Panzer III Ausf G 65105
The original order for 1,250 vehicles was placed in January 1939, but was reduced to 800 by May 1939 due to the availability of the Panzer 38(t) production from Czechoslovakia. Although the entire series was intended to be equipped with the 3.7cm KwK, the experiences gained in Poland and France prompted the rapid implementation of the 5cm KwK L/42, which was mounted on the vast majority of Ausf G tanks. The main differences from earlier models included an increase in the thickness of the hull rear armor from 21mm to 30mm and the introduction of a new pivoting visor for the driver. The turret was modified to include an exhaust fan on the roof, and one signal port was eliminated. In mid-production, a newly-designed cupola was introduced, and towards the end of the series, wider (40cm) tracks were used. About fifty Ausf G tanks were fitted with the 3.7cm KwK L/46.5 with an internal mantlet. The rest were equipped with the 5cm KwK L/42 and an external mantlet. Many of the tanks equipped with the 3.7cm KwK were up-armored and up-gunned to the 5cm KwK L/42 from August 1940 until 1942. The TZF5a sight was used for the 3.7cm KwK. Early Ausf G tanks produced from April to June 1940 were sent as replacements to the Panzer regiments at the front in France. Despite common misconceptions, all PzKpfw III tanks in service in France had the 3.7cm KwK. The PzKpfw III tanks with the 5cm KwK L/42 were first produced in July 1940, and the PzKpfw III tanks with the 3.7cm KwK were phased out of service in Russia by the end of 1941. Most of the remaining tanks equipped with the 3.7cm KwK were converted to mount the 5cm KwK L/42, but fifty-four were still in the Army inventory as late as September 1944.