Tiger Tank Abandoned in Normandy | WW2 Wayfinder
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- Опубліковано 17 чер 2022
- Throughout World War 2 the one tank above all else that would strike fear into the heart of Allied soldiers was the Tiger Tank.
After the failure of Operation Lüttich - the German counter attack into the west of Normandy, the German forces in Normandy were thrown into chaos and from Mortain to the area around Falaise, they would be crushed as the Allies encircled them leaving only a few escape corridors between Trun and Chambois.
Sd.Kfz. 181 Pz.Kpfw. Tiger Ausf. E (late production) or simply better known as the Tiger 1, abandoned along the D979 on the outskirts of Vimoutiers, Normandy originally numbered 224 belonged to Schwere SS-Panzer Abteilung 102 (Heavy SS-Tank Battalion 102), part of the II SS Panzerkorps.
The Tiger 1 at Vimoutiers was heading out of the town when it suffered a mechanical failure, the commander, Unterschrfüher Reiske ordered the tank to be abandoned with charges placed to disable it. It was subsequently pushed off the road by the advancing Canadian Forces and remained in the ditch by the road side until the mid-1970's where it was bought by town and placed on display by the side of the road where it has remained ever since.
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She needs a proper , professional restoration and be proudly displayed , for all to see and enjoy ! ✔️👌😎🥴
Couldn’t agree more! It would be nice if the town could create a display that incorporates artefacts from the battle and puts it together in a sympathetic manner. I just hope whatever they do, they get on with it as it’s really starting to look bad now. I guess like everything it’s all down to money, but if I lived locally I’d be happy to help restore it for free!
It could be made into a runner like tiger 131 too
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It really needs a good restoration
Hopefully it will do soon. I believe there is a plan in place to do so, it’s just the financial side of it but hopefully the town can raise the money or have someone donate/invest in it as it’s so important to keep it preserved!
About 15 years ago I was on a World War I tour and the bus driver stopped to show this to us. No fence back then. Good to see it again. Thanks so much.
The fence was put up I believe in 2018, however it’s already been damaged as people still want to get up close to the tank. I understand though it’s restoration is due to begin soon so hopefully when it’s done they can remove the fence and it’ll be under a proper cover away from the elements, although I hope it stays in the same spot
That is so cool. My grandfather had stories about Tiger Tanks. Told me how hard to take out
Not sure if your aware but Bovington Tank Museum in Dorset has a working Tiger tank. They have a Tiger Day 27th April 2024 is next one. I only found out due to local news channel, what I found interesting was the driver said it was hard work as the driving view was terrible. I have nothing to do with Bovington, please research yourself. Keep up great work Jon
Thanks for that! I’ve not made it to one of their events yet due to other constraints but I do plan to one of these days as I’ve visited the museum in the past and it’s excellent so would love to see their collection tearing it up in the field!
I agree-this Tiger should be restored, not left to rust away by the side of the road. The German tank and anti-tank guns were so powerful, an engineering officer with the 2nd American Armored Division wrote a book called "Death Traps" about the Sherman tank. Germany has produced a new main battle tank, naming it Panther, carrying on the legacy of German armor.
I really hope the town can raise enough cash to preserve it. For all their faults with over engineering/complex designs the sheer variety of German armour and guns never ceases to amaze me. The Allied stuff was better by design and from a logistical point of view but the German equipment has a certain flair to it!
Let’s hope it’s dealt with soon so that it can be restored in some part to its former condition.
Thanks for watching the video, hope you enjoyed it.
It wasn't effective because people were afraid of it, it was effective because one of them could destroy hundreds of allied tanks, Otto carius said that only troops without proper training had mechanical issues with the tiger one, the first crews to receive these were experienced well trained men but later on they handed them to inexperienced troops, kurt knispel, michael wittmann and otto carius destroyed hundreds of allied tanks using the tiger one
100% agree with you but the sightings of German armour was often referred to as Tigers and this would without doubt affect how infantry and tankers approached engagements even if the German Armour turned out to be Panzer IV’s.
It was such a good weapon that not only was it technically capable with its armour and KwK 36 L/56 gun, it would play on the minds of the Allies much as the Waffen SS did vs that of regular Wehrmacht troops.
