Panzer III Ausf M tanks Russia
In March 1942, the OKH began considering the replacement of the PzKpfw III with the Panther tank. By July 1942, the order for 1,000 of the final PzKpfw III series, the Ausf M, was reduced to 775. Later, the decision was made to use PzKpfw III chassis for building StuG, and 165 Ausf M chassis were reserved for this purpose. The Ausf N, with its short 7.5cm KwK L/24 gun, received positive feedback, leading to an order issued in November 1942 to complete the Ausf M series as Ausf N with the same gun. Additionally, in November 1942, it was proposed to mount a flamethrower in the PzKpfw III turret, and 100 Ausf M were set aside for this purpose. However, 47 PzKpfw III were never finished, resulting in only 250 of the initial 1,000 Ausf M order being completed. The primary difference between the Ausf L and the Ausf M was the fording equipment, which was achieved by sealing devices around all hull air inlets and discharge louvres, as well as a modified muffler with a closure valve mounted high on the hull rear. The Ausf M also had a smoke-laying device that was changed from the rear-mounted rack to 3 dischargers mounted forward on each turret side. With the wide Ostkette fitted, the width of the Ausf M increased to 3.27m, and with Schurzen (apron armor), it became 3.41m wide.
The Ausf M was mainly used to replace frontline losses. At the start of the offensive at Kursk in July 1943, there were still 432 PzKpfw III (5cm KwK L/60) with the armored and armored infantry divisions of Army Groups Centre and South. Meanwhile, the Panzer Division Hermann Goring and the 15th Panzer-Grenadier Division had 49 PzKpfw III (5cm KwK L/60) for the defense of Sicily.