Panzer I Befehlspanzer I Poland September 1939
Development of Radio-Equipped Panzer I Variants
The evolution of radio communication in the Panzer I light tanks, particularly the development of specialized command variants, reflects the early German efforts to enhance battlefield communication and coordination within their armored forces.
Initial Plans for Radio Equipment:
- March 1934: Major Phillips, head of Wa.Prw.6, first mentioned the installation of transmitting radio sets in Panzer I tanks. It was determined that a more powerful 600-watt generator would be required to power the Funktechnische-Sendeeinrichtung (radio transmitter). Initially, only 10 vehicles were planned to receive this upgrade.
- May 1934: Wa.Prw.6 informed Krupp that around 80 engines in the 2.Serie/La.S. would require the stronger generator to accommodate the radio equipment. The standard M.G.Panzerwagen (later renamed Pz.Kpfw.I) were typically only outfitted with receiver radio sets.
Development of Funk-Kampfwagen (Radio Tanks):
- Summer 1935: The first mention of special Funk-Kampfwagen (radio tanks) appears in a list of Technische Truppenversuche (technical troop trials). These were intended for testing radio equipment in both standard Panzer I vehicles and specialized Funk-Kampfwagen. The testing was conducted by the Kraftfahrlehrkommando Zossen, with a completion target of March 1936.
- Leichte (Funk) Panzerwagen: These were light radio tanks with a special superstructure, produced by mounting a newly designed fixed superstructure onto a standard 2.Serie/La.S. chassis. This superstructure was roughly the same size as the normal twin-machinegun turret but included additional modifications to accommodate radio equipment.
- Antenna and Superstructure Design: The right rear corner of the superstructure featured a base for raising and lowering the antenna, with a tubular antenna rest mounted on the right track guard. The design was entirely new, with little carried over from the machinegun turret and superstructure developed by Daimler-Benz.
- Vision Ports and Commander’s Hatch: The vision ports were covered by flat plates with vision slits, and the commander’s hatch had a redesigned locking mechanism. These changes were focused on improving functionality, albeit with some compromises in protection against lead bullet splash.
Deployment and Tactical Use:
- August 1935: Fifteen leichte (Funk) Panzerwagen were completed and used in the first tactical exercise of a Panzer-Division at Truppenübungsplatz Munster from 18 to 30 August 1935. These vehicles were issued to battalion and company commanders within the I. and II.Abteilung/Kraftfahrlehrkommando Zossen and the I.Abteilung/Kraftfahrlehrkommando Ohrdruf.
- October-November 1935: In meetings held on 30/31 October and 29 November 1935, the decision was made to equip Panzerkampfwagen and Befehls-Panzerkampfwagen (command tanks) with radio sets. Given that the desired 3.7 cm Gesch.Pz.Kpf.Wg. or large Befehls-Pz.Kpf.Wg. on the same chassis would not be available for some time, interim measures were planned:
- Kleiner Befehls-Panzerkampfwagen: A total of 72 kleiner Befehls-Panzerkampfwagen were requisitioned. These were Panzer I chassis with a fixed “turret” featuring a single machine gun in a ball mount, outfitted with a 20-watt transmitting radio set and a receiver on the same frequency.
- Distribution: These vehicles were distributed to Panzer-Kompanie, Panzer-Abteilung-Stab, Panzer-Regiment-Stab, and Panzer-Division-Nachrichtenabteilung. By mid-1936, the semi-official title of “kleiner Befehlspanzerkampfwagen” was formally changed to “kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen (Sd.Kfz.265),” a designation it retained for the remainder of the war.
The integration of radio communication in the Panzer I tanks, particularly through the development of the kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen (Sd.Kfz.265), marked a significant step in enhancing the command and control capabilities of German armored forces. These specialized variants, designed with unique superstructures to house radio equipment, were instrumental in early German Panzer divisions, providing crucial communication links on the battlefield.