World War Photos

Panzerbefehlswagen III ausf D1

In 1935, it was recognized that command vehicles were necessary for tactical control of Panzer units. The kleine Panzerbefehlswagen did not provide enough space, so the Panzer III design was adapted to create the grosse Panzerbefehlswagen (Large Armoured Command Vehicle). The external appearance was kept similar to the PzKpfw III to avoid drawing enemy fire. The original order of 32 was not completed due to production delays and the introduction of a better suspension design.
The Ausf D1 had the same basic design and suspension as the PzKpfw III Ausf D, but with thicker armor, a dummy main armament, a turret bolted in place, additional vision and pistol ports on the superstructure sides, and a pistol port in place of the machine-gun on the superstructure front. The large frame antenna on the rear deck distinguished it from a PzKpfw III. From 1938 to 1939, it was intended that each Panzer detachment, Panzer regiment, and Panzer brigade’s Stab (Headquarters) have one grosse Panzerbefehlswagen. However, with only 38 Pz Bef Wg Ausf D1 and E available on 1 September 1939, most units did not receive the required number, and some did not receive any. The Ausf D1 remained in service during the Western campaign in 1940, but was retired by early 1941 due to its inadequate suspension.