ORLD WAR 2
F
ACT FILES
Ax
i
s
Co
b
t Tanks
PETER CHAMBERLAIN
AND
CHRIS
ELLIS
Published 1978 by Arco Publishing Company, Inc. 2 19 Park Avenue South, New York, N.Y. 10003 Copyright © 1977 by Peter Chamberlain and hris Ilis All rights reserved
Printed in Great Britain
Library of CoDgr~s Cataloging in Publication Data Chamberlain, Peter.
Axis combat tanks (World Wa r 2 fact fil es)
1. Tank (Military science) I. E llis, Chris, joint author. ll. Title. U 446.5. 42 358'.18 77-2440
[ N 0-668-04372-5
$4.95
Arco
Publi
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:METROf'OLITAN
UBRARY
SYSTEM·
Introduct
i
on
Tanks were a prime offensive arm of the military commanders in World War II. The power and potential menace of the tank captured popular imagination from
its very first appearance as a new weapon of war in 1915. By 1939 the tan!.. ha
become a dramatic symbol of the military ambitions of the three major nation f
the Axis powers - Germany, Italy, and Japan. Tanks had captured the headline in the Spanish Civil War, and had been used in Italy's invasion of Abyssinia. 1n
the vast mihtary parades in Germany in the late 1930s, the German propaganda
machine had ensured that serried rows of tanks passing in review had been well-emphasised in photographs and newsreels. Thus, when war was declared in
September 1939 the tank had a formidable reputation as an unstoppable fighting machine which w uld ride roughshod over any other forces in its path. The early
sue esse , notably of the German panzer divisions in Poland and France, and again in the Soviet Union and the Western De ert in the summer of 1941,
seemed to support this reputation. .
However, the German reputation is owed more to the architects of the panzer
divi ion, and the great tank commanders such as Rommel and Guderian, than to the equipment itself, though German tanks were built to excellent standard" and ere of superior engineering quality. In the 1930s, the Germans embarked on a
rearmam nt pr gramme which gave them armoured divisions with a range of
tanks to fulfil the functions decreed by their tactical doctrine . Thu: there were
the Panzerkampfwagen (Pz.Kpfw.) 1 and 11, inexpensive and simple vehi les for
training and reconnaissance, and the Pz. Kpfw. 111 and I V. the main fighting tan s of the divisions. None of these tank was p< rticularly sup rior t British tank in fire-power or performan.ce, butlhey were not bly well-hanJled
From 194 I , however, there was a perpetual and headlong ra e 10 produce
ever more powerful guns even the Germans having been complacent In {he face of success until July 1941, when the Soviet T-34 was fIT·t encountered. Th.is led,
ultimately to the big new tanks ueh as the T iger, Panther, and King Tiger, all tr ng in fire-power but lacking in total reliability and disadvantaged by bulk. Of
the earlier tanks, only the Pz. Kpfw. IV remained in roduction in up-gunned
form until the end of the war in 1945. Towards the end of the war, the Germans planned a rationalised series of tanks on standardised chassis, but they were never able to implement this scheme before capitulation.
Italian tanks were much less uccessful than the Germans', despite Italy s big
pre-war reputation as a uccessful maker of motor cars a d trucks. Italian tal. s
in service or in production in 1940 were too small, too thinly armoured <loJ
inadequately gunned. The Italian Army had had a colonial role in the 1930s, ,!.Id
Italian tanks were more suitable for colonial actions than anything else. As Italy
lacked the industrial resources for rapid engineering expansion, she was unable to produce a new generation of tanks to match Allied power in this dir ction. The P .26/40 of 1943 had only just gone into production when Italy surrendered in September 1943, and even this was no match for contemporary Allied designs such as the Sherman and Cromwell, which were then coming into service.
Japan's case was slightly different. Japan came quite late to mechanisation ,
but by the early 1930s the Japanese had evaluated some good foreign tanks and had arrived at indigenous design concepts, partly derived from foreign tanks but also quite original to Japan, notably the cheap but etTectlve bell-crank suspension. Japan was the first nation to adopt diesel engines for tanks on a
large scale, and the Chi-Ha (Type 97 Medium) of 1937 was one of the most
advanced designs in the world when first produced; many featmes, such as a low silhouette, well-sloped armour and air-cooling, later became almost universal in all tanks. However, the fighting value of most Japanese tanks and tankettes was limited. There was a certain complacency, allied to shortage of steel and the nature of Japan's island and jungle campaigns, which placed a low premium on
tank production and the development of new types. Only about 6500 tanks w re
built in total from 1931 to 1945, and much more priority was given to such other
weapons as aircraft and guns. Later Japanese tank designs were not built in significant numbers and there were no campaigns in which tanks figured with
any prominence. One major feature of Japanese tank deployment, however, was the use of effective amphibious tanks, largely a Navy commitment.
A number of smailer states within the German Reich made a contribution to
the war effort, almost entirely on the Russian fronts. These states, Romania
Croatia, Bulgaria, and Slovakia were almost entirely armed with tanks of forei n
(including Czech-built tanks) when established under German control after Czechoslovakia was annexed in 1939. Hungary was another state allied to the German cause and she had tanks developed from original Czech designs but built in Hungary. A summary of tank types in service with these smaller states is included.
This book includes only tanks which achieved production and/or combat status. Of the many experimental models or prototypes, some are mentioned here, but only in connection with the development of prodUction models.
Photo Credits
,
Bundesarchiv P. Chamberlain H. L. Doyle Colonel R. J. leks Imperial War Museum R. Riccio
Note on
Nomenclature
German tanks were designated as 'armoured fighting vehicle' - Panzer kampfwagen, abbreviated to 'Pz. Kpfw.' or 'Pz. Kw.' or 'Pz.' - followed by the design number, e.g. Panzerkampfwagen Ill. Sub-variants or mod els - Ausflihrung, abbreviated to 'Ausf - were designated by letters, e.g. Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf G. Ex-Czech designs were designated by the suffix (t).
Japanese tank models were designated by reference to their year of design or acceptance. The legendary foundation of the Japanese Empire was in 660 B.C.; thus, Japanese dates were 660 years ahead of the western world, e.g. 1935 = Japanese year 2595. T he last two digits were used in the designation, e.g. Type 95. From 2601 (1941), only the last digit was used, e.g. Type I. A word describing function and class was added to the type number, e.g. Type 94 TK (Model 94 (1934) tankette), Type 97 Chi-Ha (Model 97 (1937) Medium Tank C).
Italian tanks were variously designated, the title being self-explanatory. Thus M 15/42 indicated Medium tank, 15 tons, 1942 design. L 6-40 indicated light tank, 6 tons, 1940 design . CV indicated Carro Veloce (fast vehicle) and Carro Armato indicated armoured vehicle.
V 33 in service with the Bulgarian A rmy
DATA CREW 2
WEIGHT 5400 kg 5.3 tons (Model A) 6000 kg 5.9 tons (Model B) HEIGHT 1.72 m 5 ft 8 in (both)
ENGTH 4.02 m 13 ft 2~in (Mod. A) 4.42m 14ft6in(Mod. B) WIDTH 2.06 m 6 ft 9 in (both) ENGINE Krupp M 305, 60 hp air-cooled
(Model A)
Maybach NL 38 TR, 100 hp water-cooled (Mod. B) SPEED Road 37 kmh 30 mph Mod. A)
Road 40 kmh 24.9 mph (Mod. B)
Cross-country 9.65-12.9 kmh 6-8 mph (Mod. A
11.3-14.5 kmh 7-9mph (Mod. B)
. ·\R~lOl·R THICKNESS Max 15 mm Min 6mm ROl" DS CARRIED 1525 x 7.92 mm (Mod. A) 1750 x 7.92 mm (Mod. B)
BULGARIA
At the outbreak of the war, Bulgaria had in service a number of Italian CV 33 tankettes and eight Vickers 6-ton Mk E tanks. In February 1940,26 Pz.Kpfw. 35(t)s were delivered by Germany, and in 1943 Germany handed over 88 Pz.Kpfw. IVs to form a Bulgarian Panzer Division. From August 1944 these were used against the Germans.
