Samochód pancerny wz. 34

Samochód pancerny wz. 34 ("armored car 1934 pattern"), was a standard light armored car used by the Polish Army during the September Campaign of 1939.



A destroyed armoured car wz.34 is examined by advancing German troops. One of the German soldiers is holding the registration plate from the vehicle.



The vehicle was based on the earlier half track samochód pancerny wz. 28, which entered service in 1928.



A rare photo showing a captured Samochód pancerny wz. 34 armoured car being pressed into service by the Germans. Rudimentary crosses have been applied to the hull and turret.



The original vehicle proved to be unpopular with its crews who were unhappy with its handling, low maximum speed as well as poor cross-country capabilities and it was decided to rebuild it as a wheeled vehicle.



One of two photos of a wz.34 armoured car destroyed in Warsaw. The old, wide hull is clearly visible. The triangle upon an open cupola is a signal flag used for signaling to other units.



The new version of the armored car entered service in 1934.



The second of two photos of a wz.34 armoured car destroyed in Warsaw. The old, wide hull is clearly visible. The triangle upon an open cupola is a signal flag used for signaling to other units.



The cars were build in a number of versions with different engines and slightly different armored plates.





They were armed with either 7.92 mm version of Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun (karabin maszynowy Hotchkiss wz.25) or the short-barreled 37 mm SA-18 Puteaux gun.





By 1939 at the outbreak of the Second World War the car was obsolete but was still in use by some reconnaissance units.





Samochód pancerny wz. 34



Type Armored car

Place of origin Poland

Service history

In service 1934-1939

Wars Invasion of Poland (1939)

Production history

Designed 1928





Specifications



Primary

armament 7.92 mm wz. 25 Hotchkiss machine gun or 37 mm SA-18 Puteaux gun

Engine gasoline

Suspension wheels