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This is a Befehlstiger of the Heavy Company of the "Das Reich" division, configured as a Sd.Kfz.268. It's pausing in an open field near a Pz.3, either on an exercise or in action. It carries the usual 2 antennae of a Command Tiger, but they are in the wrong positions today. The 1.4 meter antenna of the Fu 7 is supposed to be on the left side of the tank, but it's on the turret, where a Fu 5 is installed. The 2 meter antenna of the Fu 5 is on the hull, in a mount designed for the Fu 8. Despite this error the tank should be able to communicate with the other tanks and with the Luftwaffe.
We can identify this as the former Tiger "800", the original Befehlstiger issued to this company, by its unusual features; the non-standard rear mudflaps; the exhausts with covers but no shields; and the early type of side skirts. The German records state that "800" was returned to the unit after repairs in Germany, and they don't mention any replacement tank being issued.
There is another photo of Tiger "S01" on this day.
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