CROATI
A
A small number of Pz.Kpfw. IV Gs and Pz.Kpfw. Ns were delivered at the same time they received CY 33 and 35 tankettes from Hungary.
GE
R
MAN
Y
Panzerkampfwagen I, Models 'A' and 'B' Sd. Kfz.
101
Designed as a light tank in the 5-ton class for the German rearmament programme, this vehicle, armed with two 7.92 mm machine-guns, went into production during 1934.
On troop trials it soon proved to be under-powered and unable to meet the demands made on it. Subsequently a modified version was produced in the same year, this machine being equipped with a bigger engine which made it necessary to lengthen the hull and increase the road wheels; the weight was now approximately 6 tons. This model was issued to the Army under the designation of Panzerkampfwagen I , Model ' B', the first production model now becoming Model 'A'.
Both versions were first used in action in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War. During the Polish and French campaigns (1939-40), the pz I together with the pz II formed the main armament of the Light Tank Companies in the Panzer Regiments. They also took part in the invasion of Denmark and Norway, and in North Africa. In the reorganisation that took place in 1941, the Panzer I wa~ dropped as a fighting tank and relegated to training establishments. Some ... ere used as self-propelled mounts for 4.7 cm anti-tank guns and 15 cm howitzer . while others, with the turret removed, were adapted as munitions carriers.
Top: Model A in action in Nonvay
Centre left. P-.Kpjll',/, Model A Centre right: Modd Bfr. /lowed by
Ma(Jel A mo\'e forward in Poland RiRlzt: ,II,-Iode l B
Panzerkampfwagen II, Sd. Kfz. 121
This tank formed the heavier element in the Light Tank Company of the Panzer Regiment in 1939-40. In the 1940-41 reorganisation, it was relegated from a fighting tank to a recce tank, five being allotted to each company, battalion. and regimental HQ for this purpose. In March 1942, their numbers were still further reduced. The recce troops at company level were abolished, and at battalion and regimental level tbe allocation was increased to seven tanks. Finally, in 1945 , it was dropped altogether. The fIrst four models in the Panzer II series were designated aI, a2, a3, and b. These appeared between 1935 and 1937 but were produced in limited quantity only ; they were armed with a 2 em KwK and one MG 34, both weapons being mounted co-axially in the turret. The suspension was a development from the Panzer I and consisted of three articulated pairs of road wheels connected by an outside girder. Each of these models differed from its predecessor by various modifications. By the outbreak of the war they were obsolescent.
Modele
This version appeared in 1937 with an entirely new suspension, which consisted of five independently sprung road wheels, each mounted on a cranked arm pivoted forward of the wheel to a hull stub axle. T he cranked arm was connected to quarter-elliptic leaf spring, the tloating end 0 which rode freely on a roller mounted on the hull side. Four return rollers were provided. Certain modifIcations were also made to the driving sprocket and rear idler wheel. This became the standard suspension for the following Model A. B, . and F.
RighI: Pz.Kpfw.lI. Model b in
Rllssian village
BeLow left: ModeLs aJ , a2, a3
Below right: Pz.Kpfw.l1, Model c with suspension that became standard for the pz.Kpfw.1l series; /lote the rollnded front
Panzerkampfwagen II, Models A, B, and C
Model A, the first main production model, appeared in late 1937. It was followed by Model B in February 1938 and Model C in September of the same year. There were only minor differences between these models, mainly changes to the vision ports. The frontal armour of this series was originally only 15 mm thick, the hull having a rounded nose formed by the bending of a single plate which also incorporated the glacis and nose plate. Following battle experience gained during the campaign in Poland and the early fighting in France in 1940, the armour of these models was reinforced by bolting 20 mm armour plates on to the front of the tank. This entirely altered the appearance of the hull and nose and gave the effect of spaced armour in front of the rounded part of the basic plate . The gun mantlet armour was also increased by the addition of a 15 mm plate . . '\5 originally produced, the Panzer II models had been equipped with a split hatch in the turret roof and a periscope, but when the troops complained about restricted vision, this deficiency was corrected by the installation of a commander's cupola with eight episcopes giving all-round vision.
DATA CREW 3 WEIGHT 8900 kg 8.8 tons HEIGHT 1.99 m 6 ft 6Y<1 in LENGTH 4.81 m 15 ft 9\,4 in WIDTH 2.22 m 7 ft 3\4 in ENGINE Maybach HL 62 TR, 140 hp SPEED Roads 40 kmh 24.9 mph Cross-country 19 kmh 12 mph ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 15 mm
Min5mm
ROUNDS CARRIED 180 x 2 cm KwK 2250 x 7.92 mm
Pz.Kpjw.ll, ModelA with 20 mm armour plate bolted on nose and early split hatch in turret roof
Pz.Kpjw.]J, Model A; this view shows clearly the split hatch and periscope for the tank commander
Pz.Kpfw.ll, Model B-C, with new type ofcommander's cupola
Models D and E. These vehicles still retain the split-type commander's hatch
Panzerkampfwagen II, Models D and E
As did Models Band C , these two models appeared in 1938. Developed to accompany the cavalry as reconnaissance and pursuit vehicles, they were known as the 'SchneLlkampfwagen' (fast fighting vehicle). Although the hull, turret , and superstructure were similar to that of the preceding Panzer It models, the D and E versions had an entirely new type of suspension consisting of four large road wheels touching top·and bottom of the tracks and independently sprung on torsion bars. Model E was equipped with a different type of drive sprocket and idler wheel. The 0 and the E models saw action in Poland, France, and Belgium, but from mid-1940 to May 1942 they were withdrawn from service to be converted as flame-throwing tanks or as self-propelled carriages for 7.62 em anti-tank guns.
DATA
CREW 3 SPEED Road 55 kmh 34 mph
WEIGHT 10,000 kg 9.8 tons Cross-country 19 kmh 12 mph HEIGHT 2.06 m 6 ft 9 in ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 30 mm
LENGTH 4.65 m 15 ft 3 in Min 15mm
WIDTH 2.30 m 7 ft 6Vz in ROUNDS CARRIED 180 x 2 cm KwK ENGINE Maybach Hl. 62 TRM, 140 hp 1425 x 7.92 mm
Panzerkampfwagen II, Model F
Model F, which appeared in 1941, was the final model of the basic Panzer II series. Though this version had reverted back to the type of suspension used on the c, A, B, and C models, an entirely new hull was constructed for the vehicle, and the basic armour thickness was increased, thus obviating the need for additional armour plates. The nose of the tank was now rather box-shaped with the nose-plate almost vertical. The type of superstructure on the Models D and E was incorporated with the same type of double-shutter driver's visor. A visor titled on (he right-hand side of the straight front vertical plate of this model was a dumm . The Model F saw combat service in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Soviet nion.
Panzerkampfwagen II, Model L
, Sd.Kfz. 123 'Luchs'
Developed as a fully tracked armoured reconnaissance vehicle, the 'Luchs' (Lynx) went into production in August 1942. The general layout and armour ment of this version was similar to that of the Model F but an entirely new suspension system had now been incorporated. This consisted of five large rubber-tyred twin road wheels on each side. The second and fourth wheels were spaced to al10w the others to be interleaved. The axles were connected to single torsion bars by means of radius arms. The turret lacked a cupola and vision ports. but an episcope was fitted into the turret access hatch and a rotatable periscope into the turret roof. Also known as 'Panzerspahwagen Luchs', this vehicle saw se;-vice in the Soviet Union and France as part of the equipment of armoured reconnaissance units.
