How to hunt a panther

[Kraxis]

I always thought any allied tank commander would have solved the problem by calling the air force.

So what is the right use for the Ferdinand:

1. Use them in defense only;
2. Use them behind a strong infantry line.
3. Dig them 30 cm so the wheels are protected.
4. Secure the flanks with some tanks.
5. Add some 2cm twin flak - they can keep Il2 away and hold the infantry down.
6. Plave some mechanics right behind.
   Maybe also some Panzergrenadiere as reserve.

Then let the Soviets attack frontal.

Well in Italy they didn't have such an overpowering aircover at first, so the commander possibly didn't have the option. But he was one cynical person.
Whenever I think of that incident I can't help but also think of Starship Troopers where the bugs attack the outpost and use their bodies to create a ramp to the walls. Those cases are quite similar. "Hah! I will let him expend all his ammo on killing my tanks, then it will be easy."

But the Ferdinand/Elephant was useable as a normal, if somewhat heavy TD. It didn't need more support than most other assault guns or TDs in the German army. What could do that the others could not, was take on any Russian tank attack and live through it. So if it was around, then the line was secure