German Panzers One Day Before Barbarossa

German Panzer IVs Ausf.F1 on the way to the Eastern Front, 21 June 1941. They're wearing Dunkelgrau Nr.46 camo paint. The Germans had begun massing troops near the Soviet border even before the campaign in the Balkans had finished. By the third week of February 1941, 680,000 German soldiers were gathered in assembly areas on the Romanian-Soviet border. In preparation for the attack, Hitler moved more than 3.2 million German and about 500,000 Axis soldiers to the Soviet border, launched many aerial surveillance missions over Soviet territory, and stockpiled war materiel in the East. Although the Soviet High Command was alarmed by this, Stalin's belief that the Third Reich was unlikely to attack only two years after signing the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact resulted in a slow Soviet preparation. This fact aside, the Soviets did not entirely overlook the threat of their German neighbor as well before the German invasion, Marshal Semyon Timoshenko referred to the Germans as the Soviet Union's "most important and strongest enemy" and as early as July 1940, Red Army Army Chief of Staff, Boris Shaposhnikov, produced a preliminary three-pronged plan of attack for what German invasion might look like, remarkably similar to the actual attack. Since April 1941, the Germans had begun setting up Operation Haifisch and Operation Harpune to substantiate their claims that Britain was the real target. The Germans deployed one independent regiment, one separate motorized training brigade and 153 divisions for Barbarossa, which included 104 infantry, 19 panzer and 15 motorized infantry divisions in three army groups, nine security divisions to operate in conquered territories, four divisions in Finland and two divisions as reserve under the direct control of OKH. These were equipped with about 3,350 tanks, 7,200 artillery pieces, 2,770 aircraft (that amounted to 65 percent of the Luftwaffe), about 600,000 motor vehicles and 625,000–700,000 horses. Finland slated 14 divisions for the invasion, and Romania offered 13 divisions and eight brigades over the course of Barbarossa. The entire Axis forces, 3.8 million personnel, deployed across a front extending from the Arctic Ocean southward to the Black Sea. The picture was taken by Kriegsberichter Horst Grund

Source :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_169-0861,_Panzer_IV_auf_dem_Weg_zum_Angriff.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Barbarossa
https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/335586-dunkelgrau-nr46-as-default-color-for-german-tanks/

Königstiger of sPzAbt 503 in Training

A King Tiger from the schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503 seen here training at the Ohrdruf Training Area, Germany in June 1944. The schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503 left Ohrdruf for Northern France via railway on 26 June 1944; they came into the line east of Caen in early July 1944.

Source :
http://5sswiking.tumblr.com/post/152530533492/a-king-tiger-from-the-schwere-panzer-abteilung-503

Himmler Inspecting Tiger of Das Reich

Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler examines a Tiger tank with SS-Hauptsturmführer Herbert Zimmermann (left), the commander of the 8.(schwere)Kompanie / SS-Panzer-Regiment 2 / SS-Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich", Kharkov area, Ukraine, 24 April 1943. In the hands of the Waffen-SS the Tiger will rule.

Source :
http://5sswiking.tumblr.com/post/152264370557/reichsf%C3%BChrer-ss-heinrich-himmler-examines-a-tiger

German Victory Parade in Belgrade

House of the National Assembly in Belgrade – then and now. After nine SS men from the "Reich" Division used the general confusion and formally captured the Yugoslav capital on 12 April 1941, a victory parade of the true conqueror of the city, the 1st Armoured Group, was held on 13 April at noon. In the (old) photo, tanks of the "Ghost Division" (11th Armoured Division) parade in front of their commanders: standing in the centre is Generaloberst Ewald von Kleist (commander of the armoured group), to his right is Generalmajor Ludwig Crüwell (divisional commander), and on the left, in black uniform, is Oberstleutnant Gustav-Adolf Riebel (commander of the division's Armoured Regiment). The defeat of Belgrade was also celebrated in the "Song of Armoured Group Kleist": "We were the victors of Belgrade; we defeated all resistance, and broke up with a false state!" Crüwell later fought under Rommel and after the war became chairman of the Africa Corps Veterans Association; Riebel was killed in 1942 at Stalingrad – and von Kleist ended his life in Soviet captivity, as a war criminal, in 1954. At the spot from which these three officers once proudly watched their rolling tanks – today stand the civilians, waiting for a bus.

