Panzers on the Russian Steppe

A pair of Panzerkampfwagen IIIs (probably Ausf.Js) flank a Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.G or H. as seen through the view port of an accompanying AFV. All of these panzers have turret and hull “Schurzen” armor skirts, which were designed to protect their thinner sides from Soviet anti-tank rifle fire. Note the tactical number, "560" on the turret Schurzen of the Pz.Kpfw.lll at left, and what may be a periscope projecting from the roof of the Pz.Kpfw.lIl at right. If this is so, the panzer is probably a Beobachtungspanzerwagen (armored artillery observation vehicle).

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

A Column of Panzer III

A column of Panzerkampfwagen IIIs is led by a pair of Ausf.Js or Ls. At a distance, and without the benefit of viewing certain features, or knowing the chassis numbers, it is nearly impossible to accurately determine which of these two models are being viewed. There were Ausf.Js built with the short 5cm KwK38 L/42, which were then retrofitted with the L/60 version of the gun; some were originally built with the L/60 gun. Furthermore, early Ausf.Ls had the hull side escape hatch; later production models did not. This could blur the distinction between the two models. If they could be viewed, the engine deck vent cowls could easily differentiate an Ausf.J from an Ausf.L. On the Ausf.J they ran side-to-side, while on the Ausf.L they ran fore-to-aft.

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

Panzer III of 13. Panzer-Division in the Kuban Area

Maykop, Kuban, August 1942: This Panzerkampfwagen III (Ausf.J or L) of 13. Panzer-Division stands ready for action, with its long L/60 main gun at the 12 o'clock position. Note the escape hatch on the side of the hull; there was one on each side, primarily for the use of the driver and the radio operator in emergencies. Later Ausf.Ls dispensed with this feature entirely. This panzer is also fitted with the spaced-armor panels.

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

Ritterkreuzträger Georg Grüner

Georg Grüner joined as a cadet in the Panzer Regiment 1 in 1936. On 1 September 1938 he was promoted to Leutnant and Zugführer in Panzer-Abteilung 33. With this unit he participated in the Polish campaign. Then he came in the 1st Company of the Panzer-Regiment 33, with whom he joined the Western campaign. From June 1941 he fought in Russia, where he was awarded the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on 18 October 1941. For his outstanding work as a platoon leader in the Kursk area, he was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 25 November 1941 as Chief of the 1st Company. Subsequently, he was promoted to Hauptmann and a short time later seriously wounded in the battlefield. After his recovery, he was given the job as the commander of I.Abteilung / Panzer-Regiment 2 in March 1943, which was repositioned in France after its destruction in Stalingrad. Subsequently, it was used in Italy. At the end of November 1943, the regiment came to the eastern front. In forming a bridgehead over the Gornyi-Tikitsch at Cherkassy in February 1944, he was particularly distinguished. On 11 March 1944, he died in these operations. Posthumously he was awarded the Eichenlaub to his Ritterkreuz on 26 March 1944, and promoted to Major.

Source :
https://ritterkreuztraeger.blogspot.com/2019/01/georg-gruner-in-hoffmann-postcard.html

Panzer IIIs Relax on the Russian Steppes

A company-sized detachment of Panzerkampfwagen IIIs (Ausf.J or L) relax on the steppes of the Soviet Union. Some, such as the second panzer from the left, have applique spaced-armor arrays (although it only has the frame for the array on the mantle), while others do not.

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

Panzer III at Terek River Front

German forces from Heeresgruppe Süd operating at Terek River, Caucasus, Soviet Union, September-November 1942. This Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.J or L has the frame for additional spaced armor on the mantle, but the armor itself has not been fitted, due to production shortfalls. That on the superstructure front has been fitted. This particular panzer is unique in that it has what appear to be either S-mine or smoke dischargers mounted on each fender, just behind the mud flaps. There also seems to be a third discharger mounted just forward of the rod antenna.

Source :
Book "Panzer Vor: German Armor At War 1939-45" by Frank V. De Sisto
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-second-world-war-terek-river-front-caucasus-september-november-1942-37029502.html