Panzer I in Combat
Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
- First Combat Test: The Panzer I (LaS LA and IB models) saw its first combat during the Spanish Civil War, where Germany supported Franco’s Nationalist forces. The German contribution came in the form of the Condor Legion, a unit of volunteers and equipment.
- Deployment: The Condor Legion deployed 120 Panzer I tanks under Colonel Ritter von Thoma’s command in an armored group. This was a significant deployment that provided the German Army with its first real-world combat experience with the Panzer I.
- Tactical Shortcomings: Despite gaining valuable experience, the war highlighted the Panzer I’s major weaknesses:
- Limited Firepower: The tank’s primary armament, typically twin 7.92mm MG13 machine guns, was insufficient against better-armored opponents.
- Limited Protection: The tank’s thin armor offered little protection against anti-tank weapons or even heavy machine-gun fire.
- Field Modifications: In response to these shortcomings, some Panzer I tanks were modified in Spanish workshops to mount a 20mm cannon, which significantly enhanced their firepower. However, this upgrade came at a cost, as it reduced the tank’s cross-country mobility, making it less effective in rough terrain.
Invasion of Poland (1939)
- Role in the Panzer Divisions: By the time of the Invasion of Poland in September 1939, the Panzer I still formed a significant portion of the German panzer divisions. On the eve of the campaign:
- The 1st Panzer Division, Germany’s premier armored unit, fielded 68 Panzer I tanks.
- The 2nd to 5th Panzer Divisions each deployed 136 Panzer I tanks, out of a total divisional strength of 328 vehicles.
- German Armor Composition:
- The German forces had a total of 1445 Panzer I and 1223 Panzer II light tanks available for the Polish campaign.
- In contrast, only 98 Panzer III medium tanks and 211 Panzer IV medium/heavy tanks were available, meaning the bulk of the German armored force was made up of the lighter and less capable Panzer I and II models.
- Success Factors: The success of the German forces in Poland was not due to the superior technology of their tanks but rather the tactical excellence of the German Army. The Blitzkrieg strategy, which emphasized speed, coordination, and the effective use of combined arms, was instrumental in overcoming the shortcomings of the Panzer I and achieving a decisive victory.
The Panzer I, despite its limitations, played a crucial role in the early stages of World War II. Its use in both the Spanish Civil War and the Polish campaign provided the German military with critical lessons that would influence the development and deployment of more advanced armored vehicles as the war progressed.