Hobby Master 1/56 Ground Power Series HG0115 - Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I, sSSPzAbt. 101, Tank S04 SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Michael Wittmann Eastern Front 1944 (winter paint scheme) |
History for Michael Wittmann
The number of events in this mans life are so many that the only way to record them is
with a time line.
SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Michael Wittmann was the most successful and famous German
tank commander of World War II.
He received driver training on Sd.Kfz.222 (a four-wheeled light armored car) and then Sd.
Kfz.232 (a six-wheeled heavy armored car) and proved to be an excellent driver.
1939, SS-Unterscharführer Michael Wittmann commanded an Sd.Kfz.232 of the
reconnaissance elements of LSSAH and took part in the Polish Campaign.
In October of 1939, Michael Wittmann joined the 5th Panzerspähkompanie (the depot
company of the Leibstandarte) based at Berlin (Lichterfelde), which was an assault gun
"academy".
In February of 1940, Wittmann was transferred to the newly formed SS-Sturm-Batterie
(assault gun battery - Sturmartillerie) of LSSAH, equipped with Sturmgeschutz Ausf A
assault guns.
In late 1940, Michael Wittmann started his true panzer combat career in the Balkans
(Yugoslavia and Greece). While in Greece, Wittmann was in command of the platoon of
Sturmgeschutz III Ausf As (part of LSSAH SS-Sturm-Batterie) and fought there until mid
1941.
On June 11th of 1941, Wittmann along with LSSAH was transferred to the east, in
preparations for the upcoming operation "Barbarossa", which started on June 22nd.
LSSAH was ordered to advance into southern USSR.
On July 12th of 1941, Michael Wittmann received an Iron Cross (Second Class) for
destruction of Soviet tanks.
Some time later, Wittmann was wounded in combat, but remained with his unit and
received a badge for his action.
On September 8th of 1941, he received Iron Cross (First Class) followed after fighting
in the Rostov area by the Panzer Assault He received another badge, this time for
destroying six Soviet tanks in single engagement. Wittmann was also promoted to the
rank of SS-Oberscharführer.
On June 5th of 1942, because of his outstanding service Wittmann was accepted as a
cadet for the officer training in the SS Junkerschule in Bad Tölz (Bavaria).
On September 5th of 1942, Wittmann left Bad Tölz school as a Panzer instructor (SS-
Panzerausbildungs und Ersatz-Abteilung).
Toward the end of January of 1943, "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" was transferred to
the Eastern Front.
On December 21st of 1942, Wittmann was promoted to the rank of SS-
Untersturmführer and on December 24th, he joined the 13th Kompanie of Leibstandarte
SS Adolf Hitler.
Wittmann was put in the command of Panzer III Ausf L/M platoon of Tiger company.
In the early spring of 1943, Wittmann joined the Tiger company, and left his Panzer III
support section.
On July 5th of 1943, Wittmann started his combat career on Tiger Is during the
Operation Citadel (Zitadelle).
On the first day of action, Wittmann destroyed two anti-tanks guns and thirteen T-34s,
while saving Helmut Wendorff's platoon, which ran into trouble.
On July 7th and 8th, Wittmann destroyed two T-34s, two SU-122s and three T-60/70s.
On July 12th, Wittmann destroyed eight Soviet tanks, three anti-tank guns and one gun
battery.
This operation finished on the 17th of July 1943, and included the battle of Kharkov and
Kursk along with other engagements. During this time Wittmann's Tiger destroyed 30
Soviet tanks along with 28 guns.
On July 29th of 1943, 13th company was used to form schwere SS Panzer Abteilungen
101, which was then attached to LSSAH.
In August of 1943, LSSAH was transferred to Italy.
In October of 1943, 1st SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"
was reorganized as 1st SS Panzer Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler".
Also in October of 1943, after the start of Soviet Autumn Offensive, LSSAH was
transferred back to the Eastern Front (Kiev area).
On October 13th, Wittmann's Tiger destroyed twenty T-34s along with twenty three
infantry and anti-tank guns.
On January 13th of 1944, Michael Wittmann received the Knight's Cross for his
outstanding service to the Fatherland.
From July of 1943 to the beginning of January 1944 he has destroyed 56 enemy AFVs,
including T 34s and super heavy SPGs.
On January 8th and 9th he and his platoon halted and destroyed breakthrough
attempts of a Soviet tank Brigade, and in that battle he destroyed a further ten vehicles.
