6 червня 1944 року
Штаб батальона
«Тигр» командира батальйону #009 – Оберштурмбаннфюрер СС Гейнц фон Вестерхаген (Heinz von Westerhagen)
«Тигр» ад’ютанта батальйону #008 – Унтерштурмфюрер СС Едуард Каліновски (Eduard Kalinowsky)
«Тигр» офіцера зв’язку #007 – Унтерштурмфюрер СС Гельмут Доліингер (Helmut Dollinger)
1-а рота
«Тигр» командира роти #105 Гауптштурмфюрер СС Рольф Мьобіус (Rolf Möbius)
«Тигр» начальника штабу #104 – Унтершарфюрер СС Сепп Франц (Sepp Franzl)
1-й взвод
«Тигр» #111 – Оберштурмфюрер СС Ганс Філіпсен (Hans Philipsen)
«Тигр» #112 – Унтершарфюрер СС Кап (Cap)
«Тигр» #113 – Обершарфюрер СС Гейнрих Ернст (Heinrich Ernst)
«Тигр» #114 – Унтершарфюрер СС Willi Otterbein
2-й взвод
«Тигр» #121 – Унтерштурмфюрер СС Фрітц Стамм (Fritz Stamm)
«Тигр» #122 – Унтершарфюрер СС Арно Саламон (Arno Salamon)
«Тигр» #123 – Штандартенюнкер СС Франц Стаудеггер (Franz Staudegger)
«Тигр» #124 – Юнкер СС Ервин Ашбах (Erwin Asbach)
3-й взвод
«Тигр» #131 – Унтерштурмфюрер СС Вальтер Хан (Walther Hahn)
«Тигр» #132 – Унтершарфюрер СС Вернер Вендт (Werner Wendt)
«Тигр» #133 – Обершарфюрер СС Фрітц Занер (Fritz Zahner)
«Тигр» #134 – Унтершарфюрер СС Гельмут Даннлейтнер (Helmut Dannleitner)
2-а рота
«Тигр» командира роти #205 – Оберштурмфюрер СС Міхаель Віттманн (Michael Wittmann)
«Тигр» начальника штабу #204 – Унтершарфюрер СС Зейферт (Seifert)
1-й взвод
«Тигр» #211 – Оберштурмфюрер СС Юрген Вессель (Jürgen Wessel)
«Тигр» #212 – Унтершарфюрер СС Балтазар Волль (Balthasar Woll)
«Тигр» #213 – Гауптшарфюрер СС СС Ганс Хьофлінгер (Hans Höflinger)
«Тигр» #214 – Унтершарфюрер СС Карл-Гейнц Вармбрунн (Карл-Гейнц Вармбрунн (Karl-Heinz Warmbrunn))
2-й взвод
«Тигр» #221 – Унтерштурмфюрер СС Георг Хантуш (Georg Hantusch)
«Тигр» #222 – Унтершарфюрер СС Курт Сова (Kurt Sowa)
«Тигр» #223 – Обершарфюрер СС Юрген Брандт (Jürgen Brandt)
«Тигр» #224 – Унтершарфюрер СС Евальд Мьолли (Ewald Mölly)
3-й взвод
«Тигр» #231 – Штандартеноберюнкер СС Гейнц Бельбе (Heinz Belbe)
«Тигр» #232 – Унтершарфюрер СС Курт Клебер (Kurt Kleber)
«Тигр» #233 – Георг Лотц (Georg Lötzsch)
«Тигр» #234 – Унтершарфюрер СС Герберт Стіф (Herbert Stief)
3-я рота
«Тигр» командира роти #305 – Оберштурмфюрер СС Ханно Рааш (Hanno Raasch)
«Тигр» начальника штабу #304 – Унтершарфюрер СС Гейнріх Ріттер (Heinrich Ritter)
1-й взвод
«Тигр» #311 – Унтерштурмфюрер СС Альфред Гюнтер (Alfred Günther)
«Тигр» #312 – Обершарфюрер СС Петер Кістерс (Peter Kisters)
«Тигр» #313 – Унтершарфюрер СС Шьоппер (Schöpper)
«Тигр» #314 – Унтершарфюрер СС Отто Бласе (Otto Blasé)
2-й взвод
«Тигр» #321 – Унтерштурмфюрер СС Макс Гьоргернс (Max Görgerns)
«Тигр» #322 – Унтершарфюрер СС Геймо Трау (Heimo Traue)
«Тигр» #323 – Гауптшарфюрер СС Герман Баркхаузен (Hermann Barkhausen)
«Тигр» #324 – Унтершарфюрер СС Юрген Меркер (Jürgen Merker)
3-й взвод
«Тигр» #331 – Унтерштурмфюрер СС Томас Амсельгрубер (Thomas Amselgruber)
«Тигр» #332 – Унтершарфюрер СС Альберт Лейнеке (Albert Leinecke)
«Тигр» #333 – Унтершарфюрер СС Вальдемар Варнеке (Waldemar Warnecke)
«Тигр» #334 – Обершарфюрер СС Рольф фон Вестерхаген (Rolf von Westerhagen)
— — — — — — — — — — — — —
s.SS-Pz.Abt. 101 Tiger I’s in Normandy
The purpose of this page is to share research and correspond with others interested in the Tigers of the unit s.SS-Pz.Abt. 101. If you have questions, comments, or additional information on the Tiger I in Normandy and Western France, please send e-mail to pzwatch@hotmail.com.
PLEASE NOTE: All photographs are property of their respective owners. Small, low-resolution thumbnail copies are presented for identification purposes only.
Photographic Record:
-
- Photographs have been located for the following Tigers:
-
009 008 007* 105 104 205 204 305 304* 111* 112* 113 114* 211* 212 213 214* 311 312 313 314* 121 122 123 124 221* 222 223 224 321 322 323 324 131 132 133 134 231* 232 233 234 331 332 333 334* 341 342 343 344 Legend: 000 Definite ID (bold, underline on blue) 000 Possible ID (italic underline on gray) * Photo after loss
Stab
009
008
Original Commander: Ustuf. Eduard Kalinowsky
Technical Features: Command version. Plugged coaxial machine gun in the mantlet. Bar for spare track on front plate. Center headlight. Binocular sight.
