Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.J — Fgst.Nr. 68431

Production Metrics

Version (Ausf.): Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.J

Production date: 1941.04

Producer: MIAG, Braunschweig

Main armament: 5 cm Kw.K. L/42

Data source: Panzer Tracts 03-3-26

Design Features and Anomalies
Shock_Absorber_Tracks

Suspension shock absorbers with longer outer casing — leather boot at the top has been dispensed with. Constructional difference compared to chassis 68026 examined in S.T.T. Report No. 5.

Źródło: Preliminary_Report_No_5_Pz_Kw_III_1942.S19
Gearbox_Data

Manual sliding mesh gearbox SSG 77.1165.1941 — 6 forward speeds and reverse. Steering: manual, no hydraulic assistance.

Źródło: Preliminary_Report_No_5_Pz_Kw_III_1942.S19
Armor_Specification

Armour thickness and arrangement identical to chassis 68026, subject of S.T.T. Report No. 5 (September 1942).

Źródło: Preliminary_Report_No_5_Pz_Kw_III_1942.S19
Tracks_Wide_Webbed_15inch

Wide pattern track shoes (15") with webbing for detachable sprags — sprags not fitted.

Źródło: Preliminary_Report_No_5_Pz_Kw_III_1942.S19
Combat Path and Unit Assignments
5. leichte Division

Panzer-Regiment 5

tank visible in the photo

Źródło: Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf.J (Fgst.Nr.68431) DAK Pz.Rgt.5 {001}{a}
1941.06
5. leichte Division

Panzer-Regiment 5

Sent as a replacement to Libya, issued to the 1st Company of the 5th Panzer Regiment (1.Kp./Pz.Rgt.5). Outfitted with Tropen ventilation armor caps.

Źródło: Panzer Tracts No. 3-3, p. 3-3-29
1942.11.03
School of Tank Technology

School of Tank Technology (Farnborough), Nr takt.: A 100

Vehicle captured from North Africa as part of General Martell's Circus and sent for technical inspection at Farnborough. Examined on 3 November 1942 by Major J.D. Barnes, R.T.R. under D.T.D. Project No. V. 7010. Markings at capture: A 100 (superimposed on obliterated D), 111 on turret and stowage box, yellow square with black edges.

Źródło: PR.No.5.Pz.Kw.III.1942.S19
Rebuilds and Special Conversions

No conversions or special modifications registered for this vehicle.

Repair Log and Technical Events
1942.11

Technical inspection by the School of Tank Technology at Farnborough, 3 November 1942 (Major J.D. Barnes R.T.R., D.T.D. Project No. V. 7010). Battle damage: at least 2 hits from a 2-pounder gun, fire damage; most instruments and minor components deficient. Details: off-side idler replaced by spare, off-side rear shock absorber severed by shot, both track guards partially destroyed, turret stowage box pierced in several places, near-side turret door holed near hinge, off-side engine air intake holed from the rear. 5 cm Kw.K gun — breech markings: 1941. R. 446 / ebk. Bs: sg 5320R. 184. Rh 206, Fl. 46 / ebk Vr. Fl. 63 osh.

Źródło: Preliminary_Report_No_5_Pz_Kw_III_1942.S19
Photographic Documentation