Panzerspahwagens

[cyberia]

Early in the development of Wehrmacht tactics it was realized that panzer columns would require a tip of the spear-armored reconnaissance units. To this end Germany began to "aquire" or develop a series of armored cars, which over time morphed into a variety of roles other than reconnaissance.
One of the first brought into service was the 8-wheeled, Austrian made PzKpfw Steyr ADGZ.

A column of PzKpfw Steyer ADGZ parading through Vienna after the Anschluss

Developed for the Austrian Army in 1934 by Austro-Daimler, a total of 27 PzKpfw Steyr ADGZ Armored Cars were incorporated into the fledgling Panzer force, as well as ploice and grenarmerie units.

The PzKpfw Steyr ADGZ featured three machines guns, two in the hull and one in a turret.

Although one of the first armored cars in German service, the Steyer must have proved itself capable. In 1941 the Waffen SS ordered an additional 25 ADGZ to be used in Russia and the Balkans.

[cyberia]

The six-wheeled SdKfz.231. The next generation of German armored cars shown here on prewar maneuvers. Only the rear axles were driven and the turret housed both a 2 cm KwK gun and mg.

In another photograph of prewar maneuvers, an SdKfz. 231 passed by horse drawn artillery.

On parade in Vienna in 1938, a SdKfz. 232 (radio version) rolls alongside its eventual replacement, the SdKfz. 263.

[lufttiger]

I just want to take one of those four wheeling, looks like it would be fun.

[cyberia]

The Funk (radio) equipped SdKfz. 232 served both as recce vehicle and command car.

An SdKfz.231 of the 2nd Panzer Div. in France.

Note the early use of smoke canisters wired to the grill

Another view of the 231 this one one with letter "G" denoting Guderian's group

Note the SdKfz. 223 in the background

A 231 on the street of a Polish town shortly after the invasion

Although considered an interim vehicle, these six wheeler remained in service as late as 1942

This 231 was attached to the 6th Panzer Div. in Russia

[razorboy]

Here's colour shot of a Puma, all dunkelgelb...not what you normally see.


razorboy

[Jim O]

I found some interesting pics:

Sd.Kfz. 251/7 Ausf. C armored personnel carrier



SdKfz. 232


SdKfz 232 in the Ardennes during the Battle of France (May 1940).



SdKfz231 -- Location Unknown

I also posted some videos at World War II Zone Forums - Sd Kfz 251-21 Ausf D and World War II Zone Forums - The Wehrmacht - Puma that you may find enjoyable.

[McCoy]

A SdKfz 251-21 Ausf D armored personnel carrier is wrong caption as it's an Sd.Kfz. 251/7 Ausf. C

[Jim O]

Originally Posted by McCoy

A SdKfz 251-21 Ausf D armored personnel carrier is wrong caption as it's an Sd.Kfz. 251/7 Ausf. C

I stand corrected.

[McCoy]

Originally Posted by Jim O

I stand corrected.

No problem mate! I'm just glad to help out with typos...

[cyberia]

The SdKfz. 222. This slightly underpowered APC performed well as a reconnaissance vehicle




A 222 on a Paris street in 1940, just after the occupation

A 222 on the move in Poland. The main 20mm gun and MG were fixed on a coaxial mounting in a "chicken coop" turret

The SdKfz. 221 was a "Little Sister" to the 222, sporting only a single MG in the turret

A 221 crew on thelook out somewhere on the Russian steppe, 1942