On January 13, he destroyed nineteen T 34s and three super-heavy SP guns. His total
then stood at 88 tanks and SPGs.
On January 20th, 1944 Wittmann was promoted to the rank of SS-Obersturmfuhrer.
January 30th 1944, Wittmann received the following telegram from Adolf Hitler himself:
"In thankful appreciation of your heroic actions in the battle for the future of our people, I
award you as the 380th soldier of the German Wehrmacht, the Oak Leaves to the
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Adolf Hitler.”
On February 2nd of 1944, Wittmann received the Oak Leafs to his Knights Cross from
the Führer personally. The 88 white rings (kills) were painted on the barrel of his tank for
the occasion and the picture was taken.
During the period from February 29th to March 2nd of 1944, the larger part of the
company was transferred to Mons in Belgium. At the time of the transfer, Wittmann
received the command of 2nd Kompanie of sSSPzAbt 101 of LSSAH.
On March 1st, Michael Wittmann married Hildegard Burmester. Wittmann had become a
national hero and traveled the country boosting morale.
In May of 1944, Wittmann re-joined the sSSPzAbt 101 of the LSSAH, which was
stationed in the area of Lisieux in Normandy, France.
On the June 6th of 1944 (D-Day), Wittmann got a new late production model Tiger I
#205.
From June 6th to 12th sSSPzAbt 101 moved to the invasion front in Normandy. On their
way, Wittmann's 2nd Kompanie was reduced to six Tiger Is by Allied air attacks.
On June 13th, the battle began near Bayeux area and Wittmann's company destroyed
the entire 4th County of London Yeomanry Regiment traveling on the road No.175 to
Villers-Bocage, at the Hill No.213.
His orders were to stop the advance of the 22nd Armored Brigade of the British 7th
Armored Division (the famous 'Desert Rats') from advancing through the township.
Wittmann attacked the British column destroying a Sherman Firefly and Cromwell IV, and
headed south to attack the rest of the enemy transport column. After knocking out 8 half-
tracks, 4 Bren Carriers and 2 6 pounder anti-tank guns, Wittmann reached the
crossroad with the road to Tilly-sur-Seulles.
At the crossroad, he destroyed 3 Stuart tanks from a recon unit and reached the outskirts
of the town of Villers-Bocage.
While in town, Wittmann destroyed 4 Cromwell IV tanks and a single half-track and
turned his tank onto Rue Pasteur. Following up the street, he knocked out a Cromwell IV
and a Sherman OP tank, reaching the main street of Villers-Bocage. At the end of Rue
Pasteur, Wittmann's Tiger was hit by Sherman Firefly from B Squadron and he decided
to turn back as being too far forward without any infantry support and in a build-up area.
On his way back, Wittmann's Tiger was attacked by another Cromwell IV, which he
destroyed as well.
Back at the Tilly crossroad, British soldiers from 1st Rifle Brigade opened fire at
Wittmann with their 6 pdr anti-tank gun, immobilizing his #205 Tiger. Wittmann and his
crew managed to escape on foot towards the Panzer Lehr positions 7km away near
Orbois.
On July 22nd, after his success at Villers-Bocage, Wittmann received the Swords for his
Knight Cross with Oak Leafs and at the same time he also received the rank of SS-
Haupsturmfuhrer.
During July of 1944, Wittmann fought near Caen area until August. At this time Wittmann
received a new Tiger #007.
On August 8th of 1944, a new battle began near Cintheaux. It would prove to be
Wittmann's final battle, his Tiger was destroyed and its entire crew killed.
There are many who claimed to have destroyed this legend and his tank, a British Firefly
was said to have done it from 800m. Also there were claims that an RAF Typhoon armed
with high explosive rockets had accomplished what so many before had failed to do. The
1st Polish Armored Division, 4th Canadian Armored Division and the 33rd British
Independent Armored Brigade all laid claim to the kill. Finally, it was proven that
Wittmann's Tiger was destroyed by fire from a British Firefly from "A" Squadron of
Northamptonshire Yeomanry. It has been said that Wittmann didn’t know there were
Fireflies in the area because if he had he would have approached the attack differently.
The number of events in this mans life are so many that the only way to record them is
with a time line.
SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Michael Wittmann was the most successful and famous German
tank commander of World War II.
He received driver training on Sd.Kfz.222 (a four-wheeled light armored car) and then Sd.
