There were various models, or Ausfuhrung (Ausf.
), fielded during World War II, and they were more successful than one might assume.
Even so, the 6-to-1 tank-kill ratio in the Germans favor was particularly deceiving.
The Marder III, though very capable, lacked ammunition storage space. This often necessitated the use of a trailer. This Marder was captured by the Soviets in the winter of 1943. Image: Author’s collection
These new armored opponents created quite a shock among the Panzer troops and German infantry anti-tank units.
[Be sure to read our article on theSoviet T-26 tanks here.]
Both vehicles carried a 76.2mm main gun, which outclassed anything carried by German tanks at that time.
The Marder III Sd.Kfz. 139 had a tall profile and ramshackle appearance for a German self-propelled gun. Image: Author’s collection
Not only was the 29-ton T-34 fast, but it also incorporated a new concept of dramatically sloped armor.
While the 50-ton KV-1 was plodding in its movements, its armor thickness was particularly impressive.
It had 90mm on its front plate and 75mm on its sides.
The under-gunned German Pz.Kpfw. III in the forest on the Eastern Front. Image: Polish State Archives
[Catch the full story on theNazi-Busting Soviet T-34 Tanks.]
Unfortunately for the Germans, during 1941 the 88mm guns were normally dedicated to anti-aircraft work.
In 1941, a specifically designed 88mm anti-tank was still almost two years away.
A Panzerkampfwagen IV (Pz.Kpfw. IV) Ausf. F2 tank from the Waffen-SS unit among clouds of dust on the Eastern Front. Image: Polish State Archives
Germanys battle tanks also struggled against the T-34 and KV-1.
The second aspect was to make the AT weapon mobile enough to keep up with the Panzer forces.
Production of the standard Panzer 38(t) ausf.
Aging T-26 tanks (shown) were not a good match for the German armor. They were developed by the Soviet Union after World War I. The T-34, however, was a different story. Image: Public Domain
G was discontinued, and the turret was replaced with a thinly armored superstructure bolted to the chassis.
The new weapon was originally called FK36(r).
As for the Marder III, it gave German anti-tank units a tremendous boost when they needed it most.
Shown is a T-34 Model 1942 from the 1st Regiment of the 1st Armored Brigade, circa 1948. Image: Polish State Archives
Most of the Marder IIIs were sent to the Russian front and the meat-grinder tank battles in the East.
The variant of the Marder III was captured by the British army in North Africa.
General Construction
The main hull and superstructure of this vehicle are substantially the same as the Pz.
The Soviet 76mm divisional gun M1936 (F-22) was captured in large numbers and the Germans reused the weapon as the 7.62 cm PaK 36(r) anti-tank gun. Image: Author’s collection
38(t) Czech Light Tank, the subject of S.T.T.
Bolted and riveted construction is employed throughout, and this is in accordance with the usual pre-war Czech practice.
Welding is not resorted to in the main construction.
The base Panzer 38(t) chassis was little modified to create the Marder, and still retains its hull-mounted Vz.37 (7.92mm) machine gun. Image: Author’s collection
The four-point mounting also provides a stiffening for the top of the hull side plates.
The upper gun shield, which is also a three-sided structure, open at the top and rear.
It is secured to the gun by mounting tabular brackets and to the original front gun shield by bolts.
Armor protection for the self-propelled gun crew was negligible, with only the thin gun shield available at the front. Image: Author’s collection
The top rear corner of the side plates is steadied by a 1 diameter tie bar.
Mechanical Layout
The mechanical layout and components are identical with those of the Pz.
38(t) Czech Light Tank.
The Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) was a conventional, pre-war design. By 1942, its 37mm main gun was no longer useful in tank fighting, but the chassis was highly adaptable. Image: Author’s collection
Steering
The steering of this vehicle is identical with that on the Pz.
38(t) previously examined.
The opportunity for closer examination has revealed more fully its working principle.
A Marder III captured by Allied Forces in the North Africa Campaign during late 1942. Image: NARA
Each steering unit comprises a multi-plate clutch and a compound epicyclic of twin sun key in.
The steering clutch is simultaneously disengaged, thus breaking the drive from the bevel box.
Connections to the sets are provided only for the operator and gun layer.
A German Marder III in action in the Soviet Union. You can see that the crew had very limited room and little armored protection. Image: Author’s collection
Electrical Equipment
The charging and starting are unaltered from the normal 38(t) Czech Tank.
Recognition Points
The vehicle may be readily recognized by its ungainly lines.
From the front its low glacis plate with steeply rising gun shields give it a distinctly top heavy appearance.
When fitted on the Marder, the Germans added a muzzle brake to the Soviet 76mm M1936 gun. Image: Author’s collection
The broadside aspect is equally unbalanced, the long barrel and heavy muzzle brake of the 7.62 cm.
gun being outstanding features.
The visors are all vulnerable to small arms attack and cannot be closed down.
The breech of the 7.62 cm PaK 36(r) gun mounted on the Marder III. Image: Author’s collection
This Marder is on the move with the barrel lock in use. Note the small size of the vehicle overall. Image: Author’s collection.
The barrel support (travel lock) used on the Marder III. Image: Author’s collection
Detail view of the gun position on the Marder III. The armored shield was 10mm thick. Image: Author’s collection
A preserved Marder III at the former U.S. Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen, Maryland. Image: Author’s collection
Converted from Panzer 38(t) tanks, these Marder IIIs were used on the open steppes. The vehicles were best suited fighting from ambush positions. Image: Author’s collection