WEHRMACHT ILLUSTRATED

~an?et= , . . Jager

German self-propelled anti-tank equipment and

I

tank hunters, 1939-45 ALMARK

PUBLICATIONS

A Marder Ill (Pzjiig 38(1) 7.5cm Pak 40/3) on the Russian front in the spring of 1944. Note hMv the proportions of this vehicle change consider-ably in a foreshortened front view (compare with pictures on page 14). Elaborate camoufl.age in dark green applied over basic dark yellow. Spare

track shoes give added protection on nose (l WM-MH 12162).

GERMAN SELF-PROPELLED ANTI-TANK GUNS, 1939-1945

Peter Chamberlain and

Chris Ellis Drawings by Kenneth M . Jones

ALMARK PUBLISHING CO. LTD., LONDON

./

1971, Almark Publishing Co. Ltd . Text Peter Chamberlain and Chris Ellis Artwork Kenneth M. Jones

All righ ts reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, or by photo copying without prior permission f rom the publishers.

First Published - February 1971

ISBN 0 85524 019 9

Printed in Great Britain by Vale Press Ltd., Mitcham , Surrey CR4 4HR , for the publishers , Almark Publishing Co. Ltd ., 104-106 Watling Avenue , Edgware, Middlesex, England .

2

The 7.62cm FK 296(r) auf PzKpfw II Aust D / E was one of the earliest Panzerjiigers (see page 9). Th ese vehicles ford a river in Russia, summer 1943, and are painted dark yellow overall. Note the bucket, crews' mud-daubed helmets, and the folded canvas tilt all 011 the rear stowage box.

Introduction AT the beginning of the World War 2 the Germans had no tracked self-propelled equipment in service, though a specialised type of assault gun (Sturmgeschutze), based on the PzKpfw III chassis was being developed for use within the armoured division. This type of vehicle first appeared in service in 1940. To provide infantry support, an assault howitzer (S turmhaubitze) also appeared later as a purpose-built type. As a stop-gap prior to the appearance of the assault howitzers, a self-propelled infantry gun {Infanterie-geschiitze) was developed in early 1940 by mounting a heavy howitzer on an obsolescent tank chassis. A later, but similar, type was the self-propelled field howitzer or gun (Feldhaubitze or Feldkanone) which featured a lighter field piece, also on an obsolete tank chassis. Collectively these SP infantry support weapons were called Panzerartillerie (armoured artillery) and the type of vehicle so produced was known as a Geschiitze-wagen (motor-gun).

The need for a specialised type of vehicle to engage enemy tanks was foreseen in 1939 when an ex-Czech 4.7cm anti-tank gun was mounted on the chassis of the PzKpfw I light tank in place of the turret. This early conversion saw successful service in the May 1940 invasion of France and Flanders. The type of vehicle so produced was classified as a Panzer-jiiger (tank hunter). The invasion of Russia in June 1941 brought German armour into contact for the first time-victoriously at first- with really large numbers of tanks. In late 1941 excellent new Soviet tanks (the T-34 and KV) were encountered and showed the need for large and urgent provision of vehicles of the Panzerjiiger type. With production and design facilities already stretched, the only quick way to do this was to copy the earlier idea and mount anti-tank guns on obsolescent tank chassis.

The most powerful anti-tank gun available at ths time was the Russian 7.62cm weapon, captured in large numbers by the Germans in the early

3

stages of the invasion. This type of gun was adapted to fit older tank chassis of the PzKpfw II and ex-Czech PzKpfw 38(t) type. The PzKpfw l Is were available from Ausf D and E vehicles, some of which had been used as flame-throwers. Work started on the new vehicles in December 1941 , Alkett converting the PzKpfw Jls while Bohmisch-Mahrische of Prague were responsible for the PzKpfw 38(t) adaptations. Guns and mounts were adapted by Rheinmetall-Borsig. These vehicles, Sd Kfz 131 ' and 132 respectively were subsequently better known as the Marder II (Marder= Marten). Plans were made to make a similar utilisation of the German 5cm Pak 38 gun, but this was dropped in favour of the more powerful 7.5cm Pak 40 which was comparable to the Russian gun. In mid-1942 this gun appeared in a more elaborate conversion (also Sd K fz 131) on the later model PzKpfw II chassis. The capture of much French equip-ment in 1940 led to a similar conversion for the so-called (by the Germans) Lorraine Schlepper in 1942, the firm of Becker adding Pak 40 guns and superstructure to make the Sd Kfz 135, better known as the Marder J.

