StuG III Sturmgeschutz 40 Ausf F/8

This German StuG III 40 Ausf. F/8 tank destroyer was previously stored at the depot of the Tank Museum in Kapellen, Belgium. It was captured by US troops in Sicily, Italy. It is possible that it belonged to the Hermann Goering Panzer Division. It was then shipped to Aberdeen Proving Ground in America. In the 1960s, it was given to the Germans and displayed for years at the Panzermuseum in, Munster, Germany.

Preserved German StuG III Sturmgeschutz 40 Ausf F/8 did not saw action in the WW2 Battle of the Bulge

This preserved StuG III Sturmgeschutz 40 Ausf F/8 is exhibited at the Bastogne Barracks in Belgium.

It was then transferred to the WTS Koblenz. It was finally exchanged, along with some other vehicles, for some WW1 artillery pieces and went to Belgium in 1980 or 1981. It never fought in the Battle of the Bulge area but StuG III tank destroyers were part of the German Ardennes offensive. The StuGs Ausf. F/8 were not intended to reach Italy or Sicily when they were built, they were to be shipped to the Eastern Front.

They were painted dark grey at the factory, and not 'Dunkel Gelb'. So, the vehicle is currently being restored with the proper color that it got at the factory. When it arrived in Belgium it had a different main gun and welded armour on the superstructure front glacis and nose. This has been removed so it is in its original factory condition.

Preserved German StuG III Sturmgeschutz 40 Ausf F/8 did not saw action in the WW2 Battle of the Bulge

This preserved StuG III Sturmgeschutz 40 Ausf F/8 is exhibited at the Bastogne Barracks in Belgium.

Location

The Bastogne Barracks can be found at 40 Rue de la Roche (N834) in Bastogne just north west of the city centre. They open at 10am and close at 4pm. You really need to get there by 2pm as there is a lot to see. It is an operational military camp with a tank restoration centre attached. You have to wait to go on a guided tour. You cannot wander around on your own. The only day it is closed is Monday. Many of the tanks have been restored to running condition. Have a look at their Facebook page for information about new events.

Preserved German StuG III Sturmgeschutz 40 Ausf F/8 did not saw action in the WW2 Battle of the Bulge

This preserved StuG III Sturmgeschutz 40 Ausf F/8 is exhibited at the Bastogne Barracks in Belgium.

Read more in these two tank books