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 |
ID: 009 Original Commander: Ostubaf. Heinz von Westernhagen[1, 2] Technical Features: Steel wheels. Command version. Modified hull antenna fittings for befehlspanzer. Plugged coaxial machine gun in the mantlet. Camouflage and Markings: Impossible to discern the camouflage pattern from the two available photos. (Note that the black Balkenkreuz is almost invisible.) The Stab turret numbers were traditionally assumed to be solid white, although recently debate has arisen on whether the turret numbers might be a secondary color with white outline. Fate: unknown Photos: (i) Partial RHS refueling, multiple publications. (ii) Partial RHS refueling, MWatTCotL, p. 305. Color Plates: (i) Tigers in Combat II; D-Day Tank Warfare. |
008 |
ID: 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 |
ID: 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 Franzl |
111 | ID: 111 Original Commander: Ostuf. Hannes Philipsen Notes: Michael Kenny has found a photo. |
112 [ + others] |
ID: 112 Original Commander: Uscha. Cap Technical Features: Steel wheels. Center headlight. Spare track on front. Camouflage and Markings: Right rhombus, left unit marking on square cut from zimmerit. Fate: Destroyed in Villers-Bocage, June 13, 1944. Photographs show the tank was not recovered. Photos: (i) Numerous photos and video from Villers-Bocage, multiple publications. (ii) Video footage with British engineers, unknown History Channel documentary. (iii) Photo after capture of Villers-Bocage, multiple publications. (iv) Photo with British engineers, Hulton Getty, image number: HJ7071. |
113 | ID: 113 Original Commander: Oscha. Heinrich Ernst |
114 | ID: 114 Original Commander: Uscha. Willi Otterbein Notes: Michael Kenny has found a photo. |
121 | ID: 121 Original Commander: Ustuf. Fritz Stamm |
122 | ID: 122 Original Commander: Uscha. Arno Salamon |
123 | ID: 123 Original Commander: St.Jk. Franz Staudegger |
124 | ID: 124 Original Commander: Jk. Erwin Asbach |
131 |
ID: 131 Original Commander: Ustuf. Walter Hahn Technical Features: Rubber wheels. No Feifel bolts. New cupola. C-hooks on rear plate. Travel lock. No rear tool box. No pistol port. Camouflage and Markings: Unit emblem, left rear upper plate on zimmerit cutout. Photos: (i) LHS in Morgny, multiple publications, BA: 299/1804/4. Notes: W.S. Marshall has kindly allowed his color plate of Tiger 131 to be displayed here: |
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 Original Commander: Oscha. Fritz Zahner Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Center headlight. Front tow extensions not cut out. Spare track on front. Shovel mounts on glacis plate. Binocular sight. Photos: (i) Front/LHS in Morgny, multiple publications, BA: 299/1804/6. |
134 | ID: 134 Original Commander: Uscha. Helmut Dannleitner Color Plates: (i) Tiger I on the Western Front, p. 97. |
2nd Company
205 |
ID: 205 Original Commander: Ostuf. Michael Wittmann Technical Features: Steel wheels. Nahverteidigungswaffe. Centered extractor. Offset loader’s hatch handle. Turret ring guard. Center headlight. Cutout front tow hooks. Spare track on front. Relocated axe. Camouflage and Markings: Front unit emblem in zimmerit cutout. Photos: (i) Front/LHS on road near Morgny, multiple publications. (ii) Front/RHS on road near Morgny, multiple publications, BA: 299/1804/7. Color Plates: (i) Tiger I on the Western Front, p. 103. Notes: none |
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204 |
ID: 204 Original Commander: Uscha. Seifert Technical Features: Steel wheels. Spare track on front. Cutout front tow hooks. Monocular sight. Near Morgny, missing third RHS track guard. Camouflage and Markings: Front unit emblem unusually high and inside. Uncertain whether unit emblem is on zimmerit or within cutout. Dark turret tactical number with little or no white outline. Photos: (i) Front/LHS on road near Morgny behind 205, multiple publications. (ii) Front/RHS distant on road near Morgny behind 205, multiple publications. Notes: none |
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211 |
ID: 211 Original Commander: Ostuf. Jürgen Wessel Technical Features: Centered extractor. Steel wheels. Offset loader’s hatch handle. Center headlight. Cutout front tow hooks. Spare track on front. Relocated axe. Camouflage and Markings: Front unit emblem in zimmerit cutout. Turret tactical number extremely light. Fate: Photographed after loss, location unknown. Photos: (i) Front/LHS on road near Morgny, multiple publications. (ii) LHS after loss, multiple publications. Notes: none |
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212 | ID: 212 Original Commander: Uscha. Balthasar Woll |
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213 | ID: 213 Original Commander: Hscha. Hans Höflinger |
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214 |
ID: 214 Original Commander: Uscha. Karl-Heinz Warmbrunn Technical Features: Steel wheels. Camouflage and Markings: unknown Fate: Captured by Polish troops. Photos: (i) Distant rear/LHS on road near Morgny in front of 221, multiple publications. (ii) Distant rear/RHS on road near Morgny behind 211 and 21?, multiple publications. (iii) LHS with turret to rear after capture by Polish troops, Bataille de Caen, p. 418. Notes: Michael Kenny provided a source for a photo of 214 after loss. |
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221 |
ID: 221 Original Commander: Ustuf. Georg Hantusch Technical Features: Steel wheels. Camouflage and Markings: Tactical number on stowage bin with alignment marks. Unit emblem, left upper rear plate on zimmerit. Fate: Photographed after loss, location unknown. Photos: (i) Rear photo on road near Morgny, multiple publications. (ii) LHS photo in ditch after loss, Tigers in Combat II, p. 291. Color Plates: (i) Tigers in Combat II. Notes: none |
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222 | ID: 222 Original Commander: Uscha. Kurt Sowa Color Plates: (i) Tiger I on the Western Front, p. 109. |
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223 |
ID: 223 Original Commander: Oscha. Jürgen Brandt Technical Features: Steel wheels. Center headlight. Front tracks. Monocular sight. Loader’s hatch with offset handle and short hinges. Front tow brackets cut out. Camouflage and Markings: Unit emblem, right front plate on zimmerit. Photos: (i) Front photo on road near Morgny, Tigers in Combat II, p. 23. (ii) RHS photo on road near Morgny, multiple publications. (iii) Distant, rear photo on road near Morgny in front of 224, multiple publications. Notes: none |
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224 |
ID: 224 Original Commander: Uscha. Ewald Mölly Technical Features: Steel wheels. Relocated axe. Camouflage and Markings: Partial overspray on RHS Balkankreuz. Photos: (i) RHS photo on road near Morgny, multiple publications, BA: 299/1804/15. Notes: |
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231 |
