Sturmpanzer III sIG33 / 15cm Sturm-Infanteriegeschutz 33

[Yoozername]

The actual name 'SturmPanzer' was created by Hitler in May of 1943, the name being for the Sd.Kfz.166. So, technically, there were no Sturmpanzers before then. I guess the name 'Brummbar' was a nickname from the troops.

[Denniss]

It probably had a "Sturm" part in name because it was based on StuG III chassis, not plain Panzer III chassis. Very likely they used refurbished/repaired chassis for this small series.

EDIT:
The Senger-Etterlin book has completely wrong timeline, either they mixed 1941 with 1942 or the Panzer II based vehicle with the StuIG 33.
Spielberger's "StuG III and variants" claims all 24 vehicles delivered in October 42 and available for issue to troops in October/November with 12 each. All on rebuilt chassis.

[SIS 5]

Hi Denniss,

thank You very much for the correction. And I believed, that Senger-Etterlin is a reliable source.

Regards

Bert

[Denniss]

It's always better to double-check data from books that old to more recent books. Book has many errors like non-existing 9. and 10./ZW designations for Panzer III L/M (which were either added or taken-over by Spielberger)

[magicdragon]

A question did the Senger-Etterlin book confirm the reasons why they did not take the Sturm-Infanteriegeschütz 33B any further? If was overloading the front wheels (a problem it shared with the early versions of the Sturmpanzer 43/ Sd.Kfz. 166) due the weight of the gun at the front of the vehicle, was the answer to move the engine to the middle like the Grille Ausf. K - with a fully armoured cupola at the back of the vehicle (unlike the Grille Ausf. K), could have been done by using the Geschützwagen III/IV chassis like the Hummel/ Sd.Kfz 165? Or was the 28.2 tonnes weight of the Sturmpanzer 43/ Sd.Kfz. 166 just to much for the Geschützwagen III/IV chassis?

[SIS 5]

No, there are not mentioned any reasons, only that the Sd.Kfz. 166 on the chassis of the Panzer IV did its job.

Regards

Bert

[magicdragon]

Bert

Thanks I will have to raid the piggy bank and maybe buy the Panzertracts book on the Sturmpanzers.