PzKpfw I ohne Aufbau
The Conversion and Overhaul of Early Panzer I Chassis
Initial Plans for Overhaul
- November 1934 Overhaul Plans: By November 1934, the German military had formulated plans for Krupp-Grusonwerk to overhaul the 150 l.Serie/La.S. chassis. This work was scheduled to start in March 1935, with the intention of mounting superstructures and turrets on these chassis to complete the vehicles.
Setbacks in Production
- Failure of Krupp Armor: However, in February 1935, these plans encountered a significant setback. The armor produced by Krupp failed the stringent tests conducted by the Weapons Testing Office (Wa.Prw.6), leading to the cancellation of the order for 150 armor superstructures and turrets from Krupp. This issue is further detailed in Chapter 5 of the original source.
Continued Use of Krupp-Traktor Chassis
- Service in Training Units: Despite the setbacks, the Krupp-Traktor chassis were not discarded. Instead, they continued to be used in training units, specifically with the Kraftfahrlehrkommando Ohrdruf and Zossen. These chassis later saw service in Panzer-Regiments as they were formed beginning in October 1935.
Conversion into Training Vehicles
Krupp-Grusonwerk Conversion Contract: Krupp-Grusonwerk was eventually awarded a contract to convert the l.Serie/La.S. chassis into training vehicles. This conversion process involved adding a rail to the vehicles, which significantly altered their design and functionality.
Ongoing Work and Challenges: The conversion work continued through 1937 and 1938. During this time, Hauptmann Wollenhaupt from the Wehrmacht’s Armaments Office (WaA) addressed concerns about the condition of the vehicles being delivered for conversion. He specifically requested that Krupp inform him if any vehicles arrived in a condition that was too “butchered” or heavily cannibalized. In such cases, Wollenhaupt suggested that disciplinary action might be considered against the responsible troops.
Completion of Conversion
- Completion Report for 1939/40: By the 1939/40 annual report, Krupp-Grusonwerk had successfully completed the conversion of 136 La.S. Umbauten. These converted vehicles served as training tools for the German Army, allowing troops to train on vehicles that, while no longer suitable for frontline service, still provided valuable experience in armored vehicle operation.