Camouflage and Markings: No markings visible on right side of driver’s plate. The left side is obscured. Light turret numbers, perhaps solid white (see note on 009).
Photos: (i) Front, Tigers in Combat II, p. 284.007
Original Commander: Ustuf. Helmut Dollinger
Technical Features: Command version. Port for Fuchsgeraet on hull rear. Sternantenne stowage tube on hull rear. Modified hull rear stowage for command version.
Camouflage and Markings: Light numbers on turret side and rear storage bin (see note on 009).
Fate: Destroyed on August 8 in death of Michael Wittmann.
Photos: (i) Rear and turret after destruction, multiple publications.
Color Plates: (i) Tiger I on the Western Front, p. 93.
Notes: For an online version of the photo, see Achtung Panzer: Michael Wittmann.1st Company
105 ID: 105
Original Commander: Hstuf. Rolf Möbius
Color Plates: (i) Tigers in Combat II.104 ID: 104
Original Commander: Uscha. Sepp Franzl111 ID: 111 112 ID: 112 113 ID: 113
Original Commander: Oscha. Heinrich Ernst114 ID: 114
Original Commander: Uscha. Willi Otterbein
Notes: Michael Kenny has found a photo.121 ID: 121
Original Commander: Ustuf. Fritz Stamm122 ID: 122 123 ID: 123
Original Commander: St.Jk. Franz Staudegger124 ID: 124
Original Commander: Jk. Erwin Asbach131 ID: 131 132
ID: 132
Original Commander: Uscha. Werner Wendt
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Loader’s hatch with long hinges and center handle. Shovel on glacis plate. Spare track on front plate. Binocular sight. Front tow extensions not cut out. Center headlight.
Photos: (i) Front view near Morgny, multiple publications. (ii) Partial front/RHS in or near Paris, Tigers in Combat II, p. 278.133 ID: 133 134 ID: 134
Original Commander: Uscha. Helmut Dannleitner
Color Plates: (i) Tiger I on the Western Front, p. 97.2nd Company
3rd Company
305 ID: 305
Original Commander: Ostuf. Hanno Raasch
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Early on, no spare track on front plate. Binocular sight. Center headlight. Front tow extensions not cut out. Loader’s hatch with center handle and long hinges. Possibly travel lock?
Camouflage and Markings: Unit emblem on front left in zimmerit cutout.
Photos: (i) Partial RHS in Tiger lineup, Tigers in Combat II, p. 271. (ii) Front view in same lineup, MWatTCofL, p. 274. (iii) Front view, Ryton Tiger I, p. 14.
Notes: Yann Jouault and Michael Kenny pointed out the better view of the third photo of 305 which shows the edge of the “5” digit.304 ID: 304 311 ID: 311 312 ID: 312 313 [+ others]
ID: 313
Original Commander: Uscha. Schöpper
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Binocular sight. Center headlight. Front spare track. Pistol port. Shovel brackets. Loader’s hatch with center handle and long hinges. No rear tool box. No travel lock.
Camouflage and Markings: Unusual striped camo. Unit emblem on front left in zimmerit cutout.
Photos: (i) LHS, Tigers in Combat II, p. 269. (ii) Front/RHS, ibid, p. 271. (iii) Front, MWatTCotL, p. 274. (iv) Front/RHS on railcar, MWatTCotL, p. 282. (v) LHS from German Order of Battle 1944, Arms and Armour Press.
Color Plates: (i) Tigers in Combat II.
Notes: Bill (last name unknown) provided a source for the fifth photo.314
[+ others]ID: 314
Original Commander: Uscha. Otto Blase
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Turret pistol port. Toolbox on rear plate. Feifel mounting bolts. C-hooks mounts on rear plate.
Camouflage and Markings: Unit emblem upper left rear plate on zimmerit cutout.
Photos: (i) LHS, MWatTCotL, p. 245. (ii) Rear/LHS, ibid. (iii) LHS, ibid, p. 247. (iv) LHS after loss, ibid, p. 476.
Notes: Based on photo (iv), believed to be one of the Tigers lost on August 8 with Michael Wittmann.321 ID: 321 322 ID: 322 323
ID: 323
Original Commander: Hscha. Hermann Barkhausen
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Binocular sight. Shovel mounts, no shovel. Left-top headlight. Spare track on front plate. Loader’s hatch with long hinges and centered handle. Front tow extensions not cut out.
Camouflage and Markings: Unit emblem on left front plate in zimmerit cutout.
Photos: (i) Front view, multiple publications.
Notes: Unusual in still having the single headlight mounted on the left top.324 ID: 324
Original Commander: Uscha. Jürgen Merker331
ID: 331
Original Commander: Ustuf. Thomas Amselgruber
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Travel lock. C-hooks on rear. No Feifel bolts. Center headlight. Jack with square base. No rear toolbox. Binocular sight. Loader’s hatch with long hinges and center handle.
Camouflage and Markings: Unit emblem on left of front plate and right upper rear plate on dark zimmerit cutout.
Photos: (i) Front/RHS, Tigers in Combat II, p. 269. (ii) Rear/LHS with turret to left, multiple publications. (iii) Rear/RHS, multiple publications. (iv) Front/RHS closeup, multiple publications.332
ID: 332
Original Commander: Uscha. Albert Leinecke
Technical Features: Feifel bolts. Tool box on rear plate. Mount for 15t jack. No travel lock.
Photos: (i) Rear view in video footage from Wochensau, July 13-20, 1944; still from video Tigers in Combat II, p. 291.333
ID: 333
Original Commander: Uscha. Waldemar Warnecke
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. No center headlight. Loader’s hatch with long hinges and centered handle. Spare track on front(?). Shovel mount on glacis. Hull side extensions not cut.
Photos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 269.
