The Sd.Kfz. 124 Wespe (German for "wasp"), also known as Leichte Feldhaubitze 18/2 auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II (Sf.) ("Light field howitzer 18 on Panzer II chassis (self-propelled)"), is a German self-propelled gun developed and used during the Second World War. It was based on a modified Panzer II chassis.

Development

During the 1940 Battle of France, it became apparent that the intermediate tank of the German forces, the Panzer II, was unsuitable as a main battle tank. Though mechanically sound, it was both under-gunned and under-armoured.

thumb|left|A battery of Wespe self-propelled howitzers supporting German forces during the [[Battle of Kursk]]

Combat history

thumb|Wespe howitzers move through a town in Romania, March - April 1944

thumb|A Wespe destroyed in [[Normandy, 1944.]]

The Wespe first saw combat in 1943 on the Eastern Front.

  • Musée des Blindés in Saumur, France
  • An example located Australian Armour and Artillery Museum in Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland, Australia is undergoing restoration to full running condition, with periodic updates posted on YouTube as of 2026.

References

Bibliography

  • Achtung Panzer!
  • Surviving Panzer II tanks - A PDF file presenting the Panzer II tanks (PzKpfw. II, Luchs, Wespe, Marder II tanks) still existing in the world
  • Tanks Encyclopedia - Wespe