Grille Ausf. H
The first variant of the Grille
was based on the Panzer 38(t) Ausf. H, which had its engine in the rear. The turret
of the tank was removed and replaced by a low-slung superstructure and fighting
compartment. The 15 cm Schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33 (heavy infantry gun)
was mounted in the front of this fighting compartment.
A total of 91 were produced
in 1943. The official designation was 15 cm Schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33
(Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf. H "Grille"
(SdKfz 138/1).
Grille Ausf. M
The second Grille variant was based on the Panzer 38(t) Ausf.
M, which had its engine in the middle. As with the earlier version, the turret
was removed and replaced with a new superstructure and fighting compartment. Unlike
the Ausf. H variant of the Grille, this was located at the rear of the vehicle,
as well as somewhat smaller and higher. This version also carried the 15 cm Schweres
Infanteriegeschütz 33.
This vehicle was developed because the earlier
Grille had proven unsatisfactory in service. Its heavy, forward located gun unbalanced
the vehicle, making it unstable. The new version solved this problem by having
its fighting compartment and gun located at the rear, rather than the front of
the vehicle.
In 1943 and 1944 a total of 282 vehicles were produced, as
well a 120 ammuniton carriers, which replaced the main gun with ammunition racks.
These could be converted back to normal configuration in the field, by mounting
the 15 cm gun onto the vehicle.
The official designation was 15cm Schweres
Infanteriegeschuetz 33/1 (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf. M "Grille"
(SdKfz 138/1)
