Pz Kw IV "Infanterie-Sturm-Steg"

Pz Kw IV "Brückenleger"

 

Of the Special variants on the Pz Kw IV chassis two are particularly worthy of mention: the Pz Kw IV "Brückenleger" (Bridgelayer) and the Pz Kw IV "Infanterie-Sturm-Steg" (Infantry Assault Footbridge), which were intended for the Tank Engineer Battalions. Although Army General Orders of 1941 state that the proposed bridge laying vehicles would be discontinued in the near future because suitable chassis were not available and could not be produced in the immediate future prototypes of Pz Kw II and Pz Kw IV bridge layers were built. Individual examples of the Pz Kw IV Infanterie-Sturm-Steg were however used in France and Russia, mainly for the capture of strongly fortified defences. 

Sixteen Ausf. D chassis were set aside for use as Brückenleger in September 1939. Based on the given month, these were probably the first sixteen chassis produced. They were submitted for approval in March or April 1940. All sixteen were converted to regular tanks during August 1940 and May 1941.

In 1939, having in mind the problems faced when assaulting fixed fortifications, the Waffenamt (Ordnance Department) ordered two Infanterie Sturmsteg built  onto Pz Kpfw IV chassis. The bridge was built by Magirus on the same principle as a fire-fighting ladder of approximately 50m. Two bridges placed side-by-side were intended to form beams for a walkway. The two Pz Kpfw IV chassis were from Ausf C production, set aside in August 1939. Delivery of the Sturmsteg took place in February 1940, in time for the campaign in the West.

 Pz Kw IV "Infanterie-Sturm-Steg"

Outstanding Pz.IV Models I

The main improvements introduced with the Ausf E were a new cupola design, modifications to the turret, and increased armour protection. The turret now had a single bent plate for the turret rear, and an exhaust fan to extract gun fumes. While all Ausf E had a 50mm hull front and 20mm plate bolted to the hull and superstructure sides, several of the early Ausf E were minus the extra 30mm plate on the superstructure front. Minor modifications included a simplified sprocket design, glacis hatches countersunk level with surface of glacis, new design of driver's visor (pivoting), single signal post on turret roof and an armoured cover for the smoke-candle rack.

Outstanding Pz.IV Models II

The differences between the Ausf F1 and F2 related to the introduction of the new gun. Ammunition storage was modified to stow the larger rounds, the amount of ammunition carried was increased and the gunner's and commander's seats were changed to allow more room. The elevation mechanism was modified and an auxiliary hand traverse was installed for the loader. Because of the long barrel, a coil-spring counter-balance was installed for the 7.5cm KwK40.

Outstanding Pz.IV Models III

The main change introduced with the Ausf J was the elimination of the electric traverse and its associated auxiliary engine. A dual gear-ratio hand-traverse was fitted in its place, and the space previously occupied by the auxiliary engine was used to increase the fuel capacity. The armour thickness of the turret roof was increased and a 'Nahverteidigungswaffe' added as a smoke projector and for close defence. Minor improvements introduced during the Ausf J production run included the deletion of pistol ports and vision ports from the turret rear and side doors, wire-mesh 310 skirting on the hull sides, 3 instead of 4 return rollers, steel-tyred road wheels, vertical exhaust mufflers, and the hull sides extended beyond the front hull plate, and drilled to provide holes for towing shackles.

Late Panzer IV Modelling

26.Panzer...Panzer IVH

The commander of the 6.Kompanie/Panzer-Regiment 26, Oberleutnant Schaft, reported on their actions for the period of 14 to 16 December 1943:

On 14 December 1943, the Kompanie was ordered to advance on the road from Orsogna to Ortona to Point 155 together with the 1./9 and seal off the enemy breakthrough. Along with the Kampfgruppe belonging to the Abteilung under Major Brandt, we started out from Point 280 at about 2330 hours and without encountering any enemy resistance to speak of reached the group of houses 500 meters south of Point 155 about 0215 hours. Here the Kampfgruppe was halted by a radio call from Major Brandt because both of the Pionier-Kompanien that had attacked by way of Point 181 to envelop the enemy still lay too far back. Kampfgruppe Schaff sent a reconnaissance patrol forward that reported Point 155 free of the enemy. Then at about 0345 hours, Point 155 was occupied by one Zug 1./9 and four Pz.Kpfw.IV 7.5 cm Kw.K. lang from the 6.Kompanie. The gap on both sides of Point 155 was closed after the Pionier-Kompanien arrived at 0520 hours. About 0720 hours, two enemy tanks attacked the lead Pz.Kpfw.IV from the southeast supported by heavy artillery preparation. One enemy Sherman tank was hit three times, turned back, and remained stationary after moving about 1200 meters. The second enemy tank damaged the Pz.Kpfw.IV 7.5 cm Kw.K. lang by two hits on the gun mantlet and on the commander's cupola, and turned back before a second of our Panzers could be pulled forward for support.

The area on and around Point 155 lay under heavy artillery fire throughout the day. Our own Panzers remained in position while the infantry pulled back about 400 meters because of heavy losses. During the early morning hours of 16 December, the infantry in Kampfgruppe Brandt were pulled out for a new assignment, while the 6.Kompanie remained in the old location. About 0500 hours, after heavy artillery preparation, the opponent again attempted to advance on Point 155. The attack was repulsed and the enemy tanks turned back after they laid down a smoke screen on the area. At 1030 hours, a new artillery barrage suddenly hit Point 155. The renewed attempt by the opponents to advance with infantry and tanks was thwarted. One enemy Churchill tank was destroyed by a direct hit. The enemy infantry were driven back by machine gun fire that caused heavy losses. One of our Pz.Kpfw.IV was destroyed by a direct hit (one dead, two wounded). Because of renewed artillery fire, the Panzers were pulled back 400 meters. At 1600 hours, the Kompanie received an order to pull back past Point 181 in the direction of Tollo. With all of the Panzers that were still operational and without being noticed by the opponent, the 6.Kompanie moved across country and arrived at the new area about 0030 hours.