Sturmgetchutz III Ausf.B - Italeri's No. 283 (produced by DML, released in 1995)
Since its introduction into the service, "artillery" was, and still is, a pure support
weapon. Guns and rocket systems of different calibre and range conduct the battle
from the depth of the own hinterland in close operation with the line-troops (tanks
and infantry).
As early as 1935 the later general fieldmarshall von Manstein demanded an
expansion of these historical functions: the artillery should be enabled to support
the infantry attack actively and immediately at the front line by means of mobile,
armored components. Von Manstein called this component "Sturmartillerie", for
assault artillery.
The German ordnance office sanctioned these ideas on condition that both the
tactical principles and the technical practicability would be solved as quick as
possible. The vehicle was to be equipped with the 7.5cm StuK 37; a gun which met
all expectations regarding range and impact in the aim. The gun should be mounted
in a flat casemate on the chassis of the proven Pzkw III. Accordingly, the vehicle
received the designation Sturmgeschutz III (assault gun III). The tactical mission
provided, that assault guns would accompany the attacking infantry in platoon-
strength. Enemy machine gun and infantry gun positions and tanks should be put
out of action directly.
The firm of Daimler Benz received an order to produce a first production lot. Till
May 1940 thirty vehicles were made, this first series was desinated Ausf. A. With
a maximum armor of 50mm the Stug III was better protected than the Pzkw III.
