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The PzKpfw II was an interim design ordered due to the delays in production of the PzKpfw III and IV. Designs for a stopgap tank were solicited from Krupp, MAN, Henschel, and Daimler-Benz. Although the vehicle had originally been designed as a stopgap while larger, more advanced tanks were developed, it nonetheless went on to play an important role in the early years of World War II, during the Polish and French campaigns. The Panzer II was the most numerous tank in the German Panzer divisions beginning with the invasion of France. It was used in both North Africa against the Western Allies and on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union. It was used as a main battle tank in Poland, where 90% of the German tanks used were PzKpfw I and II. Some 1,200 Ausf A were built. 524 PzKpfw IIF were built. The new versions were up armored after the Polish campaign and are equivalent to the Ausf F.
Because of its relatively weak armament, from 1940 the PzKpfw II was used primarily for reconnaissance, with one platoon officially allotted for this purpose to each Pz. company (deleted in 1942), Pz. battalion, and Pz. regiment (the latter two being deleted in late 1943). The Panzer II was supplanted by the Panzer III and IV medium tanks by 1940/1941. By the end of 1942, it had been largely removed from front line service and it was used for training and on secondary fronts. Five PzKpfw II comprised a full-strength platoon.
Starting with the D model, the front armor was increased to 30 mm. The Model F had 35 mm front armor and 20 mm side armor. Most tank versions of the Panzer II were armed with a 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 auto-cannon. Some later versions used the similar 2 cm KwK 38 L/55. This auto-cannon was based on the 2 cm FlaK 30 anti-aircraft gun, and was capable of firing at a rate of 600 rounds per minute (280 rounds per minute sustained) from 10-round magazines. A total of 180 shells were carried. The Panzer II also had a 7.92 mm Maschinengewehr 34 machine gun mounted coaxially with the main gun. All production versions of the Panzer II were fitted with a 138 HP, gasoline-fuelled six-cylinder Maybach HL 62 TRM engine and ZF transmissions. Models A, B, and C had a top speed of 40 km/h. Models D and E had a torsion bar suspension and a better transmission, giving a top road speed of 55 km/h but the cross country speed was much lower than previous models, so the Model F reverted to the previous leaf spring type suspension. All versions had a range of 200 km. The Panzer II had a crew of three men. The driver sat in the forward left hull with the gearbox on the right. The commander sat in a seat in the turret, and was responsible for aiming and firing the cannon and co-axial machine gun, while a loader/radio operator sat on the floor of the tank behind the driver. He had a radio on the left and several 20mm ammunition storage bins. From March 1941 to December 1942, 524 were built; this was the final major tank version of the Panzer II series.

At the beginning of 1939, the Heer ordered the development of a flame thrower tank (Flammpanzer) on the basis of Pz.Kpfw II. MAN and Daimler-Benz was invited to work on the project. It was armed with two projectors assembled on mini-turrets (Spitzkopfe) installed on the front of the mudguards. Based on the same suspension as the Ausf. D and Ausf. E tank versions, the PzKpfw IIF(fl) (also known as "Flamingo") used a new turret mounting a single MG34 machine gun of 7.92 mm (1800 rounds) mounted on a small special turret (Kugelblende), and two remotely controlled flamethrowers mounted in small turrets at each front corner of the vehicle. Each flamethrower could cover the front 180° arc, while the turret traversed 360°. Two tanks of 160 L allowing 80 shootings with a useful range of 25 mm were installed on the sides. The flammable liquid was composed of a gasoline and oil mixture. The projector was fired by means of an acetylene lighter. The flamethrowers were supplied with four tanks of compressed nitrogen. The nitrogen tanks were built into armored boxes along each side of the superstructure. Armor was 30 mm to the front and 14.5 mm to the side and rear, although the turret was increased to 20 mm at the sides and rear.
Total weight was 12 tones and dimensions were increased to a length of 4.9 m and width of 2.4 m although it was a bit shorter at 1.85 m tall. A FuG2 radio was carried. The crew was composed of three men: the commander-operator of the flame throwers, the radio operator and the pilot. The shielding was thick in front of 30 mm and 14.5 mm on the other sides. It was propelled by one 6 cylinders (gasoline) Maybach HL 62TRM developing 140 hp.
The first (and probably only) use of the Flamingo PzKpfw II(fl) was in Russia. One hundred and fifty-five Flamm vehicles were built from January 1940 through March 1942. These were mostly on new chassis, but 43 were converted from Panzer II Ausf. D/E. The Flammpanzer II was deployed in the USSR, but was not very successful due to its limited armor, and survivors were soon withdrawn for conversion to Marder II tank destroyers in December 1941. Flammpanzer II platoons were attached to several Pz. regiments, while others were used in Flammpanzer companies or battalions attached at corps or army level. MAN produced of them 46 chassis between April and September 1939 which will be converted into Flammpanzers by Wegmann. Conversions will begin in January 1940. In March 1940, 30 Pz.Kpfw II Ausf.D/E will be withdrawn from 7th and 8th Panzerdivisions to be converted into Flammpanzers. In all 90 Flammpanzers II were produced between May and December 1940. In March 1940, an order of 150 specimens will be carried out but only 90 new Flammpanzers II will be actually produced until August 1941. The remainder will be carried out starting from Pz.kpfw II Ausf.D withdrawn from the front. In December 1941, it was to order that 90 Flammpanzers II were supplemented to be used as a basis for hunters of tank Marder II. Flammpanzers II were above all the weapons of support for the infantry. Flammpanzers II were versed in Panzerabteilung (F) 100 und 101. The 100 was attached to 18th Pz.Division and the 101 in 7th Pz.Division during the Barbarossa operation. They will remain in service on the Russian front until the end of 1941.

A considerable number of Renault R35's were captured during the French Campaign of 1940. Most were issued to troops operating in secondary theaters where they were used in an anti-partisan role. They were issued to just one regular unit of the panzer corps, that being the 100th Panzerbrigade of the 21st Panzer Division in 1943. Six platoons of R35's were sent to the Channel Islands in 1941. The final years of the war would see this tank scattered throughout infantry divisions that garrisoned France.
The German army snapped no less that 843 R35s in the aftermath of the French surrender. 131 of these used directly as Panzerkampfwagen 35R 731 (f) for security, mainly in France, close to their spare part base, but also in the Balkans and possibly in the conquered territories of Russia for anti-partisan operations. Others served as driver training vehicle, turret less, while their turrets found an application on various armored trains, yet again, against the French resistance or partisans throughout Europe. Other turrets were used as pillboxes in various strategic positions in France and the Netherlands. Fourteen of these driver training vehicle, still with their turrets, saw action at Sainte Mère Eglise with the 1057th Grenadier Regiment on 6, June, 1944. There was also a considerable number (174 according to most sources) converted into an early tank-hunter, the 4,7 cm PaK(t) auf Panzerkampfwagen 35R(f) ohne Turm, a variant similar to the Panzerjäger I equipped with the Czech Skoda A6 PUV vz.37 47 mm gun. These conversions were not successful, however as they were too high and slow. Although some saw service in the summer of 1941 (Operation Barbarossa), most were deployed in the Channel islands, Netherlands, with Pz.Jg.Abt.657, which fought at Arnhem, and the remainder saw action in Normandy, France in 1944 (Schnelle Brigade 30 and Schnelle Abt.517).
The R35 bears a strong resemblance to its rival, the Hotchkiss H35. They shared the same APX turret, the three-module hull construction and placement for the driver and engine. However, their dimensions differed, as well as the placement of the hull casemate, placed further to the rear for the Renault and, most obviously, the drivetrain. The hull was made of three main prefabricated cast sections bolted together, while on the H35 these were welded. The running gear was based on the one used on the cavalry light tank AMR 35, with five double road wheels encased in two sets of bogies and another single one at the front. All three were suspended by massive horizontal coil springs, with characteristic rubber ringlets. The drive sprocket was at the front and idler at the rear. The tracks reposed on three rubberized return rollers. The Renault V-4 85 hp engine was at the right rear, with a self-sealing 166 liter gasoline tank on its left. The practical top speed was 20 km/h, which could fall to 14 km/h on soft or bumpy terrain. Fuel consumption was 212 liters/100 km off-road. The turret received a dome-like rotatable cupola with vertical vision slits. As customary in French practice, the turret had a rear hatch that could be hinged down, allowing the commander to sit on it, legs inside, for external observation. The early turret model was the APX-R, equipped with a L713 sight, mounting the short barrel 37 mm Puteaux L/21 SA-18 and a coaxial 7.5 mm Châtellerault fortress machine-gun. This main gun was effective only against concrete fortifications at relatively short range.
On 1 September 1939, only 975 vehicles had been delivered to the army out of 1070 produced total. They just then replaced most units still equipped with the Renault FT, but crews needed a few weeks to retrain. In consequence, in May 1940, there were still eight battalions of FTs operational due to the lack of trained conscripts. In June 1940, at last, 1601 R35 had been built by Renault, most for the Army.

