The Grille series of self propelled artillery vehicles were used by Germany during World War II. The Grille series was based on the Czech Panzer 38(t) tank and used a 15 cm sIG 33 infantry gun.

Development

Grille Ausf. H

The first variant of the Grille 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 Infanteriegeschütz 33 (heavy infantry gun) was mounted in the front of this fighting compartment.

A total of 91 were produced in 1943. The official designation was 15 cm Schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33 (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf. H "Grille" (Sd.Kfz. 138/1).

Grille Ausf. M

The second Grille variant was based on the Panzer 38(t) Ausf. M, which had its engine in the middle. As with the earlier version, the turret was removed and replaced with a new superstructure and fighting compartment. Unlike the Ausf. H variant of the Grille, this was located at the rear of the vehicle, as well as somewhat smaller and higher. This version also carried the 15 cm Schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33.

This vehicle was developed because the earlier Grille had proven unsatisfactory in service. Its heavy, forward located gun unbalanced the vehicle, making it unstable. The new version 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 vehicles were produced, as well a 120 ammuniton carriers, which replaced the main gun with ammunition racks. These could be converted back to normal configuration in the field, by mounting the 15 cm gun onto the vehicle.

The official designation was 15cm Schweres Infanteriegeschuetz 33/1 (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf. M "Grille" (Sd.Kfz. 138/1)

Combat history

Both versions were intended to take service with the Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions, in their heavy infantry gun units. Each detachment had six available.

Bison/Grille confusion

Some sites/sources name the two version of the Grille Bison I and Bison II but they are completely wrong. There was at least one Bison based an a Panzer II chassis carrying the same gun as the Grille. This vehicle was produced in only 12 pieces during 1942 and used in Northern Africa. It is possible a Panzer I modification with the sIG 33 (same gun used for Grille) was the Bison I leading to Bison II for the Panzer-II based vehicle.