DATA CREW 3 WEIGHT 9.500 kg 9.35 tons HEIGHT 2.15 m 7 ft ()1/z in LENGTH 4.81 m 15 ft 9\4 in WIDTH 2.28 m 7 ft 5~ in ENGINE Maybaeh HL 62 Tr, 140 hp SPEED Road 55 krnh 34 mph Cross-country 19 krnh J2 mph ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 35 mm
Min 15mm ROUNDS CARRIED 1802 em KwK 2700 x 7.92 mm DATA CREW 4 WEIGHT 13,000 kg 12.8 tons HEIGHT 2.21 m 7 ft 3 in LENGTH 4.63 m 15 ft 21-2 in WIDTH 2.48 m 8 ft I 'Va in ENGINE Maybach HL 66 P, 180 hp SPEED Road 60 kmh 37.3 mph Cross-country 45 krnh 28 mph ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 30 mm
Min20mm ROUNDS CARRIED 330 x 2 em KwK
pz.Kpfw.1I1, Model A on trials
pz.Kpfw.lll, Model B with dustbin-type cupola
Panzerkampfwagen III, Sd.Kfz. 141
The Panzerkampfwagen III was the German 'cruiser tank' (by Briti h definition) and from 1941 to 1943 it formed the main equipment of Panzer Regiments. In 1939, however, there were only 72 Pz. Ills in an armoured division, which then had a total of 416 tanks. In these early days they were allocated as one platoon of five per light company plus one Pz.Kpfw. III commander's modelI at company HQ. At that time there were only enough Pz. Kpfw. Ills available to stiffen the fire-power of the Panzer I and II which then formed the main German tank strength. After the reorganisation of winter 1940-41, the light companies of panzer divisions were completely equipped with the Pz.Kpfw. III except for a recce troop of Pz.Kpfw. lIs. This meant there were now 106 Pz.Kpfw. Ills out of a total of 201 tanks in a German armoured division and this remained so until 1943. Ln a further reorganisation in 1943, the Pz.Kpfw. III was dropped from the German armoured division, becoming obsolete with the appearance of the T iger and Panther. By this time the Pz.Kpfw. IV had become the main equipment of the panzer divisions, strengthened by the Panthers and Tigers. The Pz.Kpfw. III did, however, remain in service to the end of the war in second-line roles and for special purposes like OP functions.
Early Models: A, B, C, and D
The first four versions of the Pz. Kpfw. fI J were r lly pre-production
prototypes of the series, each having a Jifferent t. pc of uspen ion. These models appeared during 1937-39.
Panzerkampfwagen III, Model E, Sd.Kfz. 141
This was the first in the series to go into full production during 1938 and 1939. The suspension was entirely new and marked the beginning of a l1ew German development. This consisted of six small road wheels per side, each indepen dently sprung on a torsion bar which was set forward of the wheel axle and connected to it by a radius arm. The armour basis remained the same as the previous models, but the driver's visor was provided with an upper and lower sliding shutter which could be closed together. The machine-gun was set behind a square frame bolted to the front of the superstructure. The 3.7 cm KwKLl46 and a co-axial machine-gun were mounted in an internal mantlet. Later production vehicles were converted to carry the 5 cm KwKLl42 in an external mantlet. DATA CREW 5 WEIGHT 19,500 kg 19.2 tons HEIGHT 2.44 m 8 ft LENGTH 5.38m 17ft8in WIDTH 2.91 m 9 ft 6~ in ENGINE Maybach HL 120 TR, 300 hp SPEED Road 40 kmh 24.9 mph
ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 30 mm Min 12mm
ROUN DS CARRIED 131 x 3.7cm 4500 x 7.92 mm Pz. Kp/w.III, Model E with 3.7 em KwK Ll46 gun in internal gun mantlet
Pz.Kp/w.III, Model E armed with a 5 em KwK Ll42 in the Western Desert
pz .Kpfw.lll, Model G with new cupola and driver's visor
Model G all reconnaisance in the desert
Panzerkarnp~agenIII,~odeIF
This model, produced from September 1939 to September 1940, was basically
similar to the Model E. It was armed with the 3.7 cm gun, which was later
changed to the 5 cm KwKLl42. Some of these vehicles were used in the invasion of France.
Panzerkamp~agen
III,
~odel
G
Produced from 1940. The main difference from the previous models was an
increase in armour thickness, a new driver's visor, and a newly designed cupola.
It was originally armed with a 3.7 em gun , which was later changed during production to the short 5 cm gun. Some Model Os were used in North Africa,
being known as Ausf O(Tp) (tropicalised version), and were fitted with special
Panzerkampfwagen III, Model H
Produced during 194\. The armour basis was 30 mm, but additional armour 30 mm plates were bolted to the upper and lower nose-plates and to the tail-plates to neutralise the increased penetrating power of the British anti-tank weapons. Because of the increased armour thickness, the suspension torsion bars were strengthed and the tracks widened from 360 mm to 400 mm, thus increasing the total weight to 21 .8 tons. It was armed with the 5 cm KwK Ll42.
Below: Pz.Kpftv.lll, Model H moving forward during the fighting in the
Western Desert
Bouom: Model H showing the additional armour bolted on the nose plate
DATA CREW 5 WEJGHT 21.500 kg 21.2 tons HEIGHT 2.50 m 8 ft 2\.-2 in LENGTH 6.28 m 20 ft 7 in WIDTH 2.95 m 9 ft 811.! in ENGINE Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp SPEED Road 40 kmh 24.9 mph Cross-country 18 kmh 11.2 mph ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 50 mm
Min 15mm
RO UNDS CARRIED 84 x 5 cm
2700 x 7.92 mm
Modell equipped with the 5 em KwK 39 Ll60
Pz.Kpfw.lIl, Modell with
new-pattern drive sprocket and idler wheel (introduced on Model H). N ote the M.G. bal/-mount introduced with the Modell
Panzerkampfwagen Ill, Model J,
Sd.Kfz.14111
Produced from March \941 to May 1942, this model was the first in the Pz.Kpfw.
III
series to have the basic armour increased to 50 mm. Spaced armour was also fitted to the front superstructure and the gun mantle!. The hull machine-gun was now mounted in a prominent ball-mount and the driver's visor was a new desi~. Early models of the J appeared with the 5 cm KwK, but during production this was changed to the long-barrelled 5 cm KwK 39 L/60. This type was known to the British in the Western Desert as the 'Mark 3 Special'.Panzerkampfwagen III, Model L, Sd.Kfz.141/1
Produced from June to December 1942. Improvements included increasing the armour on the turret front from 30 mm to 57 mm, installing a torsion bar counter-balance for the 5 cm Kwk 39 L/60, and altering the air intake louvres and hatches on the rear deck. All Model Ls had 20 mm spaced armour on the superstructure front and most had the 20 mm spaced armour on the gun mantlet. Early in the production run, the hull escape hatches on the hull sides, the loader's vision port on the gun mantlet, and the turret side ports were deleted.
