The German Sturmgeschutz (StuG) was one of the most successful armored fighting vehicles of the Second World War. It arose from an original concept of the pre-war panzer divisions, whereby a special vehicle for infantry support work was planned. During the war years, the Sturmgeschutz was rapidly developed and upgunned, and was used both in its original role as an assault gun and also as a tank destroyer.

Dragon Armor has issued a fine 1:72 scale model of an armored vehicle from Panzerjager Abteilung 2, 12.Panzer Division, then deployed to defend Estonia during 1944. The model portrays a StuG.III Ausf. G early production variant and comes with schurzen side skirts. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 3-1/2-inches
Width: 1-1/2-inches

Release Date: November 2008

Historical Account: "Fighting Withdrawal" - The 12.Panzer-Division was formed from the 2.Infanterie-Division (motorized) in October 1940, and completed in reformation in January 1941.

In July 1941, the 12.Panzer was moved to the Eastern Front and took part in operations to encircle Minsk, cross the Dnieper and take Smolensk. It was then moved to the Northern Front, where it fought in the Battle of Mga. The division suffered heavy losses during the Soviet Winter counteroffenisive against the Germans in the North near Leningrad.

The 12.Panzer was then withdrawn to Estonia to rest and refit, but was quickly transferred back to fight again in the numerous battles south of Leningrad. 12.Panzer was transferred to Army Group Center in November 1942, to take up positions near Roslavl.

During March - August 1943, the 12.Panzer took part in operations in and around Orel, Bryansk, Gomel, and Zhlobin. In the summer of 1943, 12.Panzer took part in the German offensive against the Kursk salient, and in the fall of 1943, in defensive operations along the Dnieper in the central front.

In February, 1944, the 12.Panzer-Division was once again transferred north to take part in the desperate battles around Leningrad, but was not able to help stem the massive Soviet offensives against Army Group North. Throughout the next months, 12.Panzer was forced to withdraw west through the Baltic region along with the rest of the retreating German forces, until it was pushed into the Kurland Pocket in September 1944. Holding out until May 1945, the 12.Panzer-Division surrendered to the Soviets in May 1945 when Festung Kurland was forced to lay down its arms.