After the introduction of the PzKpfw (Armoured Fighting Vehicle) V Panther it was quickly realized that previous recovery vehicles did not have sufficient power to recover heavy battle tanks from the battlefield. As a short-term emergency measure, a dozen model D Panthers from the current production line were converted to function as recovery vehicles. To this end the turret bearing ring was covered with wood and a strengthened towing assembly and an auxiliary crane were mounted on the rear end. This combination proved to be so successful that by 1945 a total of 339 Bergepanther been built.

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