Thomas Anderson - Panzer Reconnaissance

In 1936, German reconnaissance troops were initially equipped with basic Adler-built Kbelwagen (bucket seat car) which utilized the chassis of a commercial passenger car. Behind the second vehicle is a leichter Panzersphwagen (le PzSpWg light armoured car) Sonderkraftfahrzeug (SdKfz special purpose vehicle) 221.

Reconnaissance assets of all kinds have been used throughout the history of conflict to gain advantage over the enemy. Depending on its quality and relevance, this intelligence has been able to contribute decisively to decision-making at the highest echelons of military leadership. The outcomes of many engagements and battles have been significantly influenced by reconnaissance.

Military intelligence generally operates at three levels. Strategic intelligence gathers information on a global scale, using a wide variety of sources and techniques. It primarily serves the decision-making by political leaders. Operational reconnaissance covers the potential or actual battlefield and is conducted at the level of large units such as army groups or armies. It operates deep behind enemy lines. Smaller units engaged in direct combat use all the possibilities of active tactical reconnaissance. Specialized subunits are tasked with gaining knowledge about the condition and navigability of the terrain close to the front, as well as with assessing the strength and operational readiness of the enemy.

After the end of World War I, initial attempts were made in Germany to modernize their reconnaissance forces. Key companies in German industry developed wheeled armoured vehicles that were very advanced for the period, although their performance is often overestimated. After the formation of the Wehrmacht (defence force) in 1935, these modern armoured reconnaissance vehicles proved far too complex and expensive for various manufacturers to produce. The situation was exacerbated by shortages material due to a lack of raw materials.

In order to provide the newly created Panzer divisions with suitable reconnaissance elements, simple armoured cars were initially produced and introduced from 1930 onwards, abandoning almost all innovations.