As result of its lethality, the reputation of the Tiger Is were monumental. The influence of the Tigers on Allied morale, known as Tigerphobia, was so influential that the renowned British General Montgomery banned all reports speaking of its success in battle in order to reduce further deterioration of morale. Arguably one of the Tiger I 's greatest act of fame was gained in Normandy where the famous commander SS Obersturmführer Michael Wittman destroyed an entire column of twenty-five tanks, fourteen half-tracks and fourteen bren-gun carriers in fifteen minutes with a single detachment of Tiger I tanks. Having similar success in North Africa and Italy, the Tiger I created a powerful psychological effect on Allied forces. On Feb. 1, 1943, the British successfully captured an intact Tiger I, sent it to Britain and subsequently performed extensive tests on it. To their …show more content…
Initially created to replace the original Tiger I tank, its role was to attack enemy obstacles and strong points, create breakthroughs in the enemy line, and engage enemy armor formations. It debuted in the battle of Normandy and fought on both the Western and Eastern Fronts in the Wehrmacht and SS heavy tank battalions in limited numbers throughout the rest of the war. Through the incorporation of sloped hull armor, the of the world’s best main guns during World War II - the KwK 43 L/71, a wide-track suspension system that reduced ground pressure and made it even more maneuverable in muddy and sandy conditions than the Sherman and many other allied vehicles, the Tiger II was in every way an advancement upon its predecessor, the already formidable Tiger I. More notably, it was a better performing tank than even the highly praised Panzer V