The Tiger 1 tank used by the Germans in World War II really was the “cream of the crop.” This massive tank was Germany’s offense, with two 7.92 cm machine guns and the huge 88 mm main gun. It was the heaviest operational tank made by any nation in World War II.
Although over 1,000 types of tanks (Panzer) were made, only 485 saw combat. This was because of the enormous strain on the engine which caused frequent breakdowns. The Tiger 1 was called a massive tank because of its length (8.26 m), its width (2.82 m) and because of its height (2.86 m). It weighed 56 tons and could reach top speeds of 23 mph.
The Tiger carried 92 rounds of ammunition in its cabin, and had a crew of 5 men. The 88 mm main gun was capable of destroying a tank with 90 mm armor from over 2 miles away! But, when in close combat, the two 7.92 cm MG 34 machine guns, one mounted and one co-axail, could be used.
One of the most devastating Tiger attacks happened on the day after D-day when Sergeant O’Conner had crossed into French territory, and was attacked by 6 Tigers. The Nazi’s SS-Obersturmfuhrer, Michael Wittman destroyed 25 tanks and vehicles in 15 minutes before his tank was hit by a tank shell in the treads.
The first Tigers were made by the companies Henschel and Porsche. Though they each produced different ones, they were very much alike. The tanks were given names: Panzer IV Tiger and The Tiger P (for Porsche.) These tanks were first demonstrated in front of Hitler on his birthday.
These tanks were the most famous of all German tanks, and the Nazi’s pride in battle. Tigers fought on until the last were encircled in Berlin in May 1945.