Of necessity these Panzerjiiger conversions were hasty, crude, and make-shift and from the outset they were regarded as stop-gaps while purpose-built vehicles were developed . High silhouettes, thin armour, poor crew protection, low speed, and instability were recognised defects. Improved models based on the PzKpfw 38(t) chassis were the Sd Kfz l 38 and 139, the Marder Ill . They had better armour disposition but still utilised the tank chassis virtually unchanged. Meanwhile work was undertaken on the basic PzKpfw 38(t) chassis to make it more suitable for the SP role. The rear engine was moved to the middle allowing a larger fighting compart-ment to be built at the rear and a lower silhouette. Vehicles, also designated Marder III (later Marder 38[t]), appeared utilising this chassis in 1943; one of these is shown in the picture on page 1. This was the last of the very important Marder family, for its successor, in 1944, was the Hetzer, a fully armoured low silhouette vehicle purpose-built for the anti-tank role. The new type of anti-tank vehicle introduced the final classification, the Jagdpan zer ('tank destroyer'), a type intended to supersede the Panzerjiiger, even though this aim was never realised by this late stage of the war. At this stage the classification of anti-tank vehicles by type became more com-plicated and terminology was changed by the Germans. Some types which were originally designated as Panzerjiiger (eg, the Elefant) were already fully armoured and were redesignated Jagdpanzer, into which category the fully armoured assault guns (Sturmgeschutze) were also placed. Then at the beginning of 1945 there was a further change. All the fully armoured vehicles with a ' tank destroyer' capability were now redesignated as Panzerjiiger while the erstwhile (and by now obsolescent) Panzerjiiger of the Marder type were recategorized as Pak (Sf) or 'anti-tank carriages'. Here, however, we are concerned with the Panzerjiiger as originally designated, and the other types of self-propelled equipment mentioned will be dealt with separately class by class. In addition to the Panzerjiigers of the Marder type there were a number of less well-armed vehicles, mainly based on captured infantry carriers, which had lighter guns. These were ma inly used for police work, home defence, or patrol work in occupied countries. All are shown here. A small number of Panzerjiiger with heavier calibre guns were produced (notably the Rhinocerous and Elefant) and there was a new generation of Panzerjiigerkanone under development in 1945 again based on improved versions of the ubiquitous PzKpfw 38 chassis. These are also included here to complete the record.

Tactically the basic unit for Panzerjiiger deployment was the company which was subdivided into platoons. Due to their vulnerability it was usual to protect the flanks or rear of a Panzerjiiger company with infantry, tanks, or towed anti-tank guns. On the offensive Panzerjiigers were used

4

ABOVE: An exotically marked Panzerjager 38(t) mit 7.Scm Pak 46/3, Marder Il l (Marder 38(t) ). This particular vehicle was captured at Villa Grande, Oriana, Italy, by the 8th Indian Division, 8th Army, on December 20, 1943. It was crudely marked with the British air recognition sign and the 8th Indian Division formation sign and was used in action by its

captors, 1st Bn. Royal Fusiliers.

to follow up an attack rather than lead and they protected against break-throughs by enemy tanks or picked off retreating stragglers. Platoons or companies usually fired en masse for maximum effect directed by radio by the company commander, individual platoons engaging different targets as necessary. On the defensive, Panzerjiiger were kept concealed (but not dug in) as much as possible, and were held as mobile reserve to guard against breakthroughs by enemy tanks. File, line, or arrowhead deploy-ment was used. In the last year of the war, attack from the air became a major added limitation to the employment of Panzerjiiger in the field , these open vehicles being particularly vulnerable to strafing. Infantry, motorised infantry, and (later) Volksgrenadier (home guard) divisions all had Panzerjiiger companies, and they were also found in armoured divi-sions before being displaced by Jagdpanzers. Heavier vehicles like the Rhinocerous and Elefant were found in GHQ companies.

