The Panzerkampfwagen I and II were light tanks and their purpose was mainly
to give the German army an opportunity to exercise Tank tactics and strategies.
The Panzerkampfwagen I
The Panzer I was the first tank that entered mass production in Germany. Production
started 1934 with the Ausführung A, and 1935 it was continued with the Ausführung
B. Approx. 1,500 tanks were produced of both versions between 1934 and 1937.
By 1938 however it was already clear that the Panzer I was insufficient in the
role as a battle tank with only 13 mm of armor and its two 7.92 mm MG13 machine
guns. Thereupon different attempts were undertaken to develop the Panzer I further
into an infantry or reconnaissance tank, however without success.
The two Variants, Marks A and B were used until 1942 as infantry support tank,
most of them however were converted to ammunition carriers afterwards. Some
of the chassis were also used for other purposes, as for example for the Sturmpanzer
Bison I (assault gun), Panzerjäger I B (tank destroyer) or Befehlspanzer I B
(Command tank). All these vehicles suffered however from light armor and the
insufficient carrying capacity of the chassis.
The Panzerkampfwagen II
The Panzer II was planned as the successors of the Panzer I and was equipped
with a 20 mm gun. Different small series were built from 1935 to 1937 above
all to test different types of suspensions.
From the end of 1937 on the Panzer II entered mass production. Approximately
1,700 vehicles in different versions (Marks c to F) were built until 1943. By
1942 the fact became evident that the Panzer II was hopelessly outdated as a
battle tank and was withdrawn from frontline duty. Afterwards it was used mainly
as safeguard vehicle to fight partisans.
As with other outclassed tanks, the Germans tried to increase the combat effectiveness
of the Panzer II with different drafts, however only the Mark L "Luchs" ["Lynx"]
was built in larger numbers (104 in total). Outdated chassis were converted
to tank hunters or assault guns.
The Models:
 PzKpfW I Ausf. B |
 PzKpfW I Ausf. C |
 PzKpfW I Ausf. F |
 PzKpfW II Ausf. c |
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