Sai eK The Versuchs le-F-H.18 (PzSf1) photographed in 1942 has several foatures that are different from the standard production Wespe includ: ing the muzzle brake, driver's compartment, single heallight, and lack of vertical-volute spring bump stops for the roudwheels. (CHY) FRONT COVER ‘These Wespesere several ofthe 12(Fgst Nr. 31025031026) hat were issued to the Panzer Grenadier Division “Grossdeutschland." Photo was taken rior tothe unit going into action at Kursk nt July 1983, (Bundeserchio photo) BACK COVER TOP ‘A Wisp found by Col. Jarret at Hillerseben proving grounds. From close comparison of features, it appears that this is Wespe (Fgst.Nr.31059) which ‘nas shipped to Aberdeen by Col. Jaret. (larvtt Calection) BACK COVER BOTTOM ‘The Wespe belonging to the Aberdeen Ordnance Museum photographed in 1946 when it stil possessed the correct muzzle make. The towing eyes onthe Jromt ofthe hull were welded ont replace the original tw hooks that were bolted tothe hul from. Bolts holding the tow hooks snapped when idiots attempting o tw vehicles didnt fit take up slack in the tow cables, (Jarrett Collection) WespeLeichte Feldhaubitze 18/2 (Sf) auf Geschuetzwagen IT By Thomas L. Jentz Published by Darlington Productions, Inc. P.O. Box 5884 Darlington, Maryland 21034 Copyright 1996. All rights reserved. No portion ofthis publication may be reproduced or reprinted without the written consent of the publisher. For more information on this and other Darlington Productions publications, write to the address above. Acknowledgements ‘Thanks to Karl-Heinz Miinch. All uncaptioned photosare by Jeffrey D. McKaughanWespe Leichte Feldhaubitze 18/2 (Sf) auf Geschuetzwagen II ‘The first indicator that Germany was planning to use self-propelled howitzers to provide artillery support within a Panzer Division was found in an organization chart for a “Versuchs Panzer-Division 1934/35” (experimental armored division) dated 12 ‘October 1934. One of the two Abteilungen (battalions) within the division’s leichte Artillerie Regiment (lightartllery regiment) was to be outfitted with 12 self-propelled howitzers. These plans fora self-propelled artillery battalion were especially progres- siveduringa period when experiments with motorized vehicles for towing artillery had yet to be completed. However, plans to provide each Panzer Division with a self propelled artillery battalion were not actu- ally realized until in 1943. Why did it take Germany with its reputation asthe leader in automotive design over eight years to get a useable self-propelled light howitzer into ‘mass production? ‘As revealed in a report on technical troop trials dated 11 April 1935, instead of a 10,SemSelbstfahrlafette( self-propelled car- riage), Wa Prw 6 (automotive design office of the ordnance department - later renamed Wa Pruef 6) chose to create a 10,5em Kpfw. mit Fahrgestell des 7,5 cm Gesch-Kpfw. (10.5 cm tank on the chassis as the Pz.Kpfw.1V). Krupp was awarded the con- tract to design and fabricate a single turret mounting a 10.5 em Kanone L/16. The pri- mary purpose of the 10,5 cm Panzerwagen (Nebeltank) (fog tank), also knawn as the Rauchwagen (R-W.) (smoke tank), was to laydownasmokescreenonenemy anti-tank ‘guns. Secondarily, it was to be capable of firing field howitzer high-explosive shells at suitable targets. In 1938 Krupp completed theturret with armament and mounted iton the “B.W.II", the second Pz.Kpfw.IV ‘Versuchsfahrgestell experimentalchassis) ‘The reasons for rejecting this design for se- ries production weren't revealed in the or- ders to Krupp dated 17 November 1938 di- recting them to dismount the turret so that the chassis could be used for other experi- ments, In 1938, Krupp was awarded design development contracts for a 10,5 em Kw.K. L228 turret (this time with 100 mm thick armor) and a 10,5 cm Kanone L/S? Selbstfahrlafette, ‘The turret was to be ‘mounted on the $.W.chassis being designed by Henschel. Contracts to design and build two 10,5 em Kanone L152 Selbstfahrlafette (Pz.SfL.1Va) were awarded to Krupp. Both of these were completed in January 1941 Finally in September 1939, Krupp pre- sented a preliminary design for a self-pro- pelled 10.5cm L/28 howitzer with a limited traverse of only 70 degrees. At a meeting with Krupp on 8 February 1940, Wa Pruef 6 stated that in accordance with the proposal of the Inspektion, the Pz.SflIVb was planned as the replacement for towed field howitzers supporting the Panzers attack. ‘Therefore, it should beaslightand mobile as possible and an armored