The Tank Museum’s Tiger 131 – First Appearance After Renovation, 2004 (Watch)

In 1942, Germany deployed the Tiger I, a heavy tank that went on to see action in both Europe and Africa. These powerful war machines were mounted with 8.8 cm KwK 36 guns and were a formidable vehicle on the battlefield.

Although at the time the Tiger I’s design was hailed as ground-breaking and outstanding, it came with a host of flaws. High fuel consumption, expensive maintenance and a vulnerability to low temperatures were just a few of the problems that plagued these tanks. In fact, by 1944 the German military decided to stop building them and began producing a new model. This new model was the Tiger II.

In this video, a reconditioned Tiger I makes its first public appearance since the repairs began. This particular machine was known as Tiger 131, its name coming from the turret number it bore during the North African Campaign. It saw its first engagements in Tunisia in 1943, just a few months after its construction was completed. However, some time later it was captured by British forces during the battle for Djebel Djaffa hill. The crew abandoned the tank and fled, and it became the first intact Tiger I to be captured by Allied forces.

The YouTube channel behind the footage also hosts a wide range of other interesting videos, covering a varied selection of different vehicles and machinery. Warplanes, ships, and trains are just a few of the many topics explored in their other features. Not all their content relates to military technology, but a considerable number of their videos still fall into that category, so if you enjoy this one, it would be worth taking the time to dig a little deeper into the channel.

Malcolm Higgins

Malcolm Higgins is one of the authors writing for WAR HISTORY ONLINE