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
8th Panzer Division (Wehrmacht) II, 118 38t, 23 Mk IV, & 15 command tanks) in its organization for the attack into France. The division also contained an anti-tank battalion of initially only two companies, equipped with the ubiquitous, but seriously under powered 37mm PAK 35/36, a pioneer battalion, signals and support units. The divisional artillery was supplied by two battalions of 105mm Howitzers. By February 1941 the division was organised as follows: The 67th Panzer Battalion had been incorporated into the 10th Panzer regiment as 3rd Battalion, the infantry was now organised under two Regiments of two battalions of motorised infantry each. The Artillery