SDKFZ 251/7c - used in France in 1940?

[Baron von Wreckedoften]

Does anyone know if this Pionierewagen was used in the invasion of France and the Low Countries in May/June 1940?

[bluewillow]

No, the C model was not available until after November 1940 and was issued in 1941, and it was fitted for the invasion of Russia with the assault bridge.

The 251/5 also was fitted with the assault engineer bridge mounted on it for the invasion of Russia, not sure if it was for France.

Cheers
Matt

[Westfalia Chris]

I don't have a written source handy, but I seem to recall the Ausf. C only went into production in June or July 1940. Thus, an Ausf. C Panzerpionierwagen would be too late for France, and I haven't seen any photos of the variant on a B chassis, so presumably none of those for France in 1940.

Do correct me if I'm wrong, though.

[Captain Darling]

Hi!

As above c version wasn’t produced in time to see action in France 1940.

The Pioneer /7 version started production in November 1940.

Kfz. der Wehrmacht is a good site to check this stuff...
http://www.kfzderwehrmacht.de/Homepage_english/Motor_Vehicles/Germany/Hanomag/m__SPW/m__spw.html

Cheers!

[Baron von Wreckedoften]

Thanks one and all (especially the Kfz der Wehrmacht site - cheers, Darling!).  Saved me purchasing the "Pioneer" bundle from Warlord (31 plastic engineers and the above-mentioned vehicle, plus a two-seater m/cycle) to go with the flotilla of flossacken I just acquired from Redline Miniatures in Spain (very nice people to deal with, btw).