Source :
http://bandenkampf.blogspot.co.id/2015/12/bk0120.html

A Visit of Aufklärungstruppe to Naval Facility

As is typical of all soldiers, exceptions to the more mundane aspects of the day-to-day routine were often captured on film. Scouts (men of Reconnaissance troops) pose in uniform while taking some type of maritime excursion.

Source :

Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards, Michael H. Pruett and Michael Olive

A Rest Halt along a Country Road

A rest halt along a country road for Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5 (motorisiert) / 2.Panzer-Division. The Sd.Kfz. 231 (6-Rad) is an early variant and is followed by an Sd.Kfz. 221 and Kfz. 13. Of interest is the unique prewar unit identification symbol painted on the right front fender of the Sd.Kfz. 231 (6-Rad)

Source :
Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards, Michael H. Pruett and Michael Olive

Panzers and Halftracks

The two radio antennae and the cupola identify this Panzerkampfwagen III as Befehlspanzer III Ausf.H. Note also the dummy 5cm gun on the mantle as well as the ball-mounted MG34. In the center of the photo stands a Panzerkampfwagen II (Ausf.A, B or C), while in the background are a pair of Sd.Kfz.251s.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer III Ausf.J

This fine photo clearly shows all of the main recognition features of the Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.J: later drive sprocket and idler wheel (introduced on the Ausf.H); superstructure front plate of 50mm thickness with ball-mounted MG34 and hull side extensions drilled to accept tow hooks. Note the way the mud flaps could be folded back onto the fenders and the black-out driving slits covering the conventional head-lamps. There is no Notek head-lamp mounted. There is also a white-outline Balkenkreuz national insignia on the side of the superstructure and a white tactical number ("?33") on the side of the turret.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Feldgendarmerie Directs a Panzer III

A Feldgendarm (Military Policeman) directs a Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.H to its assembly area, somewhere on the Eastern Front. The panzer is recognizable as an Ausf.H by the new style of commander's cupola fitted to the turret, as well as the configuration of the turret's rear wall. This model also featured a new transmission and final drive, which necessitated the introduction of a new drive sprocket. Note the directional signs on the post, just in front of the panzer; among the insignia displayed is that of the 7. Panzer-Division, an upright "Y". On the trees just behind the panzer can be seen the "XX" of the 6. Panzer-Division. These are both the post-1941 versions of the respective division's insignia.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer III Crossing a Small Stream

This Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.G/H fords a small stream, while pioniere troops (combat engineers) work to keep the bank in condition to support a crossing by a large number of vehicles. Note the tow cables at the ready and the spare tracks stored on the glacis plate between the two transmission cooling-air cowls. The two visors on the mantle are open and there is a Notek head-lamp on the driver’s side fender. No markings are visible in this head-on view.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer III of 2. Panzer-Division on a Parade

With the advent of the Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.H (pictured here), a new cupola was added to the turret as was a circular vent on its roof; the rear face of the turret was a continuous plate, which the cupola did not intrude upon. The 5cm KwK38 L/42 fitted within a newly-designed external mantle was standard armament for most of these panzers; note the view ports on either side of the gun as well as the armored sleeve around the co-axial MG34. A new, pivoting driver’s visor was fitted, while the hull’s bow, glacis and superstructure all have bolted-on 30mm appliqué armor plates; note how they are fitted around the MG34, driver’s visor and tow points. A Notek head-lamp is mounted on the driver’s side fender, while the conventional head-lamps do not have slotted black-out hoods fitted. The visible marking next to the driver’s visor (a yellow inverted “Y”) with a single vertical stroke) represents the 2. Panzer-Division, after 1941. There also appears to be a small white outline square on the side of the turret, towards the front.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer IIIs in a Muddy Village Street

This Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.E or F follows behind similar panzers through a mud-bound village street. There is a small tactical number (“201”) in white on a plate attached to the storage rack, and a white panzer rhomboid with a small “2”, designating this as a panzer of 2nd company’s command element. Note the configuration of the rear fender’s support for the flipped-up mud flap, and the Nazi flag on top of the stowage, used as an aerial recognition device.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer Crew with the Grave of Dead Comrades

A shirtless panzer crewman visits the grave site of three dead comrades, which have been embellished with a Panzer III cupola, a Nazi flag and some lengths of track.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

A Crewman Hands a 5cm Round to his Comrade in the Turret of a Panzer III

A crewman hands a 5cm round to his comrade in the turret of a Panzerkampfwagen III, probably an Ausf.F. A number of later Ausf.F were produced with the short 5cm KwK38 L/42, while some had this weapon retro-fitted during major overhauls. This panzer has a winter white-wash applied, but is otherwise devoid of any other special items of interest. The crewman wears the M1935 greatcoat over his uniform with his M1934 field cap perched at a jaunty angle on his head. Note the ammunition boxes leaning against the road-wheels at the bottom of the photo.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer Officer with His Camera

A panzer officer from Heer with the rank of Leutnant adjusts his folding camera while another camera records the scene. Of the millions of German soldiers who went to war, many brought their personal cameras to chronicle their Dienstzeit or military service via meticulously compiled albums or individual photos sent to family and friends. No other group of combatants has documented a war in such sheer numbers of images in an era before television, the video camera and satellite link-ups. The 127 and 120 format or more advanced 35mm still-camera was often their instrument and at times the Soldaten aimed them with the same accuracy as their Mauser rifles and Krupp cannon.

Source :
Book "New Images of Nazi Germany: a Photographic Collection" by Paul Garson

Crewmembers of an Sd.Kfz.221 Take a Breather During an Exercise

The two crewmembers of an Sd.Kfz. 221 take a breather during an exercise. These scouts are assigned to Aufklärungs-Abteilung (mot) 5 (2. Panzer-Division) as indicated by the A/5 on their shoulder straps. The scout on the viewer’s left is an NCO candidate, as indicated by the strip of silver-colored ribbon (Tresse) wrapped around his shoulder strap

Source :

Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards, Michael H. Pruett and Michael Olive

Kfz.13 of Aufklärungstruppe

Scouts were expected to perform their duties in all types of weather—not especially comfortable in winter in an open vehicle with no heater. While infantry soldiers were subjected to the same conditions, they frequently had the latitude to move about to stay warm, whereas armored personnel often spent hours in stationary positions. The lead vehicle seen here is the Kfz. 13.

Source :

Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards, Michael H. Pruett and Michael Olive

Aufklärungstruppe Getting Ready for a Parade

Given the attention being paid to their uniforms, these scouts appear to be getting ready for a parade or ceremony of some sort. These soldiers are attributed to one of the troops of Aufklärungs-Abteilung (motorisiert) 6. The lead armored car is an Sd.Kfz. 221 armed with a single machine gun in a manually traversing turret. It is followed by several Sd.Kfz. 223’s, essentially the radio version of the same vehicle, identifiable by its typical prewar and early-war frame antenna.

Source :

Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards, Michael H. Pruett and Michael Olive

A Group of Panzers in the Russian Steppe

A group of panzers rests on the Russian steppes as the commander of the lead vehicle, a Befehls Panzer III Ausf.E, takes stock of the situation. The panzers at rear are Panzer Iis, which were by this time relegated to the reconnaissance role. The Befehlspanzer is recognizable by the “Rahmenantenne” (frame antenna) on the rear of the superstructure, the plugged hull MG port and the ball-mounted single MG34 where the normally seen twin MG34s were in the gun mantle. It is then assumed that the 3.7cm KwK L/46.5 is a dummy mounting. Unlike the previous photo, this panzer has the Notek head-lamp mounted in the more conventional position on the driver’s side fender.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer III in a Ruined Surrounding

