SdKfz 141 Panzerkampfwagen III (PzKpfW III)

The effective Panzer III developed substantially during the war years.

The PzkPfw III (or "Panzerkampfwagen III" or "Panzer III" or "SdKfz 141") was developed as a challenge set forth by the German Weapons Department. The concept was to begin fielding German tank battalions with up to three companies of light-to-medium tanks to go along with a single company of heavy tank. The PzkPfw III would be formally adopted into service in 1939.

Initial design versions of the Panzer III were fitted with a 37mm main gun, though the design was such that a 50mm main gun could be mounted should the need arise later. The 37mm gun mount would be the same weapons platform found in the existing portable infantry 37mm anti-tank weapon system. Initial production numbers were limited and were based on three designations with differing suspension systems known as the PzKpfw III Ausf A, PzKpfw III Ausf B and the PzKpfw III Ausf C.

The Panzer III relied on a conventional German tank design of the time with the driver seat left-front and a radio operator/machine gunner to his right. The loader, gunner and tank commander occupied the turret which offered a cupola in the commander's position. Ammunition capacity varied from model to model with the general rule of thumb being that the higher the caliber, the less ammunition available for stowage. The engine was relegated to the rear of the tank which, not only protected it from oncoming fire, but added some rear-facing protection to the crew.

The German invasion of Poland was the first action the Panzer III would see. The three initial production versions would be joined by further developments in the form of the PzKpfw III Ausf D, PzKpfw III Ausf E and the PzKpfw III Ausf F. Between these models, the Panzer III series would see improved and increased armor protection and the upgunned version fielding the 50mm main gun that was engineered into the preliminary designs. The 50mm systems would be fielded as early as 1940 and be followed by the powerplant-improved PzKpfw III Ausf G model.

With the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, the Panzer III would be seen fitted with wider tracks and a longer barrel in the form of the KwK 39 L/60 main gun to contend with the heavy-armored Soviet T-34 tanks. The higher muzzle velocity of the new gun (in the PzKpfw III Ausf J) and the wider tracks introduced in the previous PzKpfw III Ausf H series helped the Panzer III platform to perform effectively against the heavier Soviet armor and snow/mud conditions.

By now the 37mm alternative Panzer III's were all but out of production, with the focus favoring the more potent 50mm brand. The PzKpfw III Ausf M and PzKpfw III Ausf N models would field the even more capable 75mm L/24 main gun, which would also be installed in the Gepanzerte Selbstahlafette fur Sturmgeschutz 7.5cm Kanone (or the SdKfz 142) role-specific "assault gun".

With production continuing through the war's end, the Panzer III would see constant development in the over-15,000 produced. Tropical kits were provided for modified Panzer III's operating in the North Africa campaigns as well as an amphibious version for the Invasion of England scenario. Though the invasion never materialized, the amphibious model was still used to good effect against the Soviet Union.

NOTE: Specifications shown above are for the PzKpfw III Ausf M model version of the PzKpfw III "Panzer III" tank series.