4.7cm PaK(t) (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf B tank destroyer

The 4.7cm PaK(t) (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf B was the first tracked tank destroyer to be produced in Germany. It was created by removing the turret from an obsolete Panzer I Ausf B light tank and replacing it with a mounting for a 4.7cm Czech anti-tank gun. This gun was protected by on three sides by a 14.5mm armoured gun shield, but was open at the rear. Eighty six rounds of anti-tank ammunition were carried. The gun had a very limited degree field of fire – 17.5 degrees to either side of the forward position. 

This vehicle was also known as the Panzerjäger I (tank hunter), and was the first of a long series of similar conversions. A total of 202 Panzerjäger Is were produced between March 1940 and February 1941. It entered service in time to take part in the German invasion of France and the Low Countries in May 1940, serving with the Tank-Hunter Detachment of the German 5th Army (5 Heeres Pz Jäg Abt). It also saw service in North Africa and on the Eastern Front. Like the Panzer I itself, the Panzerjager I was too lightly armoured to be effective by 1941.

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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