Stug IIl Enthusiasts' Manual

The German Sturmgeschütz series of assault guns was a successful and cost-effective range of armoured fighting vehicles; of which some 10,000 were built during the Second World War. Based on the chassis of the Panzer III tank; the turret was replaced by an armoured fixed superstructure fitted with a more powerful 7.5cm StuK 40 L/48 gun. Originally intended as a mobile assault weapon for infantry support; the StuG was constantly modified and saw extensive use on all battlefronts as an assault gun and tank destroyer. Its fixed superstructure with limited-traverse mounting for the main armament was simpler and cheaper to build than the turret of the battle tank; plus its low height meant it was easy to camouflage and conceal. Towards the end of the war; more StuGs were built than tanks.

StuGs also saw combat when used by several Axis allies; notably Romania and Finland. They were also exported to Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, and Spain. The Soviet Union gave some of their cap