Did the Afrika Korps Have Tiger Tanks in Its Campaigns?
The Afrika Korps, a German expeditionary force in North Africa during World War II, primarily relied on Panzer III and Panzer IV tanks. However, by later stages of the conflict, the German military introduced the Tiger I tank, which significantly altered the battlefield dynamics. This article delves into the presence and usage of Tiger I tanks by the Afrika Korps during the North African Campaign.
Early Campaign Period: Limited Tank Availability
During the early stages of the North African Campaign, the Afrika Korps did not have access to Tiger I tanks. The German forces mainly depended on the more numerous and less complex Panzer III and Panzer IV medium tanks. These vehicles proved sufficient for the initial confrontations and strategic objectives set by the Germans.
However, as the war progressed and the situation in North Africa became more challenging, the German High Command recognized the need for a more powerful and heavily armored tank to counter the Allied forces. This need led to the introduction of the Tiger I tank, which marked a significant shift in German tank warfare capabilities.
Introduction and Action of Tiger I Tanks
The Tiger I tank first saw action in the North African Campaign in December 1942, during the Tunisian Campaign. The first operational engagements with these formidable machines took place around Tebourba, where three Tigers attacked an olive grove. Despite the close quarters and dense foliage, which limited visibility and engagement ranges, the Tigers managed to destroy several M3 Lee tanks.
These early actions confirmed the superiority of the Tiger I's armor and firepower, greatly boosting German confidence in their new vehicle. However, the Tigers also faced significant challenges. For instance, in January 1943, a British 72nd Anti-Tank Regiment successfully knocked out one of these formidable tanks with their 6-pounder anti-tank guns. Moreover, seven Tigers were immobilized by mines during the failed attack on Béja during Operation Ochsenkopf in February 1943.
Notable Encounter and Legacy of Tiger 131
One of the most significant encounters involving a Tiger I tank occurred on April 21, 1943. A Tiger I tank with turret number 131 was captured by the British 48th Royal Tank Regiment on a hill called Djebel Djaffa in Tunisia. This capture was a rare and notable event, as it was one of the few instances where a Tiger tank was captured intact.
The 6-pounder solid shot from a British Churchill tank hit the Tiger’s gun barrel, causing it to ricochet and damage the turret ring. This injury jammed the turret, incapacitating the tank and wounding the crew. The surviving British soldiers took control of the tank and subsequently transported it to the United Kingdom. After necessary repairs, the tank was delivered to the Bovington Tank Museum in Dorset, England, where it remains as the only operational Tiger I tank in the world to this day.
Officially handed over to the Bovington Tank Museum by the British Ministry of Supply on September 25, 1951, the Tiger 131 now stands as a testament to the technological advancements and the bravado of the German forces during the North African Campaign.