Despite their tactical limitations Panzerjiiger offered a good temporary solution to the problems of firepower and movement in the anti-tank role and played a major part in German armoured warfare operations in the second world war.

5

4.7cm Pak(t) Sfl auf PzKpfw I Ausf B (Panzerjager I fuer 4.7cm Pak(t)) (Sd Kfz 101)

Introduced in 1940, this was the earliest piece of self-propelled anli-tank equipment in German service. It was used in France in May 1940 and later in North Africa and Russia. Based on a turretless PzKpfw I Aus/ B tank (by then obsolescent) the vehicle had a captured Czech 4.7cm L/43 anti-tank gun in a three-sided shield with limited traverse. Total of 132 were converted by Alkett. Below is shown one of these vehicles in the Western Desert in 1942 with the symbol of 21st Pz Div. just visible on the nose. (Top. IWM-MH7806). A few vehicles of this type had a French

instead of Czech gun.

6

3.7cm Pak 35/36 auf Infanterie Schlepper UE(f) Very many French tanks and other AFVs were captured when France was invaded in 1940. Many were stored or utilised in their original form. In 1941 however, some UE Infantry Carriers were converted to SP units by the addition of Pak 35 or 36 3.7cm guns (top, 1WM-MH7813). Most were used in France but some found their way to the Russian Front where the vehicle below was pictured in July 1942. Note domed head covers for the

driver and commander.

3.7cm Pak 35/36 auf Sfl Bren(e) This 194041 conversion was a conlemporary of the similar equipment based on the French UE carrier (previous page). Infantry carriers of various models were capt ured from the British in large numbers in May 1940. All conversions had the same designation. Top (IWM-MH6920) and right (IWM-MH7831) is a Universal carrier, while be-low (IWH-MH7832) is a Scout carrier with its open left side boarded in lo form a fighting

compartment.

8

7.62cm Pak 36(r) auf PzKpfw II Ausf D und E (Pz SO II fuer 7.62cm Pak 36(r) 'Marder II') (Sd Kfz 132) (7.62cm Pak(r)

auf Fahrgestell PzKpfw II (Sf) ) Produced in early 1942 and based on the PzKpfw II model D and E the notable feature of this vehicle was the Fama sus-pension and its peculiar superstructure. Normal practice was to mount th e gun in the front plate and extend the superstructure sides around to completely obscure the crew and internal features from view. With this version the original superstructure and turret was removed and replaced by an armoured superstructure that extended the whole length of the vehicle. This structure was not constructed to the fire height of th e gun, the gun itself being mounted in a small armour shield above this superstructure. This vehicle was armed with the Russian

7.62cm gun. model FK 296 or FK 297 of which quantities had been captured during the early fighting in Russia. Early vehicles (top, A xel Ducker!) had the unaltered Russian gun without a muzzle brake. Subsequently the gun was filled with a muzzle brake and rechambered to take the Pak 40 round (left, IWM-MJ-17816) (below, IWM-MH7835). For rear view see page 3. 185 vehicles were converted. A few vehicles had the 7.5cm Pak 40 gun, the

shields being vertical with rounded tops.

7.Scm Pak 40/2 auf Sil II, 'Marder II' (Sd Kfz 131) (Pz.Jag II Ausf A, C, und F fuer 7.Scm Pak 40/2 L/46)

Prototypes of this equipment were first tested with the 5cm Pak 38 which proved unsuitable and the 7.5cm Pak 40/2 was fitted instead, the equipment entering production in the middle of 1942. The tracked mount used for this conversion was the Panzerkampwagen II Model A, C, and F series 011 which the engine was moved and the 7.5cm gun which retained its original shield, recoil system, traversing and elevating gears, was mounted on a platform high on the hull to fire forward. A protective shield JOmm thick which sloped to the rear was fitted. A total of 1,217 were built and this was the most widely used of SP gun types at the time. Upper picture (Bellona-Warpics) shows a brand new vehicle in dark yellow while lower picture (IWM-MH7744) shows a new vehicle complete with 'regulation'

weight and data panels on the side.

