The Sf.Kfz. 124 Wespe was one of the more popular self-propelled artillery systems used by the German army during the Second World War. The Wespe had incorporated the hull of the Panzer II light tank, which by this time was not considered suitable for further front-line use. The frame of the Panzer II was then modified to permit installation of the Rheinmetall 105 mm leFH 18M field howitzer, which was protected by an ‘open sky’ armored shield. The propulsion and traction systems were also modified and the suspension similarly adapted to undertake its new role. The weapon entered service in 1943 and was deployed on all operational fronts by the German army, proving very effective in combat conditions, mainly due to its mobility. The "Wespes" were assigned to the armored artillery battalions of the Panzer Divisions and complemented the heavier "Hummels", for the duration of the war.
