Discovering the Origins of the Panzer Song

The iconic "Panzer song," originally known as "Panzerlied," has a rich history dating back to 1933 when it was composed as a German marching song. Over the years, it has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest Wehrmacht songs to this day. The credit for crafting this inspirational melody goes to Kurt Wiehle, who ingeniously transformed the original sea-themed song into a fitting anthem for infantry. While the English version of this song is easily accessible on the internet, the original German rendition possesses a unique charm that can be found in archives like Deutsche Wochenschau.

Experiencing the Panzer Song

For music enthusiasts, delving into the German version of the Panzer YourSongsLyrics is akin to a connoisseur savoring the finest French wine until the very last drop. The song is held in such high regard that numerous online portals dedicated to Third Reich and Nazi military music preserve it on their lists and offer it upon request. A deeper exploration of the Deutsche Wochenschau reveals that "Panzer" is the German word for "tank," and its composer served in the "Panzerwaffe," the German Army's tank force established in 1936.

The Role of the Deutsche Wochenschau

After the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, the Germans established a separate newsreel production to showcase their perspective and promote the Fuhrer's ideology. This led to the creation of the Deutsche Wochenschau, or "The German Weekly Newsreel," which continued to function until the end of the Second World War. Among its vast collection of footage were German military films such as "Der Ewige Jude," "Feldzug in Polen," and compositions like the Panzer song, serving as a testament to bravery. Notable footage also included the German version of the Battle of Normandy and Hitler's last public appearance before the Battle of Berlin.

Alternate Names and Global Influence

The Panzer song is alternatively known as "Das Sudwesterlied" and "Hart wie Kameldornholz." It gained international recognition when it was featured in the 1965 Spanish movie, "Battle of the Bulge." The film commemorated the 21st anniversary of the month-long battle, focusing on the conflict between Allied soldiers and Panzer troops. Although the movie predominantly features English dialogues, the Panzerlied is sung in German. However, it's important to note that there are inaccuracies regarding the battle's details, as reported by Deutsche Wochenschau.

Continued Relevance

Thanks to its inspirational lyrics, the Panzer song remains a prominent example of Nazi music and is still employed by modern marching armies. In Germany, it has transcended its association with the Panzerwaffe and is now embraced by the unified armed forces, or Bundeswehr. Even though some of the song's lyrics defy easy interpretation, Deutsche Wochenschau's unwavering support ensured its popularity not only among Germans but also worldwide.

Global Impact

The Panzer song's influence extends across the globe. In Europe, it is widely used by certain units of the Italian army, while in Latin America, it serves as an anthem for the Chilean Military. In Asia, the tank and motorized units of the South Korean army march to the Panzer song, and in Namibia, it holds the unofficial status of an anthem.