"XXXVIII Army Corps HW
Operational Department
Lempelevo, September 19th, 1941
RE: Experimental firing by Pz.Jg.Abt.563 against a Russian 52 ton tank (not reinforced).
1 diagram
18th Army HQ
Attached is the result of experimental firing against a Russian 52 ton tank (not reinforced) ordered by the corps HQ.
- Gun: l.F.H.18
- Ammunition: 10 cm Gr.39 rot (5th charge)
- Range: 200 m
- Results:
- 1st shot to the side destroyed the road wheels.
- 2nd shot to the turret ring jammed the turret. No penetration.
- 3rd shot to the turret ring jammed the turret. No penetration.
- 4th shot to the turret side penetrated about 5 cm, no complete penetration.
"HQ Artillery Officer
Army HQ, September 22nd, 1941
Army HQ, September 22nd, 1941
RE: experimental firing at a 52 ton tank
The firing was conducted by commander of the Pz.Jg.Abt.563, Major Klar, former artilleryman. Major Konrad from XXXVIII Army Corps HQ also took part in the experimental firing. This was the non-reinforced 52 ton tank that was located on the Krasnoye Selo - Kipen road, 1 km eastward of Tilesi. Firing was conducted at 90 degrees. Shot #4 penetrated to a depth not of 5 cm, but about 7.5 cm, bending the armour without penetration.
September 22nd, 1941
18:20
[Signature]"
