During the war a large number of enemy tanks were captured by the Germans. Some of them just got a fresh coat of paint, but some of them were also refitted to German standards. These tanks were then employed by the Germans.

 

The Panzerkraftwagen 35 (t)

The Panzer 35 (t) was originally a Czechoslovakian development with the name Lt-35 from the year 1935, and was comparable with the light tanks of other nations.

When Germany invaded Czechoslovakia, approximately 230 of these tanks were confiscated and under the name Panzerkraftwagen 35 (t) [t for tschechisch, the German word for Czech] integrated into the Wehrmacht.

The Panzer 35 (t) was comparable to the German Panzer III; however it was not developed further, so its chances of survival on the battlefield diminished rapidly from 1941 on. When they had become outdated, some were used for garrison duties, others were passed to German allies and a few were converted to (however not very successful) weapon carriers.

 

The Panzerkraftwagen 38 (t)

The Panzer 38 (t) was built from 1938 on in Czechoslovakia and was a very successful light tank, which was also exported. After the German invasion the Lt-38 was integrated as Panzerkraftwagen 38 (t) Ausführung A into the Wehrmacht.

The tank 38 (t) was produced as battle tank in different versions (up to Mark G) by Skoda until 1942 (about 1,400 were built).

After 1942 the chassis of the Panzer 38 (t) was used as base for some very successful tank destroyers (“Marder” and “Hetzer”), and in addition for other weapon carriers and reconnaissance tanks.

The Models:

Marder III	Befehlswagen Hetzer