Notes: Agte (p. 404) implies still in action, July 24.334 ID: 334 During training, the 3.Ko. temporarily fielded a fourth platoon. 341 ID: 341
Fate: Transferred to 1.Ko.342
[+ others]ID:
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Center headlight. Rod for spare track on front plate. Hull side extensions not cut out. Missing mudguard on left side. Possible fire extinguisher on left side of storage bin.
Fate: Transferred to 1.Ko.
Photos: (i) Front/LHS Tigers in Combat II, p. 270. (ii) Front/LHS with turret to right, ibid.343 ID: 343
Fate: Transferred to 1.Ko.
Color Plates: (i) Tigers in Combat II.344 ID: 344
Fate: Transferred to 1.Ko.Unidentified
1??
UNK-1APossible ID: 105, 104, 111, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 134
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Front tow extensions cut out. No spare track on front plate. Center headlight. Monocular sight. Loader’s hatch with offset handle.
Fate: Lost during Epsom offensive around June 27, captured in running order.
Photos: (i) Front/LHS view near Morgny, multiple publications. (ii) Video. (iii) Video. (iv) Front/RHS with Allied troops, multiple publications. (v) Wheels & Tracks, #17, p. 33. (vi) Ibid.
Notes: Careful comparison of the camouflage schemes on the front plate and battle damage show that all photos are the same vehicle. — Panzers in Normandy Then and Now provides a “then-and-now” photo of the third photo with location junction of D139 and 173a between Fontenay-le-Pesnel, Tessel, Rauray, and Cheux. — Thanks to Michael Kenny who located additional photos of the Tiger in Wheels & Tracks showing the tank is the same1??
UNK-1BPossible ID: 105, 104, 111, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 134
Technical Features: Center headlight. Front tow extensions cut out. Spare track on front. Small muzzle brake?
Fate: Lost in Villers-Bocage.
Photos: (i) Front view in Villers-Bocage, multiple publications, BA: 494/3376/5a.1??
[+ others]
UNK-1CPossible ID: 105, 104, 111, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 134
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Center headlight. Spare track on front. Monocular sight. Loader’s hatch with offset handle.
Camouflage and Markings: Rhombus and unit marking on front plate. Unit emblem in zimmerit cutout.
Fate: Lost in Villers-Bocage. Photographs taken after the British recaptured Villers-Bocage in August 1944 show the tank was not recovered.
Photos: (i) Front/RHS view in Villers-Bocage, multiple publications. (ii) Front/RHS view in Villers-Bocage, multiple publications. (iii) Rear, multiple publications.
(iv) After capture of town by British, Tigers in Combat II, p. 282.1??
UNK-1DPossible ID: 104, 111, 114, 121, 124, 134 (Vertical stroke at bottom of final digit is visible.)
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Center headlight. Spare track on front plate. Binocular sight. Loader’s hatch with offset handle and long hinges. 40mm roof.
Photos: (i) Tiger I on the Western Front, p. 106. (ii) Ibid. (iii) Canadian War Museum, in particular see http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/armwar/page12a.html. (iv) Tiger I & II: Combat Tactics, p. 108.1??
UNK-1EPossible ID: 105, 104, 111, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 134
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Center headlight. Monocular sight. No spare track on front plate. Loader’s hatch with offset handle.
Photos: (i) Front view near Morgny, multiple publications.1??
UNK-1FPossible ID: 105, 104, 111, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 134
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Spare track on front plate. Cut out tow extensions.
Photos: (i) Via Michael Kenny.2??
UNK-2APossible ID: 204, 212, 213, 222, 223, 224, 233, 234 (Not 205, camouflage on driver’s plate does not match. Not 211 or 221, destroyed elsewhere with turret tactical number intact. Not 232, camouflage and zimmerit on driver’s plate does not match. Not 214, photographed after capture by Polish troops. Not 231, photographed outside Villers-Bocage on same film and later with turret number intact.)
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Front tow extensions cut out. Center headlight. Probable from photographs: 40mm roof? monocular sight? loader’s hatch with short hinges?
Camouflage and Markings:
Fate: Lost in Villers-Bocage.
Photos: TBD
Notes: Probably the most famous Tiger in the unit, this Tiger was left behind in Villers-Bocage on June 13, 1944. It is generally considered to be the Tiger used by Michael Wittmann in his attack into Villers-Bocage. — Camouflage and technical features are consistent for match with UNK-2G below.
2?2
UNK-2BPossible ID: 212 or 222.
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Binocular sight. 40mm turret roof. Loader’s hatch with offset handle and short hinges. Front tow extensions cut out. Spare track front.
Camouflage and Markings: Front unit emblem on zimmerit.
Photos: (i) Four photos towing Tiger 231 outside Villers-Bocage, multiple publications.
Notes:
2??
UNK-2CPossible ID: 212, 213, 214, 221, 222, 224, 233, 234. (Not 205, 204, 211, 223, 231, 232 which had front tow extension cut out.)
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Tow extensions not cut out. Spare track on front plate. Binocular sight. Loader’s hatch with offset handle.
Fate: Lost in the Cheux/Rauray area around June 27 during the Epsom operation.
Photos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 284. (ii) Second IWM photo, closeup of unit emblem, multiple publications
Notes: Schneider says this tank was commanded by Bobby Warmbrunn and knocked out on June 27 near Cheux. — For an online view of the first photo, see Photo Gallery Page 2 at the Tank Museum Tiger Restoration Internet site. — The least cropped version of the first photo can be found in Volume 3 of the Ground Power Tiger Series, p. 15, which clearly shows the steel wheels. — Thanks to Michael Kenny for providing the second photo.2??
UNK-2DPossible ID:
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Loader’s hatch with offset handle. Front tow extensions cut out.
Camouflage and Markings: Front unit emblem in zimmerit cutout.
Photos: (i) Front view, heavily damaged, multiple publications.
Notes:
22?
UNK-2EPossible ID: 222 or 223.
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Front tow extensions cut out. Spare track front plate.
Camouflage and Markings:
Photos: (i) Front/RHS view, Tiger I on the Western Front.
Notes:
2??
