WWII German Panzer IV Ausf. G tank of the Deutsches Afrika Korps during the North African Campaign

The introduction of the Panzer IV Ausf. G version basically changed the Panzer IV’s overall combat role. While all previous versions were primarily intended as support tanks that were to engage fortified positions in support of the Panzer Divisions, the Ausf. G was to receive a huge increase in firepower against armored targets. Besides its rearmament, very little in the form of other changes were introduced to its overall design compared to the previous version. The production of such vehicles began in 1942, which greatly helped the German armored divisions to more effectively fight against the well-armored enemy tanks that were being fielded on the Eastern Front and in North Africa. The first recorded operational use of the new Panzer IV Ausf.G was during the North African Campaign, in late May 1942. Some 9 vehicles were dispatched in May, arriving shortly to reinforce the Deutsche Afrika Korps (DAK). They were immediately pressed into service during the German Operation Venezia, a prelude to the Battle of