Panzerkampfwagen III: German Medium Tank (Album)

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. J (Special), North Africa, 1942.

 

German Panzer III during Operation Sonnenblume, April 1941. (Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-783-0150-28)

 

Captured early Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. J brought in on a British tank transporter for evaluation tests, North Africa.

 

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. J early production vehicle with 5cm L/42 gun, North Africa.

 

Damaged and abandoned PzKpfw III tanks of the 15th Panzer Division, DAK, in North Africa. Possession of the field at the end of a battle made a great deal of difference—the enemy was denied the opportunity to recover and repair equipment, which became a total loss, while many of the victor's own could be put back into commission.

 

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. G or H, 1st Company, 3rd Platoon, formerly of the 3rd Panzer Division, being unloaded in Tripoli, February 1941.

 

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. G, 1st Company, 3rd Platoon, lowered on to the dock, Tripoli.

 

PzKpfw III tanks carrying panzergrenadiers.

 

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. F or G, Afrika Korps, 1941.

 

Reloading a Panzer III.

 

Panzerkampfwagen III.

 

 

Panzerkampfwagen III, 2nd Panzer Division, passes a burning Soviet BT-7 tank.

 

Another Panzerkampfwagen III passing the same burning Soviet BT-7 as in the previous photo.

 

Wrecked and battered Panzerkampfwagen III, Belhamed sector (south of Sidi Rezegh), November 1941.

 

Panzerkampfwagen III put out of action in the Alamein fighting by Australian anti-tank gunners.

 

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. J on right and Ausf. H on left followed by many more vehicles, Russia, summer 1941.

 

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. E, France, May 1940.

 

Captured and destroyed Panzerkampfwagen III medium tanks near Sidi Rezegh. December 1941.

 

One of the 75mm armed PzKpfw III Ausf N gunfire support tanks attached to the 501st Heavy Tank Bn. of Tigers knocked out in Tunisia. This PzKpfw III model was sometimes known as the Sturmpanzer III and was designed to provide a suitable infantry support tank for the Panzergrenadier divisions.

 

Panzerkampfwagen III with additional turret armor and side skirts on the hull. It is missing at least one section of side skirt armor on the left side (another is hanging loosely) and appears to be missing some or all of the armor skirts on the right side.

 

Captured and destroyed Panzerkampfwagen III medium tanks near Sidi Rezegh. December 1941.

 

Captured and destroyed Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf G medium tanks near Sidi Rezegh. December 1941.

 

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. E or F, early production model.

 

Panzer III’s suspension arrangement.

 

Panzer III Ausf M.

 

Panzer III with crew.

 

Desert camping in a Panzer III.

 

Panzer IIIs, Tiger Is, and Panzer IVs, Kursk, 1943.

 

Panzer III on it’s side.

 

Panzerkampfwagen III crossing a stream with ten extra road wheels.

 

Photographed while entering a village, these Pz III of 11.Panzer-Division each carry a squad of infantrymen. This tactic was essential for close combat defense of the tank. They were often threatened by anti-tank teams, particularly in areas where there were many buildings.

 

Panzer III command tank "Bärenführer" from the 35th Panzer Regiment, 1943. 

 

Panzer III Ausf L.

 

Panzerkampfwagen III medium tanks cross a river somewhere in Southern Russia, 1942.

 

Panzer III at Kursk.

 

Destroyed Panzer III.

 

PzKpfw III Ausf E in Greece.

 

Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf.M (Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausf.K). 

 

Exhausted crew members taking a break on their Panzer III Ausf. H somewhere on Eastern front.

 

Panzerkampfwagen III (5 cm Kw.K. 39 L/60) (Sd.Kfz. 141/1) Ausf. J (Nr. 924).

 

PzKpfw III towing fuel trailers.

 

Burning Panzer III.

 

Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. H from Panzer Group 1 pictured on Eastern front with "447" painted on its left front mudflap. Among extra track links, fuel barrel, sack and boxes, this Panzer carries a motorcycle but lacks its gun barrel.

