Jagdpanzer 38(t) – Hetzer – Sd.Kfz. 138/2 originally named Leichter Panzerjäger 38(t) was based on the Czechoslovakian tank ČKD LT vz. 38. After the invasion of Czechoslovakia by the German Army the Czech tanks were used in German ranks. The reliable but relative fast outdating tanks were named Panzerkampfwagen 38(t). The (t) is for Tschechisch – Czechoslovakian in German. The obsolete Panzer 38(t) tanks were transformed into these Leichter Panzerjäger 38(t), a Light tank destroyer. The 37mm gun was replaced by a 7.5 cm Pak 39 L/48 gun and they added a remote-controlled MG 34 on top.
Hetzer was not the original name for the Tank Destroyer but is widely used. Hetzer in German means Baiter or Chaser in English. Photographed at The Tank Museum in Bovington, England 2017.
