As of March 15, 1939, after having annexed Czechoslovakia, Wehrmacht seized all the armoured tanks available in the Czech army like those in the course of production. The Germans baptized this tank, Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) and continued the production until 1942 of it, time when this light tank had become obsolete. Manufacture under German responsibility was also continued by the Skoda firm. Firm CKD was renamed BMM (Bömisch-Mährische Maschinenfabrik AG).

Pz.Kpfw 38(t)

src: Connaissance de l'Histoire HS n°3

The Germans required in the beginning a monthly production of 40 units but this figure strongly varied according to the availability of the material and the personnel. A total of 1168 tanks will be built for Wehrmacht: 275 in 1940, 698 in 1941 and 195 in 1942. In 1940, 228 specimens equipped 7th and 8th Panzerdivisions. July 1, 1941, 793 but in of April 1942, only 522. Little after their hand put on the Czech firms, the Germans required a frontal shielding of 50 mm and sides of 30 mm. Conversion was done via additional plates in front of 25 mm thickness, whereas the shielding side was truly re-examined to reach the 30 mm. The tanks which were equipped with this shielding and of the German gun of 37 mm weighed approximately 11 tons (TNHP-S, S for schwere = heavy).

Pz.Kpfw 38(t) Ausf.E/F

src: site "Panzer Page von Reitsch"

Pz.Kpfw 38(t) Ausf.G on the edges of the English Channel.

src: site "Panzer Page von Reitsch"

Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) was manufactured in 8 various variants (Ausf. A/B/C/D/E/F/S/G) with many modifications. Let us note that Ausf.S was actually a model of export intended for Sweden.

Ausf A (data): It is about the original vehicle in service in the Czech army and captured by Wehrmacht. 150 were produced from May to November 1939 (chassis 0001-0150). 59 specimens will be useful within the 67th Panzerabteilung of 3rd Leichte Division in Poland. 15 others will be sent in Norway. This model will be used on all fronts safe in Africa.

Ausf B: Put in production for the Germans. 110 produced specimens (chassis 0151-0260). Used in France with 7th & 8th Panzerdivisions and in Greece with 8th Panzerdivision.

Ausf C: 110 produced specimens (chassis 0261-0370). Used in France with 7th & 8th Panzerdivisions and in Greece with 8th Panzerdivision.

Ausf D: Equipped with a frontal plate and simplified superstructure. 105 produced specimens (chassis 0371-0475).

Ausf E (data): Shielding led to 50 mm on front (additional plates) and 30 mm on the sides. Equipped with smoke-producing grenade throwers. 275 produced specimens (chassis 0476-0750).

Ausf F (data): Some improvements and removal of the smoke-producing grenade throwers. 250 produced specimens (chassis 0751-1000).

Ausf S: Intended for the origin for Sweden. 90 specimens produced between May and December 1941 (chassis 1001-1090). Equipped with additional radios and indicated Panzerbefehlswagen 38(t). Some was yielded to the Slovak army and fought in the south of Russia in 1941 and 1942.

Ausf G: Last model of production equipped with additional armour-plates. 500 specimens produced (321 only like tanks) from October 1941 at June 1942 (chassis 1101-1600).

September 1939, one emitted the idea of a fast light tank of reconnaissance. At at the beginning of 1942. 15 specimens of this named version Pz.Kpfw 38(t) nA (neuer Art) will be produced by BMM (Praga/CKD) but will be never allowed for the series production (data) .

Let us note that the development of the chassis continued beyond these models. These chassis indicated H/K/M will be used as a basis for a whole variety of self-propelled guns such as Marders III Ausf.H/M, Bisons(Grille) or Hetzer. The old models turned over to the factory for repair will also be useful as bases for these conversions.