This Panzerkampfwagen III (Ausf.E or F) has the turret stowage bin fitted. It is heavily ladden with external stowage on the fenders and engine deck, where an aerial recognition flag can just be seen, directly below the crewman. Most of the panzer’s markings are obscured, but a possible number “5” can be seen on the turret bin, while a white-outline balkenkreuz national insignia can be seen on the rear plate.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer III Crossing the Pontoon Bridge

This Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.E or F carefully makes its way across a bridge constructed by an engineer bridging column; note the prefabricated appearance of the bridge’s construction. In the foreground, two soldiers take advantage of the river to refresh themselves. The panzer has appliqué armor bolted to the upper glacis as well as a plate on the superstructure front. There is also a storage bin on the turret rear wall. The way the turret reflects light makes it impossible to read what may be a tactical number on its side wall.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Three Destroyed Panzer III

This first of three photos depicting destroyed Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.Fs, shows a panzer with a heavily damaged suspension system, including broken tracks, a missing pair of front road-wheels, and a missing drive sprocket. The next photo will show how much more the vehicle was damaged. The far vehicle has suffered fire damage (as seen in the next photo), which may account for its “nose-down” attitude; intense heat could soften the torsion bars, causing the panzer to “sink” under its own weight.

This second of the three photographs depicts a total of three knocked-out Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.Fs. The panzer in the foreground appears to have fire damage on the engine deck (note the road-wheel, minus the rubber tires to the right), while the far panzer has lost its front superstructure plate.

In this final photo of the set, a group of Heeres (Army) cavalrymen pass the panzers, no doubt wondering at the demise of such formidable machines of war, while their less-glamorous steeds plod steadily onward. In this photo, a shirtless panzer crewman (note his trousers and boots) inspects the rear deck of the burned-out panzer. It is apparent that there is a rectangular patch of white paint just below the Panzerkampfwagen IIIs commander’s cupola, whose significance is not known.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer III Tauchpanzer

This Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.E of F was at one time fitted out as a “Tauchpanzer” for fully submerged operation. A number of different panzers were so converted for the aborted invasion of the United Kingdom, code-named “Operation Seelöwe” (Sealion); some were used by the 18. Panzer-Division to cross the Bug River in the initial stages of the invasion of the Soviet Union, “Operation Barbarossa”. This panzer is identified as a submersible by the flange around the rim of the turret front plate (where a canvas cover was fixed to seal the mantle area), as well as the cover on the engine air intake grills. There is a storage bin on the turret rear as well as a Notek head-lamp on the fender, both retro-fitted items. The markings on the turret side consist of a divisional insignia (upright “Y” with three horizontal strokes) in yellow and a tactical number (101), designating the panzer as belonging to the 1. Kompanie, in white. A white-outlined Balkenkreuz, with black center, is below the turret on the side of the superstructure. It was common for the insignia of Panzer-Regiment 18 to be displayed on the turret stowage bin’s rear face.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer III with Armored Cooling Vents

The Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.F introduced the small armored cooling vents for the transmission on the glacis plate, as seen here. This panzer seems to be un-marked and does not mount a Notek head-lamp, while the surrounding elements suggest that the photo was taken during the French Campaign of 1940.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer III Past a Division's HQ

A Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.E moves along a road, past a Panzer-Division’s headquarters (note the pennant on the right side of the photo, and the command pennant on the sedan parked behind the soldier at left). The panzer has a Notek black-out driving head-lamp in a most unusual position on the center of the glacis plate; normally these devices were fitted on the driver’s side fender. Note also that the soldier on guard duty at left is wearing the short ankle boots with gaiters, something not commonly seen when the Panzer III Ausf.E was a first-line panzer.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

German StuG in the Street of Vilnius

A German Wehrmacht Sturmgeschütz, or StuG (assault gun) unit rolls through the streets of Vilnius during the opening stages of Operation Barbarossa; the German invasion of the Soviet Union. Over the course of the operation, about four million soldiers of the Axis powers invaded the Soviet Union along a 2,900-kilometer (1,800 mi) front, the largest invasion force in the history of warfare. Vilnius, Vilnius County, Lithuania. June 1941.

