Question on Wiking Panzer

[areilley]

The attached photo is of a Pz IV of SS Panzer Batalion 5 taken on October 3, 1942 durring the attack on Malgobek Russia. The tank seems to have just a two diget number( No 31). Since the batallion had onl 3 companies of tanks at this time, would this be a third company tank, tank no. 1?
In a two diget system would the Company Commander use tank No. 30 or No. 31?
Do you think that this might be Fritz Darges tank? Thanks

[stefano]

I think the second (Zug) digit may just not be wellvisible here - as far as I have seen the Wiking PzAbt use standard 3-digit numbering during 1942. So I would say this is a platoon commander's tank.
stefano
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