ID: 231 Original Commander: St.O.Jk. Heinz Belbe Technical Features: Steel wheels. Front tow brackets cut out. Loader’s hatch with offset handle. Spare track on front plate. Camouflage and Markings: unknown Fate: Lost in Normandy. Photos: (i) Being towed near Villers-Bocage, multiple publications. (ii) Video footage with Wittmann after award of Swords and Oakleaves to the Knight’s Cross. (iii) After loss, Tiger I on the Western Front, p. 114; Maple Leaf Route: Falaise, p. 43. Notes: Best version of photo (iii) is in Maple Leaf Route: Falaise where the unit emblem is clearly visible. |
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232 |
ID: 232 Original Commander: Uscha. Kurt Kleber Technical Features: Steel wheels. Center headlight. Front tow brackets cut out. Loader’s hatch with center handle and long hinges. Binocular sight. Spare track on front plate. Camouflage and Markings: Unit emblem right front plate in zimmerit cut out. Photos: (i) Front/LHS, multiple publications, BA: 299/1805/20. (ii) Front/RHS, multiple publications. Notes: |
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233 | ID: 233 Original Commander: Oscha. Georg Lötzsch |
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234 | ID: 234 Original Commander: Uscha. Herbert Stief |
3rd Company
Unidentified
1?? UNK-1A |
Possible 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. Camouflage and Markings: unknown 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 same |
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1?? UNK-1B |
Possible 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? Camouflage and Markings: unknown Fate: Lost in Villers-Bocage. Photos: (i) Front view in Villers-Bocage, multiple publications, BA: 494/3376/5a. Notes: none |
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1?? [+ others] UNK-1C |
Possible 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. |
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1?? UNK-1D |
Possible 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. |
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1?? UNK-1E |
Possible 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. |
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1?? UNK-1F |
Possible 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. |
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2?? UNK-2A |
Possible 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. |
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2?2 UNK-2B |
Possible 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: |
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2?? UNK-2C |
Possible 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. |
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2?? UNK-2D |
Possible 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: |
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22? UNK-2E |
Possible ID: 222 or 223. Technical Features: Steel wheels. Front tow extensions cut out. Spare track front plate. Photos: (i) Front/RHS view, Tiger I on the Western Front. Notes: |
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2?? UNK-2F |
Possible 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. |
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2?? UNK-2G |
Possible ID: 212 or 213 (probably 212) Photos: Photographed on road near Morgny between 211 and 214. |
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2?? UNK-2H |
Possible ID: Photos: (i) Front view, Tigers in Combat II, p. 283. |
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UNK-2I | Identified as 231. | ||
2?? UNK-2J |
Possible ID: unknown Technical 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; |
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2?? UNK-2K |
Possible ID: unknown Technical 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. |
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3?? UNK-3A |
Possible 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. |
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31? UNK-3B |
Possible ID: Photos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 271. |
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3?? UNK-3C |
Possible ID: Photos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 271. |
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3?? UNK-3D |
Possible ID: Photos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 272. |
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3?? UNK-3E |
Possible 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. |
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??? UNK-X1 |
Possible ID: Photos: (i) Front view in or near Paris, Tigers in Combat II, p. 278. |
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??? UNK-X2 |
Possible ID: Technical 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. |
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??4 UNK-X3 |
Possible 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. |
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??? UNK-X4 |
Possible ID: Technical 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. |
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??? UNK-X5 UNK-X6 UNK-X7 UNK-X8 |
Possible ID: Fate: 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-01 |
Technical 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-02 |
Technical 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-03 |
Technical 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. |
POS-04 |
Technical 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-07 |
Technical 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-08 |
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Large muzzle brake. Fate: Captioned as abandoned near Bois-Bourdon. Photos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 299. |
POS-09 |
Technical 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-10 |
Technical 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. |
II. Tiger I Delivery
-
- 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.
- Pick-up party sent for 10 Tigers on October 27, 1943. By November 2, these
- 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.
- On October 27, 1943, party dispatched to the ordnance depot to pick-up 10 Tigers. By November 2, Tigers
- According to Jentz (Tiger 1 Heavy Tank and Tiger I & II: Combat Tactics),
III. Technical Features
-
- 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
- According to Jentz (D.W. to Tiger I),
IV. 2nd Company Front Plates
-
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.
VI. Tiger I Losses
- 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.
- s.Pz.Abt. 503 was transferred to Normandy with 33 Tiger I and 12 Tiger II,
VIII. Morgny Photographs
- (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)
IX. Villers-Bocage
- 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. - In the first version of the battle, now
X. Notes
XI. References
- 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