Wespe

The SdKfz 124 Wespe (German for Wasp) or ( Leichte Feldhaubitze 18 auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II ) was a Canon autotracté developed and used during the Second world war. It was based on the frame of the tank Panzer II.

In 1940, during the Bataille of France, it became obvious that the principal tank of the German forces, Panzer II, did not make any more the deal like fighting vehicle; although mechanically reliable, its principal gun was insufficient and its too weak shielding. Consequently, when the need for an artillery gun autotracté was felt, Panzer II was essential as an obvious choice what brought to withdraw it units with the face to lengthen its lifespan in a new use.

The design of Wespe was the work of the Alkett company and was based on the frame of Panzer II Ausf. F. the production was undertaken in various factories, primarily in Poland. The process of conversion proved rather simple. It implied to replace the turret of Panzer II with a Obusier of 105 mm equipped with a shield.

Wespe was engaged for the first time in 1943 on the face of the East and was shown so effective that Hitler ordered to hold all the production of Panzer II only for Wespe, giving up other projects like the Marder II.

Wespe remained in production of February 1943 until half of the year 1944, when the Soviet forces captured the German factories in what today is Poland. At this time, 662 specimens of Wespe had been produced, figure for which it is advisable to add 158 specimens not armed being used as vehicles with supply in ammunition.

External bonds

Achtung Panzer!
AFV Database
OnWar
War Gamer

References

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