Germany's 15cm schwerer Infanteriegeschütz 33(SF) auf PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf H Grille, SdKfz 138/1 "Cricket", "Bison";
15cm schwerer Infanteriegeschütz 33/1 auf Selbstfahrlafette 38(t) (SF) Ausf K, SdKfz 138/1 "Cricket",
15 cm S.I.G. 33 auf GW 38(t), SdKfz 138/1:

Photos

sIG 33 PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf H self propelled gun

sIG 33 PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf H self propelled gun

sIG 33 PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf K self propelled gun

Design

Development of the sIG 33 PzKpfw 38(t) started in late 1942.²

Conversions

Some of the early models were converted when they came back to the factory for work.² The sIG 33 gun was mounted on the body with an armored shield built around it.² The engine area was covered so it could store ammunition.²

Prototype

Alkett delivered a prototype based in the PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf H chassis.^2,5 An ordered was placed for 200 to be built on the PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf K chassis.² These chassis weren't ready so the PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf H chassis was used initially in production.²

Production

The PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf M chassis was used for the majority of production.²

• sIG 33(SF) auf PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf H: 90¹
  • Production: February 1943^1,2 - April 1943¹
  • Manufacturer: BMM^1,5
• sIG 33(SF) auf PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf K: 282¹
  • Production: April 1943 - June 1943, October 1943 - September 1944¹
  • Manufacturer BMM¹
    • Chassis: BMW-Alkett³
    • Gun: Rheinmetall-Borsig³
• sIG 33(SF) auf PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf M:
• Total: 370^4,5
  • Production: 1942 - 1944⁵

Variants

• 15cm sIG 33(SF) auf PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf H, SdKfz 138/1: Used Czechoslovakian 38(t) Ausf H chassis and was converted by Alkett. Engine was mounted in rear to expedite production.^2,4 The fighting compartment was extended over the engine.
  In June 1944, there were 12 issued (6 each) to the 38th Panzer schwere Infanteriegeschütz Abteilung of the 2nd Panzer Division.
• 15cm sIG 33/1(SF) auf PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf K, SdKfz 138/1: Produced by Böhmisch-Mährisch. The engine was mounted in the front and the gun towards the rear.^2,3,4,5 Maximum range 4,700 meters. Used FuG16 radio.¹
  The gun fired a 83.8 lb HE shell at a muzzle velocity of 787'/sec. to a range of 5,140 yards.³
• 15cm sIG 33 Ausf M:
• ??: Ammunition carrier.² Used the PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf M chassis.²

Usage

They served in Russia, Tunisia, Italy, and France.

They were issued to the schwere Infanteriegeschütz companies of the Panzergrenadier regiments.

Issued to Panzergrenadier regiments from early 1943 and served on all fronts.

Late War

As of February 1945 there were still 173 Grilles still being used.²

Specifications