- Yes
- No (Explain why)
Suggestion No.98
G’day lads. Due to Britain not having any captured tanks, I’d want to suggest a British captured early Panther G without it’s anti-shot trap, roof mounted MG and exhaust hiders, nicknamed as the “Cuckoo” :)
Description:
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“Cuckoo” was a German early Panther Ausf G tank captured and used by the British 6th Guards Tank Brigade during World War II. Originally part of Panzer Brigade 107, it was found in working condition by the Coldstream Guards in a barn near Overloon in the Netherlands after the failed Arnhem offensive. The tank was quickly repurposed and integrated into British operations, receiving a new paint job, most likely Khaki Drab to match the unit’s Churchill tanks and Allied markings including a white star and the name “Cuckoo” painted on both sides of the turret. It was part of a staff unit where vehicles were named after birds, such as Eagle, Seagull, Vulture, and Owl. Cuckoo participated in several key operations, including the bombardment of Geijsteren Castle where its firepower proved more effective than standard British tank guns, and Operation Blackcock, where it also demonstrated superior mobility in icy conditions compared to the Churchill tanks. During Operation Veritable in the Reichswald, Cuckoo’s service ended when its fuel pump failed and no replacement was available.
The tank’s original German camouflage was replaced with a uniform British scheme, and during snowy conditions it was temporarily covered with white chalk for winter camouflage.
History:
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Originally part of Germany’s Panzer Brigade 107, the Panther Ausf G (Early) was discovered in operational condition by the Coldstream Guards of the British 6th Guards Tank Brigade in a barn near Overloon, Netherlands, following the failed Arnhem offensive in late 1944. Rather than destroy or abandon it, the British tankers used the opportunity to capture the vehicle, putting it into their staff unit and naming it “Cuckoo”. It was named like that in keeping with their tradition of naming command vehicles after birds.
Once under British control, Cuckoo was repainted to match the brigade’s Churchill tanks and marked with Allied symbols, including a white star on both sides of the turret and the name “Cuckoo” in light colored white paint. It was deployed in several operations, beginning with the bombardment of Geijsteren Castle, where its powerful 75mm gun proved more accurate and effective than standard British tank armament. Cuckoo’s precision in targeting windows of the fortified structure earned it praise from the brigade’s historian.
In January 1945, during Operation Blackcock, Cuckoo showed once again its value. Despite treacherous icy road conditions that caused Churchill tanks and Crocodile flamethrowers to slide into ditches, the Panther (which is eight tons heavier), moved steadily and reliably.
Cuckoo’s final deployment came during Operation Veritable, the Allied push through the Reichswald forest into Germany. Unfortunately, while advancing east of Kleve, the tank’s fuel pump failed. With no spare parts available, the British were forced to abandon the vehicle, ending its brief but memorable service.
Armaments:
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The Cuckoo was armed with the same KwK42 75mm cannon, while also having a MG34 machinegun in the hull. It could have a roof mounted MG34, however I cannot find any photos of it having one.
Specifications:
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As I’ve said many time in this suggestion; this appears to be an earlier Panther G, namely without the “anti shot trap” armor upgrade and not having exhaust hiders. It still keeps the thicker, differently angled side armor (50mm) compared to the Panther A and everything else aside from the 2 mentioned parts.
The Panther has a length of 6.87m (hull only), a width of 3.42m and a height of around 2.99m. Sources vary, but the G variant weights between 44.5t or so. It is possible that this one could be lighter, as it doesnt have the extra chin armor upgrade for shot traps. Powering the tank is the same engine found on the current Panther G, with around 600hp ingame (although from what I can see, some sources state it has more, possibly soft limits for the engines wellbeing?)
Sources:
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https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/93714/
Tamed Panther: “Cuckoo” - WWII Allied - KitMaker Network
Panzer V Panther Ausf.D, A, and G - Tank Encyclopedia
Use of captured "Panthers" and "Tigers" at the final stage of the Great Patriotic War
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :)
