Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.L — Fgst.Nr. 74375

Production Metrics

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

Production date: 1942.05

Producer: M.A.N. Werk Nuernberg

Main armament: 5 cm Kw.K. L/60

Data source: Panzer Tracts 03-3-42/44

Contemporary Status (Surviving Vehicle)

Current location: The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset, United Kingdom

Condition/Status: Runner — restored to running condition, repainted in original camouflage and markings.

Current configuration: Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.L

Last assignment: Panzer-Regiment 8, 15. Panzer-Division

Identification verified by: https://tankmuseum.org/tank-nuts/tank-collection/panzer-iii-l/

Design Features and Anomalies
Vorpanzer_Turret_Frame_Only

Vorpanzer on the superstructure front, but just the frame welded to the gun mantle without the plate bolted on.

Źródło: Panzer Tracts No. 3-3, p. 3-3-48
Dropped_Vorpanzer_Gap_Plate

Plate covering the gap between the supports on the right side of the Vorpanzer no longer installed, allowing access to Kugelblende 50.

Źródło: Panzer Tracts No. 3-3, p. 3-3-48
Vorpanzer_Frame

A frame welded to the gun mantle for the Vorpanzer spaced armor.

Źródło: Panzer Tracts 03-3, p. 3-3-53
Flak_MG_Mount

A mount for an anti-aircraft machinegun on the commander's cupola.

Źródło: Panzer Tracts 03-3, p. 3-3-53
Side_Lights_Horn

Retained the side lights and horn on the track guards despite the deletion order.

Źródło: Panzer Tracts 03-3, p. 3-3-58
Tropical_Modification

Ausf.L(TP) variant — FUR TROPEN. Air deflectors at rear superstructure. Air cleaners aspirating from fighting compartment through engine bulkhead. Butterfly pattern flaps on bulkhead apertures, secured by wing nut.

Źródło: Preliminary_Report_No_5_Pz_Kw_III_1942.S26
Gun_Compensator

Torsion bar compensating device for 5cm KwK 39 long-barrelled gun. Mounted on turret roof, connected by link to gun mounting behind the mantlet. Integral with turret, independent of any other sub-assembly. Deflector guard 4.5" longer than on short-barrelled version.

Źródło: Preliminary_Report_No_5_Pz_Kw_III_1942.S26
Additional_Armour

Spaced armour: 20mm plate on front vertical plate (50mm base), space 100mm (4"). Cut away for driver's visor and auxiliary MG aperture (circular aperture 9.25" diameter). Fabricated structure welded to gun mantlet for extra plate (space 130mm) — plate deficient, not fitted.

Źródło: Preliminary_Report_No_5_Pz_Kw_III_1942.S26
Gearbox_Data

Gearbox ZF SSG 77: casting 51195 drb 15; plate: (drb) SSG.77 Nr.4221/194 WaA.705. Note: vehicle fitted with throttle diaphragm for Variorex (Maybach) transmission, despite having manual 6-speed ZF gearbox installed.

Źródło: Preliminary_Report_No_5_Pz_Kw_III_1942.S26
Combat Path and Unit Assignments
1942.07
15. Panzer-Division

Panzer-Regiment 8, 7. Kompanie

Assignment based on markings description from British inspection: numeral 7 on turret (company number), crosses on front superstructure. Lost in North Africa, June–July 1942. Vehicle captured by British forces. [VEHICLE LOST]

Źródło: PR.No.5.Pz.Kw.III.1942.S26
1943.06
School of Tank Technology

School of Tank Technology

Technical inspection by School of Tank Technology, Chobham. Condition: runner, excellent mechanical condition, odometer 1310 km. Gun: 5cm KwK 39 long-barrelled.

Źródło: PR.No.5.Pz.Kw.III.1942.S26
Rebuilds and Special Conversions

No conversions or special modifications registered for this vehicle.

Repair Log and Technical Events
1942.07

Sea transport: Naples → Benghazi via SS Lerica, arrived 18 July 1942.

Źródło: https://tankmuseum.org/tank-nuts/tank-collection/panzer-iii-l/
Photographic Documentation