Three new early production Sd.Kfz.263 radio vehicles parked near a rail siding in the spring of 1941 as 4.Panzer-Division was preparing for the invasion of the Soviet Union. The Sd.Kfz.263 was equipped with a long range radio set and was usually used by Nachrichten (signals) units and in Korps and Armee headquarters. They are protected with canvas covers around the crew compartment and on the telescoping mast antenna. The boxes hanging on the sides are metal containers for stick hand grenades. The nearest vehicle carries the license number WH-76694. Just above it can be seen the divisional emblem while on the opposite side of the radiator grille can be seen the tactical sign for a signals unit. This photo proves the usefulness of the canvas covers as evidenced by a fresh snowfall still in the spring of 1941. Note the square metal pennon frame on the front of the vehicle signifying a Korps HQ vehicle. In June 1941, 4.Panzer-Division was moved close to the Soviet-German border in the area of Brest-Litovsk with 3.Panzer-Division on their northern flank and 1.Kavallerie-Division on their southern flank.
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