This book features the monstrous Ausf H variant of the Panzerkampfwagen
IV, designated the SdKfz161. This variant saw the integrity of the glacis armour
improved by manufacturing it as a single 80 mm plate. To prevent adhesion of
magnetic anti-tank mines, which the Germans feared would be used in large
numbers by the Allies, Zimmerit paste was added to all the vertical surfaces of
the tank's armour. The vehicle's side and turret were further protected by the
addition of 5 mm side-skirts and 8 mm turret skirts. These modifications meant
its weight shot up, making it a far slower adversary, but a less precarious
one.
The Ausf J variant, the final production version of the Panzer IV - was
considered a retrograde from the Ausf H. Born of German necessity to replace
heavy losses, it was greatly simplified to speed production. By late 1944,
Zimmerit was no longer being applied to German armoured vehicles, and the Ausf
J's side-skirts had been replaced by wire mesh, while to further speed
production the number of return rollers was reduced from four to
three.
