German Armored Forces & Vehicles

"Ghost Division" on the move, Belgium/France, 1940

Unknown author/?Erwin Rommel

PzKpfw II (right) and PzKpfw 38t of 7t Panzer Division tackle a bank, western campaign, 1940. The fact that it is in original color, and the identification with 7th Panzer suggests at least the possibility that this shot was taken by divisional commander with his trusty Leica. 7th Panzer was among the better-equipped panzer divisions. Apart from a reasonable share of medium tanks, this included a fair number of Czech-built Panzer 38t, which had the advantage of some tank-on-tank combat capacity as it was armed with a capable Czech-made cannon. Mind you, its armor was notably fragile, and prone to shatter and spall when hit ... still, it was capable of dealing with any French light tank it encountered. Rommel is known to have taken many photos, both monochrome and color, in the course of this campaign. In many cases, however, definite attribution is not possible. Best regards, JR.