Panzerkampfwagen III, Model M, Sd.Kfz.141/2
Manufactured from October 1942 to February 1943, the Model M was practically identical to the Model L, but incorporated
a
number of modifications. There were no escape hatches fitted in the hull side, and on most of the Model M vehicles, arrangements were made for wading up to a depth of 4 ft 3 in, sealing devices being installed in the access doors, in the hull, at the hull and superstructurejoint, and in the engine exhaust system.DATA CREW 5 WEIGHT 22,700 kg 22.3 tons HEIGHT 2.50 m 8 ft 2h in LENGTH 6.28 m 20 ft 7 in WIDTH 2.95 m 9 ft 8Y<1 in ENGINE Maybaeh HL 120 TRM, 320 hp SPEED Road 40 kmh 24.9 mph Cross-country 18 kmh 11 .2 mph
ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 57 m
Minl5mm
ROUNDS CARRIED 9 x 5 em
4950 x 7.92 em
Model L showing modified rear deck
This version o/the Model L has the
Pz. Kpfw .lll, Model M with armour skirting plates around turret and hull sides
Rear view ofthe Model M showing the new type ofexhaust pipe for deep wading
Panzerkampfwagen llI, Model N, Sd.Kfz.141/2
In production from June 1942 to August 1943, this was the last of the Panzerkampfwagen III series. This vehicle was a continuation of the Model M series, but the main armament was now changed to the short 7.5 cm KwK U24 (the original close-support gun on the early Pz.Kpfw. IV). Supplementary armour was titted to the front nose-plates and armour-skirting plates were fitted around the turret and hull sides. The Model N was also known as the 'Sturmpanzer III'.
DATA
CREW 5 SPEED Road 40 kmh 24.9 mph
WEIGHT 23,000 kg 22.6 tons Cross-country 18 kmh 11.2 mph HEIGHT 2.50 m 8 ft 2Y2 in ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 57 mm
LENGTH 6.28 m 20 ft 7 in Min 15mm
WIDTH 2.95 m 9 ft 8Y<! in ROUNDS CARRIED 64 x 7.5cm
Panzerkampfwagen IV, Sd.Kfz.161
Numerically the most important German tank, the Pz.Kpfw. IV also had the unique distinction for a tank of remaining in full production throughout the entire duration of World War II. The prototypes from which the Pz.Kpfw. IV was evolved were tested in the 1934-35 period and a design by Krupp was chosen as a basis for the production vehicle that was initially regarded as the principal fighting vehicle of the panzer divisions. The design was sound and the vehicles were roomy and reliable, w,ith provision made for mass-production in that the hull was made in four sub-assemblies to facilitate quick construction. Initial production was slow and only a few pre-production batches had been delivered when Germany went to war in 1939. The initial concept of the Pz,Kpfw. IV was as a 'Support' tank for the Pz.Kpfw. III, and as such it was armed with the short, low-velocity 7.5 cm Kwk L/24 gun. Its size, however, and notably its turret ring diameter, allowed it to be upgunned later in the war to carry a long-barrel , high-velocity 7.5 cm KwK 40 L/43, and later the even more powerful L/48 version. Thus armed, it had a sound anti-tank capability, even though it was somewhat outmoded in shape and fire-power by the Soviet T-34 tank and the erman Panther.
The Pz.Kpfw. IV was available in large nombers, however, and in its various forms it was the most important by far of all the German tanks. There were also numerous self-propelled gun versions. The Pz.Kpfw. IV had a box-like hull, simple bogie suspension with quarter-elliptic springs, and a front drive and transmission. All crew members (five) were well-provided with vision devices and hatches. Power unit was the Maybach 250 hp HL 108TR engine, and all but late models had a 500 c£ DKW two-stroke engine to provide auxiliary power.
Pz.Kpjw.lI/, Model N armed with tl!
DATA CREW 5 WEIGHT 18,000 kg 17.7 tons HEIGHT 2.65 m 8 ft 81h in LENGTH 5.60 m 18 ft 41h in WIDTH 2.90 m 9 ft 6 in ENGINE Maybaeh HL 108 TR, 250 hp SPEED Road 31 kmh 19.3 mph ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 15 mm
Min 10mm ROUNDS CARRIED 80 x 7.5 em
3000 x 7.92 mm
pz.Kpfw.IV, ModelA in Poland
Panzerkampfwagen IV, Model A, Sd.Kfz.161
During late 1935 and 1936 the Krupp firm built and successfully tested prototype vehicles, as a result of which it was appointed as the parent firm and main manufacturer for the complete production of the Pz.Kpfw. IV. Originally known as the 7.5 cm Geschiitz-Panzerwagen, the Pz.Kpfw. IV was put into production in the autumn of 1937. Model A was armed with a short 7.5 cm KwK Ll24 and a co-axial machine gun in a internal mantlet, a second machine-gun was fitted in a ball mount in the front superstructure plate. This front plate was so designed that the driver's position was further forward than that of the wireless operator compartment. A drum shaped commander's cupola with eight vision slits was positioned at the rear of the turret roof, merging into the back turret wall. The suspension, except for modifications to the front sprocket and rear idler wheel of the late models, remained unchanged throughout the production run of the Pz.Kpfw. IV series. This consisted of a front driving sprocket and rear idler wheel with eight small road wheels which were evenly spaced and mounted in pairs on quarter elliptic leaf springs. Four return rollers supported the track. By April 1938 the troops had been issued with 30 vehicles, a total of35 being built.
The Model A saw action in Poland, Norway and France; they were removed from the Panzer Regiments before the spring campaigns in 1941 and used in training units.
Panzerkampfwagen IV, Model B, Sd.Kfz.161
A run of 45 vehicles with detail changes which included a modified cupola, a better six-speed all-syncro gearbox, thicker armour protection and a straight front superstructure plate - on the Model A this had been 'stepped' forward for the driver. These vehicles saw service in Poland, France, the Balkans, and the Soviet Union. They were phased out of combat service by 1943.
DATA CREW 5
WEIGHT 19,000 kg IS.7 tons HEIGHT 2.6S m S ft 91-2 in LENGTH 5.92 m 19 ft 5V<! in WIDTH 2.S3 m 9 ft 3V<! in ENGINE Maybaeh HL 120 TRM, 320 hp SPEED Road 40 kmh 24.9 mph Cross-country IS kmh 11.2 mph ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 30 mm
Min 10mm ROUNDS CARRIED SO X 7.5 em
2400 x 7.92 mm
Model B in Russia, note the internal gun mantlet
Pz.Kpjw.IV, Model Bjording a river in France
Panzerkampfwagen IV, Model C
An improved version of the Model B with increased armour on the turret front (from 20 mm up to 30 mm) and an uprated 300 hp engine in later vehicles. The Model C was used in the Polish campaign.
Panzerkampfwagen IV, Model D, Sd.Kfz.161
Appearing in September 1939. this was the first large-scale production version. The front superstructure was changed to the stepped pattern of the Model A. The hull machine-gun was fitted in an armoured ball-mount (Kugelblende 30); there were wider tracks, larger track sprockets, and a hull stowage bin. The 7.5 em KwK 37 Ll24 was mounted in an external armoured mantlet. Other improvements incorporated in the Model 0 were the increase in side and rear armour from 15 mm Lo 20 mm. Late-production vehicles had additional armour plate bolted and welded to the superstructure and hull front. In 1943 a number of Model Os were up-gunned with the 7.5 em KwK Ll48. They saw action in France, North Africa, the Balkans, and the Soviet Union.DATA CREW 5 WEIGHT 20,000 kg 19.7 tons HEIGHT 2.68 m 8 ft 91.-2 in LENGTH 5.91 m 19 ft 5 in WIDTH 2.85 m 9 ft 4 in ENGINE Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp SPEED Road 40 kmh 24.9 mph Cross-country 18 kmh 11.2 mph
ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 30 mm
Min 10mm
RO UNDS CARRlED 80 x 7.5 cm
2700 x 7.92 mm
Front view of the Model D showing the new configuration ofthe hullfront,
and the 7.5 cm gun in external mantlet
Rear view ofthe Model D showing the smoke dischargers
PZ.Kpfw.lV, Model E; note the additional armour plate on
superstructllre front and sides
Panzerkampfwagen IV, Model E, Sd.Kfz.161
With the appearance of Model E in late 1939, changes had again taken place. A new cupola, squatter with narrow sliding visors instead of the wide, segmental shutters of the previous models, was introduced with an increased armour thickness. In addition, the new cupola was resited on the turret roof. being brought forward i~stead of merging into the turret plate. The turret roof was abo
altered, the right-hand signal port and the central rectangular ventilation opening were deleted, being replaced by a circular ventilation cowl in the right sloping part of the turret roof. The front superstructure still retained the same configuration as the Model 0 in that the driver's position was forward of the wireless operator's compartment, but a new type of driver's visor was installed with a 50 mm single-thickness nose-plate. T he fitting of additional armour plates on the front of the superstructure and On the sides of the fighting compartment was continued as a factory fitting. A new type of driving sprocket, which was of a more simple design, was fitted . O n late-production models of the E, the access flaps in the glacis plate weP'! fitted with a single heavy hinge on each flap instead of the two lighter hinges as previously titted. First used in North Africa.
