Marder III (7.62cm) (GE104)

Marder III (7.62cm) (GE104) Panzerjäger 38(t) fur 7.62cm PaK36(r) - Sd Kfz 139 The Marder III was the Germans quick answer to the Soviets heavily armoured KV and T-34 Tanks encountered in 1941 during operation Barbarossa. During the mass panic that was the Russian initial response to the German invasion, the German forces captured large numbers of 76.2mm field guns. The Germans soon put these to use in the anti-tank role, first as PaK 36(r) after re-chambering to take the PaK 40 round.

It was then decided to mount the PaK 36(r), on the Panzer 38(t) as a self-propelled gun. The Panzer 38(t) was becoming obsolete by late 1941 and was considered too slow to be used as a reconnaissance vehicle.   So it came that a former Czech tank was mated with an ex-Soviet field gun, proving itself a potent anti-tank weapon. The first Marder III prototype was built in December 1941, but it was not until April 1942 that full production was started, 363 being eventually produced.

They served mainly on the Russian front in Panzerjäger detachments, but it saw its first combat in North Africa at the battle of El Alamein. The first six units being directly attached to the Afrika Korps’ HQ. A total of 66 were sent to Africa from May 1942 to November 1942.

In Flames of War You can get yourself Marder IIIs as part of your Divisional Support in the Tank-hunter Platoon on Page 65 of Ostfront. For a mere 405pts you can have four of these lethal tank-hunters. The PaK 36(r) comes with decent punch, AT 11, ROF 2 and FP 3+. Enough to deal with all but the heaviest enemy tanks.     They are reasonably mobile, so combined with their Stormtrooper move they are able to scoot away from any dangerous situations. Vehicle Designed by Evan Allen Gun by Karl Cederman Painted by Dion Holswich