have just ordered a history of 21 PD 1943-45from Military press, so, in about three months or so, I might be able to answer the question.

[FreddBloggs]

Thank you RMD, useful and comprehensive as always.

One last question, the tiger 2 was met in normandy in small numbers, do we have a date for when?

[Etranger]

I've eyed off that 21PzD book too, but might get the 2nd edition Zetterling.

Wiki, citing Jentz and Doyle has 11th July 1944 as the first combat use in Normandy with sPzAbt503. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_II (in 3Ko) which sounds about right.

[grizzlymc]

21PzD book on special for 16 quid. I'm going to buy Zetterling eventually.

[Jeremy]

Wiki has some good commentary on the 9th and 10th, each with links that take you in further

[FreddBloggs]

Into the black hole huh?

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

Some spankingly detailed info there, Mark. Glad my WW2 interest is limited to 1940 France/Low Countries. And then, sometimes not so glad.....

[grizzlymc]

Into the black hole huh?

Nah, too busy working last week.