Schweren Panzer-Abteilung "Tiger"

Schweren Panzer-Abteilung "Tiger"

Numbers in parantheses indicates multiple tanks.

Zug formations

The following formations were those specified for use within a Tiger Zug. The distances and layouts were mainly for "formal movement", whereas they wouldn't have to be kept in combat or similar situations, or if conditions otherwise didn't allow them. The Zugführer was free to assign different distances and formation layouts as he saw fit.

Key to the drawings
Key to the drawings

Assembly formations

Zug crew lineup, in four groups of five, place in two rows with the Richtschütze, Ladeschütze and Panzerführer located in the first row, and the Panzerfahrer and Panzerfunker in the second row, from left to right. The first and third group are regular crews, with the Halbzugführer as number two and the Zugführer as number four
Zug crew lineup, in four groups of five, place in two rows with the Richtschütze, Ladeschütze and Panzerführer located in the first row, and the Panzerfahrer and Panzerfunker in the second row, from left to right. The first and third group are regular crews, with the Halbzugführer as number two and the Zugführer as number four
Linie formation, where the Tigers are lined up on a line, with the regular Tigers as number one and three, with the Halbzugführer as number two and the Zugführer as number four, from left to right. The Tigers are ten meters apart
Linie formation, where the Tigers are lined up on a line, with the regular Tigers as number one and three, with the Halbzugführer as number two and the Zugführer as number four, from left to right. The Tigers are ten meters apart
Reihe formation, where the Tigers are lined up in a row, with the first Halbzug in front of the second Halbzug, with the Zugführer in front of the first Halbzug and the Halbzugführer in front of the second Halbzug. The Tigers are ten meters apart
Reihe formation, where the Tigers are lined up in a row, with the first Halbzug in front of the second Halbzug, with the Zugführer in front of the first Halbzug and the Halbzugführer in front of the second Halbzug. The Tigers are ten meters apart

March and combat formations

Reihe formation, like the assembly Reihe formation, but with the Tigers 25 meters apart
Reihe formation, like the assembly Reihe formation, but with the Tigers 25 meters apart
Doppelreihe formation, similar to the Reihe formation, but with the second Halbzug to the left of the first Halbzug, rather than behind it. The Tigers within each Halbzug are 100 meters apart, and the two Halbzüge are 150 meters apart
Doppelreihe formation, similar to the Reihe formation, but with the second Halbzug to the left of the first Halbzug, rather than behind it. The Tigers within each Halbzug are 100 meters apart, and the two Halbzüge are 150 meters apart
Keil formation, with the Halbzugführer and Zugführer 100 meters apart in one row, and with one Tiger 100 meters further to each side, and 100 meters behind in a second row
Keil formation, with the Halbzugführer and Zugführer 100 meters apart in one row, and with one Tiger 100 meters further to each side, and 100 meters behind in a second row

Sources

  1. Merkblatt 47a/29 (Anhang 2 zur H. Dv. 1 a Seite 47a lfd. Nr. 29) - Merkblatt für Ausbildung und Einsatz der schweren Panzerkompanie Tiger. Berlin : Oberkommando des Heeres, 1943.
  2. Merkblatt 47a/30 (Anhang 2 zur H. Dv. 1 a Seite 47a lfd. Nr. 30) - Merkblatt für den Einsatz der schw. Panzer-Abteilung "Tiger". Berlin : Oberkommando des Heeres, 1943.

Additional reading

Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf.E
Photographs and technical details of the Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf.E

All contents written by Christian Ankerstjerne unless stated otherwise