10

ABOVE: Another Marder II complete with battery number and with gun bracket clamp in position. Note that crew (from an infantry division) wear normal service dress, not com-bination suits. RIGHT: A front view of a Marder II with gun clamp folded down (IWM-

MH7773).

11

PzJiig 38 fuer 7.62cm Pak 36(r) 'Marder Ill' (Sd Kfz 139) Contemporary with the first Marder II (page 9), this vehicle was a similar conversion, again utilising the rechambered captured Russian 7.62cm gun, this time mounted on the chassis of the PzKpfw 38(t) with the original turret removed and low side plating added. Conversion work started in March 1942 on what was essentially a simple and hasty attempt to get a powerful SP anti-tank gun into service. For a clear idea of the simple nature of the conversion see drawing on page 17. Top (Bellona-Warpics), vehicle being loaded for rail transport. Below (IWM-MH7772) new vehicle with

shipping data panel.

12

PzJag 38(t) 'Marder Ill' (Sd Kfz 138) (7.Scm Pak 40/3 auf Sil 38(t) Ausf H)

This vehicle was in the same class as that shown opposite but with the new G erman Pak 40/3 gun in.stead of the Russian gun. However, the shield of the Pak 40 was incorporated in the mounting an.cl the super-

structure was simpler and bigger. 418 were built .

RIGHT: Front view (IWM-MH7790) shows how shield fits within super-structure. This vehicle was widely used in No r th Africa, 1 ta l y, and Russia. Note original t an k machine gun

remains.

13

PzJag 38(t) mit 7.Scm Pak 40/3 'Marder ID' (Sd Kfz 138) Marder 38(t) This was the most refined of the SP anti-tank equipment produced on the PzKpfw 38(t) chassis. In this case the chassis was actually built for the purpose with the original rear engine moved forward to the centre of the hull. The rear end of the chassis then allowed for a much more spacious fighting compartment. See drawing on page 17 and picture on page 1. 800 of these important and widely used vehicles were built by BMM, Prague. TOP: Late model with Zimmerit finish (ECA-CTT3451). BELOW:

Standard model.

14

12.Scm K.40 auf Versuchsfahrgestell (VK.3001) (Panzerjager 12.8cm Kanone Sf VK.3001 (H))

This vehicle was built on the chassis of the Henschel prototype, a tank in the 30 ton, class which was built in late 1941, the forerunner of the Tiger tank. This type was superseded by a later design and two of the four chassis completed were converted as experimental self propelled mounts for the 12.Bcm K. 40 to test its feasibility against fortifications and as an anti-tank weapon against heavily armoured tanks. The two converted vehicles were lengthened and fitt ed with an open-top lightly armoured superstructure. They were put into service in Russia during 1942. One of them (above) was captured in 1943- note missing road wheels. BELOW: Factory view shows rear enlrance, interleaved suspension, and gun at

maximum depression.

15

orn

Panzerjager 12 .8cm Kanone Sf VK. 300l(H)

7.62cm Pak 36(r) auf PzKpfw II Ausf D/E (Marder II)

D

8 .8cm l'ak 43/l L/71 auf Fgst Pz Kpfw 111/IV(Sf) (Nashorn)

A . . l :76 scale o' s' 10' t/=:m....,mm:=:::JMM,._c:=~' ............. , 3.7cm Pak 35/36 auf lnfanterie Schlepper UE(f) l=:::=====-----111e======------ M

Comparative views of representative Pan zerjiiger m odels dra wn to constant scale.

16

t

l

"' ...

A company of Marder 38(t) vehicles on the roadside in Russia. These are from a panzer division and the crews wear th e field grey panzer com-

bination suit (IWM-MH9036).

30'

"'

ARMOUR ANGUS

RIGHT: By contrast the first version of the Marder Ill had a simple shield . added to the basic PzKpfw 38(t) tank ch ass is which had a rear-mounted engine. A cruciform was fitted to take the weight of the mounting, and new flat plates re-placed the original engine covers (US

Official).

_ __,_ __ .,. ,,..,__...,,~_,,___,,.

