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An initial order for 1,250 placed in January 1939 had been reduced to 800 by May 1939 when the Pz Kpfw 38(t) production became available from Czechoslovakia.The entire series was to have had the 37mm KwK , but the lessons learned in Poland and France accelerated the introduction of the KwK L/42 so that the great majority of the Ausf G received this armament.
The main differences from pervious models were the increase from 21mm to 30mm in the armour thickness of the hull rear and the introduction of a new pivoting visor for the driver.The turret was modified to include an exhaust fan mounted on the roof and one signal port was eliminated.In mid-production a newly designed cupola was introduced , and late in the series wider (40cm) tracks.Approximately fifty Ausf G were equipped with the 37mm KwK L/46.5 with internal mantlet.The remainder had the 50mm KwK L/42 with external mantlet.From August 1940 until 1942 many of those mounting the 37mm KwK were up-armored and up-gunned to the 50mm KwK L/42.The sight for the 37mm KwK was the TZF5a.
Early Ausf G production from April to June 1940 were issued as replacements to the Panzer regiments at the front in France.Contrary to popular belief all the Pz Kpfw III in service in France had the 37mm KwK.Pz Kpfw III with the 50mm KwK L/42 were first produced in July 1940.Pz Kpfw III with the 37mm KwK had been phased out of service in Russia by the end of 1941.Most survivors mounting the 37mm KwK were converted to mount the 50mm KwK L/42 ,but fifty-four remained on the Army inventory as late as September 1944.
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