Given the administrative restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, much of this rearmament was done in secret.

Along the way, people like Heinz Guderian rewrote the book on military doctrine.

The First World War was one massive, gory ordeal.

The image shows a German Panzer III medium tank, also referred to as Panzerkampfwagen III, positioned in a prepared clearing within a dense woodland. The tank’s turret, main armament, and rolled homogeneous armour are prominently visible, highlighting its role in German armored forces during World War II. As part of the panzer divisions and integral to the tactics of blitzkrieg, this pz iii stands ready like other renowned vehicles such as panzer iv tanks and stug iii assault guns. The composition of the image emphasizes the strategic deployment of mechanized troops and the evolution of armored warfare seen in battles like Kursk and Stalingrad. Detailed elements such as the turret ring and engine assembly evoke the engineering expertise of Rheinmetall and underscore the historic impact of Nazi Germany’s armored units on modern combat.

In World War II, mobility was a key factor in winning battles. The Panzer III was designed to hunt enemy tanks and did so from France to the Soviet Union. Image: Sa-kuva

By contrast, World War II was, in general, a war of mobility.

The single weapon system that best facilitated that mobility on the battlefield was the tank.

The originals were massive, slow-moving monsters pioneered by theBritish Mark Iduring the Great War.

This image captures German Afrika Korps Panzer III tanks, also known as Panzerkampfwagen III, advancing across the North African desert. The robust pz iii vehicles, with their prominent turrets and rolled homogeneous armour, showcase the engineering prowess of Rheinmetall and the strategic innovation of Nazi Germany’s armored forces. In the background, Libyans on horseback and riding camels observe the mechanized advance, highlighting the stark contrast between traditional modes of transport and modern armored warfare. The scene vividly illustrates the integration of panzer divisions and blitzkrieg tactics, pivotal in campaigns of World War II. The interplay of modern tank design and indigenous culture offers a dynamic glimpse into the diverse challenges of the North African theater. This historic portrayal underscores the significant role of mechanized troops and armored fighting vehicles in shaping the course of military history.

Panzer III tanks of Germany’s Afrika Korps roll past civilians in Libya. Image: National Archives Netherlands

The Germans led the way.

The Germans developed two different armored vehicle types in tandem to address two disparate battlefield roles.

The Panzer IV was an infantry support tank.

This photo depicts a German Panzer III tank, also known as Panzerkampfwagen III or pz iii, advancing through a snowy landscape near Kiestinki in the direction of Jelettijärvi during the Continuation War in 1942. The image highlights the tank’s prominent turret, main armament, and rolled homogeneous armour as it moves with determination in harsh winter conditions. As an integral part of German armored forces and panzer divisions, this vehicle symbolizes the evolution of armored warfare and the tactical prowess of Nazi Germany’s mechanized troops. The scene evokes memories of blitzkrieg tactics and major battles, resonating with the legacy of engagements like the battle of Kursk and the fierce encounters against Soviet forces. Detailed features such as the turret ring and assembly line craftsmanship, attributed to Rheinmetall, underscore the engineering excellence behind these historic vehicles. The photograph offers a vivid portrayal of armored fighting vehicles in action, reflecting the strategic interplay of technology and warfare during World War II.

An early Panzer III tank is seen advancing resolutely through a snowy landscape in 1942. Image: Sa-kuva

This meant a relatively large-bore gun that fired effective high explosive rounds.

By contrast, the smaller Panzer III was designed specifically to kill other tanks.

The official designation was theSonderkraftfahrzeug(abbreviatedSd.Kfz.for special purpose vehicle) 141.

This image shows an early Panzer III, also known as Panzerkampfwagen III or pz iii, featuring a short barrel 50mm gun that marks its initial design phase. The compact turret and robust armor highlight the vehicle’s role as a precursor in the evolution of German armored forces and mechanized troops. Its design, emerging during the formative years of Nazi Germany’s panzer divisions, underscores the innovative engineering efforts led by Rheinmetall. The early configuration of this tank set the stage for later developments in armored warfare, influencing subsequent models such as the Panzer III command tank and the turretless StuG III assault gun. This historic armored fighting vehicle serves as a vivid reminder of the technological progression and tactical strategies that defined World War II.