,.

17

LEFT: The hull and super-structure of the Marder 38(t), most refined of the Marder series which had the engine moved to the centre and a re-shaped hull front (US Official).

, .. -1-,...;.,,c.------10

4.7cm Pak 181 /183(f) auf PzJlig Lorraine Scblepper(f)

This vehicle, above (IWM-MH7810) and left (IWM-MH7820) was produced in small numbers by mounting a French 4.7cm anti-tank gun (either of two models) on the basic Lorraine carrier chassis. It was used only for local defence

by units in France.

7.5 cm Pak 40/l auf GW Lorraine Scblepper (f) (Panzerjliger fuer 7.5cm Pak 40/1 (SF) Lorraine Scblepper (f)

'Marder I' (Sd Kfz J 35)) The Lorraine Schlepper with its capacious rear cargo space was used for several self-propelled vehicles. With a Pak 40 it was known as the Marder I.

18

ABOVE: The very open and unprotected nature of the Marder I is apparent in this view of vehicle taking part in anti-invasion exercises

in France in early 1944 (Bellona-Warpics).

4.7cm Pak(t) auf PzKpfw 35 R(f) 4.7cm Pak(t) auf Pz.Jag Renault R 3S(f)

This vehicle was produced in 1943 to augment rhe armoured strength of the divisions defend-ing France from an Allied landing. It consisted of rhe well tried Czech 4.7cm gun on the chassis of a capllired R enault 35 tank . A completely new superstructure was added to the hull top.

See also page 29.

19

7.Scm Pak 40 auf GW 39 H(f) This vehicle was another type produced from stockpiled captured French tanks and built in 1943 for defence in France. A total of 72 vehicles was earmarked for conversion but 011/y about 24 were completed i11 this fo rm with th e Pak 40. Like other conversions of French tanh a large superstructure was simply added on top of the hull. V ehicle shown above is driving past Marshal Rommel 011 anti-invasion exercises

early in 1944.

Not e the netting added to the front shield for attachment of local foliage.

20

' I r

7.Scm Pak 40 auf GW FCM(f) Y et another extemporised French type, this vehicle was the FCM tank with its turret replaced with the characteristic superstructure and the Pak 40.

Only ten were built (IWM-MH6927).

Borgward Pz SH IA filer Scm Pak 38 L/60 Based on the Borgward ammunition carrier VK 301 , two prototypes were converted to mount the Scm Pak during 1941. Th e project was dropped, the weapon proving inadequate, and heavier vehicles with 7 .62cm guns

were developed instead. This vehicle had a crew of three.

21

7.Scm Pak 40/1 auf RSO (Sfl) (Raupen. Sehl. Ost fur 7.Scm Pak 40)

This was built 011 the chassis of the tracked load carrier Raupe11 Schlepper Ost a fully tracked vehicle that had been designed for use in Russia. 83 of th ese vehicles were converted to self propelled mounts during 1944. Weight of the vehicle was 4.5 to11s a11d th e crew numbered four. ABOVE: Vehicle cleared for action . Note normal gunshield as used on field versio11 of gun. BELOW: One of the prototype vehicles showing tilt and fo lding sides

which serve to hide true nature of the vehicle.

22

8.8cm Pak 43/1 L/71, auf Fgst PzKpfw UI/IV (Sf) (Sd Kfz 164) (8.8cm Pak 43/1 L/71 auf GW Ill /IV)

(Panzerjliger 111/IV Nashorn friiher Hornisse) Introduced into service in November 1942, this equipment consisted of a modified Pz Kpfw IV chassis with the engine moved forward and installed directly behind the transmission, to provide a clear space fo r the fighting compartment at the rear. Th e gun, a 8.Bcm Pak was mounted over the engine, and both gun mount and crew were protected against small arms fire by a high open-topped superstructure of thin armour plate, 30mm at the front 20mm at the sides. Transmission and drive were the same as used on the PzKpfw III . Note spare wheel stowage on vehicle abo ve (TWM-MH12160). V ehicle was originally named Hornisse (Hornet) and was later

called the Nashorn (Rhinocerous).

