Panzer 38(T)

One of the most successful of prewar light tanks was the Czech LT-38 (TNHP). Built by CKD of Prague. A compact and reliable vehicle, it was sold to Iran, Latvia, Peru and Switzerland and was also built under licence in Sweden. After the German annexation of Czechoslovakia in March 1939 all serviceable Czech tanks were absorbed into the German Army. Redesignated the Panzerkampfwagen 38(T), the Germans were well pleased with the LT-38 as, armed with a 37.2mm (SKODA A7) gun of good armour-piercing performance, it was clearly superior to the Panzer I and IIs that formed the bulk of German armour at that time. In the battle of France, the 7th and 8th Panzer Divisions were composed almost entirely of ex-Czech tanks; indeed during 1940-41 they formed a quarter of all German tank strength. On the Russian front, it was completely outclassed as a gun tank but production of the chassis continued as the basis of several improvised anti-tank self-propelled guns, such as the Marder III, and later as the efficient tank destroyer, Jagdpanzer Hetzer. The gun tank continued to serve late into the war with armoured train units; the tanks being carried on flat cars for dismounted action against partisans. As one of the most successful tank designs to emerge during the interwar, the Panzer 38(T) is an appropriate type to feature as one of the launch titles in Ian Allan Publishing's new series devoted to classic armoured vehicles. Drawing upon archive photographs, line drawings and specially prepared colour artwork, the book describes in detail the development of the early the 38(T) as a gun tank. Alongside the illustrations, the author's erudite text puts the designs into their historical context, providing the reader with a comprehensive study of these important, but often overlooked, models. Designed with the war-gamer and military historian in mind, Ian Allan Publishing's new 'Tanks & Armour' series represents an excellent pictorial reference to many of the most important tank designs of the 20th century.

Terry Gander
Hardcover 96 pages 2006