Panzer III Historical Index

Decision by Sonderausschuss VI on 7 August 1940 to limit 7.Serie/Z.W. with Zusatzpanzer to 250 units and produce 8.Serie/Z.W. with solid 50 mm armor starting with the 251st Pz.Kpfw.III.

Telegram from Keitel dated 7 July 1941 announcing Hitler directive to reinforce new production Panzers with a spaced armor (Vorpanzer) placed 100-140 mm in front of the main armor to counter British anti-tank weapons in North Africa.

Meeting at the Reichskanzlei (29 November 1941): Hitler explains that the threat of tungsten carbide core ammunition (like Panzergranate 40) has been solved by reinforcing basic armor with Vorpanzer, ordering all units outfitted by Spring 1942.

Conference with Hitler (5 March 1942): Order to continue production of old Pz.Kpfw.III with 5 cm Kw.K., however Panther production should replace Panzer III production as soon as possible because it no longer possesses its old combat value.

Speer conference with Hitler (5 March 1942): Decision to maintain current Pz.Kpfw.III production with 5 cm Kw.K., while ordering preparations to replace Panzer III production with the new Panther as soon as possible due to declining combat value.

May-June 1942: Hitler agrees to increase Sturmgeschütz production to 100 per month, resulting in a reduction of Pz.Kpfw.III production to approximately 190 per month.