Panzer-Lehr-Division SdKfz 251 markings December 15 ... - PALA 130

This SdKfz 251/3 is depicted as a II version, which mounted three radios. As with the vast majority of Panzer-Lehr
m.SPW, it is configured as an early-production Ausf D; characterised by the Notek headlight on the LHS fender,
with its associated square-section conduit running up the body behind the front wheel and bolted to the inner
fender edge. Often m.SPW of this vintage are also seen with an additional set of small Bosch or Hella brand
headlights on each fender. In this event a similar conduit is mounted under the RHS fender. By at least the spring
of 1944, m.SPW were leaving the factories instead with just a single large Bosch headlight on the LHS fender -
initially with a square-section conduit, but which was soon substituted for a tubular version winding its way under
the fender. Essentially the introduction of the large Bosch headlight helps identify (in a generic sense) a midproduction
vehicle, that is up until the introduction of the revised bonnet arrangement in early 1945, so
characteristic of late-production Ausf D.
In closing, special thanks go out to Lee Archer, Bill Auerbach, Frédérick Deprun, Hans Weber, Henrik Sjovall and
Sam Wren for their knowledge and generous assistance in this ongoing study.
Baz