These photographs were taken in the early morning of June 5, the opening day of Fall Rot, as 7.Panzer-Division advanced down a railway embankment after crossing the Somme. A Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.D with tactical number "321" lost a track just before crossing an overpass and as a result held up the entire advance. In the first photo there appears to be some discussion as to the best course of action to remove the obstacle. A Pz.Kpfw.38(t) and two more Panzer IV Aust.D are in position to assist. 321's lost track can be seen amongst the group of men beside the rearmost Panzer IV. This shot also gives a good view ofd the aerial recognition rectangles painted on the engine decks of the tanks. Rommel took this picture while standing on the hillside overlooking the site
In the second photo "321" has been turned 90 degrees and dragged over the edge of the embankment to allow traffic to continue across the bridge while hey decide what to do with the tank.
Finally, "321" has been dragged all the way to the bottom of the embankment so repairs can be made. A medical unit displaying prominent Red Cross symbols is moving across the bridge led by a motorcycle-sidecar combination.
Another photo taken at the same location as two Kradschutzen lead an Sd.Kfz.223 across the bridge. Engineers from Pionier-Battalion 58 removed the railway track and ties from the bridge deck to provide a proper roadway for the division. All the vehicles carry a "K" marking that is highly unusual as 7.Panzer-Division was not part of Gruppe von Kleist for either Fall Gelb or Fall Rot, nor were any other units in this sector. It is known that there were anomalies to this system and it is possible that the K represents something else, perhaps the commander of the unit. Or it may be that a unit assigned to Gruppe von Kleist has moved over to 7.Panzer-Division's sector.
Panzer IVs always seem to have trouble with bridges
Is that what the sign reads? Zagan?