On December 22nd, 1941, the German Weapons Department was ordered to produce an effective self-propelled anti-tank gun for use on the Eastern front. The Czechoslovakian 38(t) chassis was used as the basis for the vehicle. The gun and carriage (without the wheels) was mounted on top of the superstructure using a special mounting plate. It was shaped like a bridge and was bolted to the roof in the front and rear. The gun shield moved with the gun, but the sides were fixed to help protect the crew. The driver and radio operator sat in the front of the hull. Behind them were three ammunition boxes that held 24 rounds. There were two ammunition boxes mounted on the side walls of the superstructure, which contained 12 rounds.

Originally designated the Panzerselbstfahrlafette 2 x 7.62 cm PaK 36, Hitler changed its name to Marder III on February 27th, 1944. Production started on March 24th, 1942 at the Bahmisch-Mahrische Maschinenfabrik AG factory in Prague. Initial output was set at 17 vehicles per month, with a target of 30 per month. By May 15th, 1942, 120 had been produced, and another 100 were ordered. These were produced from June to September 1942.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a German Sd. Kfz. 139 Marder III Ausf. H tank destroyer w/ PaK36 anti-tank gun that was attached to Panzerjager Abteilung 33, 15.Panzer Division, then deployed to North Africa during 1942. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 4-inches
Width: 1-1/2-inches

Release Date: May 2010

Historical Account: "Panzers Rollen in Afrika Vor" - The 15.Panzer Division was raised from the 33.Infanterie Division in 1936. It mobilized in 1939, but did not take part in the invasion of Poland. In 1940, it participated in the invasions of Belgium and France. It was then reorganized as the 15.Panzer Division in August 1940 at Darmstadt and Landau by incorporating the 8.Panzer Regiment from the 10.Panzer Division and giving up its 110.Infanterie Regiment to the 112.Infanterie Division.

In April 1941, the division began transport to Libya, joining General Erwin Rommel's Deutsches Afrika Korps (DAK) with the 21.Panzer Division and the 90.Leicht Division. By June 15th, the division was deployed in reserve to the south of Bardia, and fought in the successful defense during Operation Battleaxe at Halfaya Pass.

On November 18th, British forces began Operation Crusader with the objective of relieving the besieged forces at Tobruk. The 15th was situated to the east of Tobruk, and by November 20th they joined the 21.Panzer Division to battle the armored forces of the British XXX Corps.

With the XXX Corps situated on the approaches to Tobruk, Erwin Rommel sent his panzer divisions on a rapid advance to the east, threatening the British rear. However the British continued to advance on Tobruk and by November 27th they had linked up with the fortress. The Axis forces were forced to withdraw.

By December 31st, 1941, Rommel's forces halted at the line at El Agheila for refitting his depleted forces. By January 21st he was ready to advance again, and the DAK and Italian forces began another march to the east.