During World War II, German tanks played a crucial role in military strategies, particularly on the Eastern Front. The Panzer III, initially intended as the primary battle tank for the German forces, however it faced challenges when confronted with the Soviet KV-1 heavy tanks and T-34 medium tanks. In this article, we will explore the dual tasks assigned to German tanks and the evolution of the Panzer III, particularly its final version, the Ausf. N.
German tanks were designed to fulfil two primary tasks in assisting infantry breakthroughs. The first involved direct combat against other tanks and armored vehicles, requiring the use of armour-piercing (AP) shells. The second task focused on exploiting gaps in the enemy lines, attacking their unprotected communication and rear areas. Both of these tasks required high mobility and great firepower in the expense of armour protection.
The Panzer III, with its distinctive three-man turret, aimed to excel in direct combat. This allowed the commander to focus entirely on maintaining situational awareness and directing the tank, without being distracted by other responsibilities. At the time the Panzer III entered service, this design was not that common, only few British tanks had it. However, when it encountered the formidable KV-1 and T-34 tanks, it revealed vulnerabilities in both armor and firepower. This prompted the need for upgrades to keep pace with the advancements in Soviet tank technology. In response to the challenges posed by the Red Army's medium and heavy tanks, the final version of the Panzer III Ausf. N, was introduced in 1942. This variant featured a 75-millimeter KwK 37 L/24 cannon, previously used on the Panzer IV. Regardless of the much bigger gun installed, the three-man turret design was kept which allowed the commander to focus solely on situational awareness and tank direction.
For defensive purposes, the Ausf. N was equipped with rounds of High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) ammunition, capable of penetrating 70 to 100 millimeters of armor. Schürzen skirt armor plates were added in May 1943 to protect against Soviet 14.5 mm anti-tank rifles, with 5 mm plates on the hull side and 10 mm plates on the turret. Despite efforts to modernize the Panzer III, the limitations of the turret ring hindered the installation of a more powerful gun. Nevertheless, around 700 Panzer III Ausf. N were produced or re-equipped between 1942 and 1943, remaining in service alongside later models like the long-barreled Panzer IV, the Panther, and the Tiger tank.
The Panzer III, though initially facing challenges on the Eastern Front, evolved to meet the demands of the battlefield. Its adaptation with the Ausf. N variant showcased the German commitment to staying competitive in armored warfare. Despite its limitations, the Panzer III played a significant role on the Eastern Front, contributing to the German war effort during a critical period of World War II