As the war wore on into 1944 the increasing volume of captured Tigers continued to yield invaluable intelligence information. With a number of complete machines now in the hands of the western allies it was possible to conduct increasingly scientific examinations. Practical testing of weapon systems and armour was soon undertaken to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Tiger I. In November 1944 a series of gunnery trials was conducted by Major W. de L. Messenger and his report is summarized in Comtemporary View No.15.
The Tiger radio set up from Tigerfibel which was split into a receiver and a transmitter.
DESIGN REVIEW
The design has been well thought out and it embodies a number of distinctly original features such as the heavy armament and armour, turret and hull construction, powered traverse layout and facilities for total submersion.
It appears that the user has not had the same influence on it as on British tanks since so many of the items, whilst basically good, are unsatisfactory and could well be improved from the user aspect by slight modification.
The outstanding features would appear to be:-
GOOD POINTS
(1) 8.8cm gun with its smooth action and easily stripped breech mechanism.
(2) Heavy armour and method of construction (welding and front plates projecting above the roof plates).
(3) Stability as a gun platform.
(4) Ammunition stowage – quantity and accessibility.
(5) Electrical firing gear with safety interlocks and novel trigger switch.
(6) Flush turret floor without coaming or shields.
(7) Binocular telescope with fixed eyepiece.
(8) Mounting for periscopic binoculars in cupola and commander’s hand traverse.
(9) Ability to superimpose hand on power traverse and absence of oil pipes and unions.
(10) Ample space for loader.
(11) Method of attaching stowage to turret walls (flexible strips).
(12) Spring assisted hatches.
(13) S-mine dischargers.
(14) 2-position commander’s seat and backrest
(15) Electrically fired smoke generator dischargers.
(16) Handholds on roof to assist gunner.
BAD POINTS
(1) Out-of-balance of gun and turret.
(2) Obscuration by smoke from flashless propellent.
(3) Ventilation of gun fumes
(4) Lack of intercommunication for loader.
(5) Cramped positions of gunner and commander.
(6) Powered traverse control – Lack of definite neutral position and awkward range of movement
(7) No armouring on bins.
(8) Small gun deflector bag.
(9) Awkward re-arming of co-axial M.G.
(10) Gunner’s exit via commander’s cupola.
(11) Head pad on auxiliary M.G.
The Pz. Kpfw. VI with its heavy armour, dual purpose armament and fighting ability is basically an excellent tank, and, in spite of the defects noted, constitutes a considerable advance on any tank that we have tried.
Its greatest weakness is probably the limit imposed on mobility owing to its weight, width and limited range of action. Taking it all round, it presents a very formidable fighting machine which should not be under-rated.
The Tiger was a prized target and was as vulnerable as any other tank to strongly motivated tank hunting teams. Close support from well trained infantry was therefore crucial to the survival of the Tigers on the battlefield. The Tiger on the right is carrying its own close support team.