09 January 2013

Panzerkampfwagen IVs of the Afrika Korps


Image size: 1600 x 1159 pixel. 345 KB
Date: Thursday, 1 May 1941
Place: Libya
Photographer: Unknown

A column of Panzerkampfwagen IVs on the move. The date is estimated; some of the men appear to be wearing the tropical hat (tropenhelm) first issued in 1941. The Deutsches Afrika Korps (German Africa Corps) had the 15. Panzer-Division and the 5. Leichte (Light) Division (later designated the 21. Panzer-Division) as their primary armored formation. Both of the divisions landed in Tripoli, Libya in February through May of 1941. The Afrika Korps was attached to Panzergruppe Afrika (August 15, 1941) and then Panzerarmee Afrika (January 30, 1942) and later the 5. Panzerarmee (December 8, 1942) and finally Heeresgruppe Afrika (Army Group Afrika) on February 23, 1943. They were involved in fighting the British 8th Army from 1941-1943 and then after the Torch Landings in November 1942 the Americans. Both divisions were completely shattered during the fighting, and surrendered on May 13, 1943. The divisions were reconstituted in Germany and continued to fight until the end of the war. 

Source:
Signal Magazine
http://www.worldwar2database.com/gallery3/index.php/wwii127

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