Panzer III addition, to counter enemy anti-tank rifles, starting from 1943, the Ausf. L version began the use of spaced armour sideskirts and screens (known as "Schürzen" in German) around the turret and on the vulnerable hull-sides. However, due to the introduction of the upgunned and more-armoured Panzer IV, the Panzer III was, after the German defeat at the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943, relegated to secondary/minor combat roles, such as tank-training, and it was finally replaced as the main German medium tank by the Panzer IV and the Panzer V Panther. The Panzer III's strong, reliable and durable
Ford Mk V Armoured Car range of 150 km (93 miles). After the prototype was built, inspected and passed, the remaining 13 Ford Mk Vs were built and sold by 1954. Fourteen were built in total with Peerless armoured car turrets and Hotchkiss .303 machine guns fitted. The vehicles were designed by Maj. J. V. Lawless and Comdt. A. W. Mayne, using ideas taken from the Rolls-Royce Armoured Car as well as from the Leyland Armoured Car. Ford Mk V Armoured Car The Ford Mk V Armoured Cars were built in Ireland by Thompson & Son of Hanover Works, Carlow. The Ford Mk V was