gun shield would Pmvide sufficient protection. Because Wa Pruef 6had previously objected toaccepting {nto service a 10.5 em Panzerkampfwagen, they wanted to avoid a turret on the Pz.SfLIVb so that the Inspektion wouldn't get the impression that it was a tank. There- fore, Wa Pruef 6 wanted the sides of the turret to steeply angle down toward therear. ‘After settling on design details, Krupp was awarded an initial contract for two Je-F-H.A8 (Pz.SfL.1Vb) Fgst.Nr. V1 and V2. ‘These were completed, tested, and accepted on 7 January 1942. "A “O-Serie” of ten Pz.SflIVb with Fgst.Nr.150631 to 150640 was ordered from Krupp and assembly was ‘completed at Krupp-Grusonwerk in Novern- ber 1942. When accepted into service, its com- plete nomenclature was le FH 18/1 (Sf) auf Gw IVb (Sd.Kfz.168/1). As mounted on this self-propelled chassis, the le-F-H.18 had a limited traverse of a total of 70 degrees (35 dogrees right and left of center), could be depressed through minus 10 degrees, and could beelevated to plus 40degrees in order toachieveamaximum rangeof 10,500meters when firing a 1481 kilogram high-explosive round with charge 5 to achieve a muzzle velocity of 470 meters per second. The row of ivecould delivera sustained rateoffireof six rounds per minute from the stowed am- ‘munition load of 60 rounds. ‘A Wespe that had lost the lf track ws captured by the Americans in Italy. This Wespe suigue in tats doesn't have any vertial-volute springs as ‘bump stops and it has armor plates added tothe front ofthe gun shield jor additional protection forthe recoil and recuperator cylinders. (Jarrett Collection) 3Extra ammunition was stockpiled on the ground bekind this Wespe to suppor firing missions from ‘a prepared firing position. (KHM) Billed asa P.Kpfw.lV type chassis, in reality les than 20 percent Of the compo- nents ofthe Gw IVb were actually adopted from the Pr-KpfwlV production series Practically every component was different including the main components inthe drive train, the armored hull, and the six larger diameter roadihecs per side. AFmor pro- tection of only 20 mim inthe front, 145mm on the sides and rear, and 10 mi on top aidedin keeping the combat weight down Motloft hetictons. TheMaybach HLS motor rated at 188 metricorse power could drive the Gw IVb at speeds up to 45 kilome- ters per hour. The fuel tanks filled with 10 liters was sufficient for 250 kilometers on roads or 150 Kilometers on average cross- country terrain By July 1942, the contract for assembly ofthefrst production seresof200Pz.SfL1Vb was awarded to Stahlindustrie GmbH, Mulheim-Ruhr who were to complete as- sembly of the first P2SfL1Vb in January 1943, "Amore powerful Maybach HL 30 motorrated at 320metrc horsepower wasto be installed inthe production series. This production series was abruptly canceled in ‘arly November 1942 even though a large expenditure of time, effor, and’ materials had taken place in pre-assembly manufac. turing ofa large portion ofthe armored and automotivecomponents. Because of'sim- itd traverse dkdn't meet the current spect fleatons for sel;propeied arlery. Twas alo underpowered and comparatively ex: pensive to produce. Tn the Spring of 1942, Wa Pruet 6 had embarked on the design of series of self propelled arillery pieces based ona new set Sf design specifications. The overriding re {quirements were (I) that the artillery plece ato be diamountable for emplacement on thegroundand @) hadtobecapableof ring in 360 degroes while mounted! on the sel propelled camage. Krupp undenook te 4 separate designs, the Heuschrecke 10 and the Grille 10, The Heuschrecke 10 wasa Sfl. mit 10,5 cm L/35 mounted in a turret that could bedismounted fromachassis utilizing Pz.Kpfw.1V components. The Grille 10 was to be an Sfl. mit 10,5 em L128 Geschuetz ‘without wheels, in such a way that it had all- round traverse. When dismounted from the Grille 10, the gun was to be mounted in a Spreizlafette with a 60 degree traversing Becausethedesigns forthe Heuschrecke or Grille would not be ready for production for quite some time, the OKH decided to produce a Zwischenloesung (interim solu- tion). Rheinmetall-Borsigand theassociated firm Alkett had been working on self-pro- pelled anillery chassis designsbased oncom- ponents from the Pz.Kpfw.ll chassis since 1938. An earlier design from January 1939 foraself-propelled 10.5cmL33.8Geschuetz thatcould be dismounted on a Spreizlafette toengage concrete bunkers was not sclected for production. However, Rheinunetall- Borsig and Alkett continued to design