StuG. III Ausf. D (z.b.V. 288 Special Unit in North Africa)

There were totally 3 StuG III D’s have been shipped to North Africa in early 1942. All of them belonged to 5th Kp. of 288 special unit, this organization then merged to 90 Leichter Div. before the Battle of El Alamein.

The exteriors of these 3 vehicles were exactly identical, they were all painted in RAL8000 and had same insignias.

The first lost of StuG III D in African campaign.

At the beginning stage of Battle of Galaza, this vehicle was on his reconnaissance operation while British troops started a sudden attacks and partially damaged the vehicle. The vehicle was later captured by British when they cleaned up the battle field after fights.

The wreck of second StuG III D in North African campaign.

This vehicle was survived after second Battle of El Alamein. However, due to the lack of fuel, it was destructed and abandoned by German while they retreated from Egypt to Tunisia.

The last StuG III D which captured by Allies forces after 5th Army surrendered in Tunisia early May 1943.

One of the StuG III D’s with a Sd.Kfz. 250 half track armor vehicle. The commander for 90 Leichte Div. Ulrich Kleeman was on the 250 half track vehicle.

This reference photo is a very good source for diorama, unfortunately it is not easy to find a modified Sd.Kfz 250 command version half track vehicle in marketplace.

The box-art of Bronco which depicts an abandoned StuG III D in African campaign.

We could also see a 76.2mm Diana (35038) and a Sd.Kfz. 221 armor vehicle (35013) in this artwork, the Bronco also introduces these two products and maybe it is a good idea in promoting their products on the StuG III’s box art.