Travel:

Aberdeen Proving Ground
Tank Park and Museum

WWII German Marder II and III Tank Destroyer

article and photos by Russ Lockwood



The Marder III.

By 1942, the light tank PzII was obsolete, so a captured Russian 76.2mm gun was installed atop the Czech Pz38(t) chassis--later changed to a standard 75mm German gun, and thus was born the Marder II. 576 produced from June 1942 to June 1943. The Marder I was a German 75mm gun mounted atop captured French Lorraine tracked vehicle--184 produced, but quickly reissued from front line to occupation forces.

The Marder III moved the engine forward and fighting compartment backwards, saving production time and materials as well as improving the crew efficiency. Armor and weight were reduced. 975 produced from April 1943 to May 1944, when the Marder II was phased out in favor of the Hetzer.

Crew 4, 75mm gun, 1MG, Speed 26mph, Range: 118 miles

The PzJg 38(t) Marder II with 76.2mm Russian gun.

Aberdeen Museum and Tank Park

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