Panzer I of 7 the Panzer Division during the French campaign in 1940
The Role and Decline of the Panzer I in the German Campaigns of 1940
Operation Weserübung (Invasion of Norway)
Armored Support in Rugged Terrain: The German invasion of Norway in April 1940, known as Operation Weserübung, was not typical of the Blitzkrieg tactics seen in Poland. The mountainous and rugged Norwegian terrain was unsuitable for large-scale armored warfare. However, the Germans still deployed a limited number of tanks to support their invasion, including 24 Panzer I tanks as part of the 40th Panzer Battalion.
Critical Role in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley: Despite their limitations, the Panzer I tanks played a crucial role in the campaign. They were instrumental in breaching the Anglo-French blocking force that was positioned across the narrow Gudbrandsdalen Valley. This armored thrust was a key factor in forcing the retreat of the Anglo-French expeditionary forces, which had landed in the Namsos-Aandalsnes area on 17 April 1940. The success of this operation led to the hasty withdrawal of these forces, culminating in their evacuation by sea back to Britain by 3 May 1940.
Reorganization of Panzer Forces Post-Poland
Transition to New Panzer Divisions: After the Polish Campaign, the German High Command restructured its panzer forces. The existing four light divisions were converted into the 6th-9th Panzer Divisions, and a 10th Panzer Division was also raised. This reorganization reflected the German Army’s recognition of the need for more capable and versatile armored units as they prepared for future campaigns.
Reduction in Panzer I Numbers: By May 1940, the number of Panzer I tanks in service had decreased to 1,077 from 1,425 in September 1939. This reduction was due to several factors:
- Combat Losses: The loss of 89 Panzer I tanks during the Polish Campaign.
- Conversions: The conversion of 261 tanks into specialized roles, such as command tanks or training vehicles.
The Panzer I in the Invasion of the West (May 1940)
Limited Deployment and Evolving Role: During the German invasion of the West in May 1940, only 619 Panzer I tanks were deployed, with the remaining 458 vehicles reserved for training or garrison duties. The campaign further exposed the Panzer I’s inadequacies, particularly against the more heavily armored and better-armed French tanks.
Transition to a Reconnaissance Role: As the campaign progressed, the Panzer I’s limitations in frontline combat became increasingly evident. The tank was no match for the more advanced French tanks, leading the German Army to restrict its use to reconnaissance and scouting roles. Even in these roles, losses were heavy whenever Panzer I tanks encountered Anglo-French armor.
The End of the Panzer I as a Combat Vehicle
- Final Frontline Use: The heavy losses and limited effectiveness of the Panzer I during the campaign in the West led to a strategic decision by the German High Command. After May 1940, the Panzer I was no longer employed as a frontline combat tank. Instead, it was relegated to secondary roles such as command, training, and reconnaissance, marking the end of its use in major German offensives.
The Panzer I, initially an integral part of the German armored forces, saw its frontline combat role diminish rapidly following the campaigns in Norway and the West. Its vulnerabilities in terms of armor and firepower were fully exposed against more capable Allied tanks, leading to its phased withdrawal from frontline service by mid-1940. The Panzer I’s legacy is thus tied to the early successes of the Blitzkrieg, but also to the harsh lessons learned about the limitations of light tanks in modern warfare.