- For the Steel Division: Normandy 44 unit see SD:Sd.Kfz. 250/1
Sd.Kfz. 250/1 is a German Recon unit in Steel Division II.
Background[]
Leichter Gepanzerte Kraftswagen (Light Armored Truck) was developed by combining a Sd.Kfz. 10 chassis modified by Demag with an armored body produced by Bussing-NAG. The goal was to provide armored divisions with a multipurpose armored halftrack, capable of keeping pace with them and affording its occupants a degree of protection. The design was finalized in 1941, after two years of work, and the vehicle entered production. Over 4000 were produced before a modified version (designated as Neu, New) was introduced in 1943, with a simplified armored body and slightly reduced weight. 2000 were produced.
The 250/1 designation identifies the basic variant, designed to transport one half of a fireteam and equipped with a pair of MG 34 7.92mm machineguns for supporting them and self-defense.
There were two armored recon companies in the planned Panzer Aufklarungs Abteilung providing dismount capability to the Abteilung. These had the basic structure of a standard Panzer Grenadier Company instead using the Sd.Kfz.250 series of vehicles. The two companies had three platoons of three squads of 12 man squads with two Sd.Kfz.250/1.
Unlike their Western counterparts in Steel Division, the Panzer Divisions in the Eastern front had most or all of their Panzer Aufklarungs Abteilung refitting in the rear. 5. Panzer had half their Panzer Aufklarungs Abteilung in theater. While the 20. Panzer's Panzer Aufklarungs Abteilung 20 was refitting.
Fallschirm.Aufklärungs-Abteilung 12 were planed to have it second and third companies mounted in SPW.