Author: Melcher Stikkelorum
Tiger 3 going on 2
Henschel’s attempt to design a chassis suitable for mounting the long 8.8 cm L/71 gun, did not get off to a flying start. In their tentative design, VK 4502, angled front armour was fitted to what was essentially a Tiger I (VK 4501) hull. Neither the gentlemen of the Panzerkommission nor those of the Army…
Sturmtiger at the Airfield
In recent years, a lot has been done to clear up the Sturmtiger’s combat history. With the publication of “Sturmtiger: The Combat History of Sturmmörser Kompanies 1000-1002”, we have for the first time a complete work in which all known Sturmtigers are extensively documented in both text and photos. You can imagine my surprise, when…
A Panther at Putlos
Last month, these photos of a Panther Ausf. D showed up on Ebay. According to the seller, the photos were taken in October 1943 at the Schießschule (shooting school) Putlos. They show a very clean example of an early production Panther, and are of particular interest because the chassis number is included, making it possible…
Militracks 2024 Ticket Pre-sale Started
Pre-sale of tickets for the 13th edition of Militracks has started this week. Militracks is the world’s largest event showcasing German World War II vehicle technology. Last edition was a blast, showcasing for the first time a unique driving Bergepanzer 38(t). There was also the late reveal of a rare Tiger I tank in the…
A Fresh New Look
When you’re reading this, you will probably have noticed the website a thing or two has changed on the site. In fact, the site has changed quite dramatically overnight. Over the past few days, the website has undergone a major update, introducing a brand-new look! In this post, I’ll quickly go over what’s changed and…
Militracks Mystery Tiger: What we Know
Over the last few days, the Militracks organisation have been hinting to the attendance of a very special guest, a Tiger I. As the first few photos began to surface on social media, people immediately began guessing as to the Tiger’s identity. Many suggested it must be either Saumur’s Tiger or the Tank Museum’s Tiger…
An Expensive Hobby: Tiger Maintenance Manuals
Recently, two manuals for the Tiger I and II turned up at an auction. I have never had much interest in auctions, but this time a special item caught my interest. It was said a copy of D 656/41 dated 2 September 1944 for the Tiger II was up for auction. To my knowledge, such…
24/25 December: Breakout
In the early morning of the 24th, Peiper was to break out of La Gleize on foot with his remaining men. The secret sign was the phrase “merry Christmas”. The wounded would stay behind, as would a small rearguard who had to intermittently blow up the remaining equipment, making it look as if the explosions…
23 December: Almost over
The 1st and 3rd battalions of 119 IR, which had already taken up their positions around La Gleize yesterday, launched their attack at 8:30. However, they ran into their own roadblock on the road to La Gleize, which in the meantime had been extended by the Germans. Here, one of TF Jordan’s tanks was knocked…
22 December: Fortress La Gleize
Last night, Peiper mustered his troops in the small village of La Gleize. They occupied four defensive positions around the town, near Les Montis and Hassoumont to the north and Wérimont and Dinheit to the south. The Kampfgruppe suffers from serious shortages. In addition, radio contact with the rest of the division could only be…
21 December: Redrawing the Front Line
During the night, US units regrouped around the Stoumont – La Gleize pocket with the aim of completely encircling the Germans.
20 December: Cut-off
Peiper was in a dire situation at the beginning of this day. He was forced to withdraw the exposed troops west of Stoumont station. The 119th Infantry Regiment and 740 Tank Battalion attacked and eventually reached the western edge of Stoumont. Here, however, their advance stalled at a well-defended minefield. The Sanatorium “St. Édouard”, a…
