The following images are representative of what appear to be the three main variations in marking styles used by 1./PzAA2 in 1944. Essentially the differences relate to the style and position of the Balkenkreuz and the font and position of the turret tactical numbers. Such variations within a given Kompanie occur in other units too from time to time; a fact which makes unit identifications at times problematical, particularly when there are minimal photos to go on.
In the case of "111" below, the vehicle shows the tactical number centrally placed ahead of the Balkenkreuz, which is of a widely-used type in the Panzerwaffe. Close examination of the "111" photo suggests this Balkenkreuz was applied before the secondary camouflage colours, whereas the tac number was applied after the camo was sprayed on:
"152" below uses a similar font, but sports an open white outline Balkenkreuz of larger overall size, yet with proportionally thinner arms to the cross used on "111". A with the previous eg however, this cross was applied over the camouflage paint:
"1111" below uses a different font compared to "111" - "1111" having less angled but more elongated upper arms than "111". The vehicle also sports a larger and less common style of Balkenkreuz, characterised by longer arms and a proportionally thinner white outline compared to "111"s cross - the white portions seem to match the open white Balkenkreuz used on "152", suggesting use of the same stencil. The vehicle also carries two sets of tactical markings on the LH rear corner - one originally on the rear plate, which became obscured by the post-painting of the small white "11", plus another on the LH rear side plate (perhaps applied as a result of the obliteration of the rear set of markings):
Note: the large wooden stowage box mounted on the LH rear, which replaced the normal factory-applied jerrycan racks. This is a widely documented field-modification specific to PzAA2 SdKfz 234/2s, which photos suggest were camo painted by brush, after the vehicle itself had been spray-painted Dunkelgrün and Rotbraun camouflage (as too the ammo belt box seen here fixed to the mudguard under the turret of "1111"). Other re-occurring PzAA2 field-mods included variations of tie-downs welded to the rear engine access hatch - in "1111"s case, originally four were welded on. Field-mod grab handles welded to the driver's hatch also appear, although by no means commonly, nor indeed are they unique to PzAA2.
Baz
