Thumbnail representation
Description
This Tiger is very probably number 731. It's certainly a Tiger of the 501st, in Tunisia, and it is distinguished by having no cupola. We know that Tiger 731 was captured by the Allies with its cupola missing, and multiple penetrations on its right hand side, but no signs of a fire. We don't have a record of where or when 731 was damaged; it might have been used for penetration tests after capture. Unfortunately all the photos of the captured 731 were taken from the opposite side to this photo, so we can't say for sure that it's the same Tiger. The missing cupola and the general configuration of this tank do agree with 731.
Another piece of information that we lack, is whether this photo was taken after or before 731 was captured. We could be looking at either the Germans driving a slightly damaged Tiger, or the Allies recovering a wreck under its own power. In the former case, 731 would have to have lost its cupola while still in German service. One possible explanation is that 731 led the final charge at Sidi N'sir, where the British report disabling a Tiger by firing at its turret, but the Germans don't report any Tiger as completely lost there. Both reports could be reconciled if the tank's cupola were dislodged.
Unique URL