"We must do everything we can to promote anti-tank defense, and work just as hard to guarantee successful counter-attacks through the instrument of powerful tank forces of our own."
- Major-General Heinz Guderian, "Achtung Panzer!"
The first variant of the Grille ("cricket") was based on the Panzer 38(t) Ausf. H, which had its engine in the rear. The turret of the tank was removed and replaced by a low-slung superstructure and fighting compartment. The 15 cm Schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33 (heavy infantry gun) was mounted in the front of this fighting compartment.
A total of 91 were produced in 1943. The official designation was 15 cm Schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33 (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf. H "Grille" (Sd.Kfz. 138/1).
The second Grille variant was based on the Panzer 38(t) Ausf. M, which had its engine in the middle. As with the earlier version, the turret was removed and replaced with a new superstructure and fighting compartment. Unlike the Ausf. H variant of the Grille, this was located at the rear of the vehicle, as well as somewhat smaller and higher. This version also carried the 15 cm Schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33.
This vehicle was developed because the earlier Grille had proven unsatisfactory in service. Its heavy, forward located gun unbalanced the vehicle, making it unstable. The new version solved this problem by having its fighting compartment and gun located at the rear, rather than the front of the vehicle.
In 1943 and 1944 a total of 282 vehicles were produced, as well a 120 ammuniton carriers, which replaced the main gun with ammunition racks. These could be converted back to normal configuration in the field, by mounting the 15 cm gun onto the vehicle.
The official designation was 15cm Schweres Infanteriegeschuetz 33/1 (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf. M "Grille". Now in stock! |
