Basically, the Ausf F was the same vehicle
as the Ausf E. In fact, it was the result of an order to mass-produce an
effective battle tank. In January 1939, the order was reduced by 250, after
production orders had been placed for the improved models, Ausf G and H.
The basic change was to the ignition
system. Early in the production run, cast air-intakes were added to the upper
hull plate to allow air circulation for brakes and final-drive cooling. The
majority were produced mounting the 3.7cm KwK, but approximately 100 were
equipped with the 5cm KwK L/42 and external mantlet as original equipment. From
August 1940 until 1942, many of the remainder were converted from the 3.lcm KwK
to the 5cm KwK L/42 and external gun mantlet. Orders were also issued to
up-armour the hull and superstructure, by adding 30mm plates, at the same time
as the upgunning took place.
In late 1939 and early 1940, the Ausf F
were issued to the Panzer regiments as quickly as they could be produced. On 10
May 1940, 348 Pz Kpfw III, mostly Ausf E and F, but with a few Ausf G, were
with seven Panzer divisions on the Western Front. At this time, there were two
light tank companies with each tank detachment, but the actual strength varied
greatly between the seven Panzer divisions, ranging from five to seventeen Pz
Kpfw III in each light tank company. The last Ausf F known to have been in
action were with the 116th Panzer Division in June 1944. They are now on
display at the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
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