A knocked-out German Pz.Kpfw. V Panther Ausf. G tank of the 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich" examined by US troops in Grandmenil, Belgium, December 30, 1944.
Knocked-Out SS "Das Reich" Panther Tank in Grandmenil:
This dramatic photograph, taken on December 30, 1944, depicts an American soldier inspecting the turret hatch of a knocked-out German Pz.Kpfw. V Panther (Ausf. G) medium tank in the ruined village of Grandmenil (Grand-Ménil), Belgium. Belonging to the elite 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich", this armored giant was knocked out during fierce engagements at the height of the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes Counteroffensive).
The photo shows the Panther heavily draped with pine branches for camouflage against Allied fighter-bombers, positioned beside a heavily damaged stone building that took direct artillery hit during the battle for the crossroads.
The Battle for Grandmenil and Manhay:
In late December 1944, the 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich" launched a desperate push toward the Meuse River. On December 24–25, Kampfgruppe Krag and armored elements of "Das Reich" captured the critical road junctions of Manhay and Grandmenil, threatening to punch a permanent hole through the US lines.
However, the American command rapidly deployed reinforcements to plug the gap. Elements of the newly arrived 289th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division, heavily supported by the 3rd Armored Division and massive artillery strikes, launched a fierce counterattack to liberate Grandmenil.
The Destruction of SS Armor:
Between December 26 and December 30, brutal street-by-street fighting raged through Grandmenil. American infantrymen equipped with bazookas, anti-tank guns, and supported by Sherman tanks methodically reduced the isolated German armor operating in the tight village lanes.
Deprived of fuel, under heavy artillery barrage, and subjected to direct hits from US ground forces, several Panthers of "Das Reich" were disabled or abandoned by their crews as the Germans were forced to retreat back toward Manhay.
Today, a surviving Panther tank from this exact battle remains preserved as a historic monument in the village of Grandmenil, serving as a lasting tribute to the Allied victory in the Ardennes.
📍 Location: Grandmenil (Érezée), Luxembourg Province, Belgium
📅 Date: December 30, 1944
📷 Photographer: Unknown (US Army Signal Corps)
Recommended reading:
- The combat actions of the 289th Infantry Regiment (75th US Infantry Division) in the Ardennes
- The 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich" during the Battle of the Bulge
- Tactical analysis of the Pz.Kpfw. V Panther Ausf. G in urban combat
- The preservation of the Grandmenil Panther tank memorial in Belgium