self- propelled mounts for the 15m sIG 33B auf Pill and the 7.5 cm Pak 40 L146 auf Pz.Il ‘em Pak 40/20n the unmodi- ating problems with steering. Therefore, Rheinmetall-Borsig/Alkett were awarded a contract to redesign the Pz.Kpfw.II chassis hy moving the motor forward and the fight- ing compartment to the rear. ‘This chassis design was also useable for a self-propelled le.F.H.18 as a Zwischenloesung which could quickly en- ter series production. It was proven that the le-F.H.18 could be successfully mounted on a modified Pz.Kpfwll chassis by 25 July 1942, ‘All drive train components were adopted from the Pz.Kpfw.lI, the motor be- ing relocated to the center in order to pro- vvidea fighting compartment in the rear. The drive train consisted of a high performance Maybach HL 62 TR, six cylinder motor de- livering 140 metric horsepower at 2600 rpm, through a six speed Zahnradfabrik SSG 46 transmission onto the clutch /brake steering units nd final drives, designed to providea ‘maximum speed of 40 kilometers per hour. Maintaining the leaf-spring suspension, the combat weight of 11 metrictons was distrib- uted over five550 mm diameter rubber-tired roadwheels per side. Due to the additional load, the suspension was reinforced by mounting vertical volute springs as bump stopsonthefirst, second, and fifth roadwhoe! ‘The unlubricated 300 mm wide tracks pro- vided an acceptable ground pressure of 0.76 kilograms per centimeter squared ‘The ability of the Wespe to negotiate ‘obstacles and cross difficult terrain are re- lated by the performancecharacteristicslisted in Table 1. ‘The armor was only intended to pro- A broken down Wespe being towed by a normal Pz.Kpft.II. The hinged armor flap at the rear of the fighting compartment is missing. (KHM)10 Angle of Plate Illustration ‘School of Tank Technology Report ICombat Weight (with crew) vvidesufficient protectionagainstarmor pierc- ing bullets fired from small arms and shell splinters from close bursts. Tt was not de- signed to withstand a direct hit from any high explosiveshell or armor piercing round ‘A Wespe battery inline fring from open posi- tions. (KHM) ‘pa ona ‘rate san \ tmue ome a ia "0mm ie | 1 Sn a ie san CL then al fired by an anti-tank weapon. The British ‘examination of captured vehicles revealed that the armor protection was not the same as advertised by the Germans in their data tables. The front ofthe hull was 30 mm thick (not 18 mm), the glacis was 15 mm thick (not 12mm),and thebottom of thehull wasSmm. thick (not 12 mm). These thicknesses were confirmed by measurements of the Wespe formerly at Aberdeen and the front eft cor- ner remnant of a Wespe at Saumur. Other armor thicknesses and angles are shown in the above sketches from the British STT re- port The le F.H.18/2 was mounted on a base plate that also served as decking over the ‘motorcompartment. Traverse was restricted to an arc of 40 degrees (20 degrees left and right of center, or £356 mils and elevation to anarcof minus 5 degrees (89 mils) to plus 42 degrees (747 mils). Maximum range was 10,650 meters when firing a 14.81 kg FH Gr. high explosive shell) at charge 6 to achieve a muzzle velocity of 470 meters/second, Normally the le-F.H.18/2 recoiled a distance ofupto 1.150meters. Thecrew weretocease fire at a maximum allowable rewil of 1.170 meters, The periscopic gun sights Rund- blickfemrohr 36 (for indirect fire) and the SA.ZF.1 (for direct fire) could be mounted onthe Zieleinrichtung 34 with rangedrums ‘graduated from: 150 t0 9150 meters for FH Gr. fired at Charge5 400 to 10650 meters for FH Gr. fired at Charge 6 150 to 1500 meters for 10 cm Pzgr. fired at Charge 400 to 1500 meters for Gr39 rot HUA,B,C fired at Charge6 (The last range scale was later changed to Charge 5 for Gr39 rot HUC at 400 to 1500 meters). ‘The FH Gr. was a high-explosive shell, the 10emPzgr. wasacappedarmor-plercingTable2 ‘Ammunition Weight Muzzle velocity 10cm Pzgr. 140 kg 395 m/s (Charge 5) Penetration ae Accuracy Tests Practice 200m 100-100 500 m 100 98 1000 m 97 68 1500: 7378 Range shell with an explosive filler and a ballistic cap, and the Gr.39 rot HU/A,B,C were three versionsofanarmor-piercing shaped charge round. ‘The penetration ability shown in Table 2isthe thickness of armor plate positioned at ‘an angle of 30 degrees that could be cleanly perforated as proven by frequent testing of normal production rounds. "The estimated accuracy is given as the probability (in per- centage) of hitting a target 2 meters high and. ‘25meters wide, representing the target pre sented