This early Panzer III medium tank sports a short-barreled 50mm gun. It’s on display at The Tank Museum in England. Image: Author

The troops knew it as the Panzerkampfwagen III (Pz.Kpfw.

The world came to know it as the Panzer III.

The Panzer III was designed to be fast, agile, and mean.

This image shows a Panzer III command tank, also known as Panzerkampfwagen III, positioned prominently with its detailed turret and main armament as it leads General Guderian’s 2nd Panzer Group during Operation Barbarossa in the summer of 1941. Motorcycles accompanying the tank emphasize the rapid, mechanized mobility characteristic of blitzkrieg tactics employed by the Army Group Centre. The scene vividly portrays the evolution of German armored forces and mechanized troops within the Wehrmacht, highlighting the engineering prowess behind these panzers crafted by Rheinmetall. The composition captures a moment of decisive action on the Eastern Front, echoing the strategic innovations that defined armored warfare in World War II. The interplay between the command tank and its supporting motorcycles reflects the dynamic coordination of panzer divisions in early Nazi Germany military campaigns.

A Panzer III command tank and motorcycles of General Guderian’s 2nd Panzer Group. It was part of Army Group Centre during Operation Barbarossa in the summer of 1941. Image: IWM

By modern standards, the Panzer III was a tiny tank.

The main gun on the earliest versions was the diminutive 3.7 cm KwK 36.

Technology caught up with and overwhelmed that gun in short order.

This image captures Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bombers returning to base, flying low over an advancing column of German Panzer III tanks and softskin vehicles on the Orel front in July 1943. The dive bombers, with their distinctive inverted gull wings, add a dynamic aerial element to the scene. In the foreground, the Panzer III tanks, also known as Panzerkampfwagen III or pz iii, display their prominent turrets and main armament as they move in formation. The softskin vehicles, part of the logistical support, underscore the combined arms approach characteristic of blitzkrieg tactics. This historic moment vividly illustrates the integration of air and ground power by German armored forces during World War II.

Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bombersreturning to their forward base fly over an advancing German column of Panzer III tanks and support vehicles during the Battle of Kursk. Image: IWM

Later versions packed 5cm cannon in both long- and short-barreled versions.

A 12-cylinder Maybach HL120 petrol engine gave the Panzer III plenty of power.

Max road speed was 25 mph, while it could do about half that cross-country.

This image highlights the advanced torsion bar suspension of the Panzer III, also known as Panzerkampfwagen III, which provided a notably smooth cross-country ride. The innovative suspension system was a key feature in enhancing the mobility of German armored forces during World War II. By allowing the pz iii to navigate challenging terrains with ease, it contributed significantly to the tactical success of panzer divisions and mechanized troops. This engineering feat, developed by Rheinmetall, is emblematic of the technological advancements that supported blitzkrieg tactics and rapid maneuvers on the battlefield. Detailed visual cues, including robust armor plating and a well-crafted turret, underscore the enduring legacy of this historic armored fighting vehicle.

The torsion bar suspension offered the Panzer III tank a fairly smooth cross-country ride. Image: Author

For starters, the Panzer III had a crew of five.

There was a driver and bow gunner up front.

However, the three-man turret remains the standard among Western tanks all the way to the present day.

This image shows a German Panzer III tank, also known as Panzerkampfwagen III or pz iii, advancing toward the front line during the Continuation War against the Soviet Union. The tank’s robust turret, main armament, and advanced armor reflect the high engineering standards of Rheinmetall and the mechanized might of German armored forces. Its movement echoes the swift tactics of blitzkrieg and the strategic maneuvers employed by panzer divisions and mechanized troops during World War II. The composition emphasizes the interplay between technology and combat on the Eastern Front, reminiscent of encounters with kv-1 heavy tanks and other formidable armored vehicles. This portrayal captures a key moment in history, highlighting the evolution of armored warfare and the legacy of Nazi Germany’s panzers in battle.