 

Panzer III in Southern Russia, September 1942.

 

Crew of a Panzer III resting on the roadwheels.

 

Commander and gunner of a Panzer III.

 

This Panzer III (5 cm Kw.K. 39 L/60) Ausf. L is about to cross a newly assembled bridge somewhere on Eastern front, spring or summer 1942.

 

Panzer III of the DAK w3ith a burning British lorry in the background.

 

German Panzer III and Soviet KV-1.

 

This Panzer III (5 cm Kw.K. 39 L/60) Ausf. L belongs to the Panzer-Regiment 33/9. Pz.Div. on Eastern front, 1942. The Vorpanzer (spaced armor) on the gun mantlet is missing on this one, which was common on Panzer IIIs assembled between April and August 1942.

 

Wehrmacht Panzer-Regiment 35 on railway flatbeds at the Karachev station. In the foreground is a Pz.Kpfw.  IV Ausf. E, followed by a Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. D, then a Pz.Kpfw. II and a Pz.Kpfw. III.

 

This Pz.Kpfw. III (5 cm Kw.K. 39 L/60) Ausf. L, tactical number 221, has "L-shaped" spare track links holders welded on the front superstructure.

 

A lorry-mounted 2-pdr anti-tank gun (Portee) passes a destroyed German PzKpfw III in the Western Desert, 2 June 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo E 12792)

 

 

Panzer III Ausf N.

 

An Hauptmann (on the right), probably from Panzer-Regiment 24, talking to another officer during the 1942 summer offensive, that would reach its end at Stalingrad in August.

 

The engine hatches (Motorklappen) of this Panzer III Ausf. J Tp (renamed Ausf. L) are open to cool-down the engine. It is probably part of the Deutsches Afrikakorps. All M.G.34 have been removed to protect them from dust.

 

A column of Panzer IIIs, probably part of 11. Panzer-Division, at the end of Operation Weisung 25. Belgrade, April 1941.

 

Burning Panzer III.

 

Panzer III Ausf. N.

 

This Panzer III is an hybrid with the chassis of Panzer III Ausf. J Tropen and the turret of up-gunned Panzer III Ausf. F (or earlier). According to the painted insignia used during Zitadelle, it was part of Panzer-Regiment 3 (2. Pz.Div.). At the beginning of Operation Zitadelle, this regiment was still equipped with 8 short-barrelled Panzer III (with 5 cm Kw.K. L/42).

 

A Panzerkampfwagen III als Befehlswagen Ausf. M (or N), quite hard to tell from the angle, tactical number 560, seen on Eastern front in 1943. The last Seitenschürzen plate (side skirt armor) is missing.

 

Two Panzer III maybe in September 1941, after the battle of Kiev (Kyiv), probably part of the 9. Panzer-Division. This unit played a crucial role during this battle. In the background, a Panzer III (5 cm) Ausf. J and in the foreground what seems to be an Ausf. G.

 

This Pz.Kpfw. IIII Ausf. D assembled in 1938 has been back-fitted with a Nachtmarschgerät "Notek" on its left track guard, a modification introduced starting March 1940.

 

An upgraded Panzer III (5 cm) Ausf. F or G with 5 cm Kw.K. 38 L/42 gun, widened and strengthened suspension, first return roller moved forward, larger tracks and turret stowage bin, from Pz.Rgt. 15 (11. Panzer-Division). 

 

Close view of camouflaged Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. L, missing the extra spaced armor plate on front turret, which was quite common.

 

A Panzer III allegedly from 2./Panzer-Abteilung 100, but with the marking of 17. Panzer-Division, probably seen on Eastern front circa 1941.

 

There is not much left of this Panzer III Ausf. H, tactical number 7, knocked-out on the Eastern front.

 

Advancing column of brand new Panzer III (5 cm). The leading one, chassis number 68057 stenciled on front hull, is an early Ausführung J assembled by Daimler-Benz Werk 40 probably in July or August 1941. This model is still outfitted with the 30 mm thick turret front. DB assembled 134 Panzer III Ausf. J between March and September 1941.

