PIBWL presents:

German armoured train Panzerzug 22 - the gallery

	[ Main page / Polish armour / armoured trains ] [ Polish armoured units ] [ Steel Panthers ] [ Links ]
	© Michal Derela, 2001	New: 08. 11. 2001

For most of its life, since 1941 till 1944 Panzerzug 22 was used in an occupation service in France, guarding the tracks. It was stationed in Tours, since 6 September 1941 in Niort. The photo is taken in 1942. In the foreground is the artillery wagon from former "Grozny". Note Polish anti-aircraft MG turret on the artillery car's roof (without AAMG - the Germans didn't use it). Behind it: a Bahnschuetzwagen and the armoured locomotive 54 651 (Ti3-4) with extra armour, added by the Germans. In the background the assault wagon from Polish train nr. 52 ("Piłsudczyk") can be seen.

The artillery wagon from Polish train nr. 54 "Grozny" (with two 75mm guns) in Panzerzug 22. The wagon was originally a Soviet one, constructed possibly in Izhorski Works, then captured by the Polish. Clearly visible is a small hatch under the turret - most likely the German improvement. Armoured screens protecting the buffers and couplings are added by the Germans, as is a searchlight on the turret.

PZ 22 on exercise in western France, August 1941. An interesting view of the artillery wagon from former "Grozny". Behind it: a Bahnschuetzwagen and 54 651 (Ti3-4) locomotive with extra armour.

A "small artillery wagon" of Panzerzug 22, armed with 7,5cm FK.02/26(p) (75mm wz.02/26) gun. This wagon possibly comes from Polish training train. Most likely it looked initially like an old artillery wagon of "Bartosz Glowacki" and was modified by the Polish before the war, by cutting off the corners to fit four MG mountings. The Germans, however, replaced its cyllindrical HMG mountings with simple MG ports, as is visible.

A Kommandowagen (command wagon) of Panzerzug 22 - former assault wagon of Polish PP. 52 "Pilsudczyk". The crew is preparing to put a telescopic long-range pole aerial up (this was German modification). The Germans replaced the cyllindrical MG mountings with simple MG ports. Click to enlarge.

Panzerzug 22 in spring 1944. Since 1943 the train underwent some modifications. It was euiped with additional wagons with anti-aircraft artillery (Flakwagen) - 20mm quad AA gun Flakvierling-38 is visible at the end. The clothes line aerial of assault wagon from former "Piłsudczyk" was modified, with all midle masts removed. In 1944 the armoured locomotive was changed to French series 140C - visible on the photo. Also visible is the artillery wagon from former "Grozny". It is not sure, if the train still had the other wagons then.

Panzerzug 22 in Italy, autumn 1943. The artillery wagon of former "Grozny" is visible.

In Autumn 1944 Panzerzug 22 was moved to the Eastern Front. It seems, that it was still retaining its artillery wagon of "Grozny" with two 75mm guns rather and the command wagon of "Pilsudczyk". It also had one ore two anti-tank wagons (Panzerjaegerwagen) assigned, with 7.5cm KwK-40 AT-gun in PzKpfw-IV tank turret. Possibly it also had its small artillery wagon and FlaK-wagons. Apart from these, it had one or two flatcars (Panzertragerwagen) carrying light tanks PzKpfw-38(t) (with 37mm guns). For most of its life the train also had armoured cars Panhard 204(f), riding on rails, used as reconnaissance draisines.
The train was destroyed on 11 February 1945 in Sprottau.

Top of the page