Panther, Ostwallturm, Gothic Line, Italy, 1944. image - Tank Lovers Group

The Pantherturm I (Stahluntersatz) was mounted on a welded steel base in which the ammunition was stored. This base was in turn bolted on to the top of a steel box which housed the crew living quarters, stove and electric generator equipment. Although some normal Pz.Kpfw.Panther turrets had been used for these fixed fortifications on the Hitler Line south of Cassino, the majority, such as this one on the Gothic Line, were specially designed and produced for this purpose. The roof armour was increased to 40mm to withstand direct hits from 150mm artillery shells, and the cupola was replaced by a flat hatch with a rotating periscope. The Panther Ostwallturm was painted at the factory with a coat of base red primer rot RAL 8012. On deployment the turret was painted with stripes and patches of dunkelgelb RAL 7028 (tan) and olivgrün RAL 6003 (dark olive green). The interior was painted in elfenbein RAL 1001 (ivory).