Soviet infantrymen examine a wrecked Panther tank at Kursk, 1943.  The German "Zitadelle" offensive was held back to await the arrival of the early PzKpfw V Ausf. D tanks, but they proved to have significant issues relating to mechanical reliability.  Also, designed as they were to kill their enemies at long range, operating Panthers in the often "close" conditions encountered at Kursk was sometimes problematic.  Best regards, JR.

Panther at Kursk.

A Pkmfw V 'Panther' destroyed by Soviet Infantry. Only the chasis remained on the poor tank. (jungleguerilla)

Dead Panther.

Destroyed German PzKpfw III, Ausf. L tanks at Kursk, 1943.  There has been some tendency in recent times to "revise" the view of Kursk as "the greatest tank battle in history".  Perhaps some revision is called for.  However, 'photos like this do suggest that in the course of the operation (notably, perhaps, at Prokhorovka), a number of very unusual intense and "pure" tank-on-tank actions, comparable to a medieval meleé, took place.  Best regards, JR. 