The Panzer II, officially designated the Panzerkampfwagen II, was a light tank that was used by Germany during World War II.
It became the dominant tank in the early years of the war but by the latter half of the war, it was only reassigned to secondary duties. Only it's variants remain in service until late or the end of the war.
Description[]
The first production model of the Panzer II series was the Ausf. A. It had a crew of three and an armament that consisted of 20 mm KwK 30 main gun and an MG 34.[1] The total weight of the Panzer II was about 9,500 kg while the length was 4.3 meters. The Panzer II Ausf. A also had a Maybach HL 57 engine that could propel it at speeds of up to 40 km/h.
History[]
The Panzer II was first used during the unopposed annexation of Austria and the occupation of Czechoslovakia. The Panzer II also took part in the Polish Campaign in 1939, serving mainly as a combat tank. During the North African Campaign, the Panzer II saw a relatively notable service with the Afrika Korps, in which it's main role was reconnaissance and support, a prelude to the future of its service in the later years of the war. It remained in service in North Africa until 1943. The Panzer II was then reassigned as a reconnaissance tank. A small number of Panzer IIs took part in the German defense of Normandy, acting as infantry support vehicle.[2]
References[]
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