Thanks for watching😃
The most effective tanks achieved the balance of firepower, armor and mobility plus the bonus of mass production. Big ole scary Tiger… not so much.
Another excellent video thank you
I'm showing my age here but this tiger featured on the cover of After The Battle magazine from the 1970s and the article was one of the things that started my interest in visiting the area often Also in those days you could drive in the normandy area and in some villages the locals sold items recovered from the battlefields
They were inexpensive I still have a semi relic 1940 dated German Tornister pack and a complete German mauser ammunition pouch purchased for the equivalent of £15 in those days
Wow thanks for sharing that Stuart! I collect myself and wish it was still at 1970’s prices🤣 I started in the late 90’s and haven’t looked back!
After the Battle are an incredible resource and my bookshelf is straining under the weight!
My first Normandy trip was 2004 when I finally managed to visit. Would love to have seen it in the 80’s and 90’s.
I have that ATB issue…It was in a sorry state then but it’s worse now with that crappy paint scheme they gave it.
It is true that it is incomprehensible that this tank, classified in the complementary inventory of historical monuments in France, is currently in this condition when it was regularly maintained and especially repainted (by someone who did not really didn't know much about camouflage) by members of an association. Especially since this tank was already almost scrapped in 1975 and narrowly saved by the direct intervention of the mayor of Vimoutiers (we can clearly see a large blowtorch mark left by the scrappers at the rear of the turret. However, they recovered the engine and gearbox).
I didn’t know it had that level of classification! Thank you for that.
I believe restoration is due to start this year but I’m not sure how much of a rumour that is as I couldn’t find anything online about it. Fingers crossed it gets the care and attention is desperately needs soon!
There was only 1400 ish tiger tanks built, 40,000 T34 and equally the same sherman tanks (I think!) yet the tiger in the hands of tank ace like Michael Wittmann was the most deadly and brutal peace armour on the battlefield and capable of taking on a fight 20-1. I read some where a Tiger was hit around 12 times and still in the fight until it had run out of 88mm rounds and then drove away from the battle to be repaired - what a tank!
The germans are above the rest of the world when it comes to engineering and intelligents! they seem to stand out from the crowd. Great content :)
Thank you! The Tiger was an amazing tank!
Thank for sharing
The Tiger does not have extra wide treads, its wheels are the later flat style as opposed to the earlier dish shaped wheels that took up a wider stance, all Tiger I combat treads are the same width.
Great point Paul, the later steel road wheels do have a lower profile which gives the illusion of it having such wide tracks.
It does have extra wide tracks but is missing the side fenders and creates the illusion of not have the combat tracks. Great tank to visit- love your drone shot.
@@simonrooney7942 at this point I’ll defer to those who are more familiar with the intricacies of the Tiger!
Next time I go I’ll take a tape measure 😉
Thanks for watching and glad you liked the drone footage. Just trying to bring something different to a well trod subject!
Hi Simon,
Your reply is a bit confusing, this Vimoutier Tiger has the standard width combat tracks fitted, which of course protrude beyond the basic hull width and would have been covered by the mudguards when fitted.
The narrower transport tracks (to suit the maximum width allowed for rail transportation), when fitted, are only the same width as the basic hull without mudguards, see the French Saumur Tank Museum Tiger which is fitted with the narrower transport tracks.
Hurts to see the shape it’s in
Agreed. It would be nice if they could bring it up to a condition similar to that of the King Tiger at La Gleize.
Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed it!
This tank is worth its weight in gold and what is wrong with that town for NOT KEEPING IT UP? If they don't want it there are so many millionaires that would buy that beast and keep it up. IT IS TREASURE generations to come need to see this.
I believe they have plans to restore it that should start late this year apparently. It’s just taken a while to raise the money for it
The story goes regarding this Tiger , is a lot of people quite rightly feel this should be restored and at least be under cover . This is unlikely to happen as the funds needed to do this are to be raised by the local community , and they are basically not interested. I might also add that when they put the Tiger at this last resting place, they traced the tank commander or driver of it in Germany and got him over for the ceremony.
It’s a shame but as you say the local community isn’t too fussed, despite it being a potential business opportunity but it is the way it is.
