Sturmgeschütze: Assault Guns & Tank Destroyers

While iconic tanks like the Tiger and Panther dominate the popular imagination, it was the humble Sturmgeschütz—especially the battle-hardened StuG III—that bore the brunt of frontline action. These turretless assault guns and tank hunters were the true workhorses of the Panzer divisions, providing essential support in both offensive and defensive operations.

This episode explores the evolution and battlefield role of Germany’s assault guns, from the Sturmgeschütz III and IV to the powerful Jagdpanther, Nashorn, Hetzer, and the mammoth Elefant. Featuring expert analysis and rare archive footage from the Bovington Tank Museum, the Muckleburgh Collection, and the US Army Ordnance Museum, this is the story of the steel beasts that did the dirty work of war—often in the shadow of their more famous counterparts.

Tanks! is a gripping documentary series that explores the rise of armoured warfare during the Second World War. From their early development to their pivotal role on the battlefield, the series charts the evolution of the tank as a decisive weapon of modern combat. With dramatic archive footage, expert analysis, and detailed reconstructions, Tanks! examines the machines, the men who commanded them, and the battles they helped shape. This series offers a powerful insight into the brutal reality of armoured warfare in one of history’s most destructive conflicts.