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The Bison series of self propelled artillery vehicles were used by Germany during World War II. The Bison series was based on the Czech Panzer 38(t) tank and used a 15 cm infantry gun.
Development
Bison I
The Bison I 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 Infanteriegeschuetz 33 (Sf) (heavy infantry gun) was mounted in the front of this fighting compartment.
A total of 91 were produced in 1943. The official designation was 15cm Schweres Infanteriegeschuetz 33 (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf H
(Sd.Kfz.138/1) / Grille.
Bison II
The Bison II was based on the Panzer 38(t) Ausf K or M, which had its engine in the middle. As with the Bison I, the turret was removed and replaced with a new suprstructure and fighting compartment. Unlike the Bison I, this was located at the rear of the vehicle, as well as somewhat smaller and higher. The Bison II carried the 15 cm Schweres Infanteriegeschuetz 33/ (Sf).
The Bison II was developed because the earlier Bison I was proven unsatisfactory
in service. Its heavy, forward located gun unbalanced the vehicle, making it unstable. The Bison II 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 Bison IIs were produced, as well a 102 ammuniton carriers, which replaced the main gun with ammunition racks. These later could be converted to normal configuration in the field, by mounting the 15 cm gun onto the vehicle. The official designation of the Bison II was
15cm Schweres Infanteriegeschuetz 33/1 auf Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf K/M
Sd.Kfz.138/1 / Grille.
Combat history
Both the Bison I and Bison II were intended to take service with the Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions, in their heavy infantry gun units. Each detachment had six Bisons I or II available.
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