Kfz.232 (a six-wheeled heavy armored car) and proved to be an excellent driver.
1939, SS-Unterscharführer Michael Wittmann commanded an Sd.Kfz.232 of the
reconnaissance elements of LSSAH and took part in the Polish Campaign.
In October of 1939, Michael Wittmann joined the 5th Panzerspähkompanie (the depot
company of the Leibstandarte) based at Berlin (Lichterfelde), which was an assault gun
"academy".
In February of 1940, Wittmann was transferred to the newly formed SS-Sturm-Batterie
(assault gun battery - Sturmartillerie) of LSSAH, equipped with Sturmgeschutz Ausf A
assault guns.
In late 1940, Michael Wittmann started his true panzer combat career in the Balkans
(Yugoslavia and Greece). While in Greece, Wittmann was in command of the platoon of
Sturmgeschutz III Ausf As (part of LSSAH SS-Sturm-Batterie) and fought there until mid
1941.
On June 11th of 1941, Wittmann along with LSSAH was transferred to the east, in
preparations for the upcoming operation "Barbarossa", which started on June 22nd.
LSSAH was ordered to advance into southern USSR.
On July 12th of 1941, Michael Wittmann received an Iron Cross (Second Class) for
destruction of Soviet tanks.
Some time later, Wittmann was wounded in combat, but remained with his unit and
received a badge for his action.
On September 8th of 1941, he received Iron Cross (First Class) followed after fighting
in the Rostov area by the Panzer Assault He received another badge, this time for
destroying six Soviet tanks in single engagement. Wittmann was also promoted to the
rank of SS-Oberscharführer.
On June 5th of 1942, because of his outstanding service Wittmann was accepted as a
cadet for the officer training in the SS Junkerschule in Bad Tölz (Bavaria).
On September 5th of 1942, Wittmann left Bad Tölz school as a Panzer instructor (SS-
Panzerausbildungs und Ersatz-Abteilung).
Toward the end of January of 1943, "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" was transferred to
the Eastern Front.
On December 21st of 1942, Wittmann was promoted to the rank of SS-
Untersturmführer and on December 24th, he joined the 13th Kompanie of Leibstandarte
SS Adolf Hitler.
Wittmann was put in the command of Panzer III Ausf L/M platoon of Tiger company.
In the early spring of 1943, Wittmann joined the Tiger company, and left his Panzer III
support section.
On July 5th of 1943, Wittmann started his combat career on Tiger Is during the
Operation Citadel (Zitadelle).
On the first day of action, Wittmann destroyed two anti-tanks guns and thirteen T-34s,
while saving Helmut Wendorff's platoon, which ran into trouble.
On July 7th and 8th, Wittmann destroyed two T-34s, two SU-122s and three T-60/70s.
On July 12th, Wittmann destroyed eight Soviet tanks, three anti-tank guns and one gun
battery.
This operation finished on the 17th of July 1943, and included the battle of Kharkov and
Kursk along with other engagements. During this time Wittmann's Tiger destroyed 30
Soviet tanks along with 28 guns.
On July 29th of 1943, 13th company was used to form schwere SS Panzer Abteilungen
101, which was then attached to LSSAH.
In August of 1943, LSSAH was transferred to Italy.
In October of 1943, 1st SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler"
was reorganized as 1st SS Panzer Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler".
Also in October of 1943, after the start of Soviet Autumn Offensive, LSSAH was
transferred back to the Eastern Front (Kiev area).
On October 13th, Wittmann's Tiger destroyed twenty T-34s along with twenty three
infantry and anti-tank guns.
On January 13th of 1944, Michael Wittmann received the Knight's Cross for his
outstanding service to the Fatherland.
From July of 1943 to the beginning of January 1944 he has destroyed 56 enemy AFVs,
including T 34s and super heavy SPGs.
On January 8th and 9th he and his platoon halted and destroyed breakthrough
attempts of a Soviet tank Brigade, and in that battle he destroyed a further ten vehicles.
On January 13, he destroyed nineteen T 34s and three super-heavy SP guns. His total
then stood at 88 tanks and SPGs.
On January 20th, 1944 Wittmann was promoted to the rank of SS-Obersturmfuhrer.
January 30th 1944, Wittmann received the following telegram from Adolf Hitler himself:
"In thankful appreciation of your heroic actions in the battle for the future of our people, I
award you as the 380th soldier of the German Wehrmacht, the Oak Leaves to the
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Adolf Hitler.”