Source :
http://bag-of-dirt.tumblr.com/post/140880392825/a-german-wehrmacht-sturmgesch%C3%BCtz-or-stug-assault

A Column of Leibstandarte Vehicles Stuck in Mud

 A column of German Tiger I heavy tanks and a MAN ML 4500 truck of the 1. SS-Panzer-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" become bogged down during the fight for Western Ukraine. Throughout October and November 1943, temperatures were hovering just above freezing, which meant sudden thaws and rain turned most roads and fields into thick, muddy quagmires that sucked in even tracked vehicles. Vinnytsia Oblast, Ukraine, Soviet Union. November 1943.

Source :
http://bag-of-dirt.tumblr.com/post/141221122000/a-column-of-german-tiger-i-heavy-tanks-and-a-man

StuH 42 and a StuG III of Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 280 in Netherlands

StuH 42 and a StuG III of Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 280 are seen driving south along Weverstraat in Oosterbeek, Netherlands on 24 September 1944.

Source :
http://5sswiking.tumblr.com/post/142759335737/stuh-42-and-a-stug-iii-of-sturmgesch%C3%BCtz-brigade

A Knocked-Out Panzer III Awaits Recovery

This pair of knocked-out Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.Es await recovery by workshop units. They appear to be the victims of either mines or large caliber artillery, as the photo indicates that a massive external explosion has ripped much of the suspension from them. They are identified as Ausf-Es by the split hatches on the turret sides. The only visible marking is a white-outlined Balkenkreuz national insignia on the panzer at right.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer III Parked in a French Town

This worn-appearing Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.E is parked on a street in a French town during the campaign of 1940; note the sign on the tree behind the panzer. Barely visible on the superstructure side, just forward of the white-outlined Balkenkreuz, is the "XX" insignia of the 9. Panzer-Division, which took part in this campaign as part of Heeresgruppe B (Army Group B). The tracks are the narrower 38cm type, with smooth faces on the links. Note the large flag attached to the rod antenna, as well as the smaller one on the bow, next to the fender.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

A Damaged Panzer III Somewhere in France

A damaged Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.E awaits a recovery unit on a road somewhere in France during the 1940 Campaign, while a German mechanized column advances. The condition of the suspension (broken track and missing front road-wheel) indicates that the panzer may have struck a mine. Note the group of French prisoners walking towards the panzer. The only visible marking is a dust-covered white-outline Balkenkreuz national insignia on the rear plate of the superstructure. The visible crew members wear a combination of M1934 black panzer uniform items and M1933 reed-green denim fatigue items.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Group Photo of Aufklärungs-Abteilung (mot.) 6

A unit photo of one of the troops of Aufklärungs-Abteilung (motorisiert) 6. Depending on the date when the image was taken, the battalion could have been l.Kompanie / Aufklärungs-Regiment 6 / 1.leichte Division.

Source :
Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards, Michael H. Pruett and Michael Olive

Musikzug of Aufklärungs-Abteilung (mot.) 4

A musical group on a unique bandstand consisting of two Sd.Kfz. 231 (8-Rad) heavy armored cars. The image is attributed to Aufklärungs-Abteilung (motorisiert) 4 / 1.Panzer-Division and was probably taken during an Armed Forces Day presentation to the general public.

Source :

Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards, Michael H. Pruett and Michael Olive

Change-of-Command Ceremony of Aufklärungs-Regiment (mot.) 7

Despite the rigorous training pace of the prewar years, as with all militaries, there was time for drill and ceremonies and pomp and circumstance. This image shows a change-of-command ceremony for a soldier later assigned to Aufklärungs-Abteilung (motorisiert) 37 / 7.Panzer-Division. The date given is 1938, which most likely makes this II.Abteilung / Aufklärungs-Regiment (motorisiert) 7 / 2.leichte Division. A pristine Sd.Kfz. 232 (Fu) (8-Rad) is on prominent display behind the color guard

Source :

Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards, Michael H. Pruett and Michael Olive

Scouts with Sd.Kfz.221 Awaits Orders to Move Out

Scouts along a line of Sd.Kfz.221’s, along with other vehicles, await orders to move out on a dreary day. This image was probably taken around 1935 or 1936, as indicated by the lack of a national insignia on the berets, as well as the “eagle” with the narrow wingspan on the officer trooping the line. Of interest is the prominent display of signal flags since these vehicle did not carry radios. The machine guns have muzzle covers to protect them from the elements; a rudimentary attempt at camouflage has been applied.

