The Panzer I command tank (or ‘Panzerbefehlswagens’) entered service in 1935 – and proved so useful that they remained in service until late 1942.
The Panzer I was Germany’s first mass-produced tank. It entered service in 1934 and was often shown, in impressive numbers, at pre-war Nazi parades. Built ostensibly for training the little tank saw action during the Spanish Civil War and in the early years of World War II. However its thin armour and limited armament of two machine guns meant that it was easily outclassed by most Allied tanks.
In action its capabilities were further limited by its two-man crew and the fact that there was only room inside for a radio receiver. Thus from 1935 Panzer battalions were also issued with these special command tanks or Panzerbefehlswagens. They had an enlarged superstructure, in place of the rotating turret, room inside for a crew of three and two radio sets and a single machine gun for defence.
As command tanks they proved so useful that they remained in service until late 1942. In addition to panzer units they were issued to artillery regiments as armoured observation posts and at least one was converted in an armoured ambulance.
Our exhibit, which was captured in North Africa, shows some evidence of battle damage. Notice how extra armour has been added on the front, as a result of experience in Poland in 1939.
The Tank Museum’s Panzer I Command Tank
This Kleine Panzerbefehlswagen arrived in Tripoli, Libya, on 10th March 1941 and served with the 5th Panzer Regiment, which formed part of the 5th Light Division.
The 5th Panzer Regiment took part in the advance on Egedabia and Mechili and the seige of Tobruk.
The exhibit was the subject of a School of Tank Technology report after its capture. The report was completed in 1943 after trials at Farnborough.
The Tank Museum Kleine Panzerbefehlswagen. is the only known commander’s model of the Panzer 1 with extra armour bolted on the hull and superstructure front. There are shot holes in the superstructure and hull.
