Panzer III Ausf.M

Modification of the German medium tank PzKpfw III.

Initial combat on the Eastern Front taught German command that the PzKpfw III and IV were significantly inferior to the KB Soviet T-34. In 1942 they determined to further improve the PzKpfw III, and moved to produce the Ausf. L, M and N modifications.

Ammunition was increased, the tracks were adjusted, and the turret was more heavily armored. The tank could now clear water obstacles up to 1.3 meters (previously limited to 0.8 meters). A large number of Ausf M units were converted to StuG III, Ausf N, and flamethrower tanks.