DATA
CREW 5 SPEED Road 40 kmh 24 .9 mph
WEIGHT 21,OOOkg 20.7 tons Cross-country 18 kmh 11.2 mph
HEIGHT 2.68 m 8 ft 9Yz in AR~IOUR THICK'IESS Max 50 m
LENGTH 5.91 m 19 ft 5 in tin 20mm
WIDT H 2.85 m 9 ft 4 in RO /-IDS CARRIED 80 x 7.7 em
Panzerkampfwagen IV, Model
Fl,
Sd.Kfz.161
The Model F I appeared in 1941 and was concurrent in production with the Pz. Kpfw. III Model J. For Model F the basic armour was increased from 30 mm to 50 mm on the front (including the turret and superstructure) and 30 mm on the sides. The additional supplementary armour plates were now abandoned. A straight single-plate superstructure front was adopted with an improved armoured ball-mount for the machine-gun. The large single door on each side of the turret was now replaced by double doors. New types of sprocket and idler wheels were installed on this model. A new track, having a
width of 400 mm was also introduced. The sole and outer webs of each shoe were slotted forthe fitting of ice sprags.
This side view of the Model E shows
the new drive sprocket and ventilating cowl DATA CREW 5 WEIGHT 22,300 kg 22 tons HEIGHT 2.68 m 8 ft 9\--2 in LENGTH 5.91 m 19 ft 5 in WIDTH 2.85 m 9 ft 4 in E NGINE Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp SPEED 40 kmh 24.9 mph Cross-country 18 kmh 11 .2 mph
ARMOUR THICKNESS . Max 50 mm Min20mm
ROUNDS CARRIED 80 x 7.5 em
DATA CREW 5 W E IGHT 23,000 kg 23 tons HEIGHT 2.68 m 8ft 9~ in LENGTH 5.62 18 ft 5~ in WIDTH 2.84 m 9 ft 3:J4 in ENGINE Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp SPEED Road 40 kmh 24.9 mph Cross-country 18 kmh 11.2 mph ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 50 mm
Min 10mm
ROUNDS CARRIED 87 x 7.5 cm 3000 x7.92mm
pz.Kpfw.IV, Model F2 armed with the long barrelled 7.5 em KwK 40 gun
Model FI in Russia
Panzerkampfwagen IV, Model F2, Sd.Kfz.16111
Just as the Model F began to leave the production lines, the powerful new Soviet T-34, which had superior armament to all existing German tanks. \\' encountered. To provide an almost immediate (but interim) counter to the T-3.t. Hitler personally ordered that the new 7.5 cm KwK 40 L/43 (adapted from the new Pak 40 anti-tank gun) be fitted to all new Panzer IVs. Model Fs so fitted were designated Model F2 (Ausf F2) and earlier vebicles which retained the 7.5 cm L/24 gun were then re-designated Model Fl (Ausf Fl). Some were sent to the Western Desert in 1942 where they were known to the British as the 'Mk IV Special' .
Panzerkampfwagen IV, Model G, Sd.Kfz.161/1
In service by mid-1942, this version was the most important of the Panzer IV series being built in great numbers. The early Model Gs were identical to the Model F2, although this similarity gradually changed during productiori as improvements were introduced. Among these was the dropping of the vision ports from the turret sides and the loader's side of the turret front, the replacing of the 7.5 cm L/43 by the more powerful 7.5 cm Ll48 gun, and the fitting of a new cupola with thicker armour and a single-piece hatch cover. Also fitted were turret side and skirt plates (Schilrzen). Very late production Gs received a new type of drive sprocket and the radio antenna was moved to the left hull rear.
DATA CREW 5 WEIGHT 23,370 kg 23 tons HEIGHT 2.68 m 8 ft 9Y.2 in LENGTH 6.62 m 21 ft 8~ in WIDTH 2.88 m 9 ft 5Y.2 in ENGINE Maybach HL 120TRM, 320 bp SPEED Road 40 kmh 24.9 mph Cross-country 18 kmh 11.2 mph
ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 50 mm Min 10mm ROUNDS CARRIED 87 x 7.5 cm
Late type ofModel G armed with the 7.5 cm KwK L/48
Pz.Kpfw.fV Model H vehicles ill Russia; the anti-magnetic mine paste can be seen on the front ofthe leading vehicle
Panzerkampfwagen IV, Model H, Sd.Kfz.16112
In mid-1943 the Model H appeared with all previously noted changes; the L/48 gun as standard, plus a new drive sprocket of welded and webbed construction, aU steel return rollers, a splash-shield forward of the turret (not in all vehicles), side skirts, and a skate rail for an AA machine-gun on the cupola (in most vehicles). Very late-production vehicles had a single thickness (85 mm) of armour replacing the belted or welded armour of earlier vehicles. 'Zimmerit' anti-magnetic mine paste was standard on most new vehicles from mid-1943 onwards. An improved gearbox was introduced in the Model H.
Panzerkampfwagen IV, ModelJ, Sd.Kfz.161/2
This was the last full production model, remaining in production from early 1944 until the war's end. I t was essentially a further simplifed continuation of Model H, with the DKW auxiliary engine removed (the turret could then only be hand traversed) and replaced by an extra 44-gallon fuel tank. All vision ports were deleted except the gunner's, the return rollers were reduced to three on later
vehicles, and the side skirt armour in many vehicles was of heavy gauge steel
wire mesh instead of plates, this being just as effective in its task of exploding bazooka and other hollow-charge shells. There were other detail changes of a more minor nature.
...
Panzerkampfwagen V, Panther, Sd.Kfz.171
The finest German tank of the war the Panther was the direct German answer
to the impact made by the Soviet T -34 . Although the first encounter with the
T-34 and K V -I in July 1941 had caused the T iger tank to be pushed forward, the bigger encounter with T-34s in October 1941 caused a Panzer Commission to be set up to study the urg nt n ed for a new tank to counter the Soviet superiority. In January 1942 contracts were placed for prototypes. Sloped
armour ' II r und, wide tracks and wheels, and an overhanging gun and turret were all reque led feature . One of the contractors, Daimler-Benz, postulated an almo t exact c py f the T- 4 with that vehicle's inherent characteristics. This Was consid red too unconventional by German engineering standards, and
a second design by MAN was chosen for production, the VK 3002 (MAN).
