656. Schwerer PanzerJager Regiment
Heavy Tank Destroyer Regiment

The 656th Schwerer Panzerjager Regiment was formed during the buildup for Operation Citadel (Kursk Offensive, July 5, 1943) to field some of Hitlers newest wonder weapons. 3 Battalions were organized: The 653rd (Ferdinands), 654th (Ferdinands), and the 216th SturmPanzer Battalion (Brumbars). This unit was to spearhead the attack against the North shoulder of the Kursk salient. The attack saw only small gains and Soviet counter attacks threatened to encircle the units that managed to break into Soviet lines. As many as 39 Ferdinands were lost due to mines, infantry assaults, anti-tank guns, and mechanical failures. By July 17, The Germans were falling back to defend Orel against the resurgent Soviets. At the end of July, the regiment had 25 Ferdinands operational, 23 down for repairs, and 43 total losses. Despite these losses the Ferdinands performed well claiming 220 Soviet tanks destroyed.

Kursk aftermath: 654th Battalion turned in its Ferdinands and left the regiment, refitting in France in 1944 with JadgPanthers. 653rd Battalion fought defensive actions in Northern Ukraine until December 1943 with only 4 operational Ferdinands the Battalion left the front to refit in Vienna. By This time the 656th Regiment was written off. The 216th Sturmpanzer Battalion was sent to Italy in November 1943, where it remained for the duration.