Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf N

Panzerkampfwagen III ausf N during a lull in combat. Note additional track links, bogey wheel, and supply packs strung on the front. The commander's cupola is open and you can see the two pieces of the hatch. The ausf N was also known as Sturmpanzer III (assault tank) because it mounted a 75mm short barrelled gun, the same one fitted into the early Panzer IV tanks. This was intended as an infantry support vehicle, to engage and destroy soldiers before they could attack heavy tanks. They were assigned to Tiger battalions and to assault infantry. It could also be used to reduce static fortifications. The ausf N was built on damaged Panzer III chassis returned for maintenance. Lighter armor than previous versions was fitted to compensate for the additional weight of the heavier gun.