Source :

Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards, Michael H. Pruett and Michael Olive

Panzer III from 5. Panzer-Division with Its Crew

This Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.E belonging to the 5. Panzer-Division is seen during training. It belongs to the 1.Kompanie / I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 31. Note the small tactical numbers ("101") painted in yellow next to the divisional insignia (an inverted "Y" with one dot). The national insignia is in the white outline form, while the regimental insignia, a "Teufelskopf" (Devil's Head), is just visible on the front edge of the turret side. No machine guns are fitted, while the only extra stowage other than the standard vehicle items is a length of spare track across the glacis plate. The crewman wears M1933 denim work clothes (in the later and more practical "reed-green" color) along with his black M1935 Feldmütze (field cap).

A close-up of the same panzer reveals more details of the "Teufelskopf" regimental insignia, which has been depicted as being red, with white eyes and teeth. Note also the weld beads on the turret and mantle, the vision block and its splash guard, the lifting hook, the split turret side access doors and their hold-open lock.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Panzer III Cross a Rough Field during Training

A pair of Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.Es cross a rough field during a training exercise. Note especially how the panzer's torsion bar suspension easily and smoothly conforms to the broken ground. The Panzer III was the first modern main battle tank, possessing features that are still seen on tanks to this day. For instance, the turret crew had specific duties: the commander coordinated the actions of his crew and the actions of his panzer with others; the loader loaded the main weapon, while the gunner sighted and fired it. This is in contrast to other contemporary tanks where each of the turret crewmen was usually assigned more than one specific task (for instance, some French tanks had a commander who also loaded and fired the main weapon). The remainder of a Panzer III's crew (the driver and the radio operator) also had specific tasks that they performed in a combat situation. Thus, a properly trained crew could coordinate their actions to optimize their panzer's performance as an individual combat vehicle and concentrate their efforts in support of neighboring panzers.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

Stug III in the Balkan Campaign

During the early stages of the Balkan Campaign in April 1941, this Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.B was photographed in or near Thessaloniki, Greece. The Geschütz "A" belongs to the Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 190. Note the grey-colored panzer berets worn by the Sturmartillisten (Assault artillery men). Also note the 38 cm tracks and closed gunsight slot.

Source :
Achtung Panzer magazine No.5 - Stug III, Stug IV and SIG.33

Stu.Haubitze 42 in the Eastern Front

In the summer of 1944, the Soviet steamroller smashed into the Heeresgruppe Mitte, the approximate time and place of this photo. This Sturmgeschütz-Haubitze 42 (Type 42 Assault Howitzer) belongs to an unknown Sturmgeschütz Brigade.

Source :
Achtung Panzer magazine No.5 - Stug III, Stug IV and SIG.33

StuG III of Stu.Gesch.Brig.209

Winter camouflage and clothing can make it difficult to identify the unit in this photo. Still, this Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G with the Saukopf mantlet is probably of the Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 209, around the northern sector of the Heeresgruppe Mitte (Army Group Center), December 1943 - January 1944.

Source :
Achtung Panzer magazine No.5 - Stug III, Stug IV and SIG.33

Aufklärer Group Photograph

Despite the rigors of training, time is found to pose for a group photograph. The scouts in berets wear the blue HBT drill-and-work uniform authorized for armored personnel. Although commonly assumed to be a prewar item, it manufactured until late in the war, and its wear can be seen on all fronts and theaters.

