SdKfz 101 Panzerkampfwagen I (PzKpfW I)

The Panzer I began the long illustrious line of successful fast-moving tanks common with the German blitzkrieg.

By today's standards the Panzer I series of tanks could be viewed as nothing more than an anti-infantry tank system. In 1935, however, the Panzer I was the spear tip of Hitler's blitzkrieg operations throughout Europe. The system first appeared and took part in the Spanish Civil War and then later in the invasions of Poland and France. By 1941 however, the Panzer I was already being superceded by more potent Panzer designs thanks in large part to the changing battlefield and in small part to the advancing Allied tank designs.

The PzKpfw I (Panzer I or Panzerkampfwagen 1) tank was being developed in secrecy by Germany due to restrictions placed on the nation at the close of World War 1. Under the guise of it being an "industrial tractor", the tank system was designed to a new German specification calling for a light armored vehicle capable of combat and training usage respectfully. The resulting product was manufactured by Krupp and Daimler-Benz and became the PzKpfw I(MG) (SdKfz 101) Ausf A model of the Panzer I series.

Visually, the Panzer I appeared diminutive compared to later Panzer tank designs. With crew accommodations for just two personal, the most tell-tale identifier of the series was the offset turret - fitted to the right of the superstructure - and mounting twin 7.92mm machine guns. The initial Ausf A model proved to be underpowered - it being fitted with just a 57 horsepower engine - and unreliable, leading to the design and production of the more successful and powerful Ausf B.

Like other treaty-violating German war designs of the 1930's, the Panzer 1 received its baptism of fire on the battlefield that was the Spanish Civil War. Taking part in the invasion of Poland, the Panzer 1 had made its operational mark seeing more than 1,400 systems in use. By the time of the invasion of France, the Panzer 1 had already witnessed its heyday and was effectively outclassed by her Allied and even German contemporaries.

Not a perfect design by any means, the Panzer 1 was nevertheless a tremendous stepping stone in German tank design. The tank allowed for the blitzkrieg tactics to be realized and formed a potent and speedy armored unit capable of overwhelming an unsuspecting enemy, especially when used with other systems in a coordinated attack.