Panzerkampfwagen III in Libya

Panzerkampfwagen III ausf H stops to check Allied positions or make a navigation reference. In October of 1940, the Panzer III ausf H entered production, with the battle experience in France and North Africa influencing the design. 308 were produced by MAN, Alkett, Henschel, Wegmann, MNH and MIAG until April of 1941. Ausf H featured a newly designed turret to mount a 50mm gun with a single 30mm armored rear plate. Additional armor plates were added to defeat the Soviet 45mm, American 37mm and British 2-pounder (40mm) anti-tank guns. The Panzer III formed the bulk of German armor during the Western Desert Campaign (June 10, 1940 - July 27, 1942). Most were ausf G, but the ausf H with a more powerful 50mm gun and mechanical reliability was better suited to desert fighting. Date estimated.