German Medium Tank Pz.III Ausf.J on the Eastern Front, 1942

November 24, 2025 - Reading time: 3 minutes

German Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf.J medium tank with long-barreled 50mm gun on the Eastern Front, 1942.

This World War II photograph shows a German medium tank Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.J deployed on the Eastern Front in 1942. The vehicle is armed with the long-barreled 50 mm KwK 39 L/60 cannon, a significant upgrade introduced after German forces encountered well-armored Soviet tanks such as the T-34 and the KV series.

Early versions of the Panzer III proved inadequate against newer Soviet armor, forcing the German Panzerwaffe to urgently modernize their vehicles. The Ausf.J modification featured a strengthened frontal armor plate increased to 50 mm, improving survivability in direct combat. At the same time, the hull was simplified and lightened to maintain mobility despite the added protection.

By 1942, the Pz.III Ausf.J became one of the primary workhorses of German armored units on the Eastern Front. Although still outclassed by Soviet heavy tanks, it remained effective against lighter vehicles, infantry positions, and as a maneuver element in combined-arms warfare.

This image reflects the technological race between opposing armies, where battlefield encounters directly shaped the rapid evolution of tank design and armament throughout the war.

Technical Photo Data:

📍 Location: USSR
📅 Date: 1942
📝 Subject: German Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf.J medium tank with KwK 39 L/60 gun
📷 Photographer: Unknown

• German medium tank WWII
• 50mm KwK 39 L/60
• Tank warfare Eastern Front
• T-34 vs Panzer III
• KV tank encounters