by the front ofa tank. The calculated accuracy was based on the assumptions that the actual range to the target had been cor- rectly determined and the distribution pat- tern of hits was centered on the target. The first column shows the accuracy obtained during controlled test firing of the gun to determine the pattern of dispersion. The second column includes the variation ex- pected during practice firing due to differ- fences between guns, ammunition and gun- ners. These accuracy tables do not reflect the actual probability of hitting a target under battlefield conditions. Due to errors in esti- ‘mating therangeand many other factors, the probability of a first-round hit was much Jower than shownin these tables. However, the average calm gunner, after sensing the impact from a previous shot, could achieve the accuracy shown in the second column. ‘As listed on the data sheots the Wespe wastobeoutfitted with stowage or32rounds and cartridges. However, a detailed listing of the authorized ammunition load for the Je-F.H.18/2(8P dated 28June1943statesthat a total of only 30 rounds along with 30 nor- malcartridges for charge] to Sand 15 special cartridges for charge 6 were to be carried with the howitzer. Of the 30 rounds autho- rized to be stowed with the gun 18 wereto be FH.Gr. with normal A.Z.23 fuzes, 4 FH.Gr. with double fuzes, and 8 10cm Gr.39 rot HU ABC shells. The total authorized issue in the field for each le-F.H.18/2 (Sf) was 225 roundsconsisting of 53FH.Gr. with normal fuzes, 9 FH.Gr. with double fuzes, 45.10 cm Gr39 rot HUA,B,C, and 18 FH.Gr.Nb. (smoke shells). Secondary armament for the crew of 10 cm Gr39 rot HUC 12.35 kg, 391 m/s (Charge5) Penetration Ability: 100 mm 100 100 100 mm 10 93 100mm = 92S 100mm = 72,30 Accuracy five consisted of an MG34 machine gun and two MP 38 automatic pistols. A Funksprechgeraet f was installed for com- munication between vehicles and the bat- tery commander and a Bordsprechgeraet inetalled for intercom betwen the crew "The Munitions-SfwasbasicalyaWespe without the gun. The gap inthe superstruc- ture front for the missing gun shield was plated over and stowage capacity increased to carry 90 complete rounds. It could be readily converte in the field to a normal gun carriage. The same radio and intercom sersinthe Wespe were installed forcommu- nication with the three man crew in the Maunitions-Sf The official designation for this self- propelled artillery carriageas announced in the HLT.V.BI in July 1943 when it was ac- cepted asa standard item in the OKH inven- PRODUCTION JeFH18/2 Mun Sf, 0 0 FACTORY REBUILD leFHI8/2 MunSf. tory was the leichte Feldhaubitze 18/2 (S) auf Geschuetzwagen Iiconsisting of the leichteFeldhaubitze18/2(SA)drawingnum- ber 5-1046 and the Geschuetzwagen II fuer leichteFeldhaubitze 18/2(SA) (Sd.Kfz.124). The name Wespe was merely a “Sug- gestivname” whose use was offically or- dered to be discontinued in February 1944, ‘Other official titles included: leichte Feldhaubitze 18/2 (Sf) auf Gw I (2020 1May43) G.WII, “Wespe” fuer le-FH 18/2 (Sd.Kfz.124) (In6 6Augs3) Geschuetzwagen II (Sd.Kfz.124) (KStN.431b 1Nova3) Geschuetzwagen II fuer Munition (Sd.Kfz.124) (KStNASIb INov43) leichte Panzerhaubitze auf S4.Kfz.124 (KStN431 Mayda) Munitionstraeger auf Sd.Kfz.124 (KSUN431 May4) Je.F.H.18/2 auf Fgst P2.Kpfwll (SO) (Sd.Kfz.124) (Wa Pruef Oct44) ‘The assembly firms contracted for pro- duction of the Gw II fleF.H.18/2(54) (Fgst.Nr.31001-31300and 31651-32185) were Famo in Breslau and the affiliated Ursus in Warsaw. These firms were also responsible for assembling the Pz.KpfwalI Ausf and the 7.5 em Pak 40/2 (SA). The first two pro- duction series Wespe were reported as being completed by Famo in their semi-monthly REPORTED LOSSES leFH18/2 MunSt. 0 2 0 1 4 2 4 z 0 1 0 0report for 1-15 February 1942. Priority was given to production of the Wespe with as- sembly ofthe 7.5 em Pak 40/2 (SA) brought to aahaltin order to get the self-propelled artil- lery tothetroops or the plannedftensivein the Summer of 1943. In August 1943, Famo ‘was directed to cease production ofthe Wespe and devote their full production capacity to assembling the 18 to Zugkraftwagen (Sd.Kfz.9). At the same time the number of Je-F.H.18/2(S/Muni. that had been ordered ‘was reduced from 10000 835. Productionof the le-F-H.18/2 (SA was scheduled toend by May 1944, Itwas intended to be replaced by a self-propelled carriage with all-round traverse capable of dismounting the howit- zer. However, these exotic designs never ‘made it pasta few experimental