Thread: Hummel Self-Propelled Gun

At the head of the retreating column from 2nd SS Panzer Division at the crossroads near Notre-Dame-de-Cenilly was this 150mm Hummel self-propelled gun named “Clausewitz” and SdKfz 251 half-track, followed by about 90 other vehicles and 2,500 Waffen-SS troops. It was finally stopped around midnight at a roadblock of Co. I, 41st Armoured Inf. Regt., 2nd Armoured Div when the driver and gunner were shot at close range. The ensuing traffic jam along the hedgerow-lined road left the remainder of the retreating column exposed to American fire, and a savage night-time battle began in which the column was largely destroyed.

A Hummel unit moves into position. This vehicle has a chassis number stenciled on the hull. The crew have wrapped themselves up well for the cold, making good use ot their pattern 1943 reversible camouflage parkas The frame device on the front of this Hummel could be used to roughly aim the gun in conjunction with pre-placed aiming stakes.

A Hummel of the 9th SS division 'Hohenstaufen' makes its way along a snow track on the Russian front. The gun has a very neatly applied camouflage scheme of dark yellow and dark green. The crew also carries a large section of camouflage netting to conceal its position while firing. A series of wooden poles to support the net are stowed on the travel lock This vehicle also features an elaborate anti-grenade screen over the crew compartment.