Tiger 131: The world's only running Tiger Tank
Tiger 131 during Tankfest 2012
With Tiger day 2016 over, I'd like to share a little history on the world's only running Tiger tank, Tiger 131.
The damage that jammed the Tiger's turret
Tiger 131 was one of two Tigers among several other tanks taking part in the Battle of Longstop Hill in Tunisia during 1943. Here it was hit by three shells from British Churchill tanks of the 48th Royal Tank Regiment. A shell ricocheted off the gun barrel and into the turret ring, jamming it in addition to wounding both the driver and front gunner. The second shell hit and disabled the turret lifting lug, which was used to elevate and depress the main gun. The third and final shot hit the loader's hatch, spraying shrapnel into the turret. The crew bailed out and retreated with their wounded.
Tiger 131 being inspected by King George IV in Tunis
The tank was then secured by British forces after the Djebel Djaffa hill had been captured. It was later repaired with parts from other destroyed Tigers and it's performance evaluated. It was shipped to England in 1943 and displayed as a trophy in order to boost the morale of British troops. It would later be sent to the Tank museum in 1951 by the British ministry of supply
Tiger 131 on display in Bovington Tank museum
In 1990, the tank was removed from display for restoration. This restoration involved almost complete disassembly of the vehicle and the installation of a Maybach HL230 taken from a Tiger II also present at the museum. The Tiger's original engine had been cut into cross sections for display. It was returned to display in working condition in 2003, becoming the Museums most popular attraction. Final work and painting in period correct colors was finished in 2012. The restoration cost a grand total of £80,000. This tank was recently used in the movie Fury, the third time an original Tiger has appeared in film. The first two films featuring one being Theirs is the Glory (1946) and They were not Divided (1950).