Panzerbefehehlswagen I, the command tank variant of the PzKpfw I, advanes through a Polish village, September, 1939.  These vehicles had their rotating turret removed and cab somewhat expanded to include a map table, additional radio equipment (note the tall antenna) and an additional crew member (radio operator).  Notwithstanding the effort to create additional space, it must have been pretty cramped for the occupants.  Some 200 PzKpfw I were converted to this type, and were used from the start of the war in Poland, France and North Africa, after which they were phased out in favour of command versions of larger tanks.  Best regards, JR.

Panzerbefehlswagen I in Poland.

Tank ace Kurt Knispel getting out of his tiger tank #101 and the leading tank ace of WWII with 165+ kills. His body was found in April 10 2013 and his remains will be reburied at a military cemetery in Brno 

Kurt Knispel

"Young Panzersoldat in Russia, October 1941. Note his lapel Iron Cross ribbon and the voice gear. The throat mike did an excellent job in cutting surrounding noise and allowing for clear monophonic communication. The inside of a Panzer was a permanent megaphone of brutal noise."