UNK-2FPossible ID:
Photos: (i) Pair Tigers, front distant view, The Panzers in the Battle of Normandy, p. 147.
Notes: Timo Worst pointed out this image is also in Lehmann’s Leibstandarte IV/I, p. 117 captioned as the Caen–Villers-Bocage road.2??
UNK-2GPossible ID: 212 or 213 (probably 212)
Photos: Photographed on road near Morgny between 211 and 214.2??
UNK-2HPossible ID:
Photos: (i) Front view, Tigers in Combat II, p. 283.UNK-2I Identified as 231. 2??
UNK-2JTechnical Features: Tow extensions cut out. Loader’s hatch with offset handle and short hinges. Monocular sight. Center headlight. Spare track on front plate
Photos: (i) MWatTCotL, p. 440;2??
UNK-2KTechnical Features: Center headlight. No spare track on front plate.
Photos: (i) MWatTCotL, p. 450;
Notes: According to Repli sur la Seine, this photo was taken on the Boulevard des Belges, Rouen on or near August 25. Repli sur la Seine also includes another photo of the scene, although the Tiger is not clearly visible.3??
UNK-3APossible ID: 305, 311, 312, 321, 322, 324, 331 (Not 313, 314, 323, 332 333, or 334 which were earlier production and lacked external travel lock. Not 304, photographed after loss elsewhere.)
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. External travel lock. No rear tool box. 20t jack (square base).
Fate: Destroyed near Evrecy.
Photos: (i) Rear/RHS, multiple publications; BA: 494/3397/4a. (ii) LHS, MWatTCofL, p. 437.
Notes: Panzer in Normandy Then and Now includes a “then-and-now” photo locating this photo just outside Evrecy south of the D8. — Agte, Schneider and Restayn state this is Ustuf. Günther’s Tiger 311. — Agte recounts Kufner’s account that Günther’s Tiger suffered a direct hit and was completely burnt out in the June 15 bombing at Evrecy. However, the company commanders tank was also lost due to a hit in the gun barrel and the turret was torn off — These are German Bundesarchiv photos, so the Tiger must have been photographed in an area still controlled by the Germans.31?
UNK-3BPhotos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 271. 3??
UNK-3CPhotos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 271. 3??
UNK-3DPhotos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 272. 3??
UNK-3EPossible ID: 321, 324, or 331
Photos: (i) MWatTCofL, p. 366, BA: 493/3362/19.
Notes: Probably 321 from the wood blocks. First digit is 3, second 2 or 3, third 1 or 4. Not 334 which later lacks the chipped zimmerit.???
UNK-X1Possible ID:
Photos: (i) Front view in or near Paris, Tigers in Combat II, p. 278.???
UNK-X2Technical Features: Front tow extensions not cut out. Spare track on front plate.
Photos: (i),(ii) Two photos taken near Villers-Bocage, multiple publications.
Notes: The assumption is that this Tiger is from 2.Ko., however 1.Ko. was also in the Villers-Bocage area at the time of the photo. The front tow extensions not cut out would be unusual for a steel wheel Tiger.??4
UNK-X3Possible ID: 104, 114, 124, 134, 324 (314 and 334 did not have the travel lock, and were lost before the retreat to the Seine. 304 was lost before reaching the Seine.)
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Center headlight. Shovel mount on front. Travel lock. Tow extensions not cut out. Fire extinguisher on right side of storage bin.
Camouflage and Markings: Unit emblem left front plate.
Photos: Tiger I on the Western Front, p. 113. (ii) Ibid, p. 112. (iii) Ibid. (iv) Repli sur la Seine, pp. 46-47. (v) Ibid. (vi) Ibid.
Notes: Final digit “4” is visible on rear of turret storage bin in first photo. For best resolution of this photo, see Ryton’s Tiger I or Soldiers of the Waffen-SS. — According to Repli sur la Seine, these photos were taken along the quay Jean de B�thencourt in Rouen on the morning of August 25.???
UNK-X4Technical Features: Front tow extensions cut out. Binocular sight. Loader’s hatch with short hinges and offset handle. Spare track front.
Fate: According to After the Battle, lost in fighting on August 8 near St. Aignan-de-Cramesnil, but “not one of those commanded by Wittmann.”
Photos: (i) Front view, postwar photo with Major Peter Brassey, After the Battle #48, 1985.
Notes: Michael Kenny pointed out the source of this photo.???
UNK-X5
UNK-X6
UNK-X7
UNK-X8Fate: Destroyed in August 8 fighting near Gaumesnil.
Photos: (i)-(iv): Four excerpts from RAF reconnaissance photo taken August 9 of the battlefield near Gaumesnil, from Keele University Air-Photo Archive.
Notes: A number of vehicles are visible, but from the location, these four hulks appear to be the Tiger I of s.SS-Pz.Abt. 101. However, other Allied and German tanks, including PzIV, were also lost in the area. The excerpts correspond to the circles on map in After the Battle from top to bottom. Excerpt (iii) is probably Tiger 314, and excerpt (iv) is probably Wittmann’s final mount Tiger 007. For those wishing to order the original photo, the reference number is 4189 16/915: 9AUG44: F36//K12.Other Possible Tigers:
POS-01Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Front tow extensions not cut out. Travel lock. Loader’s hatch with offset handle w/ long hinges. No spare track on front. Center headlight. Binocular sight. No shovel mounts on glacis.
Camouflage and Markings: Heavy banded camouflage pattern not typical for s.SS-Pz.Abt. 101. No markings except Balkankreuz.
Fate: Abandoned in Marle. Multiple Allied photographs after capture.
Photos: (i) Corbis, image number NA005759; German Tanks of World War Two, p. 128. (ii) Tiger I on the Western Front, p. 115. (iii) Tiger I on the Western Front, p. 113. (iv) Panzerworld Photo Galleries. (v) Paths of Armor: The Fifth Armored Division in World War II, p. 91. (see also http://www.5ad.org/)
(vi) Un Drame de la R�sistance dans l’Aisne: Tavaux, 30-31 ao�t 1944, by Alain Nice. Notes: Thumbnail (iv) displayed by permission of Christopher Scheiwes. Thumbnail (vi) displayed by permission of Alain Nice. Unusual tank, further investigation needed. Does loaders hatch imply a 40mm turret roof? — Yann Jouault has identified the fifth photo as Marle by the building in the background. — Thanks to Yann Jouault for contacting Alain Nice regarding image (vi).