Despite the one-man turret, the SOMUA S-35 was considered the best tank to face the Germans in 1940. Upon capturing several hundred of them, the German Army quickly issued them to various training units. With the horrific tank losses in Russia during 1941-42, the Germans were forced to strip AFVs from units in secondary theaters and replace them with the 35-S 739(f). The 35-S 739 was also used for antipartisan operations. The Germans modified the SOMUA by altering the commander's cupola and by adding a radio to each vehicle. Typically, the 35-S 739 was used as the commander's vehicle in a platoon consisting off four 38H 735s and one 35-S 739. As late as December of 1944, the German Army still had 12 35-S 739s in service.
The French army haven't ordered a real massive production for the S35: Only 100 next tanks by year in 1938 and 1939 (The production capacity of Somua was really better) But, when France declared war to Germany, this tank know mass orders because of his status of best French tank (That it shares with the heavy tank B1 Bis, that was better armored, and had a 75mm gun in complement to the 47mm, but was less mobile and really less reliable). At the 30 April 1940, 390 were built. 440 Somua S35 were built before the 25 June 1940. During the Battle of France, this tank was, with the B1 Bis, the terror of Germans tanks. It had a gun who with able to penetrate the panzers without problem, but they’re guns were only able to penetrate his at short distance.
The Germans renamed the captured S35 "Panzerkampfwagen 35-S 739(f)". After a little modification (The French commander cupola was replaced by a German one, the same as Panzer III or IV), the Germans used this Somua. First in the Balkans campaign, where he didn't met a real dangerous enemy tank , and then during the invasion of Soviet Union in summer 1941. Here, the S35 met superiors enemies: The T-34s and KV-1s. Like other Germans tank, the Panzerkampfwagen 35-S 739(f) wasn't able to penetrate them in the front (Except at short range for the T-34.). His armor was not thick enough to resist against the L-11 and F-34 cannons. Like others Germans tanks, the S35 was too weak against the soviet beasts. After the defeat of Moscow, the Germans removed the S35 from front-line service. The tanks were sent to Balkans or France, to fight the partisans and the resistance. Here, without a serious enemy, he was really appreciate from German crew. During 1942 and 1943, no one tank was here to destroy him (But the Yugoslavians partisans captured and used one S35.). But in 1944, the Americans and British forces landed in Normandy, and the soviet forces attacked Balkans. The S35 was now totally obsolete against the Sherman and T-34-85. He was still in service in only one German unit in December 1944 (that was in Italy.)
The Germans forces captured 290 of them at the end of the Battle of France (They also sent around of 30 to Italy.) The rest (A bit less of 100 tanks) were in the hands of Vichy. Vichy's S35 were sent to French North Africa. They fought Americans forces during the landing of north Africa (Operation Torch) , the 8th November 1942, and were still a very dangerous vehicle, being able to destroy the Stuarts tanks relatively easily. After that the French forces in North Africa joined the allies, the remaining S35 were used during the campaign of Tunisia, but suffered relatively heavy losses against the new Panzer III/IV and the rare Tiger tanks. They were later used for training.

The 38H 735f was one of the most abundant of the captured French tanks. The H39 was an overhaul of the H35 model, with a new Hotchkiss 6-cyl. 5.97 liters engine giving 120 hp at 2800 rpm. With a power-to-weight ratio of 10 hp/ton (the weight rose to 12.1 tons), top speed was now 36.5 km/h on road and range increased to 150 km (93 km) thanks to a new gasoline 207 liter tank. The new engine imposed a redesigned hood, the rear being raised and now nearly horizontal. Apart from these details, the H39 was very similar to the previous H35, with the same SA 18 short barrel gun. But it was also subjected to some criticism and, by the end of 1938, proposals were made to adopt the new SA 38, long barreled 37 mm gun, which had far superior penetration power and muzzle velocity. The turret was now equipped only with the new PPL horizontal vision slits. The SA 38 gun was supplied with longer rounds, and thus only 90 could be carried. The gun was in relatively short supply, and despite the priority given to production of this new weapon, many H39s were put in service with the older gun model. 700 H39s were built in total, starting in October 1938, the last being delivered in feverish conditions, thrown in combat right at the factory door in May 1940 without exhaust or mudguards. In early 1939, Hotchkiss’ delivery rate was around 60 units each month. Final records are confusing, and based on the chassis numbers and factory monthly deliveries by 1940, the usual figure is 1200 machines in total, for both subtypes. These latter will be commonly referred to as H-38, and manufactured to 800 machines.
In the course of the Battle of France, the German army captured some 600 Hotchkiss 39 vehicles. After the capitulation, the Germans seized an impressive lot of French R35/40s and H35/39s in generally good condition. Around 550 H35 and modified H39 models were taken over by the Waffenamt, and many modified, their original cupola being replaced by a two-hatch model. They were distributed among several independent companies, as the Panzerkampfwagen 35H 734(f) and Pz.Kpfw. 38H 735(f). Most were kept unchanged, painted in the regular Dunkelgrau livery for police and occupation duties in France. Predominantly issued to re-forming units, and their first use was in 1941 in Finland. Ten independent platoons were sent to the Balkans to fight partisans. Typically, four tanks were allocated to a platoon with the commander of a platoon issued a captured French S-35. As late as December of 1944, the German Army still had 29 38H 735s in service. Many others saw service abroad, like the 211e Panzerabteilung in Finland for the upcoming Operation Barbarossa. By 1942, they were joined by three mixed units, Panzerkampfwagenzüge 217, 218 and 219, makeshift tank platoons comprising one SOMUA S35 and four H39 each. They were disbanded later. Three units, also comprising many H35/39s, were sent in Yugoslavia, like the 7.SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgs-Division “Prinz Eugen”. They became a familiar sight for the Partisans, and the most current tank used by Chetnik crews. Those which were found in Normandy in June 1944 faced largely superior US tanks. Such units were the Panzer Abteilung 206, Panzer–Ersatz und Ausb. Abt. 100 and Beute-Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung. By December 1944, only 60 Hotchkiss H39s were still active.
The Hotchkiss variations spawned a whole series of German AFV conversions including self-propelled artillery, tank destroyers, and recovery vehicles. Many were pressed into service, however, as battle tanks in secondary theaters. All the Hotchkiss variations used by the Germans had the commander's observation cupola replaced by a split hatch, and all were equipped with radio equipment.

