Panzer III was the common name of a medium tank that was developed in the 1930s by Germany and used extensively in World War II.. The official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen III (abbreviated PzKpfw III) translating as 'armoured battle vehicle'. It was intended to fight other armoured fighting vehilce and serve alongside infantry supporting Panzer IV.. However, as Germans faced formidable T-34., stronger anti-tank guns were needed. Since Panzer IV had bigger turret ring, the role was reversed. Panzer IV mounted long barreled 7.5cm KwK 40 gun and engaged in tank-to-tank battles. Panzer III became obsolete in this role and for most purposes was supplanted by the Panzer IV. From 1942, the last version of Panzer III mounted 7.5cm KwK 37 L24, better suited for infantry support. Production of Panzer III ended in 1943. However, Panzer III's capable chassis provided hulls for StuG III until the end of the war.