23

ABOVE: A well camou-flaged H om e/ on th e Russian Front . N ote the 'k ill' bands 0 11 th e gun barrel and th e folded barrel clam p. L EFT: Close view of a new H om e/ sh owing barrel clamp in position . Th e Hornet was not wholly successful , being too lightly armoured for the tan.k destroyer role and with poor cross-country performance; superior range was its main asset

(IWM-MH7802).

OPPOSITE PAGE: 7.Scm Pak 40/3 auf Sfl 38(1) Ausf H (P1Jii~ 38(1) Marder Ill) which was in action at Fondo11k , Tunis, in April 1943 when. captured by Allied 1st Army units. It displays both divisional and tacl ical

signs.

OPPOSITE, BOTTOM: By contrast, and drawn to the same scale is a 7.Scm Pak 40/ I auf GW 'Lorraine Schlepper' (f), Marder I, which was based on the cap111red French carrier. Th e particular vehicle sh own was captured by men of the US JO/st Airborne Division on D-Day, Jun e 6, 1944, th e vehicle being on patrol in the vicinity of the landing zone at th e

time.

24

Name 'Lotte ' painted in small letters high on right front of gun shield.

25

PzJlig Tiger (P) Ferdinand fuer 8.8cm Pak 43/2 oder StuK 43/l (8.8cm Pak 43/2 L/71 auf PzJlig Tiger (P) Elefant friiher Ferdinand)

(Jligdpanzer Elefant fuer 8.8cm Pak 43/2 L/71 (Sd Kfz 184)) This equipment was a conversion of the VK 4501(P), the Porsche Tiger built to compete with the VK 4501(H) Henschel Tiger. Production of the Porsche Tiger had beg11n and 90 were building before the result of the trials, in which the H enschel design was chosen for service. It was decided to convert the Porsche Tiger chassis to a self-propelled mount for the 8.Bcm Pak 43. Called at first Ferdinand in hono11r of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche,

the designer, the name was later changed to Elefant. The vehicle had a driving compartment where the driver and wireless operator were situated, a central engine compartment with two parallel Maybach engines of 300 hp each and th e fighting compartment at the rear where the commander, gunner and two loaders were situated. 111 th e transmission compartment were two electric motors-011e for each driving

sprocket. TOP: Early model captured in the Kiirsk offensive.

26

The fixed turret had inclined side plates of varying thickness 95mm-85mm. The thickness of the front turret armour was 200mm the roof thickness being 45mm. The mantlet plate of the gun was 1 JOmm thick. The Elefant had 6 hatches, of which two were situated in the driving compartment, three in the turret, and one of BOcm in diameter in the rear inclined plate of the turret, the purpose of which was for installing the gun and for ejecting spent cartridges. As a result of their disastrous first action in the Kursk offensive, a hull machine gun was fitted in reworked models. A new commander's cupola was also fitted. Jn 1944 the few survivors were sent to the Italian front, being too vulnerable for use on the Russian front. OPPOSITE AND ABOVE: Original production model. BELOW: Re-worked vehicle with hull machine gun and Zimmerit finish. Latterly these heavy

vehicles were re-classified from Panzerjiiger to Jagdpanzer.

27

ABOVE: Two views of the Ferdinand contrasts its original and later appearance. At top is a new vehicle as it took part in the Kursk Offensive at Orel in July 1943. Below it is a reworked vehicle with cupola, hull machine gun, and Zimmerit finish as operating in Italy (by then known as th e Elefant) in late 1944. BELOW: Th e ultimate in th e Panzerjiiger idea was a Panzerjiigerkanone or Waffentrager (weapons carrier) series produced in prototype form in 1944-45. Th ese were based 011 th e PzKpfw 38(d), a Germa11 (d = Deutsch/and) development of the 38(t) chassis. Th e 8.Scm Pak 43/3 auf PzJiig 38(t) was an experimental prototype. OPPOSITE: Th e 8.8cm Pak 43/3 auf Sfl 38(d) was a Krupp/Steyr prototype with modified suspension adapted from th e Raupenschlepper Ost (IWM-

HU4244) .

