A Brief History
The 12. SS Panzer Division “Hitlerjugend” was formed in 1943, made up largely of volunteers from the Hitler Youth and veteran officers and NCOs transferred from the 1st SS Panzer Division “Leibstandarte.” The division was equipped with some of the best vehicles available to the German army at the time, including the Panther tank, and was considered a highly motivated, if inexperienced, formation.
Their baptism of fire came in June 1944 during the Battle of Normandy, when the division was rushed to counter the Allied landings near Caen. The young troops fought fiercely in actions around Authie, Carpiquet, and Hill 112, earning a reputation for determination but also for heavy losses and fanatical resistance.
By August, after weeks of intense combat and relentless Allied air and artillery attacks, the 12. SS was effectively shattered during the retreat from the Falaise Pocket. Despite its brief existence as a full-strength formation, the division’s stand in Normandy has since become one of the most well-known examples of German armoured resistance during the campaign.
The Project So Far
While researching this project, I’ve come across a number of interesting photos and videos that have inspired specific models and figures I plan to build:
Obersturmbannführer Kurt “Panzer” Meyer
Kurt Meyer was one of the most recognisable figures of the 12. SS Panzer Division. Initially the commander of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 25 during the Normandy campaign, he was promoted to lead the division after Fritz Witt was killed by naval gunfire. His leadership and aggressive style made him both respected and controversial.
For Meyer, I’m using an officer from the AB Figures Officer Pack 2 (AB-ING25). As always, I can’t go past AB — their sculpts are second to none and an absolute pleasure to paint. I may even write a review of these figures if readers are interested, because they really are to die for.
Sd.Kfz. 171 Panther Ausf. A
The Panther was the backbone of the 12. SS Panzer Regiment during the Normandy campaign, combining strong armour, mobility, and the deadly 75 mm gun. Panthers from this division fought in numerous engagements around Caen and Hill 112.
I’m using the Dragon 7546 kit, picked up from CyberHobby. Dragon’s attention to detail is excellent, and their range of German vehicles is second to none. This one was reasonably priced, came with free shipping, and should make a great base for adding custom Zimmerit with Milliput.
VW Type 82 Kübelwagen
The Kübelwagen was the workhorse utility vehicle of German forces throughout the war. In Normandy, these vehicles were used for reconnaissance, communication, and command transport within the 12. SS Panzer Division.
I’m building two kits — SP-072032 and SP-072034 — both limited releases from S-Model. This will be my first experience with S-Model kits, and I’ve heard great things about their simplicity and crisp moulding. One will be built as the ambulance variant, the other as a radio vehicle.
Sd.Kfz. 166 “Brummbär”
Although not an organic part of the 12. SS Panzer Division, Brummbärs fought alongside them during the defence of Normandy. Their heavy armour and 150 mm gun made them devastating in urban fighting.
For this build, I’m using Dragon 7242, a kit I’ve had sitting on the shelf for quite a while. With the new edition of Battlegroup on the horizon — and rumours of revamped HE rules — this seemed like the perfect time to finally put it together and add some extra punch to my platoon.
Sd.Kfz. 140 Flakpanzer
The Sd.Kfz. 140 Flakpanzer was a rare and distinctive anti-aircraft vehicle based on the Czech 38(t) chassis. A handful fought in Normandy, providing mobile air defence for German armoured formations, including elements of the 12. SS.
This one’s the Unimodel UM348 kit. I’ve built a few UM kits before — they can be a little fiddly, but the detail is excellent once assembled. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this one turns out.
Infantry Progress
Most of my infantry are already complete, though I’m currently halfway through another squad. By the end of the project, I should have at least a platoon-plus of infantry with supporting weapons.
Final Comments
I have no idea how long this project will take — but I’m genuinely excited to get started, keep myself accountable, and (hopefully!) actually finish this one… unlike a few others I could name.
If you’re interested in seeing how it all comes together, follow along as I build and paint the 12. SS Panzer Division — I’ll be posting updates as each piece of the project takes shape.
I also came across this — combat footage showing elements of the 12th SS Panzer Division engaging Canadian tanks in Normandy, filmed in either June or July 1944.
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