The Panzer IV programme was started in 1934, forming,
alongside the Panzer IIs and IIIs, the force that was to
become the Panzerwaffe. At first, German planners envisioned
the tank in a secondary role, but during the invasions of
The Low Countries and France, it took on a more central
role. When the Panzerwaffe turned east to attack the Soviet
Union, the Panzer IV initially fared poorly against the
better-armed T-34. However, upgrades to its gun and armour
protection saw it perform far better, and also against
British and American tanks in North Africa and Italy. In
1944, it was slowly replaced by the Panzer V Panther, but
the dire strategic situation meant that it bore the brunt of
the Allied D-Day invasion, remaining in service until the
end of the war.