pieces. Af tera onemonth delay production ofthe self- propelled 10.5 cm howitzer came to an end in June 1944, ‘The Wespe were issued as batteries of six howitzers in accordance with KSLNA31() to one of the Abteilungen in the Artillerie-Regiment of each Panzer-Di- vision (except the 21.Panzer-Division (neu), ions, and the 18.Artillerie-Division (created from the 18Panzer-Division). After waiting for over ‘eight years for their self-propelled artillery, all but three Panzer-Divisions received their authorized allocation ot Wespe within the eight month period from May through De- comber 1943. The 19.Pz.Div., 1285-Pz.Div., and Pz.Div.HG. received their Wespe in early 1944. Six of the divisions had received their Wespe batteries in time for employ- ‘mentintheKursk offensive. Asshown inthe followingtable, the Wespehada remarkable ability to survive on the Eastern Front dur- ing a period when losses suffered by the Panzers exceeded 75 percent. ‘The following excerpts from a report written on 24 April 1943 by the commander of the 17-Panzer-Division on how to deal with Russian anti-tank guns reveal the im- pportance that was being placed on acquiring self-propelled artillery: Evenin the mostfavorableconditions against the flanks or rear, an attack against the enemy anti-tank defense fronts cannot be carried out only with the Panzers’ weapons. It requires tartillry support. However experience has shown that a Panzer attack, advancing against the flank ‘and rear, outranges the artillery group that has been assigned t0 cooperate with them. Self propelled artillery batteries are needed which use their mobility to move to firing positions in the same formation with the Panzers and thereby conform: tothe mobility of the Panzer unit. The arrival of the self-propelled artillery batteries icanoaited with great expectation. With longer firing ranges than the Panzers them- selves, they will be capable of achieving the fire superiority that is needed to again win back supremacy over anti-tank defenses. ‘The following comments on the em- ployment of the Wespe were recorded in a ‘experience eport writtenby the commander ‘of the ILAbteilung/Panzer-Artillerie Regi- ‘ment 103 on the offensive and defensive battles south of Orel from Julyto18 August 198: The Abteilung was outfitted with two Batterien cach with six leF.H. auf PanzerfahrgestellIlandone Batterie withsix ‘FH. auf Panzerfahrgestell IV. The mixture ofealibers(10 Semand 15 cmina2t01 ratio) met all tactical demands. The objective isto combine direct firefromthe sale caliber Panzer’ guns, ‘which score direct hits, with indirect area bar ragesfromartillery which, because direct hits fare achived, must gain superiority though its heavier eltber and numberof hell fragments. Since a breakthrough was nol achive, in spite of the massed employment ofthe Parzer forces (from 8 to 10 July 1943), the Batterien ‘were not employed in mobile offensive actions. Instead fr the most par the S}.~Abteilung was assigned the same tasks as the other towed ‘Abteilungen in the Artillerie-Regiment, that is supporting alacks with linital objectives ‘against enemy prepared for defense and repuls- ing enemy allacks The aoaniages of the superior mobility of the Sf-Artlleie wasn't tilized in supporting swift progressive Panzer and infantry attacks The actual askfor which this Sf~Artilleric was created did mot occur and will not occur in the East until the development of an operational penetrating Panzer force. However iis wrong to conclude that Sf-Artillerie should not exist forthe present because: 1. The situation may be different on other fronts, foreauipl, for defending against landing enemy troopsty supporting the counterattacksof Panzer units. 2. Theadvantagesofthe thoroughly inoulnerable ‘Sf-Artillerie was already decisive during the recent battle of attrition in the East. While the other Abteilungen in the Artillerie-Regiments suffered significant losses in their firing positions because of continuous aerial attacks and counter- batteryartllery ire the Sf-Abteilung wasspared because ofarmor protection and ability to simply drive out of heavy concentrated fire, ven thoughexposed fire positions had to frequently be chosen due to the situation. 