Very high priority was given to getting the new vehicle into production. While th prototypes and test vehicles were on trial, extra armour thickness - 60 mm up to 80 rom minimum - and other changes took the weight up well beyond 35 tons and the extra weight imposed strains on the engine and transmission, which led to some 'teething troubles' and a tendency to breakdowns in earlier vehicles. Production targets up to 600 a month were set. The following production models saw service.
pz.Kpfw.IV, ModelJ; the side view of this vehicle shows clearly the wire mesh skirting
Pz. Kpfw. V, Model D, Panther; note the length ofthe 7.5 cm Ll70 high velocity gun
Front view ofModel A showinR ball-mount for hull machine gun and new type ofcupola
Panzerkampfwagen V, Panther, Model D
Production of this first model started in November 1942 and lasted until September 1943. One-piece hull plates were a feature of the Panther with all joins stepped, morticed, and welded. On Model D there was a drum-shaped cupola, empty-round ejection hatches in the turret side, a ' Ietterbox' vertical slit in the glacis plate for the hull machine-gun, and an opening hatch for the driver"~ vision port.
Panzerkampfwagen V, Panther, Model A
This had detailed improvements over the D model. including a ball-mounted hull machine-gun, stronger wheel fixings, and an armoured cupola in the turret. More than 1400 were built from July 1943 until February 1944.
Pan/her Model A passing demolished stron!?-point; commander watches the retreating Russians
Panzerkampfwagen V, Panther, Model G, S
d.
K
fz
.171
T he Model G incorporated the latest ideas gained from experience in the field . The superstructure sides were altered' to one-piece style, with the lower side stowage boxes - separate in Models 0 and A - now part of the superstructure. Armour thickness was taken up from 40 mm to 50 mm and the slope improved .The driver's vision hatch was deleted in favour of a periscope in the roof above him. New hatches, increased ammunition stowage, and many detail changes characterised this model. It remained in production until the war's end. More than 3400 Panthers of all models were built. Very late Model Gs had all-steel resilient road wheel:, in place of the 'dished' rubber-tyred wheels. The Model G was a major vehicle in the inventory of the Wehrmacht in 1944--45 and production was afforded at full priority throughout the period. The Panther proved to be a formidable adversary, more than a match for most Allied tanks. DATA SPEED Road 45.7 kmh 28.4 mph
C REW 5 Cross-country 25130 kmh
WEIGHT 45,300 kg 44.6 tons 15.5/18.6 mph
HE IGHT 2.29 m 7 ft 6 in ROAD RADIUS 200 km 124.3 miles LENGTH 6.39 m 20 ft II\12 in ARMOUR T HICKNESS Max 100 mm
WIDTH 3.72 m 12ft 2\12 in Min I3 mm
ENGINE Maybach HL 230 P30, 700 hp ROUNDS CARRIE D 82 x 7.5 cm 2250 x 7.92 mm
Panther Model G, the/inal production type
Panzerkampfwagen VI, Model E Tiger, Sd.Kfz.
lS
2
DATA t the time of its introduction into service in late 1942. the Pz. Kpfw. V I Tiger
CREW 5 Model E (its nomenclature was changed to Pz. Kpfw. Tiger Model E in 1944)
WEIGHT 56,000 kg 55 .1 tons wa n outstanding tank by reason of its main armament (8.8 cm KwK 3 U 56).
HEIGHT 2.93 m 9 ft 7 in armour (100 mm on front vertical plate and mantlet). weight and its ability to
LENGTH 8.45 m 27 ft 8'l4 in (including travel under water to a depth of 13 ft, this being achieved by a demountable
gun)
telescopic standpipe mounted over the engine compartment to supply air for the
WIDTH 3.7 m 12 ft 2 in (battle track )
engine and crew. This device was fitted to the first 495 Tigers produced. The
3.43 m 11 ft 3 in (narrow tr' k
ENGINE Maybach HL 230 P45. 700 hp Tiger was the first German combat tank to have the interleaved overlapping
SPEED Road 38 kmh 23.6 mph road whe I ; two types of' tracks were used, a wide type (28V2 in) was fitted for
Cross-country 10 kmh 6.2 mph combat and a narrow type (20\12 in) for travel and transportation. Originally
RADIUS 140 km 87 miles fitted with the Maybach 12 cyl HL 210 P45, it was found to be under-powered ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 100 mm and 0 from December 1943 the HL 230 P45 was substituted.
Min 60 mm Late model Tigers differed in certain details to conform to production
ROUNDS CARRIED 92 X 8.8 cm ~tandard of the Panther. Among the changes were a new Panther-type cupola,
5700 x 7.92 mm
all-steel wheels, different sprockets, elimination of the wading facility, and elimination of the original air filtration system.
The Tiger first appeared in action on the Eastern Front before Leningrad in September 1942, and was encountered by the Briti h in Tunisia in February 1943. It later saw combat in Italy and in North-West Europe.
Early production Tiger riggedfor deei wading
PZ.Kpfw.VI, Tiger Model E
Late production TiRe!" with
PUllther-type cupola and all-steel road
DATA
CREW 5
WEIGHT 69,700 kg 68.6 tons (production turret)
HEIGHT 3.09 m 10 ft lYsin (including gun)
LENGTH 10.26 m 33 ft 8 in
WIDTH 3.75 m 12 ft 3\h in (battle tracks) 3.37 m 10 ft 8~ in (narrow tracks)
ENGINE Maybach HL 230 P30, 700 hp SPEED Road 38 kmh 23.6 mph
17kmh 10.6mph ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 150 mm
Min80mm ROUNDS CARRIED 80 x 8.8 cm
5850 x 7.92 mm
Early Royal Tiger knocked out in Normandy; note the wide battle tracks
Panzerkampfwagen VI, Model B Konigstiger (Royal
Tiger), Sd.Kfz.lS2
A project for a Tiger tank with the increased protection of sloped armour plate and a more powerful 8.8 cm gun was begun in the autumn of 1942, and production models started coming off the production lines in February 1944. This heavy tank, designed for defensive warfare or for penetrating strong lines of defence, was first identified as being in the hands of the troops on the Western Front in June 1944. The Royal Tiger Model B was a logical development of the Tiger E, with the same layout and employing several internal components (such as engine, gearbox, etc.) similar to the older vehicle. It differed from the Model E in mounting an 8.8 cm gun with a length of 71 calibres/8.8 cm KwK 43 L171 with a performance much superior to that of the 8.8 cm KwK 36 mounted in the Tiger E. Other armaments carried were a co-axial machine-gun and a bow machine-gun. A machine-gun for anti-aircraft defence could be mounted on the turret. Improvements were the increased protection afforded by the use of thicker, well-sloped armour, a new design of gun mantlet, and better track control. The turret design used on the first 50 tanks produced was found to be too vulnerable, as well as being too costly in man hours to produce, and a simplified design with a flat front plate and thicker armour. giving better protection, was fitted to all subsequent tanks produced. The introduction of a new turret was accompanied by a change in the gun barrel from monobloc to a two-piece construction. The Royal Tiger saw action on both Eastern and Western Fronts. The early turret was designed by Porsche, the later one by
Top left: pz.Kpfw. VI, Model B, Royal Tiger with early Porsche turret and monobloc gun barrel. This vehicle is
equipped with the narrow transport track
Bottom left: Line-up of Royal Tigers,
these vehicles are fitted with the Henschel turret and two-piece gun barrel
Bottom: French Char B in German
service
Below: Hotchkiss H.35 in action in Russia
Foreign Tanks in service with the German Army
Foreign tanks used by the Germans were chiefly those types designed and
produced in countries under German occupation. Very little use was made of British and American tanks, although Soviet tanks captured intact in the field were sometimes put into service. A number of Italian tanks confiscated by the Germans after the surrender of Italy to the Allies was issued to German units. Of the large amount of French armour that fell into German hands, certain types such as the Char. B. Hotchkiss 35 and 39, Renault A.M.C. 35 and Renault R.35, F.C.M., and Somua 35 were put into service, some of them being modified by the Germans. Many of them were issued to troops in the Balkans, others were issued to panzer training schools, and some were used in action on the Eastern F ront.