 

Bordführer from Deutsche Afrikakorps in the Türm of his Panzer III, wearing a Troppenhelm (tropical helmet).

 

Panzer III Ausf M.

 

Destroyed  Panzer III Ausf. N. 

 

PzKpfw III Ausf A from the 1st Tank Regiment, 1st Tank Division during fighting in Poland, September 1939. 

  

PzKpfw III Ausf G, NIIBT (Scientific Research Institute; the NIIBT proving grounds near Kubinka are now a well-known tank museum) proving grounds, August 1940. This vehicle was purchased by the Soviets in 1940 during a period of mutual cooperation between the two countries. By July 1940, the PzKpfw II was being built with a 50mm main gun, which was a surprise to the Soviets when the Germany attacked in 1941. 

 

PzKpfw III Ausf G NIIBT proving grounds, August 1940. 

 

PzKpfw III Ausf G NIIBT proving grounds, August 1940. The dual MG34 mount is visible. The Germans eliminated it in the summer of 1940. 

 

The same PzKpfw III Ausf G at the NIIBT Proving Grounds in September 1941. The number 37 indicates the caliber of the gun. 

 

PzKpfw III Ausf G NIIBT proving grounds, August 1940. 

 

PzKpfw III Ausf G NIIBT proving grounds, August 1940, showing the driver's observation device. These observation devices were installed on early models of the PzKpfw III. 

 

PzKpfw III Ausf G NIIBT proving grounds, August 1940. The smoke grenade launcher is clearly visible. 

 

PzKpfw III Ausf G smoke grenade launcher. 

 

PzKpfw III Ausf G driver's combat observation device. 

 

The PzKpfw III Ausf G observation devices were interesting to Soviet engineers. 

 

Converted PzKpfw III Ausf A. It has a new machine gun mount and a Notek light. Smoke grenade launchers would have been installed in the rear. 

 

PzKpfw III Ausf A from a training unit. The tank carries its original three-color camouflage.

 

This turret went on to initial production PzKpfw IIIs. 

 

All types of PzKpfw III from Ausf F onwards fought in North Africa. The protection of this early Ausf J with short 50mm gun has been modified to Ausf L standard with extra 20mm spaced armor on the driver’s plate and mantlet. The tank was knocked out during the battles around Alamein in 1942. 

 

PzKpfw III, North Africa. 

 

PzKpfw III, North Africa. 

 

PzKpfw III tanks of the Deutsches Afrika Korps (DAK) parade through an Italian colonial town in North Africa. 

 

A knocked out PzKpfw III on the Eastern front. 

 

PzKpfw III. 

 

PzKpfw III. 

 

Large collection of German armored vehicles captured by Soviet forces, among them StuG III Ausf. B assault guns, PzKpfw III medium tanks, PzKpfw II light tanks, and PzKpfw 35(t) light tanks. 

 

When captured by Soviet forces PzKpfw III and Sturmgeschütz were often pressed into service against their former owners. Some PzKpfw III tanks were re-armed with 76.2mm guns and others were converted by the Russians into assault guns. This Ausf J appears to be in its original condition, as are the StuG IIIs supporting it in the usual Soviet style. 

 

PzKpfw IIIs, StuG IIIs, and Tiger Is, in winter camouflage on a road in Russia. 

 

Soviet painting of German Tiger Is, PzKpfw IIIs, and other vehicles knocked out and burning after the battle of Kursk. 

 

The wreckage of a German PzKpfw III tank, blown up by British sappers to prevent it being recovered by the enemy, 6 November 1942. (Imperial War Museum E 19110) 

 

A disabled German PzKpfw III tank is blown up by the Royal Engineers to prevent it being recovered by the enemy, 31 October 1942. (Imperial War Museum E18789) 

 

Posed photograph of a German soldier surrendering to British infantry after his PzKpfw III tank was knocked out during fighting in the Western Desert, 29 October 1942. (Imperial War Museum E18655) 

 

Infantry advance in the distance, past the wreck of a German PzKpfw III tank, North Africa, October 1942. (Imperial War Museum E 18787) 

 

Panzerkampfwagen III (5 cm Kw.K. L/60) Ausf. J (Sd.Kfz. 141/1).  