In May 1940, the French army was still 1093 copies of veteran Renault FT armed with a gun, of the 1st World War. In reality, most had been shed their gun to mount those on R-35 tanks, FCM-36 or H-35. However to fill the holes in the strength of armored tanks, a number of tanks was (sometimes very rustic) restored in state of combat and in cannibalizing sunk copies. It should be noted that some were re-equipped with an automatic rifle 24/29 as main armament. Like tanks armed with a machine gun, these tanks worn, out of breath, and unable to participate to large operations because of their low speed and didn't realize miracles.
A large number of older French tanks, predominantly FT-17s and FT-18s, were captured in 1940. Many had their turrets removed and used to build the Atlantic Wall; others were given to security troops, training depots, or used for police duties. The FT-17 730(f) represent both the FT-17s and FT-18s which were put into use by the German Army. They were, for the most part, updated by adding a radio to the vehicle.
The FT was the first production tank to have its armament within a fully rotating turret. The Renault FT's configuration – crew compartment at the front, engine compartment at the back, and main armament in a revolving turret – became and remains the standard tank layout. As such, some historians of armored warfare have called the Renault FT the world's first modern tank. Over 3,000 Renault FT tanks were manufactured by French industry, most of them during 1918.
Renault FT tanks were fielded in limited numbers during World War II, in Poland, Finland, France, and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, although they were already obsolete. In 1940, the French Army still had eight battalions, each equipped with 63 FTs, as well as three independent companies, each with 10, for a total organic strength of 534, all equipped with machine guns. These were put to use after most of the modern equipment was lost in earlier battles.
Many smaller units assembled after the start of World War II also used the Renault FT. This gave rise to the popular myth that the French had no modern equipment at all; in fact, they had more modern tanks than the Germans. The French suffered from tactical and strategic weaknesses rather than from equipment deficiencies. When the best French units were cut off by the German drive to the English Channel, the complete French materiel reserve was sent to the front as an expediency measure; this included 575 FTs. Earlier, 115 sections of FTs had been formed for airbase defense. The Wehrmacht captured 1,704 FTs. They used about 100 for airfield defense and about 650 for patrolling occupied Europe.
Some were used by the Germans in 1944 for street-fighting in Paris, but by this time they were hopelessly out of date. Vichy France used Renault FTs against Allied invasion forces during Operation Torch in Morocco and Algeria. The French tanks were no match for the newly arrived American M4 Sherman and M3 Stuart tanks.

The Panzerkampfwagen 35(t), commonly shortened to Panzer 35(t) or abbreviated as PzKpfw 35(t), was a Czechoslovak-designed light tank used mainly by Germany during World War II. The letter (t) stood for tschechisch (German: "Czech"). 298 PzKpfw 35t were built by the Czechs in 1936-39 as their main battle tank LT vz 35. Another 126 were exported to Rumania in 1936 where they were known as the R-2. The Germans seized 244 when they occupied Bohemia-Moravia in March 1939 and the Slovaks acquired 52 when they declared independence from Czechoslovakia at the same time. Others were exported to Bulgaria and Romania.
The design of the tank goes back to 1934. At that time the Skoda firm realized the prototype a tank of 10.5 tons, the T-11 model which will be usually called LTM-35 (S IIa). The design of this tank was particularly neat in order to enable it to traverse long distances with its own carburizing. It was also to be equipped with a great maneuverability. The comfort of the crew was also took into account as well as the longevity of the power unit. The tank was design with a back sprocket-wheel to release the compartment of combat of the elements of propulsion, an engine of small size to spare a large compartment of combat, a 6-speeds transmission with a shifting of speed actuated by air, a power-assisted steering thanks to the use of compressed air, a tank that allowing long hours of road without unnecessarily tiring the pilot, a suspension whose pressure on each roller is identical, moreover that the principal equipment were to be duplicated to ensure a great reliability and an excellent operation. The tests carried out on the prototype were satisfactory and the tank was put in production since 1935.
LT-35 was considered with being to him a "solution of interim" before Lt-38 (German PzKpfw 38t) is entirely developed and ready for the production. The excellent reputation of LT-35 was due to its very advanced technical design. After the resolution of the major problems, indeed it proved to be an excellent tank. End of the production had been planned for 1938 by the Czech Army but was deferred to 1939, under German supervision. Approximately 424 were produced between 1935 and 1939 by Skoda.
As soon as PzKpfw 35(t) was introduced in German service, its chassis was used as a basis for various conversions. In 1941, a tropical version of PzKpfw 35(t) was tested but was never produced. From March 1942 to 1943, 49 PzKpfw 35(t)s were converted into Morser Zugmittel/Artillerie Schlepper 35(t), artillery tractors without turret and higher part, the top being covered by a canvas.
In German service, it saw combat during the early years of World War II, notably the invasion of Poland, the Battle of France and the invasion of the Soviet Union before being retired or sold off in 1942. German use of the PzKpfw 35(t) was confined to the 6th Panzerdivision. Brigade of the 1st Light Division in Poland and later the 6th Pz. Division in France and Russia.

The PzKpfw 38 (t) was a Czech AFV (the LT vz 38) originally ordered in 1938 as a re-placement for the LT vz 35 but not delivered until after the German occupation. Impressed by its features, the Germans ordered its construction expedited. CKD had already began studies to replace the LT vz.35 by 1935, which led to several prototypes. After the collapse and occupation of Czechoslovakia, the Germans renamed this series Panzer 38(t).
The CKD (Praga) LT vz.38 design was straightforward and only based on well-proven solutions. The most distinctive features was its suspension, consisting of two-pairs of cold sprung bogies with massive road wheels. The size of these was seen as a benefit for protection, ease of maintenance and cost, compared to the over-complicated wheel train and suspensions system of the LT vz.35. It was an inspiration for the German designers of the Panzer II. However, they used a torsion arm system instead. The hull was mostly riveted, compartmentalized, with the engine at the rear and a transmission tunnel running to the front drive sprockets. The LT vz.38 had two return rollers, the rear one being dropped and the relatively narrow tracks, lightly tightened. Armament comprised the fast-firing Skoda A7 37 mm gun with 90 rounds, both HE and AP. It was flanked by an independent ball-mounted compact Škoda vz.38 machine gun, a second one being mounted in the bow. Total provision for these was around 3000 rounds.
Although the Germans were impressed by the design, the Praga-Škoda lines were reorganized under their control, and the design of the new LTM 38 was revised while production was running. Modifications included a rearranged and roomier turret, holding a third crew-member, the commander being spared of any other tasks. Also added were an intercom system, a new German radio set, a revised commander cupola, modified sights, and new external fixations. These vehicles were renamed Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) in January 1940.
Despite the fact that no less than eight main versions (Ausführung) of the Panzer 38(t) existed, not including the Ausf.S intended for the Swedish army, there are few differences between them, even to an exerted eye. The first Ausf.A (entirely riveted construction) was produced to an extent of 150 machines from May to November 1939, and the next batch of Ausf.B (110), C(110) and D (105) were produced from January to November 1940. They were very similar, except for some detail modifications, like external fittings, improved commander cupola, sights, a new headlight and a half-riveted, half-welded construction. But all had in common the main Czech Skoda KwK 38(t) L\48 gun and two vz.38 machine guns. Protection was slightly improved, but was limited to 25 mm. The Ausf.E(275) and F(250), built between November 1940 and October 1941, were up-armored to 50 mm, with an extra bolted-on 25 mm appliqué armor on the frontal glacis. The turret mantlet and front were also thickened. New larger storage boxes and fixation points were added on the mudguards. The Ausf.S (May-December 1941) was an offshoot initially built for Sweden, but confiscated and incorporated in the Wehrmacht. The Ausf.G was the last “regular” version, with the same armor, but better protection distribution and a nearly all-welded hull. This was the most prolific series, 321 being delivered by CKD-Praga from October 1941 to June 1942. 179 more were delivered as chassis and later transformed into SPGs. After that, new up-armored chassis (Ausf.H,K,L,M) were used for conversions.
The Panzer 38(t) were not tactically used in the same fashion as the Panzer I and II. He were mostly involved in vanguard and flanking actions, where their antitank capabilities and better protection made them suitable for providing local infantry support and to deal with most light tanks and armored vehicles.
Their limitations appeared on the Eastern Front in 1942, when dealing with more and more T-34 tanks, as the shortage of medium tanks meant the Panzer 38(t) was often engaged in desperate situations against vehicles which it was not designed to deal with them. 565 of the Ausf A-D and S were built.
The first Ausf.As saw action in Poland with the 1st and 3rd Light Divisions. In Norway, they formed a large part of the XXXI Armee Korps. In France, they were engaged mainly with various units of the 6, 7 and 8th Panzerdivions, and later with the latter unit in the Balkans, April-May 1941. But the real test came with Operation Barbarossa, were they equipped the 6th, 7th, 8th, 12th, 19th, 20th and 22nd Panzer Division —and possibly others. In June 1941 more than one quarter of the total strength of the German Panzer units consisted of Czech tanks. It was clear by 1942 that their capabilities were limited in regular combat, and they were more and more relegated to pure reconnaissance missions and rearguard actions. All fought on the Russian front, until the very end of the war.

