Sturmgeschütz III

The Wehrmacht saw the need for mobile artillery that would be used to support the infantry by destroying enemy positions. Thus the birth of the mighty StuG. While built on a Panzer III chassis, construction cost two-thirds as much due to its lack of a turret. The StuG continued to be modernized as the tide of war changed against Germany and the Landser faced more advanced enemy tanks such as the Russian T34. Models F and G were the most advanced and were equipped with a 75MM main gun that was a match for anything it faced on the battlefield. By wars end the Sturmgeschutz was the most produced German armored vehicle. Its low silhouette, powerful gun, and highly trained crews made it the most prolific tank killer of the war, credited with destroying over 30,000 enemy tanks, a kill rate of 4 to 1.

The 7th Kompanie StuG III is named Wotan after the God in Richard Wagner’s operas. Wotan was constructed in the UK in 2016 using the chassis of a UK FV432 armored personnel carrier. The wheels on up are all of entirely new manufacture. The engine was moved to the rear of the vehicle and there are four seats, though a crew of three is preferred. The main gun fires a black powder charge. The vehicle also comes equipped with one MG34/42 and two MP40s.