Panzer Selbstfahrlafette I für 7.62cm PaK36(r) auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf D

The 7.62cm PaK36(r) auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf D was an early and successful attempt to mount an anti-tank gun on a tank chassis. On 20 December 1941 the Alkett subsidiary of Rheinmetall-Borsig was ordered to mount a captured Russian 7.62cm anti-tank gun on the chassis of the Panzer II Ausf D.

They achieved this by constructing a tall fighting compartment on the back of the existing fuselage, mounting the anti-tank gun on top of this compartment. This was protected by 14.5mm front and side armour, but had an open top and rear. The gun could traverse through 50 degrees, but was hand powered.

The full title of this variant was the Panzer Selbstfahrlafette I für 7.62cm PaK36(r) auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf D, which translates as the Armoured self-propelled gun carriage 1 for 7.62cm PaK36(r) on the chassis of a Panzer II model D. This is normally abbreviated to the 7.62cm PaK(r) auf Fgst Pz Kpfw II (Sf) or even just to the 7.62cm PaK(r) (Sf).

A total of 201 of 7.62cm PaK(r) auf Fgst Pz Kpfw II (Sf)s were converted from the Panzer II Ausf D and E and the Flammpanzer II between April 1942 and June 1943.

The 7.62cm PaK(r) (Sf) was used by the Panzerjäger (tank hunter) units of the Panzer divisions and Panzer-Grenadier divisions between April 1942 and early 1944, mostly on the Russian Front. It was withdrawn when more powerful alternatives became available.

Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War II, Peter Chamberlain and Hilary L. Doyle. A superb detailed reference guide that covers every type of tank, armoured car, self-propelled guns and semi-tracked vehicle that was used by the German Army between 1933 and the end of the Second World War War. An essential reference book for anyone interested in the subject. [see more]

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