The foreign tank most used by the German Army was the Czech LTVz light tank, known to the Germans as the PZ.Kpfw. 38(t). Following the German occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1939, aU tanks in service with the Czech Army
- as well as tbose in production under exp rt contract - were taken over by the
Webrmacht. During 1940-41 , the Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) formed 25 per cent of the total
German tank force. Also taken into German service was the S-Ila (T -ll),
known as tbe Pz.Kpfw. 35(t), which had been the main battle tank of the Czech
Army before the occupation. About 200 were taken int German service, where they remained for three years.
On foreign or captured tanks being taken into Germ n service, the nomenclature of the country of origin was dropped aIld these vehicle received a 'fremdengerate' (foreign equipment) number. For tank thi wa -the 700 eries,
followed in brackets by the initial letter of the c untry of origin: (fJ franzosisch
French. (t) tscbechiscb - Czechoslovak. For example - Pz.Kpfw. 3_.R 731(f); Pz.Kpfw. 35.H 734(f); Pz.Kpfw. Ll6733 (i).
Left: German armoured column consisting of French Souma and Hotchkiss H.39 tanks move along
coast road in Dalmatia
DATA CREW 4 WEIGHT 10,500 kg 10.3 tons HEIGHT 2.35 m 7 ft 81;2 in LENGTH 4.9 m 16 ft ()3A in WIDTH 2.IOm 6 ft II in
ENGINE Skoda 6-cyl, 120 hp
SPEED Road 35 kmh 21.75 mph
ROAD RADIUS 190 km 118 miles
ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 25 mm Min8mm
ROU NDS CARRIED 72 x 3.7 cm 18.000 7.9~ mm
EX-CZECH TANKS
When Germany marched into Czechoslovakia in March 1939, the whole of the enterprising Czech arms industry fell intact into German hands. Two new lank designs proved to be superior to the Pz. Kpfw. I and II and the availability of the
Czech vehicles also meant that panzer divisions could be brought up to strength
very quickly in 1939 to make up for delays in delivering the new Pz.Kpfw. III and IV in quantity. In the 1940-41 period, some 25 per cent of all tank strength in tbe Wehrmacht was composed of ex-Czech vehicles. The two main tank types, Pz.Kpfw. 35(t) and 38(t) were standardised for the Wehrmacht, and Czech production continued under German supervision.
Pz.K
pf
w.35(
t)
Produced in prototype form by Skoda in 1934-35. this was in production in the I 35-38 period as the S-ll, later T-ll. and designated L T Vz 35 by the Czech . rmy. It had rear engine and urive, leaf-spring bogie suspension. bolted and riveted construction, 12-speed gearbox. and air-assisted mechanical steering
which made driving easy. It was a very reliable rna hine, and it 3.7 cm gun had a good high-velocity performance. More than 200 were taken inlo German
service and were used in Poland, France, and on the Eastern From.
Pz.Kpfw.38(t), Sd.Kfz.140
The TNHP-S design, built by the CKD finn, was just entering service in 1938. It had already been sold to Switzerland and Iran, and the Br,itish had also bought one for trials. This was a very compact and reliable vehicle with large road wheels on leaf springs. rear engine, front drive, and of all-riveted construction. The TN HP-S was much liked by the Germans, who Subsequently used its chas sis for many self-propelled gun models, long after production of the tank itself was terminated. Under the German designation Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) the production models were:
Model A
Original v hicle as taken over. Crew increased from three to four by the German . o\rmour was 25 mm at maximum point of thickness.
Uodel B
-\ repeat production order for German service 1939.
.\fodele
nother repeat order, early 1940. .UodelD
Simplified front plate and repositioned exhaust, 1940. ModelE
Up-armoured modeJ, late 1940, with added external armour plate, up to 50 mm (front) and 30 mm (sides). Stowage boxes to G erman requirements were added, as were rear smoke emitters,
ModelF
As Model E, but with detail changes and omission of smoke emitters, ModelS
An impounded ex.port order from Sweden (=S) of some 90 vehicles, spring 1940, which were diverted to the German Army, the Swedes being granted licence production rights instead.
ModelG
Late 1941 production model, with extra armour plate replaced by hull plates of equivalent overall thickness (i.e., 50 mm front, 30 mm sides). Production in tank form terminated in April 1942.
Pz.Kpfw.38(t), Model A
DATA CREW 4 WEIGHT 9,700 kg 9.55 tons HEIGHT 2,37 m 7ft 901 in LENGT H 4,60 m 15 ft 1 in W IDTH 2.12 m 6ft ll~in ENGINE Praga EPA, 125 hp SPEED Road 42 kph 26 mph Cross-country 15 kph 9.3 mphARMOUR THICKNESS Max 25 mm Min 15 mm
ROUN DS CARRIED 72 X 3.7 em 2400 x 7.92 mm
35M Carro Veloce Harckocsi of a Hungarian armoured unit
HUNGARY
33M Carro Veloce Harchkocsi and
35M Carro Veloce Harchkocsi
Between 1934 and 1938,60 to 70 Italian tankettes were delivered to Hungary amI were rearmed with Hungairian 8 mm 34M machine-guns. Some were later equipped with 8 mm 34M/37M heavy machine-guns. Commanders' models had a raised cupola to give improved all-round vision. They were used in the occupation of Ruthenia in 1939, Transylvania in 1940, and on the Eastern Front in 1941. Some were subsequently given to the Croatian Army in 1943. From 1941 the y were used for training and by the Police.
38M Toldi Konnyii Harckocsi (Light Tank)
The Hungarian Army requiring a light tank capable of engaging enemy armour, the Budapest firm of Ganz offered a licence-built version of the Swedish Lanosverk L60.B. This solution was accepted and a prototype was delivered by Landsverk in 1937. Production commenced in mid-1939.
The 38M Toldi k.hk was armed with a 2 cm 36M anti-tank rifle and a co-axial 8 mm 31M machine-gun. Armour was only 13 mm maximum. Power for the 7-ton vehicle wa from a V-8 Bussing NAG engine. The Toldi was used in Transylvania in 1940 and on the Eastern Front from 1941. In 1942 a more heavily amloured version, Toldi II, was introduced. From 1943 a new 4 cm 42M anti-tank gun \\ ac; fitted. The Toldi III was even more heavily armoured and was de 'ignated 43\1. A radio and anti-aircraft machine-gun mount were provided on
all Toldl mac hines.
4
0M
'Tura
n
I'
K
ozep
es
Harckocsi (Medium Tank)
In 193 the Hungarian Army was looking for a medium tank that could be built under Jicen e. !though Germany had the only medium tanks available, they were not prepared (0 allow them licence production. However, the T-21 de\ elopment at koda was recommended. Negotiations during early 1940 led to the delivery of a prototype -22 in mid-1940. The T-22 was armed with a 4 cm AI7 gun specially developed for the Hungarians. In August 1941 the prototype 40M Turan, armed with a 4 cm 41M gun and 2.8 mm 34M/37M machine-guns, was delivered and production commenced in October 1941'. During 1942, 228 Turan Is were built by various Hungarian firms. These tanks which were used in action from mid-1944, were the main equipment of the 1st Panzer Division when it was re-formed in 1943 after the disaster on the Don. The 1st Cavalry Division was also equipped with Turan Is.
