did pz.III’s ever have zimmerit?
According to this site, the answer is, yes.
http://www.panzerworld.net/zimmerit.html
Someone with some reference pictures will probably chime in shortly…
[edit]
Actually, here you go. Check out the Ausf E about half way down. That looks like it could be Zimmerit to me. Maybe not, but there’s some kind of texturing both on the lower hull and up top. The caption would have to be incorrect though.
http://www.wwiivehicles.com/html/germany/pzkpfw_iii_photos.html
Enjoy your modeling…
Although chassis continued to be build for Sturmgeschutz, Panzer III production ended in August of 1943. Factory applied zimmerit did not start until the end of September to as late as early December 1943 for some firms. So this rules out factory applied Zimmerit. Field application is certainly possible, but I can’t say I remember seeing any photos of such. Maybe someone has a photo they can share? My Spielberger books say Pz. IIIs were INTENDED received it too, but factory application did not start until after Pz III production was halted.
Maybe I’m blind, but I don’t see it on the E. I’ve never heard of III’s getting any. Like Peridexion stated, one has to go by the rules.
Follow-up…
On page 27 of “Tanks in Detail #7 PzKpfw III Ausf A to N” by Terry Gander, there is a picture of many Pz III Ausf N’s and even some Ausf J, L, or M’s (can’t really tell) that were surrendered to the Allies in Norway. At least 5 of the tanks have Zimmerit coatings including one Ausf N with Schurzen that is covered with a clearly unpainted coat.
Hope this helps…
Must say I learned something new today. Thanks.
Thanks Robert. I thought there should be some photos showing this, especially for late model IIIs, but I couldn’t remember seeing any.
Panzer III M and N’s had field applied zimmerit to the manlet and front armor as well as the rear.