3. The armored Sf-Ariilrie were the only batteries that maintained the ability to return fire at exactly the critical moment when the enemy attacked ard at the same time the firing positions ‘were covered by counter battery fire. 4. Even when onthe defense, the Sf-Artillerie rade mobile ployment pssibleand therfore it ‘was possible to continually fire artiley strikes that surprised the enemy. Examples of this isthe assembly of the entre f-Abteilung - all 18 howitzers beside each other in at open or con- ‘ealed map coordinates, carrying out a concen- trated sudden artilery strike, directly followed by immediately changing position beforeefective counter-strikes could occur However, in practice this last described method of employment couldn't be tested during the almost always critical situations because it toas absolutely necessary thatthe howitzers in the Abteilung be continuously prepared to fire. 5. The mobile SfArtillerie was capable of defending itself against tanks and infantry that had broken through the defenses. This is of decisive importance during the rapidly shifting battles that occur inthe East. Northeastoard of SSnamenskoyje, about 50 Kilometers northwest of Orel, using direct fire the 4.Batterie efec- tively engaged eight enemy tanks whickatlacked the batery’s firing position from the right flank. The howitzers immediately moved to the right and because the tanks were recognized in the open terrain, already opened fire at a range of 1500 meters with a mixture of high explosive and shaped charge shells. Asa result ofthe rapid fire the enemy tanks pulled back and turned off to tward another direction. Neither side scored a single hit. 6. Because the Sf Artillerie is invulnerable to counterbattry fire, its posible toackieve rapid oe r nas b ‘A Wespe found by Col. Jarrett at Hillersleben proving grounds. From close comparison of features, it appears that this is Wespe (Fgst.Nr-31059) which was shipped to Aberdeen by Col. Jarett. (Jarrett Collection) 8 ‘and heavy concentrated barrages by wo or three Batterien pulling into parallel positions in a tigh space. Asexperienced during recent battles, ‘concentrated fie could be rapidly and completely achieved The only mechanical problems that have ‘shown up on the Wespe are wear on teeth in the steering gear as well asthe rakes being continu- ‘oucly soaked with ol because ol leaks out ofthe final drive housing. Other mechanical problems ‘haven't occurred withthe Wespein spit of being ‘continuously in action under dificult condi- tions. The ammunition expended by the Sf.- Abteilung during this period totaled 18,916 rounds fired by the le.F.H.18 and 5,161 rounds {fired by the s.F-H.18. The numberof rounds fired by each gu were: ABatterie 5.Batterie 6.Batterie 1 2162 2280 467 2 83 830 1246 3 1889 179 320 4 1602 1868 379 5 1217 2009 122 6 1517 1646 1527 tl 8508 10412 5161 Thediferencein the number of rounds fired by the 4. and 5.Batterien was due to the 4.Batterle losing a Wespe on the frst day and a shortage of ammunition when ths Batterie was detached with a special Kampfgruppe during the period from 18 July o 3 August 1943, From previous experience, the ammunition expenditure appears tobe very high even though the Abteilung was almost continuously sub- jected toa shortage of ammunition. Asin World War I, in the current battles of attrition the artillery requires many times the ammunition supply as that calculated to meet the needs of mobile warfare {An officer in the Waffenamt sent to aly to obtain a clear picture of operational experience with the Wespe reported on 17 November 1983 ‘Above ll el the main difference between theoperationalemployment onthe Easter Front ten a aly tnd ote terrain. The train the southend leo aly lama motrin cu that i characterized by rats over passes, Stecp inclines, sharp cures, hard and rocky ‘round, Thetersinplacesfarhigherdemandson The equipment ca the Eat. adion, the temportures are ery high uring the summer. The planned employment of Sf Artilerie within a Panzer Divison practically never oc- tural in aly. Ths wes duetothepeculrtyof the terrain and the combat situation, In ects fet the Sf ere preponderant employed in ltonsor ina only endo guns. There fore inn may were expeiotes chained onthe tcl employment of the fl. The mtn deficencesobeeredby he troops 1. Themotorfthe Wespeistoo weak. Thereore, the Sf. arto slow (nly one tid ofthe conooy speed of «motrin turd artiley). Conc. trated movement of « Batterie was not possible becuse of continuous mechanical fies. The Sf moved individually, 2 The Wespefinal rites frequently broke down ht aemptingtesteertroughtetight cures fn the mourtans 3. Due to overtasing caused by the tern, “onagecontosly occurred others als linings and thei iets, “ASanezample becnsso these problems only 11 ou of 18 Wespen wer sill operational inthe 3 Panzer