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Military unit / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 506th Heavy Panzer Battalion (German: schwere Panzerabteilung 506; abbreviated: "s.Pz.Abt. 506") was a german heavy Panzer Abteilung (independent battalion-sized unit) equipped with Tiger I tanks. During the period from 20 August to 12 September 1944, it was re-equipped with a full complement of 45 Tiger Ausf. B tanks. The battalion saw action on the Eastern and Western Fronts during World War II. As with other German heavy tank battalions, it was attached as needed to larger formations. The 506th was one of the first Tiger battalions that did not include Panzer III tanks for support, and was unique in being the only battalion to include a fourth company. (German: schwere Panzerkompanie Hummel, equipped with Tiger I tanks, was consolidated with the 506th in November 1944.[1] It was also unique in that it regularly received new vehicles and replacements from other units to maintain a full complement. Serving until the collapse of the Ruhr Pocket in April 1945, it performed well overall, particularly when employed in scenarios where the tactical advantages of the Tigers could be maximized.
506th Heavy Panzer Battalion | |
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schwere Panzerabteilung 506 — s PzAbt 506— | |
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Active | 8 May 1943 – 14 April 1945 |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | German Heer |
Type | Panzer |
Role | Armoured warfare |
Size | Battalion, 45 tanks |
Part of | ![]() |
Equipment | Tiger I (1942–1945) Tiger II (1944–1945) |
Engagements | Eastern Front: |