The German PzKpfw I Light Tank entered service around 1934 as a turret less training vehicle (Ausf A model) but was soon fitted with a turret housing a pair of 7.92mm MG’s which was known as the Ausf B and served as a Reconnaissance vehicle during the 1939 Invasion of Poland and 1940 Invasion of France.

The German PzKpfw I Light Tank Specifications

Armaments: x2 7.92mm MG’s
Armour: max 13mm steel plate
Crew: 2
Dimensions: Length 4.42m / Width 2.06m / Height 1.72m
Weight: 5.89 tonne
Engine: Maybach NL38TR 6 Cylinder 100hp Petrol
Top Road Speed: 40 km/h
Range: 153 km

6000 of the Ausf B had been manufactured but by mid-1941 only 74 remained in service, with many being converted in to other vehicle roles:

Tank Hunter (Panzerjager) – Saw the turret remover, plated over and a Czech 47mm Anti-Tank Gun mounted.

Self Propelled Gun – Had a 150mm Infantry Gun mounted.

Armoured Bridge Layer

Flamethrower Vehicle

Combat Engineer Vehicle

Ammunition Carrier

Command Post – Fixed box structure on top of the hull. Included communication equipment.

Anti-Aircraft Vehicle – Was first self-propelled AA vehicle with a mounted 20mm cannon.