On February 2nd of 1944, Wittmann received the Oak Leafs to his Knights Cross from
the Führer personally. The 88 white rings (kills) were painted on the barrel of his tank for
the occasion and the picture was taken.
During the period from February 29th to March 2nd of 1944, the larger part of the
company was transferred to Mons in Belgium. At the time of the transfer, Wittmann
received the command of 2nd Kompanie of sSSPzAbt 101 of LSSAH.
On March 1st, Michael Wittmann married Hildegard Burmester. Wittmann had become a
national hero and traveled the country boosting morale.
In May of 1944, Wittmann re-joined the sSSPzAbt 101 of the LSSAH, which was
stationed in the area of Lisieux in Normandy, France.
On the June 6th of 1944 (D-Day), Wittmann got a new late production model Tiger I
#205.
From June 6th to 12th sSSPzAbt 101 moved to the invasion front in Normandy. On their
way, Wittmann's 2nd Kompanie was reduced to six Tiger Is by Allied air attacks.
On June 13th, the battle began near Bayeux area and Wittmann's company destroyed
the entire 4th County of London Yeomanry Regiment traveling on the road No.175 to
Villers-Bocage, at the Hill No.213.
His orders were to stop the advance of the 22nd Armored Brigade of the British 7th
Armored Division (the famous 'Desert Rats') from advancing through the township.
Wittmann attacked the British column destroying a Sherman Firefly and Cromwell IV, and
headed south to attack the rest of the enemy transport column. After knocking out 8 half-
tracks, 4 Bren Carriers and 2 6 pounder anti-tank guns, Wittmann reached the
crossroad with the road to Tilly-sur-Seulles.
At the crossroad, he destroyed 3 Stuart tanks from a recon unit and reached the outskirts
of the town of Villers-Bocage.
While in town, Wittmann destroyed 4 Cromwell IV tanks and a single half-track and
turned his tank onto Rue Pasteur. Following up the street, he knocked out a Cromwell IV
and a Sherman OP tank, reaching the main street of Villers-Bocage. At the end of Rue
Pasteur, Wittmann's Tiger was hit by Sherman Firefly from B Squadron and he decided
to turn back as being too far forward without any infantry support and in a build-up area.
On his way back, Wittmann's Tiger was attacked by another Cromwell IV, which he
destroyed as well.
Back at the Tilly crossroad, British soldiers from 1st Rifle Brigade opened fire at
Wittmann with their 6 pdr anti-tank gun, immobilizing his #205 Tiger. Wittmann and his
crew managed to escape on foot towards the Panzer Lehr positions 7km away near
Orbois.
On July 22nd, after his success at Villers-Bocage, Wittmann received the Swords for his
Knight Cross with Oak Leafs and at the same time he also received the rank of SS-
Haupsturmfuhrer.
During July of 1944, Wittmann fought near Caen area until August. At this time Wittmann
received a new Tiger #007.
On August 8th of 1944, a new battle began near Cintheaux. It would prove to be
Wittmann's final battle, his Tiger was destroyed and its entire crew killed.
There are many who claimed to have destroyed this legend and his tank, a British Firefly
was said to have done it from 800m. Also there were claims that an RAF Typhoon armed
with high explosive rockets had accomplished what so many before had failed to do. The
1st Polish Armored Division, 4th Canadian Armored Division and the 33rd British
Independent Armored Brigade all laid claim to the kill. Finally, it was proven that
Wittmann's Tiger was destroyed by fire from a British Firefly from "A" Squadron of
Northamptonshire Yeomanry. It has been said that Wittmann didn’t know there were
Fireflies in the area because if he had he would have approached the attack differently.
Historical Background of the Tiger I
The Tiger I was Germany’s response to the Soviet T-34. With it’s thick front hull and
turret armour plate - in some places up to 100mm thick - and powerful 88mm L/56
KwK main gun, this was a formidable beast when Allied forces came in contact. The
88mm was a deadly killer at extremely long range when used in the open flat
landscape of the USSR. A conversion of the famous 88mm Flak gun, the Tiger’s
cannon could fire a selection of projectiles. They were armor piercing, high explosive
or high explosive anti-tank rounds and each Tiger was able to carry up to 92 rounds of
which usually 50% were armor piercing. These Aps could rip through 112mm of steel
at an astonishing distance of 1400 metres. To contend with ground forces or light
vehicles the Tiger had two 7.92mm MG34 machine guns.