The PzKpfw III was intended be the main battle tank of the Pz. divisions but its elaborate and sophisticated design wasn't finalized until 1939. The early models were built with several different types of suspension, of which 90 were built. At the time, German (non-light) tanks were expected to carry out one of two primary tasks when assisting infantry in breakthroughs, exploiting gaps in the enemy lines where opposition had been removed, moving through and attacking the enemy's unprotected lines of communication and the rear areas. The first task was direct combat against other tanks and other armoured vehicles, requiring the tank to fire armour piercing (AP) shells. On January 11, 1934, following specifications laid down by Heinz Guderian, the Army Weapons Department drew up plans for a medium tank with a maximum weight of 24,000 kg and a top speed of 35 km/h. It was intended as the main tank of the German Panzer divisions, capable of engaging and destroying opposing tank forces, and was to be paired with the Panzer IV, which was to fulfill the second use: dealing with anti-tank guns and infantry strong points, such as machine-gun nests, firing high-explosive shells at such soft targets. Such supportive tanks designed to operate with friendly infantry against the enemy generally were heavier and carried more armour. The direct infantry-support role was to be provided by the turret-less Sturmgeschütz assault gun, which mounted a short-barrelled gun on a Panzer III chassis.
On September 1, 1939, a total of only 98 PzKpfw III were available to the Pz. divisions (some of which contained none at all during the Polish campaign). The official German ordnance designation was Sd.Kfz. 141. All the initial models were withdrawn from service 2/40 except for a few Ausf D that participated in the fighting in Norway, 4/40. The PzKpfw IIIF was the version accepted for mass production. The game also represent the earlier Ausf E. 96 Ausf E and 435 Ausf F were built. In 1939-40, a full-strength PzKpfw III platoon consisted of three to five such AFVs, depending on the unit involved.
The Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.F does its apparition in 1939 as the model E. The Panzer III Ausf.F was armed with the canon of 37mm L/45 and two MG34 mounted on an internal mantlet. Armored covers on the upper hull nose for the transmission and final drive gear cooling air intakes were mounted. The Panzer III Ausf.F were equipped of an improved version of the HL 120 TR, the HL 120 TRM.
During the production of the Panzer III Ausf.F (also Ausf.E), armored covers for the engine air intakes were added, that have made it nearly impossible to distinguish between late Panzers III Ausf.E and Ausf.F. A total of 435 Panzers III Ausf.F was produced by Daimler-Benz, Henschel, MAN, Alkett and FAMO between September 1939 and July 1940. The Panzer III effectively became obsolete in the anti-tank role and was supplanted by the Panzer IV. From 1942, the last version of Panzer III mounted the 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24, better suited for infantry support. Production of the Panzer III ceased in 1943. Nevertheless, the Panzer III's capable chassis provided hulls for the Sturmgeschütz III assault gun until the end of the war.

In August 1940, Hitler had ordered that the PzKpfw III be up-gunned with the long-barreled 5cm piece but, amazingly, was ignored by his Ordnance Department, which had already decided to use a medium velocity 5cm gun that had already passed its acceptance tests. About 550 of the PzKpfw III Ausf G were built. A variant of Ausf. G, and equivalent in game terms, was the PzKpfw III Ausf. H, with 308 produced. The PzKpfw III Ausf H was not the most common PzKpfw III, yet it gained fame beyond its numbers due to the nightmares it caused the British in North Africa, where their 2 pdr guns had great difficulty defeating its frontal armor. Ausf H , are 1,549 early Ausf J, plus many more converted from the earlier Ausf E and F by installing the 5cm gun and bolting on extra armor.
The PzKpfw IIIH (and its equivalents) can be considered to have been the backbone of the Panzer force in 1941-42. For Operation Sea Lion (the proposed invasion of England) some PzKpfw III were modified so that they could travel under water. Some of these Tauchpanzer were used by the 18th Pz. Regiment on June 22, 1941, to cross the Bug River at Patulin. In 1941 the official strength of a PzKpfw III platoon was increased to five vehicles.
With the experiments of the campaigns of Poland and France, the Germans realized that Panzer III was under-armored. The engineers thus worked in speed on an interim version equipped with an additional applied shielding. This version was called Panzer III Ausf.H. The interior shielding remained unchanged but armor-plates of 30 mm were welded in front and to the rear and on the sides of the superstructure, which gave to Panzer III by places a shielding of 60 mm. This thickness was sufficient vis-a-vis the tanks and anti-tank guns of enemies of the time. The Variorex transmission with 10 forward speeds, too complex, was replaced by a Maybach transmission (synchromech) with 6 forward speeds. To compensate the increase of the weight caused by the increase of the shielding, new 400 mm tracks were installed, which made it possible to decrease the pressure on the ground and to preserve the performances of the tank more or less. On the level of the suspension, new sprocket-wheels and idlers were introduced into the production of Panzer III but will be standardized only on the last Panzers III Ausf.H. The majority of the models were still equipped with the standard sprocket-wheels and pulleys however modified to accept the new tracks. The two types of sprocket-wheels and idlers were interchangeable. Still the first return roller was to move forwards a few centimeters to prevent any shock between the track (heavier) and the first shock absorber.
To accommodate the gun of 50 mm KwK 38 L/42, the turret was modified because the gun too was with narrow on the prior standard turret. The back plate of the turret was also modified and was from now in one-piece, more sloping part, which eliminated the bulge from the cupola of the commander. That got a greater space inside, necessary for the mechanism of recoil of the 50 mm KwK L/42. The turret was also equipped with a rotary basket, which largely facilitated the task of the crew which was not obliged any more to follow the rotation of the turret while moving on the floor of the hull among various equipment and over the driveshaft. It is possible that several former models were also equipped with this innovation after return to the factory to receive the 50 mm KwK 39 L/60. The changes introduced by Panzer III Ausf.H were built-in later on Panzer III ausf.J.

When in early 1941 Hitler learned that his earlier order regarding the installation of the long 5cm gun had been ignored, he ordered that it be immediately implemented. Even then, it did not begin to equip the PzKpfw III J until the end of the year. In the desert this AFV came to be known to the British as the Mark III Special. 1067 were built. Beginning in early 1943, 262 PzKpfw III J were converted into observation vehicles (termed Panzerbeobachtungswagen) for Panzerartillerie batteries. The game piece also represents the Ausf M and uparmored versions of the J. A total of 903 were built (Ausf. L and M). Only about 20 PzKpfw III were with the German Pz. battalions that fought in Normandy—and most of these were used as command tanks.
The version Ausf.J was a major upgrade produced in 1941 (482 units), with a lengthened hull and increased armor hull, 50 mmfor the frontal glacis. However, it was the late Ausf.J1 that was first equipped with the new KwK 39 L60, much more effective against Russian tanks. This late version was produced until mid-1942 in 1067 units, giving a total production for the Ausf.J of 1549, by far the most numerous variant of the Panzer III.
The Ausf.J was a real step forward because of its new, slightly larger and redesigned hull, with increased armor up to 50 mm at the front, and the J1 variant received the 50 mm KwK 38 L42 gun right from the start, with a new mantlet. The hull machine gun received a ball mount and the visor was also new.
Although nearly all Panzer IIIs were upgraded with the L42 gun, this medium barrel never gave satisfaction against the superior armor of the Russian KV-1 and thick sloped armor of the T-34. The late PzKpfw III J came just in time for the depleted German Panzerdivisions, which had already lost most of their combat effectiveness. The gun also used longer ammunition, thus reducing their storage from 90 to 84. Most served until 1944.
In October 1941, it was decided to use the standard Panzer III Ausf.J to accommodate a new, smaller radio, without giving up their main gun and firepower, but sacrificing one ammunition rack. 300 of these Panzerbefehlswagen Ausf.K mit 5cm KwK L/42 command tanks were converted and gradually introduced on the front in 1943.
The last Panzer IIIs fought in the Low Countries (Market Garden), Northern Italy (Gothic line), and in eastern Prussia. Perhaps a handful still operational were spread between desperately weakened companies in March-April 1945, like the Steiner Brigade. Others were kept inactive, in operational reserves, in quiet sectors like Norway or Holland, until the capitulation.
The Ausf. J model had a solid 50 mm plate on the front and rear. This additional frontal armor gave the Panzer III frontal protection from many light and medium Allied and Soviet anti-tank guns at all but close ranges. However, the sides were still vulnerable to many enemy weapons, including anti-tank rifles at close ranges.
The Panzer III Ausf. A through D were powered by a 250 PS, 12-cylinder Maybach HL 108 TR engine, giving a top speed of 35 km/h. All later models were powered by the 300 PS, 12-cylinder Maybach HL 120 TRM engine. Regulated top speed varied, depending on the transmission and weight, but was around 40 km/h. The fuel capacity was 300 l in Ausf A-D, 310 l in Ausf. E-G and 320 l in all later models. Road range on the main tank was 165 km in Ausf. A-J, the heavier later models had a reduced range of 155 km. Cross-country range was 95 km in all versions.
With the appearance of the T-34 and KV-1/-2 tanks, rearming the Panzer III with a longer-barreled and more powerful 50-millimetre gun was prioritized. The T-34 was generally invulnerable in frontal combat engagements with the Panzer III until the 50 mm KwK 39 L/60 tank gun was introduced on the Panzer III Ausf. J beginning in the spring of 1942 (this tank gun was based on the infantry's 50 mm Pak 38 L/60 towed anti-tank gun). This could penetrate the T-34's heavy sloped armor frontally at ranges under 500 meters.

