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.
Notes: none008
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).
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Front, Tigers in Combat II, p. 284.
Notes: none007
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
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Color Plates: (i) Tigers in Combat II.
Notes: none104 ID: 104
Original Commander: Uscha. Sepp Franzl
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Notes: none111 ID: 111
Original Commander: Ostuf. Hannes Philipsen
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
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.
Notes: none113 ID: 113
Original Commander: Oscha. Heinrich Ernst
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Notes: none114 ID: 114
Original Commander: Uscha. Willi Otterbein
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Notes: Michael Kenny has found a photo.121 ID: 121
Original Commander: Ustuf. Fritz Stamm
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Notes: none122 ID: 122
Original Commander: Uscha. Arno Salamon
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Notes: none123 ID: 123
Original Commander: St.Jk. Franz Staudegger
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Notes: none124 ID: 124
Original Commander: Jk. Erwin Asbach
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Notes: none131
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.
Fate: unknown
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:
![[Copyright 2003 W.S. Marshall]](https://web.archive.org/web/20050316140234im_/http://www.angelfire.com/al4/mldgbox/pics/sSSPzAbt101Tiger131Redicon.jpg)
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.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Front view near Morgny, multiple publications.
(ii) Partial front/RHS in or near Paris, Tigers in Combat II, p. 278.
Notes: none133
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.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Front/LHS in Morgny, multiple publications, BA: 299/1804/6.
Notes: none134 ID: 134
Original Commander: Uscha. Helmut Dannleitner
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Color Plates: (i) Tiger I on the Western Front, p. 97.
Notes: none
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.
Fate: unknown
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
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.
Fate: unknown
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
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
212 ID: 212
Original Commander: Uscha. Balthasar Woll
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Notes: none213 ID: 213
Original Commander: Hscha. Hans Höflinger
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Notes: none214
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.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: none222 ID: 222
Original Commander: Uscha. Kurt Sowa
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Color Plates: (i) Tiger I on the Western Front, p. 109.
Notes: none223
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.
Fate: unknown
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
224
ID: 224
Original Commander: Uscha. Ewald Mölly
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Relocated axe.
Camouflage and Markings: Partial overspray on RHS Balkankreuz.
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) RHS photo on road near Morgny, multiple publications, BA: 299/1804/15.
Notes: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.
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.
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Front/LHS, multiple publications, BA: 299/1805/20.
(ii) Front/RHS, multiple publications.
Notes:
233 ID: 233
Original Commander: Oscha. Georg Lötzsch
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Notes: none234 ID: 234
Original Commander: Uscha. Herbert Stief
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Notes: none
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.
Fate: unknown
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
Original Commander: Uscha. Heinrich Ritter
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Center headlight.
Shovel. Spare track. Front tow extensions not cut out.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) LHS closeup, Tigers in Combat II, p. 21.
(ii) Front photo on road, multiple publications.
(iii) South Alberta A Canadian Regiment at War, Donald Graves, p. 114.
(iv) Photocopy of image, via Yann Jouault.
Color Plates: (i) Tiger I on the Western Front, p. 115.
Notes: Thanks to Michael Kenny for pointing out the source for the third photo of 304
after loss. Thanks to Yann Jouault for the fourth image of 304 after loss.311
ID: 311
Original Commander: Ustuf. Alfred Günther
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Spare track on front plate by
time of maneuvers. Shovel mount glacis. Center headlight.
Tow extensions not cut out. Fire extinguisher on right side stowage bin.
Travel lock.
Camouflage and Markings: Unit emblem front plate on dark zimmerit cutout.
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Partial RHS photo in Tiger lineup, Tigers in Combat II, p. 271.
(ii) Front/RHS, multiple publications.
(iii) RHS, multiple publications.
(iv) Front/LHS, multiple publications.
Notes: Possible additional photo, MWatTCotL, p. 257.312
ID: 312
Original Commander: Oscha. Peter Kisters
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Travel lock. Spare track on front.
Center headlight. Rear tool box. Shovel brackets. Binocular sight.
Loader’s hatch with center handle. Old jack (trapeziodal base).
Front tow extensions not cut out.
Camouflage and Markings: Unit emblem Left front on zimmerit cutout.
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Front/LHS, MWatTCotL, p. 277. (ii) Front/RHS, ibid.
(iii) Front, ibid, p. 275.
(iv) Rear/LHS at speed, multiple publications.
Notes: Interesting technical feature of external travel lock
combined with rear tool box.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.
Fate: unknown
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.
Fate: unknown
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
Original Commander: Hstuf. Max Görgens
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. Travel lock.
Loader’s hatch with center handle and long hinges.
Spare track front. Wood blocks in spare track.
Camouflage and Markings: Unit emblem in zimmerit cutout
with dark background.
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Front/RHS, multiple publications.
Notes: none322 ID: 322
Original Commander: Uscha. Heimo Traue
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Notes: none323
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.
Fate: unknown
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 Merker
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: unknown
Notes: none331
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.
Fate: unknown
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.
Notes: none332
ID: 332
Original Commander: Uscha. Albert Leinecke
Technical Features: Feifel bolts. Tool box on rear plate.
