German Infantry Company 1943
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By 1943, Germany faced a desperate manpower situation, leading to significant changes in the structure of rifle platoons. Initially, in 1941, each platoon had 4 rifle squads (10 men each) and a light mortar troop. However, by 1943, the platoon size was reduced to 3 rifle squads, each with 9 men, to cope with the manpower shortage. This reduction remained on paper until the end of the war, though in practice, squads could drop to fewer than 6 men as long as they had a machine gun. Early-war anti-tank rifle sections were removed, offset by the introduction of superior man-portable anti-tank weapons.
Additionally, the title of German infantry was changed to “Grenadier” to appeal to Prussian military tradition. The title Grenadier, given in 1944 was purely symbolic and was intended to be a moral booster. Surely the average soldier on the front saw through this. Prior to 1944, grenadier was a title only for experienced veteran soldiers.
The rifle company, with its support personnel and potential reinforcements from its home Battalion’s mortars and heavy machine guns, could operate independently. The rifle platoon was the lowest level for practical fire and maneuver. German military tactics heavily favored the machine gun, with doctrine stating infantry support the machine gun, versus the US doctrine of the machine gun supporting the infantry.
By 1944, several changes were made:
- The company’s mortar squad was replaced with a heavy machine gun squad.
- The rifle platoons’ reserve general-purpose machine guns were reduced from 2 to 1.
- The number of infantry carts per platoon was reduced from 3 to 2.
- The company’s baggage train saw a reduction in horse-related billets, with the field cook taking on additional duties as a horse driver.
1 - Company HQ SMG Team 1-SP
3 Rifle Platoons 3 SP Each
2 HMG Squads 2 SP Each
1 81mm Mortar Team 1 SP
15 Points