With the growing obsolescence of the 5cm tank gun it was decided to convert production of the PzKpfw III to a support role, using the short 7.5cm gun of the early PzKpfw IV with its more effective HE capability. When first introduced the Panzer III Ausf N was issued to the new heavy tank companies, to provide close support for the Tiger tanks (at full strength one of these companies would contain ten Panzer III Ausf Ns and nine Tigers). They were also used by the Panzer regiments in the Panzer divisions, serving with the similarly armed Panzer IVs. Prior to 6/43, ten were allotted to each Tiger Company. Others were used in the PzKpfw IV role, and yet others probably equipped the Pz. battalion included in each of the newly-renamed Pz. Grenadier divisions. A total of 700 were constructed.
The Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf N was the final production version of the standard Panzer III, and the only version to be armed with the 7.5cm KwK L/24 gun. This gun had been used on early versions of the Panzer IV (from Ausf A to Ausf F1), and fired a more effective high explosive round than the long barrelled 5cm gun, as well as being able to fire a shaped-charge round. In 1942, the final version of the Panzer III, the Ausf. N, was created with a 75-millimetre KwK 37 L/24 cannon, the same short-barreled low-velocity gun used for the initial models of the Panzer IV and designed for anti-infantry and close-support work. For defensive purposes, the Ausf. N was equipped with rounds of HEAT ammunition that could penetrate 70 to 100 millimeters of armor depending on the round's variant, but these were strictly used for self-defense.
The 700 Ausf Ns were all produced on the chassis of earlier versions. Three were based on the Ausf J, 447 on the Ausf L and 213 on the Ausf M while the remaining 37 were produced by converting existing tanks when they were due an overhaul.
The increased weight of the 7.5cm gun meant that the spaced armor on the gun mantlet had to be removed. The increased space required for the ammunition meant that tanks based on the Ausf L could carry 56 rounds while those based on the Ausf M could carry 64.
By 1943 the infantry had an effective anti-tank weapon, in the shape of the hand held projectors for hollow charge shells (most famously the Bazooka). From March 1943 the Ausf N was fitted with 5mm thick side skirts (Seitenschürzen). If a hollow charge hit these side skirts, it would be triggered, significantly reducing the threat to the main tank armor.
By 1942, the Panzer IV was becoming Germany's main medium tank because of its better upgrade potential. The Panzer III remained in production as a close support vehicle. The Ausf. N model mounted a low-velocity 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24 gun - these guns had originally been fitted to older Panzer IV Ausf A to F1 models and had been placed in storage when those tanks had also been up armed to longer versions of the 75 mm gun.
Against the KV class of heavy breakthrough tanks, the Panzer III was a significant threat if it was armed with special high-velocity tungsten-tipped armor-piercing (AP) rounds. In addition, to counter enemy anti-tank rifles, starting from 1943, the Ausf. L version began the use of spaced armor side skirts and screens (known as Schürzen in German) around the turret and on the vulnerable hull-sides. However, due to the introduction of the upgunned and more-armored Panzer IV, the Panzer III was, after the German defeat at the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943, relegated to secondary/minor combat roles, such as tank-training, and it was finally replaced as the main German medium tank by the Panzer IV and the Panzer V Panther.
The Panzer III's strong, reliable and durable chassis was the basis for the turretless Sturmgeschütz III assault gun/tank destroyer, one of the most successful self-propelled guns of the war, as well as being the single most-produced German armored fighting vehicle design of World War II.
By the end of the war in 1945, the Panzer III saw almost no frontline use anymore and many of them had been returned to the few remaining armaments/tank factories for conversion into StuG III assault guns, which were in high demand due to the defensive warfare-style adopted by the German Army by then. A few other variants of the Panzer III were also experimented and produced by German industries towards the last phases of the war, but few were able to be mass-produced or even see action against the encroaching enemy forces of the US, UK and Soviet troops.

In 1943, in consideration of experiences at Stalingrad, approximately 100 Panzers III Ausf.M (built by MIAG) were converted by Wegmann into flame thrower tanks or PzKpfw III(FI) or Flammpanzer III or, officially, Sd.Kfz.141/3. They were produced early in 1943 and it took part in the battle of Kursk. Conversion was made by replacing the gun and the ammunition by a projector of flames and tanks of flammable liquid. The projector had a range of 55-60m according the weather. Flammpanzers III in majority were equipped with additional armor-plates of 30 mm mounted in front of the hull. The Sd.Kfz number was changed into Sd.Kfz.141/3 because of the change of armament. The projector made fire through a factitious gun intended to mislead the enemy on true the nature of the tank because the flame thrower tanks were priority targets for the Russian artillerists.
The idea of converting the Panzer III to carry a flamethrower had originated in November 1942, when it was intended to send them to Stalingrad to take part in the street fighting in the city, but none were ready in time. One hundred Panzer III Ausf Ms built by MIAG in Braunschweig were delivered to Wegmann Waggonfabrik of Kassel, who carried out the conversions. The 5cm gun of the Ausf M was removed and replaced by a 14cm flame oil projector, with a barrel 1.5m long. 1,000 liters of flame oil was carried, which was enough for 80 bursts of two-three second duration. The flames had a maximum range of 60 yards, but an effective range of nearer to 40 yards. A 2-stroke auxiliary engine was installed in the hull to power the flame thrower. They were almost identical externally to the regular Ausf.M, but with a 140 mm dummy gun, which concealed the flamethrower. They had additional 30 mm to 50 mm armor plates welded on the frontal part of the hull and glacis, because their range was quite short (limited to 60 m), hence exposing them to dangerous close fire. The two coaxial and hull machine-guns were retained, but they also carried 1020 liters of inflammable oil in two tanks inside the hull. All this additional weight made them the slowest of all versions.
Although the Panzerkampfwagen II (Fl) arrived too late for Stalingrad, forty one were involved in the battle of Kursk, split between the 6th and 11th Panzer Divisions and Panzer Division Grossdeutschland. Each PzKpfw III(FI) platoon had seven such AFV—usually two of which would be attached to a Pz. regiment HQ company when needed. First use was with the 6th, 1 1 th, and Grossdeutschland Pz. Divisions during the battle of Kursk. Flammpanzers III were versed in special battalions made up in theory each one of 30 tanks. The majority were used on the Russian front against the enemy fortifications. These tanks were often given to SS assault squads like that the fighting in Normandy in June 1944.
The Panzer III was used in German military campaigns against Poland, in France, the Soviet Union and North Africa. A significant number were still in combat service against Western Allied forces in Normandy in northern France, Anzio in Italy and in Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands throughout 1944 all the way until 1945. A sizeable number of Panzer IIIs also remained as armored reserves in German-occupied Norway and some saw action, alongside Panzer IVs, in the Lapland War against Finland towards the end of WWII in the fall of 1944.

