Schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 654 were the first operational unit to be issued with the Jagdpanther in May 1944. Following training in France, the second and third companies went into action in Normandy in July. The combination of the Panther's proven chassis; good armour protection and the awesome 88mm 171 armament should have ensured that this new tank destroyer was an immediate success. The reality was very different with the overburdened steering gears and final drives failing with alarming regularity. The maintenance troops worked round the clock to keep their Jagdpanthers operational. In addition to mechanical issues, the Normandy bocage with its narrow lanes and impenetrable hedges severely restricted the effectiveness of the Jagdpanther. Combat reports suggest that targets were often observed but not engaged, as the crews were unable to turn their vehicles in the narrow French lanes.
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