You can't blame the small community of Vimoutiers (only 3000 inhabitants) for not having the means to finance the restoration of this Tiger l, which will cost millions of euros.
Private funding will be the only solution, but has proven difficult over the years.
The fence was installed some years ago by the municipality in order to provide at least some protection to the tank, mainly from local gravity "artists" and to prevent people from climbing onto it.
The paint scheme of the tank was applied in 1975 by a local volunteer and does not resemble the authentic camouflage that German Tiger tanks used during the Normandy campaign.
@@martred4579 ....I totally agree with you , I did not think this should be left to the locals to raise the capital to restore it and build some sort of museum to house it . this should be raised by private funds and going by the public interest in it this could be a realistic project. Alternatively , I wonder if anyone has considered moving it down the road to the Montormel museum , they have the room for it there and this particular Tiger has a real connection with what went around the area, although it was one of 5 Tigers that were on their way from Vimoutiers where they were based , to Gace
Telly Savalas hated the Tiger in the movie "Kellys Heros", all for good reason. Great vid as usual. Five stars most certainly. *****
Cool. Just found your channel tonight.
Awesome! Thank you! Hope you enjoy my work!
interesting stuff! I enjoy your channel
Thank you! Lots more still to come as well😃
Certainly the 88mm was a devastating weapon whether as an antitank or in other forms AA . Right through the war the 88 was used in both roles the AA gun ofter pressed at short notice to ground fire .
Completely agree. It was a devestating weapon system and very versatile.
Save the tiger put her in a museum so future generations can see her
I believe the plan is to put it under cover like the Houfalize Panther, but it’s a question of funds but I’ve heard rumours the work is due to begin next year hopefully!
Nice video
You know a Panzer 4 with its added armor did look from any distance like a much bigger tank.
It makes you realise doesn’t why a great deal of Allied Soldiers would have mistaken it for a Tiger as the shape/size and in the chaos of battle wouldn’t take time to verify it 100%!
So does a Panzer I to a man with his head in a ditch. One does have to wonder how poor at tank recognition the troops actually were. I wonder how many cries of Panzer IV were changed to Tiger I as the message passed down the line?
One of the only Tigers I've seen with the Extra Wide Treads!! Those Treads are priceless!! Shame to see things Rust !!
100%! Hopefully the town can get a restoration plan in place soon and get her undercover for a full external restoration as it’s too rare to see it deteriorate!
@@WW2Wayfinder AGREE!...If I had the money I would donate to have it completely done...Alas I do not...I hope they find a way of keeping it...PRICELESS,that is for sure!
@@tonyrobb8815 same here! I hope whatever they do they can put a shelter around it and leave it by the side of the road as it’s part of its history. It would still be incredible to see in a museum in the town but seeing it where it’s war came to an end breaths some life in to it!
Just a roof over it would help preserve it for future restoration!
@@paulorchard7960 agreed. It would be great if they could do a similar project as has been done with the Panther at Houfflaize, although I’m not sure if that’s back in place yet. It wasn’t when I visited in August 2020 sadly!
get this thing running
It would be great too but there’s a huge crack from the dems charge on the top plate and it’s in such a sorry state it would probably take millions to do it.
Tiger 131 at Bovington is running and a great sight to see if you get the chance!
Thanks for watching and hope you enjoyed it!
At least they could repaint it. It's not expensive.
The town has plans from what I hear to restore it with it starting soon, or at least I hope as you’re absolutely correct it needs looking after!
Looks very Cool still afther al thes years
It’s always an impressive sight to see! Well worth the drive deep into Normandy to see it!
Thanks for watching!
at least they should build a shed or garage around her to keep her out of the weathers..... until they find the funds to restore her.......dont they understand she is a very rare tank.....one of just 7 tiger ones left in the world.
Couldn’t agree more. The preservation of her now is vital so it remains in a displayable condition for future generations.
Thanks for watching and hope you enjoyed it!
Where is this in Normandy? whats the address please
It’s Vimoutiers, on the D979 headed east out of the town
Very cool
Thank you!
Life is all a memory🌹
Thanks for watching!
@@WW2Wayfinder you are welcome
Hermoso!!! Mete miedo!!!
Thank you!
Amazing; 20 to 1 kill ratio!
