Nachtmarschgerät - Convoy Lighting - Part 1 - Inside Track | Renault TSF Tank Kent

In due course the Foundation will publish a series of articles on the topic of the special lighting equipment used by the German Army during night marches. Different systems were used under different circumstances and we will endeavour to explain some of the “hidden” features and complexities of genuine original equipment. In this week’s Inside Track we will discuss the Tarnscheinwerfer Bosch (Camouflage headlight). Much to the disappointment of modellers we first must emphasise that these are NOT called the “Panzer lamp”. One wonders where such naming myths start and how they persist long after accurate original documents prove the designation to be otherwise. . The official designation provided in the parts catalogue is Tarnscheinwerfer Bosch LE TA 120 with the part number K7641/46. In operational documents it is sometimes referred to as the Druckfeste Scheinwerfer mit Tarnvorsatz (Pressure fit headlight with camouflage attachment). These lights were first seen on Tiger I and starting September 1942 on Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.L and Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.G although implementation occurred at different times in the various assembly plants. From mid 1944 they were mounted on the Sd.Kfz.250 Ausf.B and Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.D. The Weald Foundation already has original Tarnscheinwerfer mounted on our “Jagdpanther 411” and our late m.S.P.W. (Sd.Kfz.251) Ausf.D. But two more originals will be be fitted in due course on our second Jagdpanther and our very original leichter Schuetzenpanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.250) Ausf.B. The Tarnscheinwerfer Bosch was designed to overcome issues with the existing lighting equipment when used on armoured vehicles. Unlike soft skinned vehicles armoured vehicles were expected to absorb small arms fire and shell fragments when in combat situations. It was, therefore, difficult to protect the headlights, side lights and the special camouflage lights that were needed for night driving to and from battle locations. . The official designation was Tarnscheinwerfer Bosch LE TA 120. It is also described as Druckfeste Scheinwerfer mit Tarnvorsatz (Pressure fit headlight with camouflage attachment) in user documentation. The Tarnscheinwerfer was first seen on the Tiger I and Panther and starting September 1942 on Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.L and Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf G although implementation occurred at different times in the various assembly plants. By mid 1944 it was also installed on the SPW – Sd.Kfz.250 and Sd.Kfz.251. The Tarnscheinwerfer brought a number of advantages. The first was that the headlight and the night driving light were combined thereby simplifying the wiring requirements. Secondly, the with the Tarnvorsatz (camouflage cover) removed from the light the vehicle had the full advantage of a 12cm headlight with its diffusion lens for driving in friendly areas. Thirdly, it was a fully functional light, with high beam, dipped beam and parking light settings. Fourthly, with the Tarnvorsatz clipped in place the beam was shielded and projected on the ground without exposing the vehicle position to aircraft or ground spotters. Finally the vehicle commander could now easily and quickly follow the specified procedure when preparing for combat by removing and stowing the Tarnscheinwerfer. When removed only a Grundplatte (baseplate) remained exposed on the exterior of the vehicle. In the Grundplatte receiver a spring-loaded Kontaktplatte (contact pad) was provided that had four terminals. These engaged with the base of the headlight. The light could be quickly removed by turning with a light spanner that was part of each Tarnscheinwerfer kit. . The Tarnvorsatz had a quick release clip for easy attachment. A slot in the front allowed the light beam shine forward in a restricted way. On many converted civilian vehicles and Allied vehicles the period such a slot in a cover was the extent of the restriction of the beam. However, the Tarnscheinwerfer had quite a sophisticated method of controlling the beam to suit conditions. Behind the external slotted cover a further plate held a shaped slot that could be adjusted by setting a hinged plate before the Tarnvorsatz was snapped in position. . As the war progressed every opportunity was taken to save on materials and cost to divert resources into increase production. Even the Tarnscheinwerfer was affected by this drive. Firstly, the number of Tarnscheinwerferwas reduced from two to one on Panther, Tiger and Pz.Kpfw.III and IV. A less obvious modification was the simplification of the beam adjusting mechanism on the second plate of the Tarnvorsatz. Sourcing of genuine Tarnscheinwerfer for inclusion on restored vehicles is always a challenge, particularly the first version with the beam adjuster. Currently a genuine original will cost close to 1000 Euro while many simple replicas are costing about half this amount. .

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