POS-02Technical Features: Rubber wheels. C-hooks mounts on rear plate. No Feifel bolts.
Camouflage and Markings: Burnt out, no markings visible.
Photos: (i) U.S. veteran’s photo sold on EBay in 2002, now with Michael Kenny.
Notes: Thumbnail displayed by permission of Michael Kenny. Photo shows two US soldiers atop tank. Possible zimmerit cutout may be visible on LHS of rear plate.
POS-03Technical Features: Pistol port plug. S-mine dischargers mount on hull. Shovel bracket. Left headlight. Front tow extensions not cut out. Loader’s hatch with long hinges. Unusual, non-standard additions to turret roof.
Fate: Captioned as abandoned in Genval, Belgium.
Photos: (i) Front/RHS with turret to right, Tigers in Combat II, p. 356. (ii) RHS/top, Tigers in Combat II, p. 356; Frontline Tanks in Detail: Tiger, p. 62.
Notes:
POS-04Technical Features: Steel wheels. C-hooks mounts on rear plate.
Photos: (i) Photo originally appeared on Accurate Armour website (www.accurate-armour.com) in a collection of Normandy photos from veteran Milan Friedlers.POS-05 Identified as another photo of POS-01. POS-06 Identified as one of the unidentified 1.Ko. Tigers above.
POS-07Technical Features: Steel wheels.
Photos: (i) Chars et Blindes Francais Internet site, see bottom of De 1941 � 1945: Tiger.
Notes: Captured near Brieux in 1944 and used by the French in the capture of Saint-Nazaire.
POS-08Technical Features: Steel wheels. Large muzzle brake.
Fate: Captioned as abandoned near Bois-Bourdon.
Photos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 299.
POS-09Technical Features: Rubber wheels.
Fate: Photo taken by veteran of 2nd Armored Division. Photo believed to be taken near Villers-Bocage.
Photos: (i) RHS, burnt out in field. Original photo taken by Dr. John Erbes, 3/67th Armored Rgt., provided by Mark Bando, the webmaster of Trigger Time – 101st Airborne WW2 Internet site. Thumbnail displayed by permission.
Notes: May have a drum cupola?
POS-10Technical Features: Late cupola. Center headlight.
Fate: Postwar photo, captioned as taken near Grelland on route between Cahagnes and Villers-Bocage.
Photos: (i) Front/RHS, poswar photo, 45 Tiger en Normandie, p. 117.
Notes: Both s.Pz.Abt. 503 and s.SS-Pz.Abt. 101 fought in this area. Photo appears to have squares on both side of driver’s front plate, perhaps markings or zimmerit cut-outs, but inconclusive.
-
- According to Jentz (Tiger 1 Heavy Tank and Tiger I & II: Combat Tactics), s.SS-Pz.Abt. 101 received a total of 45 Tiger Is shipped from H.Za. on the following dates:
-
- 10 shipped October 29, 1943
- 6 shipped January 11, 1944
- 2 shipped January 14, 1944
- 1 gift from Japanese who had purchased a Tiger originally shipped on October 16, 1943
- 26 shipped April 17-20, 1944
- Schneider (Tigers in Combat II) reports a different delivery schedule:
-
- Pick-up party sent for 10 Tigers on October 27, 1943. By November 2, these Tigers were in transport to the Eastern Front, but were diverted to Paderborn. By December 27, the Tigers had reached the training area.
- On January 3, 1944, another pick-up party is sent for 10 Tigers (2 command tanks). By January 9, 1944, 9 Tigers had arrived in the training area near Mons, with 1 Tiger to arrive several days later.
- April 20, 1944 reports 18 of 20 Tigers operational. Delivery of remaining 25 Tigers.
- April 30, 1944 reports 38 of 45 Tigers operational.
- In the same text, the table of Tigers issued to units offers a different record, showing 10 Tigers delivered in October 1943, 1 Tiger delivered to Japan in October 1943, 8 Tigers delivered in December 1943, and 26 Tigers delivered in April 1944.
- And finally, Agte (MWatTCotL) reports a third delivery schedule:
-
- On October 27, 1943, party dispatched to the ordnance depot to pick-up 10 Tigers. By November 2, Tigers reach Lvov before being ordered to Paderborn.
- On January 3, 1944 a second party was dispatched to pick-up Tigers from the ordnance depot. Nine Tigers (7 standard, 2 command tanks) were outfitted. Transports reached Mons on January 9.
- Tigers were assigned 17 Tigers to 3rd Company and 2 Tigers to battalion headquarters.
- In April 1944, 26 remaining Tigers received. Tanks were assigned as follows, with “early” denoting tanks shipped in October or January with rubber wheels, and “late” denoting tanks shipped in April with steel wheels:
- Stab — 2 early; 1 late
- 1.Ko. — 9 late; 5 early (IIIrd Platoon + 1)
- 2.Ko. — all 14 late
- 3.Ko. — all 14 early
-
The company allocation numbers do not add up to the delivery numbers, and do not match the photographic evidence for the Stab.
-
- According to Jentz (D.W. to Tiger I), relevant technical differences for Tigers of this period are:
-
- Sep. 43: Stop submerged fording; Add C-hooks top and rear.
- Oct. 43: Chevrons on track; Single center headlight; Stop S-Minen dischargers; Drop loader’s hatch lock disc; Hand crank by antenna base; Stop pistol port plug; Stop track tool stowage box; Stop “Feifel” filters
- Nov. 43: External travel lock.
- Dec. 43: Stop mounts for “Feifel” filters.
- Jan. 44: 20 ton jack; Stop shovel on glacis; Cut hull side extension front & rear.