DATA CREW 3 WEIGHT 9,450 kg 9.3 tons HEIGHT 1.87 m 6 ft 2 in LENGTH 4.75 m 15 ft 6* in WIDTH 2.14 m 7 ft ENGINE Bussing-NAG L8V/36TR SPEED Road 47 kmh 29.2 mph ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 13 mm (later to
20mm) Min6mm ROUNDS CARRIED 208 x 2 em or 54 x
4em
2400 x 8 mm
A Toldi I moving through a Russian village DATA CREW 5 WEIGHT 18,500 kg 18.2 tons HEIGHT 2.3 m 7 ft 6~ in LENGTH 5.5 m 18 ft OY2 in WIDTH 2.44 m 8 ft
ENGINE Turan V-8 petrol, water-cooled, 260hp
SPEED Road 47.2 kmh 29.3 mph RANGE 165 km 102.5 miles
ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 50 mm (later 61 mm)
Min 13mm ROUNDS CARRIED 101 x 40 mm
Below : Turan J's on e:xercises Above : Turan I
41M 'Turan II' Nehez Harckocsi (Heavy Tank)
To supplement the Turan I, a Turan II was developed with a short low-velocity 75 mm gun with a calibre length of Ll25. The turret was modified to mount this gun. It was intended as a support tank in the armoured divisions, and production started in late 1942 and continued through 1943. The Turan II was delivered to the 2nd Hungarian Panzer Division in 1943 and later to the 1st Cavalry and 1st Pqnzer Division. It
was used in action alongside the Turan I in 1944. In 1944 its original designation. -l17\1 Turan II, was changed to 41M Turan 75. A 43M Turan III. armed with the 75 cm 43M L/43 gun, was planned but because of the German occupation, only prototypes were built.
Germa
n
Ta
nks
in se
r
vic
e
wit
h th
e
H
ung
a
rian Army
A tITe only worthwhile tank available was the Toldi 1, and even the productionof lhi~ wa 100 smaU, the following German tanks were delivered during 1942 to form the 1st Hungarian Panzer Division. These vehicles were used until the Don Jisa. ter in January 1943.
lYM Pancelos Harckocsi (Panzerkampfwagen IV)
38M(t) PaJlceios Harckocsi (panzerkampfwagen 38(t» 37M Panc'l Harck csi (Panzerkampfwagen I) Pancelos Harrkocsi PK (Panzer Befehlswagen)
Panzerkampf agen lVs were again delivered from mid-1944 to 1945; Tiger Ausf. Es and Panthers were delivered in small numbers during mid-1944,
ITALY
CV.33
and
CV.35
During 1929 the Jtalian War Department purchased a number of Carden-Loyd Mk I Lankelte~ from Britain, and from these was developed an improved version that went into service in 1933 as the CY.33. This vehicle had a fixed turret, the machine-gun armament being set in the front superstructure - twin 6.5 mm guns initially, later 8 mm. In 1935 a modified version known as the CY.33/II series or CY.35, was put into production. These vehicles were of riveted or bolted contruction and had a simple beam-type construction. The later model CY.35 had better vision ports and a stronger suspension. Despite being
CV.35
CV.33
CV.35 armed with 20 mm anti-tank gun
small, and obsolete by 1940, the CV.33/35 was in service in quite large numbers. It saw service in France, Greece, Yugoslavia, Albania, Crete, North Africa. Soviet Union, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and Italy.
From 1940, some of these vehicles were equipped with the 20 mm Solothum anti-tank gun in place of the machine-gun.
DATA CREW 2 WEIGHT 3,150 kg 3.1 tons HEIGHT 1.28 m 4 ft 2~ in LENGTH 3.16 m 10 ft 4~ in WIDTH 1.40m 4ft8in
ENGINE SPA 4-cyl water-cooled petrol, 43 hp
41
SPEED Road 42 kmh 26 mph RANGE 120 km 74.6 miles ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 14 mm
Min7mm ROUNDS CARRIED 3200 x 8 mm 3800 x 6.5 mm
Carro Armato L6/40
In the 1936-38 period several prototypes were produced as larger, better-armed replacements for the CY.33. First of these was essentially an enlarged CY.33 with a 37 mm gun in the hull front, but the second and third carried a turret set atop the superstructure. In the third vehicle the 37 mm gun was carried in the turret rather than the superstructure, and this vehicle was the forerunner of a more refined design. the L6/40, which was built in 1939. Torsion arm suspension. a turret offset to the left, a 20 mm Breda gun with co-axial 8 mm machine-gun. and bolted and rivetted construction were features of this vehicle.
It was not employed in signiticant numbers until 1942 and 1943, and saw action in North Afri . . Soviet Linion, and Italy.
DATA
e RE'" SPEED Road 40 kmh 24.9 mph
.... f Ir.H 6.800 kg 6.7 tons Cross-country 25 kmh 15.5 mph
HEIGHt 2.175 m 7 ft 2 in RANGE 200 km 124.3 miles
IE OTiI 3.82m 12ft6l4in ARIIlOUR THICKNESS Max 30 mm
\\lOI Ii L8m 5ftllin Min6mm
E (,1 E SPA 18 VT 4-cyl water-cooled ROUNDS CARRIED 256 x 20 mm
petrol, 58 hp 1560 x 8mm
C
a
rro rmat
o
M
l1/39
In 19Vi an e perim ntal 8-ton tank was built which featured a 37/40 gun in the right
supe
r
.
tnicLUr front and two 8 mm Breda machine-guns in a small turret. Fr m thi wa evolved a production standard medium tank, largely as a result of the poor IIo", ing of Italian light tanks in the Spanish Civil War, which demonstrated the urgent need for a powerful weB-armed tank. Fiat-Ansaldo were given an order for 100 vehicles to the revised 8-ton design and deliveries commenced in 1939. The Mll!39 was of riveted construction with rear Y-8 diesel engine, front drive, side access doors, and with the turret set to the left. Though of an elegant design, the M 11139 was no match for British tanks in the Western Desert in 1940. It also saw service in East Africa.DATA CREW 3 WEIGHT 11,000 kg 10.8 tons HEIGHT 2.3 m 7 ft 6\.-2 in LENGTH 4.73 m 15 ft 6\.-2 in WIDTH 2.18 m 7 ft 2 in ENGINE SPA8TV-8diesel, 105hp SPEED Road 34 krnh 21 mph Cross-country 15 kmh 9.3 mph RADWS 200 km 124.3 miles
ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 30 mm Min8mm ROUNDS CARRIED 84 X 37/40
Top: Mil /39 operating in the Western
Desert
Carro Armato M13/40
A new tank was designed in 1939- as part of the Italian rearmament plan. It was based largely on the M11139 but was bigger, and the main gun, a 47 mm high-velocity piece, was mounted in the turret. Thicker armour and other detail improvements were incorporated . Of 1900 ordered, some 250 were delivered by the end of 1940, and were all sent to the Western Desert, where it was found that further change were needed, notably sand filters, to make the vehicle fully effective. The 1\1 13 /40 was first used in action in December 1940, and although it was an excellent tank. it proved no match for the heavily armoured British Matilda.
Commencing in mid-1941 , the M 13/40 vehicles were fitted with the more powerfu l SPA diesel tngine, the engine that was equipped with air filters designed to cope with desert conditions, and tbis improved both the performance
and reliability of the tank. These re-engined vehicles were designated M 14/41.
T hey were in Service in North Africa, Greece, Yugoslavia and Montenegro.
DATA CREW 4 WEIGHT 14,.000 kg 13.S tons (MI4/41 14,500 kg 14.3 tons) HEIGHT 2.37 m 7 ft 914 in LENGTH 4.9 m 16 ft ()3A in WIDTH 2.2 m 7 ft 2~in ENGINE SPA S TM40 V-S , 125 hp (MI4/41 SPA 15 TM41 V-S , 145 hp) SPEED Road 31.S krnh 19.5 mph (M14/41: 33 kmh 20.5 mph) Cross-country 14 krnh S.7 mph RANGE 200km 124 miles
ARMOUR THICKNESS Max 40 mm
Min9mm RO U NDS CARRIED 104 x 47 mm 304S x Smm
Front view of M 13140 showing twin Breda 8 mm machine guns in hull
Carro Armato M/3/40