Both Czech Tanks, the Panzer 35 and 38 were light tanks that in reality, went nowhere.
When Germany invaded France, three full German Panzer divisions were equipped with Czech tanks. One division was equipped with the Czech type 35 light tank (10 tons) which was renamed Panzer 35, and two divisions were equipped with the type 38 light tank (10 tons) which was renamed Panzer 38.
Significant Numbers?? Only 1400 Panzer 38 tanks were produced for the German army in 1939-1942. When it was declared obsolete, (late 1942), it was converted to a recon vehicle.
Red Orchestra is all about the Eastern Front.
The Panzer 38 variants used its excellent chassis, including the Hetzer, an excellent tank destroyer with a 75mm gun. The variations remained in service for the Swiss Army until the late 1960's.
Not to be rude, but I think you are being a bit selective with you details there.
Correct, the Panzer 38 did participate in the invasion of France. But you did leave out the fact that (according to
Actung Panzer!) was in the invasion of Poland, The Norweigen campaign and took part in Operation Barbarossa, and some examples saw service in Italy in 43 and in Normandy in 44. Since RO is all aobut the Eastern front.......
Panzer 38's equipped a panzer division in Poland, and a total of 6 divisions in Barbarossa.
WWII vehicles informs me that the 754 Panzer 38's available in 1941 made up
one quarter of the total tank force for Barbarossa. I would say that's pretty important.
In tank terms, I ould call 1400 a good number, considering that (from memory) there were under 500 Tiger II's made, a tank a lot of people are calling for. Besides, that 1400 covered Ausf. A B/C/D, E/F, S and G. That's 8 models, so the Germans saw something in the original design.
So, as a combat vehicle, it was outclassed as were most light tanks of the period. But as an example of an early war German tank, I think it's just as important as the early model Panzer II's, III', and IV's.
I won't go into the Panzer 35, as I didn't mention that one and I can't find anything hard on stuff like production details with the limited time I have.