5. leichte Division (5th Light Division)
The tanks of the 5th Light Division arrived in Africa still carrying the 3rd Panzer Division symbols of their mother unit back in Germany. At this stage the 3.PD divisional symbol was still painted in yellow on their standard overall panzer gray.
It appeared quite small at the front of the left side hull plate, and at the far lower left on the rear engine compartment plate. Gradually they were oversprayed with desert sand and the 3.PD divisional symbol appears to have been overpainted at that time.
Panzer-Regiment 5 made up the main armored component of 5. leichte Division, and was committed in the very early battles, and leading up to the initial assaults on the Tobruk defenses. Eventually it was rebuilt to become the 21st Panzer Division.
Panzer-Regiment 5 (5th Panzer Regiment)
To date we have been unable to come up with a Regimental symbol for PR.5, and the rampant Bear of 3.PD does not appear to have carried over to North Africa. If anyone has come across a visible Regimental symbol on PR.5 in Africa, we would love to hear from you.
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15. Panzer-Division (15th Panzer Division)
The 15th Panzer Division gradually arrived in Africa over an extended period of time from late April until mid-June, 1941. The light companies (Pz.IIs & IIIs) arrived at the front in time to close on Tobruk, and the medium companies (Pz.IVs) arrived at the front in July.
The divisional sign appeared quite small, on the front bow plate and the rear of the turret bin accompanied by the Africa palm and PR.7 symbol. It has been verified in black, deep red, and dark gray over desert sand. It can also be found forward on the turret sides in some instances.
Panzer-Regiment 8 (8th Panzer Regiment)
This variation of the popular "wolfsangel" rune was adopted by 8th Panzer Regiment. It often appeared on the rear of the stowage bin directly below the divisional symbol, and usually accompanied by the Africa palm symbol.
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21. Panzer-Division (21st Panzer Division)
The 21st Panzer Division was formed from a reorganized and strengthened 5th Light Division in October of 1941, and the 5th Panzer Regiment remained as its main armored contingent. The division symbol was widely and prominently carried on most of its vehicles.
This divisional symbol appeared in two distinct styles, and it is hard to determine if one replaced the other, or if they were used consecutively. The latter seems to be the case. White appears to be the dominant color used in all cases.
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10. Panzer-Division (10th Panzer Division)
As the situation became critical in North Africa the 10th Panzer Division was transferred from Southern France to Tunisia in a desperate attempt to shore up the defenses there. Its armored contingent was the 7th Panzer Regiment.
Panzer-Regiment 7 (7th Panzer Regiment)
The 7th Panzer Regiment at times appears to have displayed an "outer sprayed" Bison symbol. Most renowned evidence of this is a captured British Valentine with a "white edged" Bison appearing on the rear turret bustle sides. It has also been seen "black edged" on the rear of a PzKpfw.II. Any other sighting in Africa would be welcomed.
Spade (Panzer Regiment 7?)
Seen well forward on the turret in photos of a disabled Pz.IV/F2 carrying the number 7, and being inspected by US troops near Kasserine Pass. Muzzle brake missing. Possibly part of Kampfgruppe Burk with 7./PR.7, late January 1943.
Photos: SC 1790099, 170100 and 168321.
Club (Panzer Regiment7?)
Appears on the rear and side of stowage bin on a Bundesarchiv photo of Pz.III/L featured on page 44 of "Afrikakorps in ACTION" from Squadron/Signal Pubs. Although quite "slim" in nature, it still could be construed as a club symbol.
Diamond (Panzer Regiment 7?)
This marking was originally present on the PzKpfw.IV/F2 on display indoors at APG in 1965. Its authenticity was verified by Col.G.B. Jarret, who saw duty in North Africa. However, when it was captured, and what unit it belonged to is unknown to me, although Tunisia seems the obvious choice. If anyone can shed light on it, please contact me.
COMMENTS WELCOMED
Since many of the items we have touched on in this section have been unanswered for years, we can only hope that the Internet just may reach some new sources that can help identify these markings.
Any e-mail can be directed to George Bradford:
gbradford@sympatico.ca
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