Panzer III tanks head toward the front line during the Continuation War. Beginning in 1941, Finland invaded the Soviet Union to regain territory the Soviets seized during the earlier Winter War. Image: Sa-kuva

When mated with an advanced torsion bar suspension, the end result was a fast, stable gun platform.

The Panzer III and IV subsequently formed the backbone of blitzkrieg.

Guderians Lightning War changed warfare forever.

This image shows a German Panzer III tank, also known as Panzerkampfwagen III or pz iii, pausing with its crew during an advance through the villages of Vienna Karelian in Finland. The tank’s detailed turret, main armament, and rolled homogeneous armour reflect the engineering expertise of Rheinmetall and the operational strength of German armored forces. The scene captures a moment of tactical pause amid the movement of panzer divisions, emblematic of the blitzkrieg approach and mechanized troops of the Wehrmacht. In the background, the quaint village setting contrasts with the formidable presence of this armored fighting vehicle, reminiscent of the dynamic operations seen during World War II in various theaters including Kursk and Stalingrad. This portrayal emphasizes the critical role of the Panzer III in the evolution of armored warfare and the broader historical impact of Nazi Germany’s panzer divisions.

A Panzer III tank crew pauses for a break after advancing through the villages of Viena-Karelian. The “335” on the tank indicates that it is the 5th tank of the 3rd company’s 3rd platoon. Image: Sa-kuva

The major combatants experimented with a variety of options to include leaf springs and cylindrical volute systems.

This system eventually saw widespread use throughout its family of vehicles.

That three-man turret was revolutionary for its day.

This image shows a StuG III assault gun, built on the robust Panzer III chassis, on display at the Bovington Tank Museum in England. The turretless design highlights its evolution from the classic Panzerkampfwagen III, a key asset of German armored forces during World War II. The vehicle’s exposed chassis and distinctive armor plates reflect engineering innovations pioneered by Rheinmetall and utilized by panzer divisions and mechanized troops. Its design underscores the shift from traditional tank roles to specialized assault guns used in blitzkrieg tactics during battles such as Kursk and Stalingrad. This historic armored fighting vehicle serves as a vivid reminder of Nazi Germany’s contributions to modern armored warfare.

The Panzer III chassis formed the basis for the StuG III assault gun. This example is on display in The Tank Museum in England. Image: Author

One thing that everybody was slow to pick up on was the necessity of a turret basket.

Starting with the Panzer IV, modern tanks included a rotating floor that turned with the turret.

That way the crew could concentrate on fighting rather than getting their legs torn off.

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Later versions of the Panzer III sported face-hardened steel armor of between 30 and 50mm in thickness.

While fairly pathetic by modern standards, this was indeed formidable for its era.

The Panzer IIIs welded plate construction streamlined the manufacturing process.

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Armored Vanguard

The total production run was 5,774 vehicles.

The compact vehicles mobility and reliability made it effective for its day.

The Panzer III remained in service throughout the campaigns in Anzio and Normandy.

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They were used in a reserve role in Norway all the way through the end of the war.

However, Matildas, M3 Lees and M4 Shermans left the Panzer III badly outclassed.

Against the relatively primitiveRussian T-26, the Panzer III was a force with which to be reckoned.

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Once the Russians began deploying T-34s in quantity, however, the Panzer III soon lost its luster.

While raw numbers certainly tell a story, the real discriminator both then and now is crew quality.

Particularly early in the war, German Panzer crews were well-trained, self-confident and aggressive.

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However, as the war ground on, Allied crews got better, while the Panzerwaffe got slaughtered.

Eventually, the Allies simply ground the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS armored units into the dirt.

Traversing the gun on the StuG III more than just a little bit involved pivoting the entire vehicle.

Conclusion

The Panzer III was a stepping stone to bigger, better things to come.

Fast, agile and reliable, the Sd.Kfz.

141 helped the Germans overrun Europe in 1939 and 1940.