- Feb. 44: Cupola w/o 12-hour indicator ring; Steel-tired roadwheels; “Fuchs” engine coolant heater; Turret ring guard and move tools; Stop external travel lock; 600 mm diameter idler; Mounting bolt holes on starter plate.
- Mar. 44: 40 mm turret roof; Short hinged loader’s hatch; Nahverteidigungswaffe; T.Z.F.9c monocular gun sight; Lighter muzzle brake with insert.
- Apr. 44: Wood deck over fuel tanks.
- June 44: Three Pilze sockets added to turret roof
- Based on photographic evidence only:
-
- 10 Tigers shipped Oct. 1943:
- 313 [Pistol port, shovel brackets.]
- 314 [Pistol port, rear toolbox, Feifel mounting bolts]
- 323 [Headlight mounted on left deck]
- 332 [Rear toolbox, Feifel mounting bolts]
- 333 [No center headlight.]
- 334 [Pistol port, rear toolbox, Feifel mounting bolts]
-
- 8-10 Tigers shipped Jan. 1944:
- 131 [Travel lock, no pistol port, no Feifel mounting bolts]
- 311 [Travel lock]
- 312 [Travel lock]
- 321 [Travel lock]
- 331 [Travel lock, no Feifel mounting bolts]
-
- 1 Tiger Unknown (Japanese):
-
- 25-26 Tigers shipped Apr. 1944:
- 007 [Port for Fuchsgeraet]
- 009 [Steel wheels]
- 111 [Steel wheels]
- 112 [Steel wheels]
- 114 [Steel wheels]
- 205 [Steel wheels]
- 204 [Steel wheels]
- 211 [Steel wheels]
- 214 [Steel wheels]
- 221 [Steel wheels]
- 223 [Steel wheels]
- 224 [Steel wheels]
- 231 [Steel wheels]
- 232 [Steel wheels]
In table form, subscripts are O=October 1943, J=January 1944, A=April 1944, superscripts are R=Rubber wheels, S=Steel wheels:
-
009AS 008 007AS 105 104 205AS 204AS 305R 304R 111AS 112AS 113 114AS 211AS 212 213 214AS 311JR 312JR 313OR 314OR 121 122 123 124 221AS 222 223AS 224AS 321JR 322 323OR 324 131JR 132R 133R 134 231AS 232AS 233 234 331JR 332OR 333OR 334OR 341 342R 343 344
-
205 204 211 223 231 232 2??
UNK-2A
(Villers-Bocage)2?2
UNK-2B2??
UNK-2D
V. sSS-Pz.Abt. 101 Operational Status
- Operational status reports for sSS-Pz.Abt. 101 Tiger I only:
Date Total Operational Repair Total
WriteoffsReference(s) Short
TermLong
TermJan. 1 9 Schneider(a) April 16 19 Zetterling(b) April 20 20 18 Schneider April 30 45 38 Schneider June 1 37 8 0 Zetterling; Jentz(c); Schneider* June 16 15 15 6 Internet June 26 18 Schneider July 1 11 19 0 -15 Zetterling; Jentz; Schneider* July 1 Stab – 3; 1.Ko. – 7, 2.Ko. – 8, 3.Ko. – 10 Agte(d); Schneider July 3 1.Ko. hands over last 3 Tigers to 3.Ko. Schneider July 4 0 25 Zetterling July 5 30 Jentz July 5 0 Schneider July 6 0 25 5 Zetterling July 7 5 Zetterling July 7 30 Jentz; Schneider July 8 20 Zetterling July 8 21 7 -2 Jentz; Schneider* July 9 18 9 Zetterling July 9 19 9 Jentz; Schneider* July 10 15 13 Zetterling July 10 15 13 Jentz; Schneider* July 11 13 15 Zetterling July 11 13 15 Jentz; Schneider* July 12 13 15 Jentz; Schneider* July 15 17 8 Zetterling July 15 20 8 Jentz; Schneider* July 16 16 Zetterling July 16 19 9 Jentz; Schneider* July 17 1 6 Zetterling July 21 6 Zetterling July 21 6 19 -3 Jentz; Schneider* July 22 7 18 Zetterling July 22 7 18 Jentz; Schneider* July 23 10 15 Jentz; Schneider* July 24 13 11 Zetterling July 24 14 11 Jentz July 25 13 Zetterling July 25 14 Schneider July 27 13 11 Zetterling July 27 14 Schneider July 28 20 4 Zetterling July 28 20 5 Jentz; Schneider* July 29 21 4 Zetterling; Schneider* July 30 20 Zetterling; Schneider July 31 19 Zetterling; Schneider July 31 19 6 Jentz Aug. 1 20 5 Zetterling, Schneider* Aug. 1 2.Ko. – 10, 3.Ko. – 10 Agte (p. 405) Aug. 1 Stab – 5, 2.Ko. – 10, 3.Ko. – 10 Schneider [text] Aug. 1 Stab – 3, 2.Ko. – 10, 3.Ko. – 11(e) Schneider [diagram] Aug. 2 19 Zetterling; Schneider Aug. 3 20 Zetterling; Schneider Aug. 4 20 Zetterling; Schneider Aug. 4 20 5 Jentz Aug. 7 21 4 Jentz; Schneider* Aug. 9 8 Zetterling; Schneider Aug. 10 17 Jentz; Schneider Aug. 11 11 Jentz; Schneider * For these dates, Schneider lists only operational Tigers.
(a) Tigers in Combat II, pp. 255-268, 319-325.
(b) The Normandy Campaign 1944, Internet site: http://w1.183.telia.com/~u18313395/normandy/.
(c) Tiger I & II: Combat Tactics, p. 110.
(d) MWatTCotL.
(e) Tigers in Combat II, p. 323. In a diagram, Schneider shows 3 Tiger I in Stab (007, 008, 009, all steel wheels), 10 Tiger I in 2.Ko. (205, 204, 211, 213, 214, 2??, 221, 2??, 2??, 23?, all steel wheels), and 11 Tiger I in 3.Ko. (???, 312, 313, 314, 321, 322, 323, ???, 331, 332, 333, three steel wheels). No source is given for the tactical numbers.
