StuIG 33B (GE133) Sturmgeschütz Sturminfanteriegeschütz 33B History On September 20 1942 the German military ordered 12 self-propelled artillery vehicles mounting the 15cm (5.91in) Sturminfanterie-geschütz (Assault Infantry Gun) L/11 howitzer and an MG34 mounted in the superstructure for defence to be made within 14 days.

The initial 12 prototype versions that had been completed earlier in 1941 were refurbished and 12 more were made in October 1942. These vehicles were all based on the StuG III Ausf E and F/8 chassis and were officially designated the StuIG33B. They were intended to aid in the close-quarter fighting in and around Stalingrad.

The 15cm primary weapon was capable of demolishing a house with two or three rounds so was perfectly suited for the task of removing the threat from fortified positions and providing heavy support for infantry formations. A company of 12 of these vehicles were sent to Stalingrad in November 1942 to support Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions. A 2nd schwererSturmInfanteriegeschütz unit of 12 was formed as the 9th Company, 201st Panzer Regiment, 23rd Panzer Division and was used in the failed attempt to relieve the encirclement of Stalingrad, and to delay the Soviet advance in the winter of 1942/43.

Technical Details Weight: 21 tons Crew: 5 Motor: Maybach HL120TRM (12 cylinder, 11.9 litre) Top speed: 20 km/h Range: 110 km Armament: 15cm StuIG L/11, 30 rounds; 1x 7.92mm MG34

In Flames Of War The StuIG will really prove its worth in city fighting scenarios, its 15cm gun and mobility make it an excellent choice for blowing any resistance out of their buildings with its 1+firepower (goes to 2+ vs. infantry in buildings). Make sure you have a platoon of infantry mixed in with the StuIG’s at all times to protect them from infantry assaults where they are at there most vulnerable.

With a front armour of 7 you can ignore most hits as you trundle towards your objectives, bearing in mind that the StuIG’s are Overloaded so you will need to pick the most direct path, trying to avoid any difficult ground, to your objective and destroy everything that gets in your way. Slow and steady is the key.   Fielding the StuIG 33B...     Designed by Evan Allen Painted by Dion Holswich