Mount for 15t jack. No travel lock.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Rear view in video footage from Wochensau, July 13-20, 1944;
still from video Tigers in Combat II, p. 291.
Notes: none333
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.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 269.
Notes: Agte (p. 404) implies still in action, July 24.334
[+ others]ID: 334
Original Commander: Oscha. Rolf von Westernhagen
Technical Features: Rubber wheels.
Binocular sight. Spare track on front plate.
Center headlight. Turret pistol port.
Toolbox on rear plate. Feifel bolts.
Camouflage and Markings: Unit emblem rear plate upper left.
Fate: Lost near Rauray around June 27 during Epsom operation.
Captured and used for Allied firing trials.
Photos: (i) MWatTCotL, p. 273.
(ii) Front, knocked out in ditch, Tigers in Combat II, p. 285.
(iii) RHS after capture, Combat Tactics, p. 19.
Notes: Fgst.Nr.: 250570. — For a “then-and-now” photo, see
Panzers in Normandy Then and Now, p. 181.During training, the
3.Ko. temporarily fielded a fourth platoon.341 ID: 341
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: Transferred to 1.Ko.
Photos: unknown
Notes: none342
[+ others]ID:
Original Commander: unknown
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.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: Transferred to 1.Ko.
Photos: (i) Front/LHS Tigers in Combat II, p. 270.
(ii) Front/LHS with turret to right, ibid.
Notes: none343 ID: 343
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: Transferred to 1.Ko.
Photos: unknown
Color Plates: (i) Tigers in Combat II.
Notes: none344 ID: 344
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: Transferred to 1.Ko.
Photos: unknown
Notes: none
Unidentified
1??
UNK-1APossible ID: 105, 104, 111, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 134
Original Commander: unknown
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 same1??
UNK-1BPossible ID: 105, 104, 111, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 134
Original Commander: unknown
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: none1??
[+ others]
UNK-1CPossible ID: 105, 104, 111, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 134
Original Commander: unknown
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.
Notes: none1??
UNK-1DPossible ID: 104, 111, 114, 121, 124, 134 (Vertical stroke at bottom
of final digit is visible.)
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Center headlight. Spare track on
front plate. Binocular sight. Loader’s hatch with offset handle and
long hinges. 40mm roof.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
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.
Notes: none1??
UNK-1EPossible ID: 105, 104, 111, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 134
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Center headlight. Monocular sight.
No spare track on front plate. Loader’s hatch with offset handle.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Front view near Morgny, multiple publications.
Notes: none1??
UNK-1FPossible ID: 105, 104, 111, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 134
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Spare track on front plate.
Cut out tow extensions.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Via Michael Kenny.
Notes: none2??
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.)
Original Commander: unknown
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.
Original Commander: unknown
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.
Fate: unknown
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.)
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Tow extensions not cut out.
Spare track on front plate. Binocular sight. Loader’s hatch
with offset handle.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
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:
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Loader’s hatch with offset handle.
Front tow extensions cut out.
Camouflage and Markings: Front unit emblem in zimmerit cutout.
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Front view, heavily damaged, multiple publications.
Notes:
22?
UNK-2EPossible ID: 222 or 223.
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: Steel wheels. Front tow extensions
cut out. Spare track front plate.
Camouflage and Markings:
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Front/RHS view, Tiger I on the Western Front.
Notes:
2??
UNK-2FPossible ID:
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
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)
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: Photographed on road near Morgny between 211 and 214.
Notes: none2??
UNK-2HPossible ID:
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Front view, Tigers in Combat II, p. 283.
Notes: noneUNK-2I Identified as 231. 2??
UNK-2JPossible ID: unknown
Original Commander: 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
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) MWatTCotL, p. 440;
Notes: none2??
UNK-2KPossible ID: unknown
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: Center headlight. No spare track on front plate.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
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.)
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: Rubber wheels. External travel lock.
No rear tool box. 20t jack (square base).
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
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-3BPossible ID:
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 271.
Notes: none3??
UNK-3CPossible ID:
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 271.
Notes: none3??
UNK-3DPossible ID:
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 272.
Notes: none3??
UNK-3EPossible ID: 321, 324, or 331
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
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:
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Front view in or near Paris, Tigers in Combat II, p. 278.
Notes: none???
UNK-X2Possible ID:
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: Front tow extensions not cut out.
Spare track on front plate.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
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.)
Original Commander: unknown
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.
Fate: unknown
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-X4Possible ID:
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: Front tow extensions cut out. Binocular sight.
Loader’s hatch with short hinges and offset handle.
Spare track front.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
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-X8Possible ID:
Original Commander: unknown
Technical Features: unknown
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
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-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.
Fate: unknown
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.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
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.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
Photos: (i) Photo originally appeared on Accurate Armour
website (www.accurate-armour.com) in a collection of Normandy photos
from veteran Milan Friedlers.
Notes: nonePOS-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.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: unknown
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.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
Fate: Captioned as abandoned near Bois-Bourdon.
Photos: (i) Tigers in Combat II, p. 299.
Notes: none
POS-09Technical Features: Rubber wheels.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
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.
Camouflage and Markings: unknown
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.
(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. - 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