Hi everyone, I'm new here and wanted to say I love this site! I'm currently building a Tamiya Sdkfz 251. I'm thinking of adding a PAK 40/75mm AT gun to turn the 251/1 into a 251/22. My question is does anyone know if the 251/22 was active in the Afrika Corps? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Jim,
Welcome aboard, Im not sure about your answer, but be patient, some one will come along and help you out.

The /22 Pakwagen was, I believe, a late war attempt to create a tank destroyer using the 251 SPW. So, no, I don't think these would have been in the DAK. The production of /22s didn't begin until the end of '44. I think the majority would have served on the Eastern Front in the winter 44/spring 45 time frame. Maybe a few made it to the west for the Bulge or battles in Germany.
AFV Club came out with what is probably the best /22 last year.

Hi there.

just did a quick check of my reference books (squadron 251 in action and Osprey's 251 Half-track) and they both say the 251/22 was introduced in late 1944 via a personal order from Hitler that all suitable types of vehicles were to be used to mount anti-tank guns. So I think it would be safe to say they were not used in the Africa Korps.

Thanks for the help guys. I was leafing through various books I have on militaria and it's so hard to get specific information, especially on some of the less common vehicles. Thanks again for your help!

The /22 definitely did not serve in Africa. As a matter of fact none of the 251 ausf Ds were even deployed there.

Just to be defititive for you.