WEHRMACHT

ILLUSTRATED
~ a n ? e t
, . .
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 rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted by any means,
el ectronic, 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 Pz Kpfw II Aust D / E was one of the earliest
Panzerjiigers (see page 9). These 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
(Sturmhaubitze) 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
Jagdpanzer ('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 mainly 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 pl ayed 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 Pz Kpfw 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 the 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 the 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, Axel 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 convert ed. 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 German 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
Nor 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'
............. ,
3.7cm Pak 35/36 auf lnfanterie Schlepper UE(f)
l=:::=====-----111e======------ M
Comparative views of representative Panzerjiiger models drawn 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 the 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 Renault 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 the
Pak 40. Like other conversions of French tanh
a large superstructure was simply added on
top of the hull. Vehicle 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. The project was dropped,
the weapon proving inadequate, and heavier vehicles with 7.62cm guns
were developed inst ead. 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
these vehicles were converted to self propelled mounts during 1944. Weight
of the vehicle was 4.5 to11s a11d the 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 folding 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 for the fighting
compartment at the rear. The 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 Pz Kpfw III. Note spare wheel stowage on vehicle above (TWM-
MH12160). Vehicle was originally named Hornisse (Hornet) and was later
called the Nashorn (Rhinocerous).
23
ABOVE: A well camou-
flaged Hom e/ on the
Russian Front . Note the
' kill' bands 0 11 the gun
barrel and the folded
barrel clamp. LEFT:
Close view of a new
Hom e/ showing barrel
clamp in position. The
Hornet was not wholly
successful , being too
lightly armoured f or the
tan.k destroyer role and
with poor cross-country
performance; superior
range was it s main asset
(IWM-MH7802).
OPPOSITE PAGE: 7.Scm Pak 40/3 auf Sfl 38(1) Ausf H P 1 J i i ~ 38(1)
Marder Ill) which was in action at Fondo11k, Tunis, in April 1943 when.
captured by Allied 1st Army unit s. 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 shown was
captured by men of the US JO/ st Airborne Di vision on D-Day, June 6,
1944, the vehicle being on patrol in the vicinit y of the landing zone at the
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 Henschel 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 the fighting compartment at the
rear where the commander, gunner and two loaders were situated. 111 the
transmission compartment were t wo 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
the Elefant) in late 1944. BELOW: Th e ultimate in the Panzerjiiger idea
was a Panzerjiigerkanone or Waffentrager (weapons carrier) series produced
in prototype form in 1944-45. Th ese were based 011 the Pz Kpfw 38(d), a
Germa11 (d = Deutsch/and) development of the 38(t) chassis. The 8.Scm
Pak 43/3 auf PzJiig 38(t) was an experimental protot ype. OPPOSITE:
The 8.8cm Pak 43/3 auf Sfl 38(d) was a Krupp/St eyr protot ype with
modified suspension adapted from the Raupenschlepper Ost (IWM-
HU4244) .
28
ABOVE: Typical of the extemporised self-propelled anti-tank gun equip-
ment 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 Renault 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


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.
---------.;
30
w
ORD.
DESIG.
Sd. Kfz
101
TYPE
47cm Pak(t) L/43
auf PzKpfw I Ausf B
( Pzjiiger I)
37cm Pak 35/36
auf Inf. Sch. U/ E(f)
Sd. Kfz 762cm Pak 36( r)
132 auf PzKpfw II Ausf
D/E (Marder II)
Sd. Kfz
131
Sd. Kfz
139
75cm 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 75cm Pak 40/3
(Marder Ill)
Sd . Kfz Pzjiig 38(t) fuer
138 75cm Pak 40/3
(Marder Ill)
Sd. Kfz 7 5cm Pak 40/1
135 auf GW Lorraine
5chlepper( f)
(Marder I)
47cm Pak(t) auf
PzKpfw 35 R( f)
( Pzjiig Renault R35)
Sd. Kfz 88cm Pak 43/1 auf
164 Fg.st. PzKpfw 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 75cm
Pak40/3
1 x 75cm
Pak 40/1
1 x 47cm
Pak L/43
1 x B Bcm
Pak43/1
L/71
1 x B Bcm
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
24t
21
8
24
12t
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 ant i- tank companies of
infant ry di visions.
3/4 2 Second line t ype mainl y for patrol and
local defence. Similar but less numer-
ous conversion was carried out on ex-
British Carriers.
4
4
4
4
4
4
3/4
6
11 5
11 8
108
Vehicle with captured Ru ss ia n gun.
Unmodified guns lacked muzzle-brakes ;
re-chambered guns had muzzle-brakes.
Some vehicles had Pak 40.
Major type, used by anti-tank com-
panies of motorised and panzer divisions.
Extemporised design with simple fit-
ting of captured Russian gun on basic
PzKpfw 38(t) chassis. Used in Western
Desert and Russia.
I 0 8 More sophisticated conversion with
simpler superstructure and German
gun.
105 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 captured French chassis. Used
by troops in France. Similar conversion
had 47cm gun.
10.S Typical of conversions on ex- French
chassis. Similar types on Hotchkiss and
FCM tank chassis.
265 Chassis made from components of
both PzKpfw 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.
PAGE
7-8
9
10
12
13
14
18
19-20
23-24
26-27
ABOVE: A fine view of a grey paint ed Pz Sfl JI fuer 7.62cm Pak 36(r),
'Marder II' in Paris in 1943. The high superstructure and Christie-type
suspension made this vehicle quite distinctive. Pak 36(r) was a captured
Russian gun adapted to fire German 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