Pz 2L in June 42?

[Mehring]

I have several of these in combat units in June 42, although they aren't scheduled to appear until autumn 43. WAD?

[Joel Billings]

12 arrive with the 66th zbv Panzer Battalion on turn 50, and they get immediately stripped out of the unit. Not sure if it was intended or if it's a typo. Once in the pool, they can sub into other units. Looking at wiki there was a company of them in fall 1942 but the rest arrived in 1943. I'll move this to the data area where Dennis/Trey can say if it was intended.

[Mehring]

Thanks, I was looking at the wiki entry too and wondering whether "The Luchs' troops began to enter in the autumn of 1942" was a typo, meaning in fact autumn of 1943.

[Denniss]

They actually represent some Panzer I and II prototype versions with heavier armor, Panzer I Ausf. C (VK 6.01) and Ausf. F (VK 18.01) as well as Panzer II Ausf. J (VK 16.01)

[Mehring]

That makes sense as a combat equivelent apart from the MA. However, the references I can find for all three variants cite front line use from various dates in 1943. I first noticed them in June 1942. Is this justified somehow?

[Denniss]

zbv 66 was created in 5/42 intended for the Malta landing. But it was sent east towards Leningrad instead, attached to 12th Panzer division. in 9/42 it reported a strength of 7 each VK 16.01 and VK 18.01
Several were lost in 9/42 due to combat ops in unfavorable terrain (swamps) but some could be recovered. in early 43 a further 10 VK16.01 and 5 VK18.01 are reported as replacements from germany.

[Mehring]

Thanks, nice information.