| Verdeja |
|---|
The Verdeja was the name of the series of Spanish light 3 member crew tank prototypes produced during World War II.
History[]
When analyzing the weaknesses of the Panzer I, the T-26 and the Renault FT used in the Civil War, artillery captain Félix Verdeja Bardules, in charge of the maintenance company of the 1st Tank Battalion of the Nationalist Army, decided to design a tank that had all the advantages of the tanks operated by the Spanish and eliminated all their flaws, resulting in the Verdeja 1 project.
The first prototype was completed in two months, on January 10, 1939, using only scrap metal and components from other tanks. That same day, the vehicle was tested, and the results were very favorable, with those present at the test being especially impressed by the new tank's mobility, armor, and newly developed suspension. Although these may not seem impressive when compared with developments elsewhere, it was by far the most modern tank produced in Spain. They also saw the possibility of creating versions of the vehicle that carried only the two machine guns and command versions. Furthermore, they took the prototype to the next stage, a second test, this time in front of Generalissimo Francisco Franco himself. The second test, longer and more demanding than the previous one, took place ten days later, on January 20, 1939. The armor demonstrated its strength by resisting the penetration of multiple 7.92 mm projectiles at distances of 100 mm. Franco was so excited and impressed by what he saw that he gave his approval to the project right there on the testing ground.
However, bureaucratic, economic and financial issues combined with a lack of enthusiasm led to the tank project being canceled in 1941. Furthermore, with tank development progressing rapidly in the ongoing European war, the Verdeja became obsolete.
Captain Verdeja soon began planning a successor to the Verdeja tank, named Verdeja 2, featuring a new engine compartment and increased tank armor. However, this new tank was not approved for production or further development due to the continued postponement of production of the Verdeja 1 for reasons including offers from the German government to supply the Panzer IV engine for the Verdeja 1. Although production of the new vehicle eventually began in 1942, only in August 1944 the Verdeja 2 prototype was delivered. The Verdeja program was postponed for the purchase of Panzer IVs and StuG IIIs.
Real Verdeja 2, variant shown in the anime
With these new vehicles integrated into the army and the fiscal problems that plagued the Verdeja 1, the Verdeja 2 remained unimproved until 1950 when an attempt was made to install a new engine. Despite this, Verdeja remained on the factory premises until 1973, when it was transferred to the Infantry Academy of Toledo, where it remains to this day.
In Girls und Panzer[]
Gekkan Senshado Magazine[]
Blue Division High School fielded one Verdeja I as flag tank during the tournament first round match against Jatkosota High School. Its role in the match is unknown but it was likely destroyed either during the first encounter, during the destruction of their rear guard by Mika's BT squad or during their last stand trapped in the corridor.
Das Finale[]
Blue Division High School fielded one Verdeja II during the tournament first round match against Saunders University High School. Its role in the match is unknown, but from the position shown when destroyed, it is likely that he attempted to shoot one of the Shermans as it climbed a hill, with the turret facing backwards as it advanced in the opposite direction.
Trivia[]
- The Verdeja is the only Spanish tank shown in the series, as well as being the only Spanish tank produced during World War II.
- Alongside the Maus and the T28 Super-Heavy Tank, the Verdeja is the only tank that didn't take part in any action in real life but see action in the Anime.
- There is an SPH variant of the Verdeja based on the Verdeja 1 chassis, featuring a 75mm howitzer and an open top. This variant is on display at the El Goloso Armored Units Museum in Madrid.