Source :

Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards, Michael H. Pruett and Michael Olive

Major Hans Cramer Saluting in Sd.Kfz.247

This image shows the relatively rare initial version of the Sd.Kfz.247 armored command-and-control vehicle with a rear dual axle (only ten were built). It was later succeeded by a four-wheel version. The image shows the ceremonial entry of the forces into the new facilities at Krampnitz for the fledging motorized reconnaissance force in 1937. The officer saluting is Major Hans Cramer (last rank General der Panzertruppe), the second commander of the Kavallerie-Lehr und Versuchs-Abteilung. Of course, the design of armored cars was an issue that affected all of the major combatants. Coupled with the usual requirements of maneuverability, armor, and armament inherent in all armored-vehicle design was the necessity of speed and stealth. It proved to be a complicated equation that was never really solved satisfactorily. Give a scout too much firepower, and he is tempted to use it. Give him too little, and he may not survive even the smallest of opposition. The key to success for the armored reconnaissance soldier was foremost his speed. His mission was not to destroy the enemy, but to report on him so that the higher commander could devise a plan to destroy him with more suitable assets. As Munzel succinctly observes, “In summary, it can be said that the technical problems for mechanized reconnaissance are more difficult to solve than for the armor force. Scouting elements should move as quietly as possible, be faster than other vehicles, be capable of cross-country movement, and be able to defend themselves against superior enemy armored vehicles. Those demands did not allow themselves to be combined in a satisfactory manner at the
time.”

Source :

Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards, Michael H. Pruett and Michael Olive

Machinengewehr-Kraftfahrwagen (Kfz.13)

One of the first armored cars to see widespread service in the early reconnaissance formations of the Reichswehr and Wehrmacht was the Machinengewehr-Kraftfahrwagen, the Kfz.13, which was based on the Adler passenger car. This photograph was taken during the transition from the Reichswehr to the Wehrmacht as the personnel still wear Reichswehr-style caps while the vehicle has Wehrmacht license plates. Note the three-tone, hard-edged camouflage scheme.

Source :

 Book "Scouts Out: A History of German Armored Reconnaissance Units in World War II" by Robert Edwards, Michael H. Pruett and Michael Olive

Panzer II with the Retro-Fitted Armor

This Panzerkampfwagen II shows the retro-fitted armor arrays quite well. Note the bolt patterns on the turret face as well as the superstructure front plates, which indicate the fitting of the extra armor. The bow's shape was also changed from rounded to angular with the addition of the upper and lower glacis plates. Note the storage box fitted to the fender as well as the spare track and tow cable fixed to the glacis plate. The forward part of the Tac number on the turret, a large "3", is the only numeral completely visible. Note how the road-wheel hubs have become dust-covered, while the tires have not, as well as the mud covering the spring assemblies; the panzer is also covered in so much dust that it appears much lighter in color that it actually was!

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

The Rear of a Panzer Column

A pair of Panzerkampfwagen IIs (Ausf.A, B or C) bring up the rear of a column of panzers. The near panzer carries a black Balkenkreuz with a white outline as well as a Tac number in yellow ("312") on the rear face of the turret. It has the early split hatch for the commander as well as a large stowage locker on the right fender. Stowage includes 7.92mm ammunition boxes secured on the flat part of the engine deck.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

German Panzers in the Ardennes 1940

This pair of Panzerkampfwagen IIs (Ausf.A, B or C) break cover as they emerge from a forest. Both are fitted with extra armor plating over their curved bow sections, which as a result, are now squared-off. This extra armor was fitted as a result of experience in the Polish Campaign, where Polish anti-tank rifle fire was often quite intense. The lead vehicle is fitted with the original split hatch for the commander, while the only marking visible is a white-outline Balkenkreuz.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto

StuG III of 24. Panzer-Division

A Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G driving to a training range in northern France, July/August 1943. The 24. Panzer-Division, to which this StuG III belongs, was re-equipped after the destruction at Stalingrad. From then on (until October 1944), the Panzer-Regiment 24 had only the III.Abteilung (3rd Battalion). The Sturmgeschützen were delivered to the 9. and 11. Kompanie (company). See "Sturmgeschütz III in Action", page 34. It shows another StuG III from the same unit at the same period.

Source :
Achtung Panzer magazine No.5 - Stug III, Stug IV and SIG.33