Grille K (GE144) SdKfz 138/1 Grille Ausf K/M The German Army used the sIG 33 15cm infantry gun as a close support weapon to smash enemy strongpoints. However, the guns large size meant it was difficult to manhandle. It also needed a large team of horses or a powerful tractor to move it any great distance. This was a major drawback for such an important weapon in the Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions.  An interim solution to the mobility problem was found by mounting the whole gun on top of a Pz I chassis with a large superstructure around the front and sides.

Although it was unwieldy it worked! Later in 1942 a better solution was designed that used the Pz38(t) chassis with the gun mounted in an open topped compartment. 90 of this Ausf H (Grille H GE143) version were built and issued to the Panzergrenadier heavy infantry gun platoons from February 1943 and some were still in service in Normandy in 1944. Grille K The Ausf K (sometimes referred to as the Ausf M) was an improved design based on the Marder III Ausf M chassis.

282 of this version entered service in two batches from April 1943 to September 1944 into the same units as the earlier Ausf H model. Photos show that the two types were used in the same units so you can mix ‘n match if you like. These self-propelled guns could fire a 38kg (84lb) HE or smoke shell out to 4700m at the rate of 2-3 rpm. A hollow charge round was developed, but was mainly used to destroy bunkers and other fortifications. In Flames of War Your Self-propelled Infantry Gun Platoon (page 26 Festung Europa) will be armed with two of these large and powerful guns.

They have a range of 16”/40cm, firepower of 1+ and AP of 13 will destroy most anything they hit with direct fire. As artillery weapons they are not quite as good as dedicated artillery weapons and, having only two guns in the platoon means you’ll need to re-roll hits. But if you do hit then the AP of 4 and FP of 2+ will take care of even the most difficult target. They fire out to a range of 56”/140cm. For painting these SPG’s follow the general rules for all German equipment; use Dunkelgelb (sand yellow with brown & green camouflage to taste) for post mid 1943.

The correct Waffenfarbe (collar and shoulder straps if you’re into painting these things) is grass green for Panzergrenadiers. Evan Designed by Evan Painted by Jeremy