28

ABOVE: Typical of the extemporised self-propelled anti-tank gun equip-m ent in service with the 'German Army in 1944, the 4.7cm Pak(t) auf PzKpfw 34R(f) consisted of a Czechoslovakian gun on the hull of a captured French R enault R.35 tank. This particular vehicle was from a unit in the

Normandy area prior to the D-Day landings.

The other Panzerjiigerkanone prototype was the 8.8cm Pjk 43 L/71 auf Sfl 38(d) which was built by Rheinmetal/-Borsig/Ardelt. Note the open-topped but low silhouette fighting compartment. In foreground is a Funklenpanzer BTV Ausf C radio controlled demolition vehicle (IWM-

BU 11841).

i

L-i-__.~~~~~___J__....~-----L-L~-~4900--

Shown here are two Panzerjiiger projects which were being s/llc/ied in 1945 when the war ended. ABOVE: Panzerjiiger 38(t) was to have a 7.5cm KwK 42 L/70 gun on the same chassis as the Marder Ill. BELOW: Panzerjiiger lV was to have a 8.8cm Pak 43/3 L /71 as a possible replacement for the Nashorn. Both vehicles were open-topped. The dimensions are in milli-metres. A third project was for a Panzerjiiger Panther (on the PzKpfw V chassis) and would have had a 12.8cm Pak 80 gun. Superstructure was

similar to the Panzerjiiger IV.

L,7.0---l-~------5780 ---------.; 30

w

ORD. DESIG.

Sd. Kfz 101

TYPE

47cm Pak(t) L/43 auf PzKpfw I Ausf B ( Pzjiiger I) 3 7cm Pak 35/36 auf Inf. Sch. U/ E(f)

Sd . Kfz 7 62cm Pak 36( r) 132 auf PzKpfw II Ausf

D/E (Marder II) Sd. Kfz

131 Sd. Kfz

139

7 5cm Pak 40/2 auf Sfl II (Marder II) Pzjiig 38( t) fuer 7.62cm Pak 36( r) (Marder Ill)

Sd . Kfz PzJag 38( t) fuer 138 7 5cm Pak 40/3

(Marder Ill) Sd . Kfz Pzjiig 38(t) fuer

138 7 5cm Pak 40/3 (Marder Ill)

Sd. Kfz 7 5cm Pak 40/1 135 auf GW Lorraine

5chlepper( f) (Marder I) 4 7cm Pak(t) auf PzKpfw 35 R( f) ( Pzjiig Renault R35)

Sd. Kfz 8 8cm Pak 43/1 auf 164 Fg.st. PzK pfw 111 /IV

( Pzjiig 111 /IV, Ho rnisse) Pzjiig Tiger( P)

Sd. Kfz Ferdinand fuer 184 78cm Pak 43/2

( jagdpanzer Elefant)

BASIC SPECIFICATIONS PRINCIPAL PANZERJAGER TYPES ARMOUR

ARMAMENT Max./Min. (mm)

Length Width Height

ft. in. 1 x 4 7cm 15/6 19 Pak L/43

ft. in. 8 3

ft . in. ENGINE

HP 7 0 Maybach

NL38TR

1 x 37cm 9( max) 5 10 Renault Pak 35 or 36

I x 7 .62cm Pak 36(T)

1 x 7 5cm Pak 40/2 1 x 7.62cm Pak 36( r)

1 x 75cm Pak40/3

1 x 7 5cm Pak40/3

1 x 75cm Pak 40/1

1 x 47cm Pak L/43

1 x BBcm Pak43/1 L/71

1 x BBcm Pak 43/2 L/71

15-30 14 6 8 2

15-30 15 3 7 4 (max) ( excl.gun) 52/8 21 q 7

52/8 21 0 7 (approx)

20 / 8 15 St 7

12/ s 15 7 6 2 ( excl.gun)

40/20 13 10 2

30(max) 27 8 9 8

200/30 26 8 11

4 cyl 38

Maybach 170

Maybach 140

8 2 Praga EPA 125

8 0 Praga EPA ( app.) 125

7 8 Praga EPA 12S

7 3 Delahaye 80

4 Renault 82

8 Mavbach 300

9 10 2x Maybach HL120

530

Max. Speed (mph)

26

12

28

30

26

26

24 t

21

8

24

12 t

Range (miles)

70-95

39

124

87-113

87-113

60-90

55-84

124

5S-9S

Crew Weight (tons)

REMARKS

6 Mainly used by an t i- tank com panies of infan try di visions.

3/4 2 Second line t ype mainl y for patro l and local defence. Similar but less numer-ou s convers ion was carried out on ex-British Carriers.