The PzKpfw IV was designed to be a support AFV, providing long range HE firepower. Foresight in design and reliability in use enabled it to be the only German tank to remain in production throughout the war—yet with only some 8,500 being built. The series had a modest be-ginning of only 35 Ausf A, which saw action in Poland, Norway, and France before being withdrawn. 134 PzKpfw IVC were built. The game piece also represents the earlier Ausf B, of which 42 were produced in 1938, and also the Ausf A. Neither model had a BMG. A few of these relics still labored on with the 21st and 116th Pz. Divisions in Normandy.
The Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.A was the first model of production and had already with one or the other detail close the quasi final form of Panzer IV. Indeed the general form, the suspension, the internal and external disposition of elements, the access hatches will change hardly or not during the production. Model A had a frontal plate of upper hull which the left part (that of the pilot) made bulge. Detail which one will find on the models D and E. The cupola of commander moreover made also bulge to the back of the turret. This latter will be relocated completely on the roof starting from the model E.
The suspension included 2 front sprocket-wheels, 8 bogies including 2 pressed steel road wheels with rubber bindings, 8 return rollers, 2 rear idlers and a set of 360 mm broad tracks whose links were molded and constituted of steel manganese. The access hatch to the transmission on the glacis was embedded and screwed whereas the access hatches to the brakes laid out at each end of the width were assembled on hinges. The frontal plate of the superstructure (or upper hull) included a MG34 assembled on ball and a window of vision protected by an armored valve assembled on hinges. To the top of this window two holes were bored allowing the use of a retractable binocular episcope. Two ports of vision were laid out on each side of the superstructure to ensure a side vision the R.O. (Radio Operator) and the pilot. These ports included an armored intern glass and an external armored valve. To reach the front compartment, two hatches assembled on hinges (2 parts opening respectively forwards and backwards). These access hatches were slightly shifted, that of the R.O. being more in withdrawal considering its position in the front compartment and the withdrawal of the right part of frontal plate. Rails anti-glares protect these access hatches as well as the turret. The superstructure was assembled by welding and was bolted on the higher embossing of the lower hull. It overflowed largely on the overhangs of the tracks to be able to accommodate the broad turret ring.
The Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.B is extremely similar to Ausf.A. It differs from this one by its punt frontal plate of superstructure and the abandonment of the machine-gun of hull. The latter being replaced by a port of vision with armored glass and valve and a port of pistol shooting. Another change, the access hatches of the R.O. and the pilot are one-piece type (always on hinges) and open forwards. The shielding becomes also more consequent. On the turret the valve of visions on the frontal part are replaced by a molded armored valve and a new cupola is installed. This better armored cupola has sliding armored lids (5) protecting the ports of vision. Ports of pistol shooting are added on the side hatches and those of the turret back part now are protected by circular valves. A new transmission is assembled on Panzer IV Ausf.B, the SSG76 with 6 speeds.
The Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.C is nearly identical to Ausf.B. The only visible difference of outside is the armored cylinder protecting the coaxial MG 34 and the extension in "L" shape attached to this one to carefully push (behind) the radio antenna when the turret swivels on the right. The most significant change was the adoption of V12 Maybach HL 120 TRM developing 300 hp which became the standard engine of Panzer IV.
In 1939-40, a full-strength PzKpfw IV platoon had 4-6 such AFVs, varying from unit to unit. In 1939 each Pz. company contained only one PzKpfw IV platoon, except for the 1st Pz. Division which had a Medium Company (of 14 PzKpfw IV and 5 PzKpfw II) in its Pz. battalions, and the 1st Light Division which had eight PzKpfw IV per Pz. company.

The Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.D although succeeding Ausf.C finds the frontal plate of the superstructure of Ausf.A and the MG 34 of hull. The latter was assembled on ball. As on Ausf.A the port of pistol shooting was in the center on the oblique part of the frontal plate. By the time of the invasion of France the Pz. battalion had been reorganized to have a Medium (PzKpfw IV) Company, although at this time many of them contained only one or two platoons of five PzKpfw IV (and five PzKpfw II) each.
The 75 mm KwK L/24 will be equipped with a new external mantlet. The coaxial MG 34 kept its armored cylinder but the shape in "L" pusher is replaced by a metal framework assembled under the gun in order to push the radio antenna when the turret swivels to the right. In 40-41, Panzer IV Ausf.D will receive additional 20 mm armor-plates simply bolted on the original plates. There was nevertheless a space between the frontal plate of the superstructure and its addition because of the visor of the pilot and the MG 34 of hull.
The tracklinks always broad of 360 mm however had larger guides for the teeth of the sprocket-wheels. This details made there the use impossible for the former models. The shielding hardly varies compared to the preceding model if not that on the sides and to the back it passes to 20 mm.
Logically, the Ausf.D followed. The “Dora” was identified by the reintroduction of a hull machine gun, and the internal gun mantlet was now exteriorized. Side protection was also increased to 20 mm. 243 Ausf.D were built, the last being delivered in early 1940. The “D” was the last “pre-series”. Afterwards, it was decided to scale-up production.
When Fall Weiss was launched (invasion of France, Belgium and the Low Countries), according to Guderian, 278 PzKpfw IV were available. The slow rate of production made it the lesser type for all German AFVs. The 75 mm gun using AP shells was efficient against most tanks, but not against the French B1, SOMUA, and the British Matilda II. But, despite limitations in armor and in armament, the good use of the radio, good training and excellent tactical coordination proved superior in all tank to tank engagements. In Yugoslavia and Greece, there were perhaps 750 Panzer IVs available, although they were still in a minority compared to the Panzer III. Their dual-purpose gun proved invaluable on many occasions, although the terrain proved a serious limitation. By the start of operation Barbarossa, in June 1941, the bulk of Panzer IV force was mobilized, spread into the many army groups and depleted Panzerdivisions that took part in the campaign. They were all of the “short” type. However, against many the encountered AFVs, mainly T-26s, T-28s and light tanks of the BT series, they proved efficient enough, until the prelude of the battle of Moscow, when the first mass assaults of KV-1s and T-34s began. By early 1942, the Panzer III’s main gun had proven inadequate, and the rearmament of the Panzer IV seemed to impose itself as the situation deteriorated. After some attempts with the 50 mm, the natural choice was to go with a longer 75 mm, the KwK 40 L43.
On the back plate, the access to the engine compartment was done via 3 hatches: very broad on the left, narrow in the middle and that of right was assembled on hinges. Let us note that the back plate of the lower hull could be unbolted for more important maintenance or the change of engine. A very imposing silencer in the shape of cylinder (on this same plate) was coupled with the tailpipe of the engine to make this one less noisy. This silencer was surmounted by a smaller model for the traverse engine of the turret. The original engine was Maybach HL 108TR developing 300 hp and making possible a speed on road of 31 km/h. The transmission including 5 speeds was a SRG75. The direction was of clutch-brake type.
The turret ring had a diameter of 1.67 meters and was slightly towards the left and was to 6 cm of the left edge and approximately 33 cm of the right edge. This eccentric position was conceived to place the base of the electric connection of the turret not on the driveshaft. The turret will hardly change throughout the production with share on the level of the shielding and the equipment. The shielding was everywhere of 15 mm. The frontal plate was equipped with 2 ports of vision provided with a valve for the loader and the gunner. Both also laid out each one of a side port on the front part of the turret side. Note that that of the gunner did not have of armored glass and slit of vision on the valve contrary to that of the loader (on the right). Each side on its back part, laid out a broad trap door (only one part) mounted on hinges to access to the turret. The commander for his vision had a cupola (drum type) provided with slits of vision protected by armored panes. The lid (rectangular) of the ventilator was visible in front of the turret top whose armored caps were laid out on each side of the hull. The mounting of the 75 mm KwK L/24 was assembled on a intern round mantlet protected by an external shield. A coaxial machine-gun was assembled to the right of the gun.

