REPORT ON EXAMINATION OF GERMAN AFV: (Schwerer Panzerspähwagen) 8-Wheel Drive, 8-Wheel Steering

A formal and exhaustive wartime evaluation by the engineering department of Dennis Bros.

In July 1942 two German eight-wheeled armoured cars (Schwerer Panzerspähwagen) were captured in the Middle East. Both were delivered to Dennis Bros. to allow their engineering department to make a full technical report and assessment, giving constructional particulars on these unusual vehicles, which had both drive and steering on all eight wheels.Engineering quality photography and line diagrams, along with informative text, both document and break these AFVs down into their component parts, with analysis of both performance and of components.

This sensitive (in 1942) document emanates from Military Intelligence, section 10, a department of the British Directorate of Military Intelligence. MI10 was responsible for weapons and technical analysis during World War II. Dennis Brothers Limited was an English manufacturer of commercial vehicles. It is best remembered as a manufacturer of strongly built lorries.

The term Schwerer Panzerspähwagen (German for 'heavy armoured reconnaissance vehicle'), covers the eight-wheeled armoured cars Germany used during the Second World War.

In the German Army, armoured cars were intended for the traditional cavalry missions of reconnaissance and screening. They scouted ahead and to the flank of advancing mechanised units to assess enemy location, strength and intention. Their primary role was reconnaissance, but they would engage similar or light units and at times attempt to capture enemy patrols.