This pair of Panzerkampfwagen IIs (Ausf.A, B or C) leads a column of German armor along a road. They are followed by a Panzerkampfwagen I and Panzerkampfwagen III, and are accompanied by infantrymen who are moving along the shoulder of the road. Both Panzer IIs have the modifications introduced due to experience reports from the Polish and French campaigns. These include bolted-on armor on the turret fronts, superstructure fronts and a spaced-armor array covering the originally-rounded bow with angled plates. There was also a new circular commander's cupola with periscope vision blocks that replaced the original split-hatch design; note the head protection pad on the opened hatch lid. The armor addressed the problems encountered by enemy use of anti-tank rifles, while the cupola enhanced the vision of the commander when the panzer was buttoned-up. With the modifications shown, the panzer should also have been fitted with the Notek black-out driving system; in this case it has not . The markings, "6L..." (in yellow) do not conform to normal practice, but were used by the 4. Panzer-Division to designate "leichter" (light) tank companies. However, it appears that the divisional insignia on the superstructure front plate has been obscured. Note how the Balkenkreuz national insignia (with white outline) on the superstructure side, carries over to the radio antenna's protective storage trough.
Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto
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