[1] The Panzerwerfer 42 auf Maultier was used for larger scale rocket barrages against Soviet positions where a large bombardment of a big area would be more effective than more accurate artillery fire.

Panzerwerfer saw extensive use during April and May 1945, as the Soviets were quickly advancing on Berlin and the German forces employed rocket artillery in a defensive mode.

Rocket launchers were used in large numbers defending positions inside of Germany and close to Berlin as the Soviets advanced from the east and the Allies from the west.

One of these half tracked vehicles generally carried a Nebelwerfer 41 launching system, which was specially designed to be mounted on the Opel-engine powered Panzerwerfer.

The German engineers designed this system because of the conspicuous trails of smoke left behind by the Nebelwerfer batteries, which necessitated a self-propelled artillery piece for quick relocation after firing.

[6] Though intended to provide fire support and operate well behind the point of contact, some Panzerwerfer also had a machine gun mounted above the cab for protection against infantry attack.