- The following table compares the loss figures given in Agte and Schneider:
Date Losses Location Notes and References June 13 3 – 6 Villers-Bocage Schneider says 3. (112, 121) June 15 3 – 4 Evrecy 3.Ko. bombing. Agte, Schneider says 4. June 15 1 nr. Cahagne 1.Ko. Wendt. Agte (p. 346), Schneider. June 16 1 nr. Cahagne 1.Ko. (111) Philipsen. Agte (p. 346), Schneider. June 24 2 Unrepairable. Schneider. June 27 1 Warmbrunn of 2.Ko. Agte (p. 377), Schneider. June 28 3 nr. Grainville, Colleville (sp? Coleville) Amselgruber (331), KOd by 9th Camerons. Agte (p. 377-8), Schneider. July 7 2 Unrepairable. Schneider. July 18 1 nr. Soliers Schneider. July 18-19 1 nr. Thury-Harcourt Raasch, 3.Ko. Friendly fire. Agte (p. 404), Schneider. July 20 1 2.Ko. Agte (p. 404), Schneider. Aug. 8 5-6 Wittmann death. Agte, Schneider. Aug. 8 1 nr. Bois du Quesney 214. Schneider. Aug. 13-14 1 nr. Maizieres Wendorff, 2.Ko. Agte (p. 453), Schneider. Aug. 16(?) 1 Rouen(?) Kufner. 3.Ko. tank destroyed by crew. Agte (p. 456), Schneider. Aug. 18 1 Livarot 3.Ko. Abandoned. Schneider. Aug. 19 1 Schneider. Aug. 24 1 north of Montfort-sur-Risle Knocked out by M-10. Schneider. Aug. 25(?) 2 Abandoned before crossing Seine. Incl. Warnecke. Agte (p. 457), Schneider. Aug. 25 3 nr. Songeons Abandoned after crossing Seine. Schneider. Aug. 27 2 nr. Tilly-Vernonet road 1 destroyed by 6-pounder AT gun. 1 abandoned. Schneider. Aug. 29 1 south of Tilly 1 knocked out. Schneider. Aug. 30 2 2.Ko. incl. Brandt. Destroyed lack of fuel. Agte (p. 457), Schneider. Aug. 30(?) 1 nr. St. Quentin Lünser, 3.Ko. Destroyed by US Sherman. Agte (p. 460), Schneider. Aug.-Sep. 1 Marle Abandoned. Schneider. Aug.-Sep. 1 nr. Bois Bourdon Abandoned. Schneider.
VII. Other Units Operating Tiger I in Normandy
- To aid in distinguishing the Tigers of s.SS-Pz.Abt. 101 from vehicles of other units in Normandy, a brief summary of additional units operating Tiger I in Normandy is presented below:
- s.Pz.Abt. 503 was transferred to Normandy with 33 Tiger I and 12 Tiger II, reaching action in early July. The 33 Tiger I were all shipped between June 11 – 17, 1944. Photographs of the unit’s Tigers are very limited. Technical features are similar to late Tigers shipped to s.SS-Pz.Abt. 101. However, possible distinguishing features include: spare track not mounted on front plate, spare track stowed outside hull MG mount and driver’s visor, and Pilze sockets on turret roof. Camouflage was similiar to s.SS-Pz.Abt. 101, but on at least some vehicles, the Balkankreuz were unusually large. Tactical numbers were thin, neatly stencilled with white outline and dark, probably black, interior. (An excellent photo reference for s.Pz.Abt. 503 is 45 Tiger en Normandie la s. Pz.Abt. 503 by Didier Lodieu, Ysec Editions.)
- s.SS-Pz.Abt. 102 was transferred to Normandy with 45 Tiger I, reaching action in early July. The unit was originally shipped six Tiger I on April 21, 1944 and 39 Tiger I between May 20 – 29, 1944. Again, photographs of the unit’s Tigers are very limited. Technical features would be identical to late Tigers shipped to s.SS-Pz.Abt. 101. However, the unit appears not to have mounted spare track on the front plate. Camouflage was large patches of color which on some vehicles leads to the appearance of lines of the original dunkelgelb. Tactical numbers were thin, neatly stencilled with white outline and dark interior. Tactical numbers on the turret sides were often sloped, being aligned with the slope of the turret roof. Some Tigers carried a single underlined “S” rune painted on the zimmerit on the front and/or rear plates.
- Panzer Lehr Division was issued ten Tiger I in September-October 1943 and five Tiger II in February-March 1944. Of the ten Tiger I, three were still with the division in summer 1944. The division reported six of eight Tigers operational on June 1 and three Tigers operational on July 1. Whether any Tiger I actually travelled with the division to Normandy, and the eventual fate of the Tiger I are unknown.
- (Incomplete more to be added)
Unknown (far left), leads 214 (left) and 221 (right) 223 (right) leads 224 (center) and Unknown 2?? (left, partially out of frame) 205 (left foreground) leads 204 (right, partially out of frame) and 211 (left background) Unknown (center background) leads 223 (right) and 224 (left) Two unknown tanks (background) lead 223 204 (foreground) lead 211 (right) and Unknown (center background) (Incomplete more to be added)
- The battle of Villers-Bocage has been extensively covered elsewhere, so only a simple review of available sources will be presented here. For a single affordable volume covering the battle, Daniel Taylor’s recent book Villers-Bocage Through the Lens of the German War Photographer combines most of the information available and is highly recommended.There are two primary versions of the the Villers-Bocage battle.
- In the first version of the battle, now considered incorrect, Michael Wittmann participated in all the phases of the battle. Wittmann entered the town alone in a 2.Ko. Tiger, destroyed the HQ tanks on the edge of town, engaged the lead tanks of B Squadron, and retreated out of the town. Afterwards, Wittmann participated in the fighting which destroyed the tanks and halftracks outside the town and near Point 213, before changing to a Tiger of 1.Ko. and reentering the town to be knocked out in the ensuing battle with B Squadron.This version appears to have originated with the research of Gary L. Simpson and W.H.J. Sale of 3rd CLY. The basic structure was in place as early as 1980 in an article by Sale and Simpson in the July issue of Sharpshooters Territorial Army Magazine. This version appears most notably in Gary L. Simpson’s Tiger Ace (1994) and Eric Lefèvre’s Panzers in Normandy Then and Now (1983). For his source, Lefèvre credits Simpson, Sale, and Elisabeth Brodie for the detailed research on the course of the battle.
