It was mostly used in small numbers and at a time when the Wehrmacht was retreating instead of advancing. was one of many episodes that contributed to a myth of invincibility.ĭespite its omnipotence, the Tigers I was never produced in significant enough numbers to contribute a decisive effect. Within the space of 15 minutes, Wittmann destroyed six Cromwell tanks, two Sherman Fireflies, three Stuart light tanks, eight half-tracks, four Bren gun carriers, two 6-pounder anti-tank guns, two scout cars, and a further Sherman. During the Normandy campaign in 1944, German tank ace, Michael Wittman, used a single Tiger to decimate a British armoured regiment, the 4th City of London Yeomanry, at Villers-Bocage. From its introduction in September 1942 until January 1944, when an upgraded Russian T-34 arrived with an 85mm gun, the Tiger could engage enemy tanks with impunity. Its fearsome 88mm gun could penetrate the frontal armour of every allied tanks in existence at the time.

Weighing 57 metric tonnes, the Tiger had a physical presence which gave it a psychological effect that few other tanks bar the Tiger II could match. Even so, they were extraordinarily potent and qualitatively better than anything the Allies had until the closing stages of the War. The German Tiger (above) and Panther (below) tanks were iconic, but neither was ever produced in significant enough numbers to achieve real strategic impact.

This article explains why it deserves to be reconsidered and is worthy of greater historical recognition. But a lesser known tracked combat vehicle, the Sturrmgeschütz III, was arguably more significant in the impact it achieved.

If it means what was the most technically capable tank, then, for many people, the Tiger and Panther will probably spring to mind. A popular topic of late-night conversation in military bars and messes is: “What was the best German tank of the Second World War?” But “best” is a subjective word that means different things to different to people.

American scouting tank modern