After the Battle of Poland and France, the deficiencies of the Ausf. C variant saw it being upgraded on October 1940 to the Ausf. E. Despite the new upgrades, the Panzer IV was upgraded again to refine its detail with the Panzer IV Ausf. F in April 1941. The Ausf.F was a landmark in the Panzer IV evolution and development. The early model, “F”, called “F1” when the next model appeared, was the last of the “short” versions. Still retaining the KwK 37 L/24 75 mm howitzer gun, but with now a full 50 mm thick glacis plate and an increase of side armor to 30 mm, and to the back of only 20 mm (except for the turret). The front bow plate appliqué was now replaced by a full thick armored plate. The tracks is also widened from 380 to 400 mm to balance the increased weight from the Ausf. C's (18 tons), to the Ausf. F (22 tons).
On this model one took again the frontal plate of the superstructure of models B/C but with a MG 34 mounted on ball. The ball mount of the MG 34 of hull is of type Kugelblende 50 (for shielding of 50 mm). Ausf.F keeps the same pilot visor as Ausf.E. The hatches of access to the disc brakes from now on are provided with air intake for ventilation, directed backwards. The shield of the 75 mm KwK L/24 is now thick 50 mm though that having the same form. On the sides of the turret, Ausf.F is equipped with double hatches assembled on hinges (the front section is broader than the back section). The front part (of the double door) accommodates a port of vision provided with an armored glass and an armored valve whereas the back part accomodates a port of pistol shooting protected by a swiveling valve. The opening in the turret is hardly modified by this new system. All these changes appreciably increased the weight of the tank requiring the installation of 400 mm broad tracks and the adoption of new sprocket-wheels. New rear idlers will be also installed (tubular type with 7 branches). On this model a new smaller silencer for the exhaust of the engine was installed. Indeed, the total weight rose to more than 22 tons, which triggered other modifications, like larger track links (from 380 to 400 mm) to reduce ground pressure, and both the idler wheel and front drive sprockets were modified in turn. The F1 was produced to an extent of 479 units, until its replacement in March 1942. The last 42 were modified to the new F2 standard.
The Ausf. F was the main Panzer IV variant during the start of Operation Barbarossa, but was soon found to be terribly outgunned by the appearance of the Soviet T-34 and KV-1 tanks. The short 75 mm howitzer was inadequate to deal with these new tanks at all. All was not lost though, as in the weeks before Barbarossa, a proposal was made to upgrade the Panzer IV with a new gun to increase its firepower, with the new 75 mm Pak 40 anti-tank gun. The resulting gun was the KwK 40 L/43 and upgunned the Panzer IV Ausf. F. The Ausf. F was then renamed to F1 for the variants retaining the shorter 75 mm howitzer, and Panzer IV Ausf. F2 for the variants with the more lethal 75 mm KwK 40 L/43 gun. 437 PzKpfw IVF1 were built. In June 1942 some 200 Ausf B-F1, were present on the Eastern front—although by the time of Kursk in July 1943, only 60 were still in use.

The 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 version was ordered 11/41 as a countermeasure to the Russian T-34 and KV, whose appearance had instantly made the PzKpfw III—the fist of the Pz. division—obsolete since it could neither successfully trade blows with them nor be effectively up-gunned to do so. 200 PzKpfw IVF2 were built, but the game piece also represents about 1,000 of the Ausf G, which is indistinguishable from the F2 in game terms. The British in North Africa referred to this tank as the Mark IV Special. In 1943 the PzKpfw III was no longer capable of being considered a main battle tank in other than name. Consequently, in September of that year the Medium (PzKpfw IV) Company in each Pa. battalion was ordered dropped in favor of equipping all companies in one battalion with the PzKpfw IV, while the other battalion (presumably containing the PzKpfw III) was to be with-drawn to be re-equipped with the Panther. This took quite some time to fully accomplish.
The now largely available Pak 38 L/60, which had been already proved lethal, was supposed to be mounted in the turret of the Panzer IV by Krupp. In November 1941, the prototype was ready, and production was scheduled to start on the F2 standard. But, with the first encounters of Russian KV-1s and T-34s, the 50 mm gun, also produced for the Panzer III, was dropped in favor to a new, more powerful model, built by Rheinmetall, based on the 7.5 cm Pak 40 L/46. This led to the KwK 40 L/43, a relatively long caliber gun, fitted with a muzzle-brake, which reduced its recoil. Muzzle velocity, with the Panzergranade 39, topped at 990 m/sec. It could penetrate 77 mm of armor up to 1850 m. After the first prototype was produced by Krupp, in February 1942, production of the F2 started. By July 1942, 175 had been delivered. However, in June 1942, the F2 was renamed Ausf.G, and further modifications were applied on the production line, but both types were known to the Waffenamt as the Sd.Kfz.161/1. Some nomenclatures and reports also speak of it as the F2/G version.
Production figures for the Panzer IV had been relatively small in size until 1942. From the Ausf.A to F2, only 1209 Panzer IVs (of the “short type”) had been delivered to the Wehrmacht. Subsequently, they served primarily in the infantry support role. However, the bulk of the production (around 7500) was spread in only three variants, The Ausf.G, H and J. These remained relatively unchanged until 1945, despite simplifications of the design. As the Panzer III‘s 50 mm gun was not up to the task against the best Russian mediums and heavies, the main model, carrying the bulk of any Panzerdivision, became the Panzer IV. The former was progressively phased out, and replaced on the production line by cheaper SPGs, like the StuG III.
The G was an improved F2, with armor modifications, including a weight saving solution, consisting of a progressive glacis side armor, thicker at the base. The frontal glacis received a new 30 mm appliqué plate, giving a total of 80 mm. This was largely sufficient against the Russian medium-velocity 76 mm gun and the fearful 76.2 mm anti-tank gun. At first, it was decided to bring only half production to this standard, but Adolf Hitler personally ordered, in January 1943, that the full production would be upgraded, a decision well-received by the crews. However, the weight rose to 23.6 tons, further stressing the limited capacity of the chassis and transmission. Both unit reports and mass-production requirements commanded further modifications. The turret vision port slits were eliminated, the engine ventilation and ignition at low temperatures were improved, and additional racks were fitted for spare road wheels and brackets for track links on the glacis. These acted as makeshift protection as well. A new headlight was installed and the commander cupola was up-armored and modified. The late production versions, in March-April 1943, saw the introduction of side skirt armor (Schürzen) to the sides and turret, the latter equipped with smoke grenade launchers. Most importantly, they received the new KwK 40 L/48, with greater penetration power. After 1275 had been delivered by Krupp-Gruson, Vomag and Nibelungenwerke, plus 412 of the upgunned type, the production shifted towards the Ausf.H.