Grenier Division alliough isd ison first came into action with hese SP for only scoea wok In the 26 Paner-Divsion only two out of tucive Wespen sill remained operational fer four weaks ination. Thre Wespen ha tobe Blown wp by the troops cher they bro dome during reveal. These loses dueto mechanical breakdown ar especially high when one com- pares them 1 only tao losses ocurrng due fo Enemy action The lack of room for carrying a Wespe fighting compartment is bothersome. It fan't possible to carry along the necessary bag _gage for the crew such as blankets, washing kits, ration pouches, and cooking utensils In spite of several minor weaknesses, the Sfl. ‘have proven to be successful om the Eastern Front. The Wespe has proven to be an excellent ‘weapon on the Eastern Front. However, it has ‘been established that this model of the Sf. i not suitable fr employment in the mountainous ter- in in the south and middle of laly. The troops ‘want their old towed batteries back.The view down through he open driver’s hatch tothe engine firewall. The arrangement of controls (om the firewall isnot the same as that described in the D2020 manual. ‘Aview of thedriver’s compartment down through the open driver's hatch 1. Hatch to carburetor and spark plugs 2. Hatch to auxiliary hand operated fuel \ pump set 3: Rod foradjusting the electrical system 4. Main switch forthe electrical system This photo shows the tunnel behind the driver. The vehicle's battery was stowed in hee. Front Firewall 5. Air filter 6. Rod to operate the ol filter 7. Electrical battery 8. Throe-way fuel valveLooking down the tunnel bekind the driver. The engine radiator was located behind the battery location. RIGHT: The six-speed SSG 46 manual synchro nized transmission was mounted directly tothe right ofthe driver. ABOVE: The driver's controls consisted of a ‘gear shift lever to his right, steringlbraking levers for botk hands, the accelerator peal on the right, brake pedal in the center, and clutch pedal on the lft MIDDLE RIGHT: The gear shift selector lever shown ina drawing fromthe D2020, the German technical manual on the Wespe. RIGUIT: The driver's instrament panel 101. Tachometer 7. Starting switch 2. Switches for lights 8, Electrical plug in 3. Speedometer/Odometer 9. Designations for fuzes 4. Coolant temperature 10. Fuzes 5. Oil pressure gauge 11. Chassis number plate 6. Dutton for the horn 12. Instrument panel lights ‘The river's left hand stering/braking lever withthe stering brake nex! 'o the hull side and the stopping brake to the inside. A duct was connected 'o ‘extract fumes created by the brakes. ‘The driver's visor in the open position. Laminated glass blocks with headrests were installed behind the vision sits. The inside of the dished drive sprocket with the armor guard housing for the final drive. ‘The rectangular brackets installed om the hull side tothe let ofthe driver were mounts for tool boxes uDetails om hw the sprocket ring was ole tothe drive wheel =|V: ‘The leaf spring bundle for the first roadtwheel ‘with the vertical volute spring bump stop. BOTTOM LEFT: There were three 220 mm diameter rubber tired return rollers on each side,Details ofthe spring rollers, track, the lange connecting the superstructure to the hull, and the underside of the pannier Details ofthe pivoting arm and leaf spring bundle with roller for the fourth «and fifth 550 mm diameter roadsoheels. Track tension was adjusted by turning the concentrically mounted base of the idler wheel. Details of the construction ofthe conical idler wheel with wedge supports for the outer ring. ‘The fifth readwheel ofthis Wespe hai a normal rubber cushion bump stop instead ofa vertical volute spring. The idler wheel adjustment toas secured by teeth on the inside of the rectangular plate bolted to the rear ofthe base mourt forthe idler wheel 13A side view of the open driver's visor with the ‘splash guard bolted tothe glacis plate Closeup ofthe Bosch “Tarnlampe” mounted on the lft fener. Details the clips holding the front fenderexten- Originally another Bosch “Tamlampe” was mounted on the right fender. The base was capped during restoration.Side view of the external travel lock with the yoke support for the recuperator cylinder mounted above the howitzer. Details of the ouvers om the left superstructure Side forthe engine cooling air. Closeup ofthe external travel lock and the conical cap protecting the recoilcylinder under the how- itzer. 