Waffen-SS (1943-45) Weapons Teams

Infantry weapons teams are a key component of any Bolt Action army, providing as they do great tactical flexibility for your force. Sniper teams, anti-tank teams and flamethrower teams are among the most prevalent, presenting your opponent with multiple challenges to overcome.

The Panzerschreck was a German development of the American bazooka, first encountered in North Africa, firing a large calibre shaped-charge rocket projectile. The back-blast from the weapon was so intense that early teams wore protective capes and masks – later a blast shield was fitted to the weapon giving it a distinctive appearance. The Panzerschreck and disposable anti-tank Panzerfaust had replaced the Panzerbüchse 39 anti-tank rifle by 1944.

During the battle of Stalingrad, Russian snipers took such a heavy toll upon the beleaguered Wehrmacht that the Germans began to train and equip their own marksmen to undertake a specialist role as snipers. A variety of rifles were used for sniping, including the standard KAR-98K and the semi-automatic Gewehr 43, all fitted with the high quality ZF39 telescopic sight, and equipped with precision-manufactured ammunition.

Flamethrowers – Flammenwerfer – were used through the war and were often employed against buildings or fortifications. During the latter part of the war, the Germans produced a lighter, smaller design that carried enough fuel for a single burst – effectively a one-shot flamethrower –the Eintossflammenwerfe. It is not known, however, whether this weapon was actually ever employed.