I like soft-skinned vehicles as well as AFVs. Are there any German halftracks on outdoor display, as that Tiger is?
I don’t know of any Sd. Kfz. 251’s outside in Normandy but I believe there is one example in the Overlord Museum at Omaha Beach.
As for soft skin vehicles I’m a big fan of the Dodge WC52 Weapons Carrier!
@@WW2Wayfinder I like those, too. I used to have a Dodge M37, which was the postwar redesign of the WC series that incorporated many improvements to the trucks, based partly on feedback from the troops.
@@wboquist very cool! Old military vehicles definitely have a certain attraction to them although sometimes the maintenance can get in the way!
Not sure Id be allowed to keep a Sherman at home though sadly…😂
When I was a kid, I had more toy tanks than hot wheels cars- yep had to have a Tiger 1
And of course one had to have a “Royal” Tiger (“king tiger” to us Americans 🤣) as well.
Kids don’t play with tanks anymore- or was I just a weird kid🤣
poor tiger 1
and i want
That tiger deserves at least as much display and maintenance as tiger 131
Agreed! Hopefully it’s restoration is going to get underway in the next year or so as it so badly needs it
@@WW2Wayfinder But who will fix it?
I beleive the local community is raising funds for it,
It had a lethal 88mm gun it was inpurviouse to allied anti tank shells the only weak spot was the rear
The KwK 36 was formidable! The only British gun that came close was the 17 pounder fitted to the Firefly, but those 88’s could pack one hell of a punch!!!
and the sides. I know of several cases where Tigers were killed by Shermans with hits to the side.
That's funny. 6 pdr with hypersonic rounds could knock out Tigers from the side easily. Don't believe everything you see in the movies, that's Hollywood fantasy.
There is a massive restoration project under discussion with the support of the local council, the French government and an ad-hoc non profit / fund-raising organisation by the name of Cativen. Stay tuned as it will be shortly communicateur upon.
Exciting to hear that thank you!
Nice work 👍 how about a panzer IV
Thank you!!!
I’d love to find a Panzer IV - especially one with the additional armour plate side skirts. Even for an older tank in 1944/45 they still looked menacing! Might have to record an episode at The Tank Museum at Bovington at some point!
Thanks for watching!
Shame left there to rot , need mr Compton to rescue it
THAT'S A BEAUTY, I HOPE THEY WILL RESTORE IT SOON
As I understand it plans are underway for the restoration to begin soon so fingers crosed thats the case!
why isnt this being restored?!?
There is a plan to but the cost of the restoration and the lack of funds is sadly holding it up I believe!
Thanks for watching
If you look at the top, the turret is cracked from back to front. The insides are probably demolished. Lots of pieces are missing from the outside. It's in pretty bad shape. Like all things, it could be done, but in this case you really have to question whether it's worth it. Maybe some billionaire comes along, does an Oddball and buys a Tiger, and restores it.
@@patwilson2546 I mean like so many positive waves maybe we can't lose!
Now we just need the Billionaire! 😃🤣
The colors always looked odd to me. Repainted post war at some point?
I think it’s had a couple of temporary restorations since it was rescued from the ditch where it was left in 1944. The paint job though is incorrect as you say the colours are off!
It’s funny how it’s the same in another time, and in another element- it seems that during WW1 every one of Entente aviators was attacked by a red Fokker triplane 😂😂😂😂😂
100%!
Well from a distance the Pzkw IV with the added armor looked a lot like a Tiger. I'd bet you'd not be able to tell them apart under fire either
Nothing overengineerd about. It was engineered better than all the under engineered allied tanks
@PAULHEMICK
You are so smart
Give it to Ukraine
Yea they will restorate it!
It would help Ukraine the same way it helped Nazis. Russia and Turkey for the win.
Likely they would sell it for Zelenskys next beach house fund…it’s worth a million in running condition- the Ukies have lost a 1000 tanks if news reports have any truth to them…tanks are kaput now a 3k drone does for them or guided muntions
It must be worth at least £1.000.000 and is just sitting there rotting 😭😞😓😱
Apparently there are plans by the local community to begin the restoration this year so hopefully the days of it rotting away outside in its current state are hopefully coming to an end!