15Details ofthe central towing pin. The bars tothe right are in the position where the exhaust muf- {ler was originally bolted. FARRIGHT: This Wespe on a road march was. covered by branches inan attempt at camouflage (KHIM), ‘Therear of the Wespe with the hand hold toad the crew in mounting, the support bracket in the center of the hinged flap, and the clamps for holding the aiming stakes (painted redand while). Closeup of the side of the comooy tal light pro- tected by a step. 16Carriage (LEFT and LEFT BELOW) 1. Adjustable gun sight 7. Recoil length indicator ‘mounting. 8 Guntube cradle 2. Recoil cylinder 9. Recoil guard 3. Counterbalance 10. Traversing gear 4, Elevating gear 11. Base for azimuth indicator 5. Upper carriage 12. Recoil position device 6. Base plate ‘The top ofthe breech with the breech block operating hare (om the right and the eye for the recuperator cylinder rod screwed onto the center.Upper carriage (LEFT and BELOW LEFT) 1. Recoil guard 7. Hand wheel for 2. Mount for trunnions traversing gear 3. Toothed gear for 8, Supporting arm elevating gear 9. Lower trunnion mount 4. Hand wheel for 10. Housing for traversing elevating gear gear 5. Gun shield support 11. Trunnion 6. Upper carriage The Zieleinrichtung 34 shown in an illustration from the German D2020 manual Closeup of the dial indicators and the range adjustment handwhel for the Zieleinrichtung 34Base plate 1. Housing for brac- ing the traversing. gear. 2. Upper trun: nion mount. 3. Lower trunnion mount 4. Base plate 5. Base for azimuth indicator, The circular hinged port was for adding motor oil, the raised cover allowed addi. tional motor ventila- tion and theadjustable louvers onthe front lft ‘were for regulating ra: diator cooling air. The crank handle stored on the back plate uns use to spin up the inertia starter for the HL 62 TR motor. A closeup view ofthe inside ofthe fighting compartment of a Wespe captured in Italy. The markings (R279 1942) stamped into the breech ofthe le F-H.18)2 reweal that this was an early production Wespe that was probably issued to either the 3. or 29, Panzer-Grenaalier-Divisions. Garrett Collection) yThe base for the rod antenna mounted on the stiffening brace for the superstructure side armor. The radio rack onthe lft superstructure wall above the bins for stowing the propellant cartridges. - Details of the traversing gear handwheel and azimuth indicating arc ‘mounted on the base plate. Re To the lft front ofthe gun one can see the details ofthe louvers on top of the base plate for adjusting engine cooling ar, the side supports linking the gun Shield tothe carriage, and a canister for storing smoke candles. The ammunition bin for stowing the 10.5 cm shells was located atthe rear ofthe fighting compartment. ‘The hand crank for spinning up the inertia starter forthe engine was stored om the back of the base plate. It was inserted through the braced tube ‘mourtted on the rear engine firewall. The twin caps onthe floor were opened {to fil the furl tanks‘Theeleoation gear handtoheel is on the lef ofthe gun carriage. The clip for storing the MP 38 automatic pistol is mounted on the superstructure side ‘support on the right. Looking down beside the right sie ofthe leF H.18[2 with the counterbal ‘ance on the left one can see the ventilation hood over theengine ontop of the base plate along with details ofthe side superstructure armor supports This Wespe has been extensively damaged, ap- parently from when the howitzer barrel ruptured while being fired. (KHM) View into the fighting compartment with the leF.H.18(2 secured by the travel lock at the rear ofthe recoil guide, The hand wheel for traversing the gum is om the left and the hand wheel for elevating the gun is om the right. Therefore crew coordination was needed in order to sight the howitzer whick would have been very dificult to ‘achiewe while firing directly against a moving target. a% a ABOVE and RIGHT: These Wespe were several ofthe 12 (Fgst.Nr31025 to 31036) issued to anzer-Grenadier-Division "Grossdeutschland”. The photos were taken prior to the unit going into ‘action at Kursk mn July 1943. The mulflerof Wespe (Tactical Number 46) doesnot have a heat shield surrounding the exhaust muffle. (BA Fotos) An overhead view of Wespe (Fgst.Nr. 32005 DTD 3088) assembled in early 1944. It was captured by the British and the subject of one of the excellent School of Tank Technology reports on exarninationiof captured equipment, Photo courtesy of The Tank Museum, Dovington. 2Four additional viewsof Wespe (Fgst Nr.32005 DTD 3088) assembled in early 1944. Photos courtesy of The Tank Museum, Bovington. B