With 3,774 produced, the PzKpfw IVH was numerically the most important PzKpfw IV and formed the mainstay of the Pz. divisions during the latter years of the war. The Date and game piece also represent about 700 Ausf G which had extra armor bolted onto the hull and superstructure front (the Ausf H itself actually became available during the spring of 1943). An interesting gunnery aid found on the PzKpfw IV, Panther D, and Tiger E, was a rotating ring around the inside circumference of the commander's cupola. This cupola was marked from 1 to 12 like a clock, with further subdivisions also indicated. When the turret was traversed, the ring rotated at the same speed but in the opposite direction, thus allowing the commander to tell at a glance the turret's position relative to the vehicle's axis (some-thing easily forgotten in the heat of battle). In addition, he used it to quickly bring the gun to bear on a target; for this purpose the gunner had a clock scale indicator which he had only to align ac-cording to the bearing given by the commander and the target would appear in his gun sight. A full-strength PzKpfw IV platoon was officially comprised of five such AFV, but the ever-present tank shortage in reality reduced this to four in all but certain favored Pz. divisions.
The Ausf.H was equipped with the new long caliber KwK 40 L/48, and was subsequently registered as the Sd.Kfz. 161/2 by the ordnance department. Other modifications included simplifications to ease production, like the removal of the hull side vision ports, and, later, part sharing with the Panzer III. This was by far the biggest production of the type, with a total of 3774 machines, until its replacement by the Ausf.J, in June 1944. Krupp had received a request, in December 1942, for a new version featuring all-sloped armor, which would have also required a new chassis, transmission and probably engine as well, due to the added weight. However, production started with an upgraded version of the Ausf.G instead. A new headlight was set, a new Zahnradfabrik ZF SSG-76 transmission, new set of radios (FU2 and 5, and intercom). This was necessary in order to cope with the full glacis protection raised to 80 mm, with no appliqué parts. The H now stood at 25 tons in battle order, and maximum speed fell to 38 km/h, but only 25 km/h in real combat conditions, and far less on rough terrain. By the end of 1943, Zimmerit paste was factory-applied, new air filters were fitted, along with a turret anti-aircraft mount for an extra MG 34 (Fliegerbeschussgerat), as well as modifications to the commander cupola. Side and turret spaced armor was also factory-mounted.
Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.H differs from Ausf.G by the standardization of the armoured brackets (on the nose and the frontal plate of the superstructure) of 30 mm and of the final adoption of the 75 mm KwK 40 L/48. The models of end of production will be manufactured with a frontal shielding of 80 mm. The radio antenna is now relocated to the back of the left side of the superstructure in a fixed position. Ausf.H is also equipped with the thick armoured skirts of 5 mm "Schürzen" protecting the sides of the hull (mounted on notched frames) and the circumference of the turret (except with before). On the cupola one could install an anti-aircraft MG 34.
Ausf.H also sees the adoption of the Zimmerit antimagnetic paste applied to the vertical walls. The frontal port of vision of the loader is removed in front of the turret. New lighter sprocket-wheels are also adopted. Certain models will be equipped with any steel return rollers and new rear idlers (moulded). The only point which makes it possible to recognize with all the blows Ausf.H and Ausf.J, is the absence on this last of the silencer in the shape of box of the auxiliary engine (rotation of the turret) present on the left of the back plate.

The model subsequent to the Ausf.D was called the Pz.Kpfw V Ausf.A (perhaps due to an administrative error?) although by rights it should have been designated the Pz.Kpfw V Ausf.E. Production of the Ausfuehrung A started in July 1943, after Hitler insisted on upgrading the armor, especially the front glacis. At the same time, a whole array of modifications were performed, including solving most earlier problems. Externally, the main difference was the adoption of a new commander cupola, cast, hemispheric and fitted with an AA ring, with armored periscopes and a swiveling hatch, plus a ball mount for the MG34 mounted in the hull front.. Later versions got a new ball mount for the hull machine gun. The very first Ausf.A was obtained by mounting a modified turret on an unchanged Ausf.D hull. Another noticeable change was the replacement of the gunner’s binocular sights by monocular sights s, which required only one sighting hole in the gun mantlet. Apart from the large back hatch and the cupola hatch, all the other turret apertures were removed.
The armor itself was at first face-hardened, but with the generalization of armor-piercing capped rounds, a March 1943 note dropped this specification in favor of a simpler homogeneous steel glacis plate. The turret sides also proved relatively weak and an alternative turret, the Schmalturm, was soon studied. A forged cupola replaced the cast one in earlier models. On the D-2, the commander cupola was cast instead of drum-type and side armor skirts became standard.
These plates were welded and interlocked for extra strength. The mantlet didn’t prove immune to the late 75 mm M1A1 (late Sherman versions), Russian IS-2 122 mm, and British 17-pdr. The side armor was not sufficient to deal with flanking attacks by most Allied tanks, contrary to the Tiger. Different tactics and 5 mm side skirts (Schürzen) were applied. Zimmerit anti-magnetic paste was applied relatively early, on the late Ausf.D, but dropped in September 1944 due to unverified rumors claiming this paste caught fire. Because of incessant Allied bombings, some precious alloys became hard to acquire. The production of composite armor was thus problematic, the lack of molybdenum, in particular, causing late armor plates to crack easily when hit.
In May 1944, the production of the Ausf.A ceased. 2,200 had been built by MAN, Daimler-Benz, Demag and Henschel. A whole set of modifications took place after deliveries. First, reinforced roadwheels were issued with 24 rim bolts, then Zimmerit coating was applied systematically after September 1943. The Maybach HL-230 received modified blown head gaskets, with copper rings to prevent leakages, as well as a new coolant circulation system, also starting in September. By November, maximum engine rpm was mechanically limited to 2500. Faulty bearings were also systematically replaced. By early 1944, new crankshafts were issued, then a new piston design was introduced. In March came a reduction hand crank starter. Ice sprags, which increased traction on mud and snow, were also issued in mid-1944, a frame for the turret platform and, for some, a centered tow coupling was adopted, like the one on the Bergenpanther. Later, a new monocular gun sight TZF 12a was fitted for the gun and a ball mount for the hull machine gun.

The Ausf.D was the very first version, produced in January 1943. The first few were called Ausfuehrung A1, later renamed D1 to avoid confusion with the latter series.
The Panther PzKpfw VD was the German answer to the T-34, designed after study of the merits of the Soviet tank—but with typical German complication. Its hasty design and premature commitment to battle made for a most inauspicious debut in the Kursk offensive however; its drive train and suspension were overstrained, while its engine overheated easily and had a tendency to catch fire (all due to the Panther's combat weight exceeding its design specifications by about 8 tons). Indeed, many more were lost due to mechanical failure than were destroyed by Russian guns (116 of the available 192 Panther tanks allotted for the Kursk offensive were in need of repair just 7 days into the campaign). The only units to employ the Panther at Kursk were Panzerabteilungen 51 and 52, forming the 10th Pz. Brigade which was attached to Panzer Grenadier Division Grossdeutschland the morning the offensive began. Of the 184 Panther Ausf. D's fully operational on the morning of 5 July, 1943, (the beginning of Operation "Zitadelle") only 44 would be running a mere 12 days later. This teething problems were partly resolved on the D2.
The first Panther tanks to leave the assembly plants were designated the Pz.Kpfw V Ausf.A. Up to this point, the Germans had utilized a very precise and methodical system for designating vehicle models (Ausf.B followed Ausf.A and so on). However, this changed with the Panther. Indeed, the Ausf.A pre-production (prototype) model was subsequently reclassified as the Ausf.D1, with the Ausf.D production model sometimes being called the Ausf.D2.
The turret of Ausf. D was equipped with the early commander drum shaped cupola which stuck out on the right, fitted with six vision slits, while the turret had side and rear pistols ports. Overall vision was limited. There was a binocular Turmzielfernrhor 12 sighting telescope with 2.5x magnification. The driving window and the MG34 " mailbox " slit on the glacis, the smoke-throwers on the turret sides, the horizontal lower edge of the hull superstructure and the separate storage boxes installed under the back end of the hull. During its production life the Ausf.D was equipped with a new, flatter cupola and a bomb thrower on the roof, operated by the loader.
The hull had one piece hull plates, with all joints stepped and welded. The PzKpfw V Ausf.D also adopted armored metal skirts (schurzen), which became standard to protect the top of the tracks against bazookas, ..., and “Zimmerit” antimagnetic paste to the hull and turret sides, to prevent the adhesion of magnetic mines. The first 20 PzKpfw V Ausf.D were characterized by the early 75 mm KwK 42 L/70. The Panther Ausf.D (apart from the first model) was also fitted with a double deflector brake muzzle on its L/70 gun. Note that there was even one case of a Ausf.D1 with a PzKpfw IV Ausf H turret welded on, used as a command tank within schwere Heeres Panzerjager Abteilung 653 in Russia, during the first months of 1944.
There were 79 rounds, 40 stored horizontally in panniers along the superstructure and 36 stored vertically in bins along the hull sides. Empty-round ejection hatches were fitted in the turret side, and the hull machine-gun was served by a vertical flap. This early model also had turret side smoke dischargers. 5100 machine-gun rounds were stored in 34 bags. The engine was the early Maybach HL-210, and the overall weight was only 34.4 tons. The radio was a FUG-5 ultra-short wave length receiver. Hitler ordered the production to be stopped in July 1943. 600 more rolled of the assembly line until September 4.
The D2 was an upgraded version developed in late 1943 – early 1944 and retro-fitted with Schürzen side skirts (total width was 3.42 m). It had a Maybach HL-230 engine. To complicate version recognition even more, some turret repairs performed at local workshops included the fitting of the new Ausf.A cupola, when the original turret was not entirely replaced.