15 cm sIG 33 Sfl. auf Panzer I Ausf. B “Bison” (Sd.Kfz. 101)

Origins and Development

This vehicle mounted a 15 cm heavy infantry gun (sIG 33) on the Panzer I chassis. The weight of the gun far exceeded the capabilities of the chassis.

Design Features

  • Huge, boxy superstructure added
  • No traverse for the gun
  • Highly top-heavy and breakdown-prone

Combat History

Deployed during the invasion of France and later in the Balkans and Russia, with mixed success. Only about 38 units were built.

Performance Evaluation

Overloaded and poorly balanced, but delivered significant firepower when operational. The design led to the development of better SPGs like the Grille.