Michael Wittmann
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Michael Wittmann (April 22 1914 - August 8, 1944), was during World War II, the SS-Hauptsturmführer (SS-Captain) in the Schwere SS-Panzer-Abteilung 101, one of the most successful tank commanders in the history of warfare. He is famous for his June 13, 1944, ambush of elements of the British 7th Armoured Division at the Battle of Villers-Bocage in a Tiger tank.
He was killed in action on August 8, during Operation Totalize, when his tank was destroyed near the town of Cintheaux, probably during a skirmish after the ambush from the rear of his company by tanks of the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry. His tank was hit by 2 shots to the right rear flank from a single Sherman Firefly commanded by Sgt Gordon and gunned by Trooper Joe Ekins, of 3rd Platoon, A Squadron, 33rd Armoured Brigade at around 1240 hours. Most researchers give credence to this version of events, as it corroborates with both the Allied and the German records and eyewitness testimony.
However, other units in the area also claimed that the hit was theirs: the 4th Canadian Armoured Division and the 2nd Polish Armoured Regiment (of General Stanislaw Maczek's 1st Polish Armoured Division). There is even speculation that it was a high-explosive rocket from a RAF Hawker Typhoon aircraft that dealt the fatal blow to Wittmann's Tiger.
Wittmann's tally of kills has never been surpassed. At the time of his death he held (amongst other decorations) the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.
Reference
- Agte, Patrick. Michael Wittman and the Tiger Commanders of the Leibstandarte. JJ Fedorowicz (April, 1996). ISBN 0921991304
External links:
- Michael Wittmann, panzer ace (http://www.panzerace.net/)
- Achtung Panzer! (http://www.achtungpanzer.com/gen3.htm)
See also