Aspects of the event
Description
The 2nd company of s.Pz.Abt.504 went into its first action of 1944 near Gavorrano, on the 21st of June. Major Pittard wrote a detailed account from the American side. He states that Combat Command B of the 1st Armored Division began fighting west of Gavoranno on the 22nd, and advanced north on Strade Provinciale Collacchia on the 23rd. Passing over a rise, they found themselves facing "nine Mark VI ( Tiger tanks)" and knocked out several. The next morning they flanked the Germans and used artillery to "destroy three more".
The German account, in "Tigers in Combat 1", is brief and vague. It names two specific Tigers that were destroyed "during a retreat". But photographs show three Tigers within a 500 meter radius, including Tiger 222 which is on the same stretch of road where the Americans encountered a Tiger group. The other two Tiger wrecks are the ones named by the Germans.
Photos of "222" show signs of deliberate destruction. The Tiger is facing North, away from the enemy. There is a penetration in the turret hatch, possibly a knockout blow but also possibly caused by the advancing Americans firing on a suspicious wreck. Ammunition stored beside the driver has exploded, but no penetrations at the front are visible.
Whatever happened, we can safely say that Tiger "222" was lost in battle with the 1st Armored Division, on 23-24 June 1944.
Location
in Google MyMaps
Photos
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