 

Panzerkampfwagen III command version on a railway flat car which was the property of the PKP (Polskie Koleje Państwowe = Polish State Railways) seen after the invasion of Poland, post-Sep 1939 (note the white cross on the turret side that was an identification marking on vehicles involved in the 9inasion of Poland).

 

Panzerkampfwagen III. 

 

The crew of a Panzer III of the DAK stop for food and water. Note the jerrycans marked with white crosses, signifying that they contain water.  

 

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. J '556' with the crew from SS-Panzer-Regiment 1/1.SS-Panzergrenadier-Division “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler”, 1943.  

 

Panzerkampfwagen III (Flamm) (Sd.Kfz. 141/3). A train loaded with Panzer III from various types, including this Panzer III (Fl) showing its extra armored plates welded on front hull and glacis, giving better protection against 76.2mm anti-tank guns. 

 

Panzerkampfwagen III (5cm) (Sd.Kfz. 141) Ausf. G. Two Panzer III maybe in September 1941, after the battle of Kiev (Kyiv), probably part of the 9. Panzer-Division. This unit played a crucial role during this battle. In the background, a Panzer III (5cm) Ausf. J and in the foreground what seems to be an Ausf. G. 

 

Panzerkampfwagen III (5 cm) (Sd.Kfz. 141) Ausf. H along with Panzer II crossing a river on a barge probably on the Eastern front. 

 

Panzerkampfwagen III (5 cm) (Sd.Kfz. 141) Ausf. H from Pz.Rgt. 39 (17. Panzer-Division) on paved road in Minsk, Eastern front, summer 1941. 

 

An Offizier is talking to a Panzerleutnant during the battle of the Wolchow (Volkhov) Kessel, probably during the German counterattack. This Panzerkampfwagen III (5cm) (Sd.Kfz. 141) Ausf. J could be part of the XXXVIII. Armeekorps, early 1942.  

 

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. M. 

 

Waffen-SS troops behind a Panzerkampfwagen III somewhere in the USSR.  

 

A column of Panzerkampfwagen III. Winter 1941-42 on Eastern front. 

 

A Panzerkampfwagen III (5 cm) (Sd.Kfz. 141) Ausf. J covered with snow and probably with frozen mechanical parts. It still features a 30mm thick front turret plate. 

 

This Panzer III (5cm) Ausf. H has stopped on the side of a road somewhere on Eastern front. It has 30+30mm thick front armor (hull and driver's front plate). Only 286 Pz III Ausf. H were actually delivered, out of 759 initially ordered.  

 

Panzerkampfwagen III (5 cm) (Sd.Kfz. 141) Ausf. J. Vyazma, October 1941. 

 

The PzKpfw. III Ausf. H, designated Z.W. 39, was specifically made to be armed with the 5 cm Kw.K. L/42 in a modified turret. 

 

Panzerkampfwagen III (5cm) (Sd.Kfz. 141) Ausf. H. A group of Panzer III from unknown units have stopped to get their bearings. In the background, a PzBefWg. Ausf. H. On the left, two Panzer III (5cm) Ausf. J. 

 

A Panzer III (3.7cm) Ausf. E (or early Ausf. F) at rest during the Westfeldzug, part of the 3. Panzer-Brigade (3. Panzer-Division), Heeresgruppe B, followed by a Panzer IV (7.5cm) Ausf. D. This unit had 42 PzKpfw. III and 26 PzKpfw. IV at the start of Fall Gelb. 

 

Burning Panzer III Ausf. J.  

 

Panzerkampfwagen III (Flamm) (Sd.Kfz. 141/3) Ausf. M in action. 

 

Captured and destroyed Panzerkampfwagen III medium tanks near Sidi Rezegh. December 1941. 

 

Captured and destroyed Panzerkampfwagen IV medium tanks near Sidi Rezegh. December 1941.