Aspects of the event
Description
In June 1944, the 504 battalion deployed for the first time south of Massa Marittima and briefly fought the invading Americans. They were then ordered to retreat 100km to a new defensive line. They spent the last few days of June driving north on secondary roads. A shocking one half of their Tigers broke down and had to be abandoned, mostly due to mechanical failure.
A few of the breakdown locations can be identified in photographs. The losses apparently began at Larderello. Another Tiger was left north of Pomarance and two more broke down after Saline.
About 22 Tigers were lost in this retreat without enemy action.
Location
The 504 loses Tigers while retreating in Google MyMaps
Photos
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