While the Tiger I could kill at 1400 metres, the Allied tanks would have to get
extremely close just to score a hit that might have the slightest chance of doing any
harm. However most times the round would bounce off the frontal armor without doing
any damage.
Once the war shifted to the west the Allies started to exploit the Tiger’s weaknesses, it’
s relatively thin hull top plate and rear. It’s slow turning turret would also play a big
factor in the Tiger’s defeat, this meant that Allied tanks had a chance to circle behind
the Tiger and fire at its weak rear before the Tiger could turn to counter the
approaching tank. In the west the Tiger didn’t have the wide open expanses like they
did in the east, too many hedgerows, trees and hills usually made it close in fighting.
This meant that the ability to kill at 1400 metres was lost and added to the difficulty of
maneuvering the huge machine. The weak upper hull plate and rear soon became the
target of Allied aircraft like the rocket carrying Typhoon.
The Tiger I was Germany’s response to the Soviet T-34. With it’s thick front hull and
turret armour plate - in some places up to 100mm thick - and powerful 88mm L/56
KwK main gun, this was a formidable beast when Allied forces came in contact. The
88mm was a deadly killer at extremely long range when used in the open flat
landscape of the USSR. A conversion of the famous 88mm Flak gun, the Tiger’s
cannon could fire a selection of projectiles. They were armor piercing, high explosive
or high explosive anti-tank rounds and each Tiger was able to carry up to 92 rounds of
which usually 50% were armor piercing. These Aps could rip through 112mm of steel
at an astonishing distance of 1400 metres. To contend with ground forces or light
vehicles the Tiger had two 7.92mm MG34 machine guns.
While the Tiger I could kill at 1400 metres, the Allied tanks would have to get
extremely close just to score a hit that might have the slightest chance of doing any
harm. However most times the round would bounce off the frontal armor without doing
any damage.
Once the war shifted to the west the Allies started to exploit the Tiger’s weaknesses, it’
s relatively thin hull top plate and rear. It’s slow turning turret would also play a big
factor in the Tiger’s defeat, this meant that Allied tanks had a chance to circle behind
the Tiger and fire at its weak rear before the Tiger could turn to counter the
approaching tank. In the west the Tiger didn’t have the wide open expanses like they
did in the east, too many hedgerows, trees and hills usually made it close in fighting.
This meant that the ability to kill at 1400 metres was lost and added to the difficulty of
maneuvering the huge machine. The weak upper hull plate and rear soon became the
target of Allied aircraft like the rocket carrying Typhoon.
Hobby Master HA0115 Tiger I
Hobby Master has added so much detail to this model that while you inspect it you will
envision yourself riding along with Michael Wittmann. Skillfully painted in an Eastern
Front winter scheme this work of art bares all the markings of this famous tank, right
down to the 88 kill rings on the gun barrel. Each kill ring, every number, masterfully
applied exactly as it appeared over sixty years ago. Hobby Master gets better with every
model produced and so far this is the crowning jewel in their 1/56 scale Tiger Is. Michael
Wittmann, the top tank ace of WWII, the famed Tiger I and Hobby Master, put them all
together and you have what will become the most sought after die-cast piece of 2006.
Hobby Master has added so much detail to this model that while you inspect it you will
envision yourself riding along with Michael Wittmann. Skillfully painted in an Eastern
Front winter scheme this work of art bares all the markings of this famous tank, right
down to the 88 kill rings on the gun barrel. Each kill ring, every number, masterfully
applied exactly as it appeared over sixty years ago. Hobby Master gets better with every
model produced and so far this is the crowning jewel in their 1/56 scale Tiger Is. Michael
Wittmann, the top tank ace of WWII, the famed Tiger I and Hobby Master, put them all
together and you have what will become the most sought after die-cast piece of 2006.
| These (scale: 1/56) die-cast model tanks are loaded with features. These models duplicate every detail of the full sized Tiger I. All these features make these models very sought after by collectors from around the world. Features: Die-Cast Model True to Scale (1:56) Size: 114.3mm not including cannon - 152.4mm including cannon x 66.04mm x 53.54 mm ( 4.5in. not including cannon - 6in. including cannon x 2.6in. x 2.1in. ) Highly detailed features Weathering, cables, tools and insignia Professionally painted in accurate colors Markings Tampo applied Fully assembled Rubber tracks Individual moving wheels Turret turns Main gun can be elevated |
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