4

4

4

4

4

4

3/4

6

11 5

11 8

10 8

Vehicle with ca ptured Ru ss ia n gun. Unmodified guns lacked muzzle-brakes ; re-chambered guns had mu zzle-brakes. Some vehicles had Pak 40. Major type, used by anti-tank com-panies of motorised and pan zer divisions . Extem porised design with sim ple fit-ting of ca ptured Russian gun on basic PzK pfw 38(t) chassis. Used in Western Desert and Russia.

I 0 8 More so phisticated conversion with sim pler su perstructure and German gun.

10 5 Final Marder Ill version on re-designed chassis with engine moved forward and gun moved back. Also called Marder 38 ( t).

8 Similar conversion to Marder II and Ill but on ca ptured French chassis. Used by troo ps in France. Similar conversion had 4 7cm gun .

10.S Ty pical of conversions on ex- French chassis. Similar types on Hotchkiss and FCM tank chassis.

26 5 Chassis made from com ponents of both PzK pfw II and IV. Lightly armoured and poor cross-country ability.

65 Originally Panzerjager but re-classified as Jagd panzer in 1944. Re-worked wi t h hull MG and cupola.

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ABOVE: A fin e view of a grey painted Pz Sfl JI fuer 7.62cm Pak 36(r), 'Marder II' in Paris in 1943. Th e high superstructure and Christie-type suspension made this vehicle quite distinctive . Pak 36(r) was a captured

Russian gun adapted to fire G erman Pak 40 ammunition.

WEHRMACHT ILLUSTRATED

This is a dramatic series of books which , collectively, give a vivid pictorial cover-age of the German Army, and military operations in the Second World War, 1939-45. Each book deals with a specific aspect or subject, covering equipment, uniforms, campaigns, and the different arms of service . Collected together, part by part, they build into a fine illustrated history of the German military machine .

Already available Afrika Korps .

In preparation ' Panzer-Grenadier ', ' Panzerartillerie ', ' Fall-schirmjager', 'Invasion of France, 1940', 'Panzerkampfwagen ', and many other titles .

32

Wehrmarbt D1uis'ion.1l

$->tfillS

Almark Publications One of many interesting Almark Publications is this important volume which gives, all in their original colours. the emblems of more than I 00 of the crack German Army and Luftwaffe Division of World War 2 . This fact-packed book gives histories of each division and composition by regiments . There are eight pages in full colour. Book totals 18,000 words and 88 pages . See it at

your Almarks stockist .

Panzerjiiger in action; a Pzjiig 38(1) Marder III moves up past the blazing wreck of a Russian T-34 which it has just knocked out by a shol in the

fuel tanks. Date, August 9, 1943, somewhere in Russia.

WEHRMACHT ILLUSTRATED

A pictorial guide to German self-propel led anti-tank guns and tank hunter conversions, 1939-1945 by Peter Chamberlain and Chris Ellis

ISBN 0 85524 019 9

UK price: 0.50 / 10s.

Front cover Largest and smallest of the standardised Panzerjiiger types. The Ferdinand (later the Elefant) was converted from existing Porsche Tiger (P) chassis. Vehicle drawn is fitted with a hull machine gun, added after the first action with this type. The Ferdinand was later re-classified as a lagdpanzer. First of the Panzerjiigers was the 4.7cm Pak(/) auf PzKpfw I Ausf. B. This particular vehicle took part in the early stages of the invasion of Russia in 1941 and carries a common camouflage finish of the period.

' Wehrmacht Illustrated' is a series of books providing a pictorial record of German military operations and equipment in World War 2

ALMARK PUBLICATIONS