Question about Markings on a Sd.Kfz from 4.Pz.Div. !

[Lionel H.]

Hi Guys ! Would appreciate some Help by interpretating the Markings on this Sd.Kfz.

1) What I understand is : Army Group Guderian, 4th Panzer-Division...... the "P" could be for the Pionier (Engineer) Unit (Pz.Pio.Btl.79). Can somebody confirm it.... and perhaps be more Precise in decyphering this tactical Marking ???

2) what is the meaning of the lateral Marking "RI" or "RT" ??

Thank you for your Time. Lionel.

[S Ballantyne]

Sd.Kfz 253

Hi,

The half-track is a Sd.Kfz 253, or Beobachtungswagen for artillery unit. You can see the tray for the extra antennae on the roof of the vehicle, left side, which projects forward over the vision blocks.

This is for a towed artillery unit, 7.5 cm?

Not sure what the 'P' could mean, maybe P for Panzer, i.e. 'armoured'. But pretty sure it is not for 'Pionier'.

The 'RT' or 'RI' can be a unit specific marking, how they identified each vehicle, so lots of possibilities there.

Sorry not to be too much help, hopefully someone knows more.

Cheers
Steve

[PanzerElite]

i dont think it is for Pionie,
this is Pz.Jg.Abt.49, 4PD, equipped halftruck for 75mm antitank gun,
but there should be no P in the whole mark,
so the extra P is added by the unit.

[Lionel H.]

Thanks Guy.... This technical Details are really not my Area, so thanks !!

Another Question : does this halftrack allows to give a Date to the Picture ??

Thanks again for your Imput. Lionel.

[Alanmccoubrey]

I believe that the P stands for Protze which is LIMBER and harks back to when the artillery ammunition was carried in a limber. The tactical sign is for a motorised artillery unit so would be Artillerie Regiment 103 in 4 PD.