The Panzer 38(t) Tank

This German Panzer 38(t) Tank can be found at the For Freedom Museum, Ramshapellestraat 91-93, 8301 knokke-Heist, Belgium. It is in north west Belgium just north of the beautiful city of Brugge. There website is www.forfreedommuseum.be/en .

Surviving German Panzer PzKpfw 38(t) Tank

German Panzer 38(t) Tank

Skoda made tanks for the German Army!

In 1939 the German Army Panzerwaffe 1st Light Division received about 130 Czech Skoda 35(t) tanks, that had been developed from the British Vickers six ton tank. The Allies were now going to pay for their diplomatic sellout of Czechoslovakia. This new tank was known as the Panzer 35(t). It was superior to the Panzer Mark I and Mark II tanks that were the mainstay of the German tank force at this time.

The Panzer Battalion 67 of the 3rd Light Division was also issued with these Czechoslovakian tanks. One of its company commanders commented, after live firing Putlos ranges on the Baltic coast, "Our tanks were very good at cross-country but the armour was very weak and the radio fits primitive. The commander's and gunner's vision when the turrets were closed down was poor. They were still better than the Panzer Mark I and II."

Surviving German Panzer PzKpfw 38(t) Tank

Notice that the Panzer 38(t) Tank's armour was riveted not welded.

The Panzer 38 (t) tank's role in the Battle of France May 1940

The Panzer 38 (t) tank was powered by 125 hp engine. It was an excellent well armoured light tank. It had 50 mm of armour at the front much more than other German tanks. Over 400 Panzer 38 (t) tanks took part in the blitzkrieg attack during the battle of France May 1940.

It had a 37 mm gun, the same calibre of gun as used by the infantry anti-tank teams of the German army. This was adequate in confronting the British and French light and medium tanks at short ranges but could not penetrate the thick armour of the French heavy tanks like the char B1 and the British Matilda. Its shells just bounced off frontal armour.

The only way the Panzer 38 (t) could the deal with these big heavy tanks of the allies was to attack them like Wolfpack at close range, surround them, and shoot them in their flanks and rear, whether armour was weaker.

Surviving German Panzer PzKpfw 38(t) Tank

Riveted armour plate was weaker than welded tank armour.

Surviving German Panzer PzKpfw 38(t) Tank

German Panzer 38(t) Tank

Surviving German Panzer PzKpfw 38(t) Tank

German Panzer 38(t) Tank

Surviving German Panzer PzKpfw 38(t) Tank

Where can I find other preserved Panzer 38(t) Tanks?