- The second version is now the most widely accepted. In this version, Wittmann made a single attack into the town during which his Tiger was disabled. Wittman did not directly participate in the attack against A Squadron on Hill 213 and the afternoon attack of 1.Ko. into Villers-Bocage. This version corresponds more closely with Wittmann’s award recommendation, available photos, and veteran’s accounts.The best references for this version of the battle are Villers-Bocage: Champ de bataille Le Combat des Tigres by Henri Marie (former mayor of Villers-Bocage), Michael Wittmann and the Tiger Commanders of the Leibstandarte by Patrick Agte, and Villers-Bocage Through the Lens of the German War Photographer, by Daniel Taylor. Marie’s book has not been translated into English, but a good summary is included in The Panzers in the Battle of Normandy, by Georges Bernage.
Modelers and artists are interested in identifying the exact Tiger used by Wittmann during the battle of Villers-Bocage. At least three Tigers of 2.Ko. were photographed in and around Villers-Bocage shortly after the battle. One burnt out Tiger, UNK-2A above, was photographed in Villers-Bocage facing out of the village. Tiger 2?2, UNK-2B above, was photographed towing Tiger 231 away from Villers-Bocage toward Hill 213.
Yann Jouault has written a short informal summary of the difficulties in identifying the exact Tiger used by Wittmann on June 13, The ‘Villers-Bocage Headache’.
Then and Now:
Paul Alderton sent the following photographs and captions of Villers-Bocage as it appeared in 2002. All images property Paul Alderton, displayed by permission.
(1) Wittmann’s Tiger would have been approximately in the centre of this picture straddling the strip of grass and the road facing left. (2) View from the Tilly junction looking up to Point 213. (3) View from the Tilly junction looking up the D6 towards Tilly. (4) View from the Tilly junction looking down towards the bend. (5) The white car is in the approx position of the KO’d anti-tank gun at the Tilly junction (VBTTL, p. 34). (6) The Panzer Lehr MkIV would be approximately where the red car is (VBTTL, p. 75, top right picture). (7) The car is in the approx position of Dyas’ Cromwell (VBTTL, p. 31). (8) The view down the high street from the position where photo (7) was taken. (9) Approximate view from Dyas’ Cromwell position looking down the high street – this is probably the view Dyas got just before Wittmann fired at him. (10) Grave of Major Peter Scott in Bayeux (killed on Point 213). (11) Grave of Wittmann & crew.
- Primary References:
- Agte, Patrick. Michael Wittmann and the Tiger Commanders of the Leibstandarte. J.J. Fedorowicz Publishing, Inc., Winnipeg, Canada, 1996. (ISBN: 0-921991-30-4)Bernage, Georges. The Panzers in the Battle of Normandy. Editions Heimdal, Bayeux, France, 2000. (ISBN: 2 84048 135 9)
Jentz, Thomas L. Germany’s Tiger Tanks Tiger I & II: Combat Tactics. Schiffer Publishing Ltd., Atglan, PA, 1997. (ISBN: 0-7643-0225-6)
Jentz, Tom and Hilary Doyle. Tiger I Heavy Tank 1942-1945. Osprey, London, 1993. (ISBN: 185532 337 0)
Lefèvre, Eric. Panzers in Normandy Then and Now. After the Battle, London, 1996. (ISBN: 0 900913 29 0)
Lodieu, Didier. 45 Tiger en Normandie la s. Pz.Abt. 503. Ysec Editions (www.ysec.fr), Louviers, 2002. (ISBN: 2-84673-015-6)
Marie, Henri. Villers-Bocage: Champ de bataille Le Combat des Tigres. Editions Heimdal, 1993. (ISBN: 2.84048.027.1)
McNair, Ronald. Repli Sur La Seine la debacle allemande. Editions Heimdal, 1994. (ISBN: 2 84048 078 6)
Missing Links Axis WWII AFV Discussion Group. In particular, posts by James Blackwell, Barry Crook, Yann Jouault, and Michael Kenny.
Restayn, Jean. Tiger I on the Western Front. Histoire & Collections, Paris, 2001. (ISBN: 2-913903 134)
Schneider, Wolfgang. Tigers in Combat Volume II. J.J. Fedorowicz Publishing, Inc., Winnipeg, Canada, 1998. (ISBN: 0-921991-39-8)
Taylor, Daniel. Villers-Bocage Through the Lens of the German War Photographer. After the Battle, London. (ISBN: 1 870067 07 X)
Additional References:
- Benamou, Jean-Pierre. Bataille de Caen. Editions Heimdal, 1988.Feist, Uwe and Bruce Culver. Panzerkampfwagen Tiger. Ryton Publications, England, 1992.
Ground Power Magazine: PzKpfw VI Tiger. 4 volumes: #25, #26, #29, #36. 1996-97.
Jones, Gregory T. Panzerheld: The Story of Hauptsturmfuhrer Michael Wittmann. Published by author, Granite City, Illinois.
Quarrie, Bruce. Panzers in North-West Europe. Aztex Corporation, Tucson, AZ, 1981. (ISBN: 0-89404-047-2)
Spielberger, Walter J. Tiger & King Tiger Tanks and their Variants. Haynes Publishing, Somerset, England, 1991. TBD
- Agte, Patrick. Michael Wittmann and the Tiger Commanders of the Leibstandarte. J.J. Fedorowicz Publishing, Inc., Winnipeg, Canada, 1996. (ISBN: 0-921991-30-4)Bernage, Georges. The Panzers in the Battle of Normandy. Editions Heimdal, Bayeux, France, 2000. (ISBN: 2 84048 135 9)