Panzer Ace Michael Wittman

Michael Wittman:

SS-Hauptsturmführer Michael Wittmann, Knights Cross with Swords and Oak Leaves, is considered to be one of the greatest tank commanders in history. Wittman's crews are credited with confirmed kills of 138 tanks and 132 anti-tank guns.

Normandy saw the height of his daring elan with his famous ambush of elements of the 4th County of London Yeomanry, (British 7th Armoured Division), during the Battle of Villers-Bocage where in command of a single Tiger he destroyed between 10 and 11 tanks, 2 anti-tank guns and 13 personnel carriers within the space of 15 minutes.

But Normandy was to be his nemesis for while taking part in a counterattack to retake Hill 122, near the town of St. Aignan de Cramesnil, the British Army was avenged when Joe Ekins in a Sherman Firefly commanded by Sergeant Gordon of the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry engaged and destroyed his Tiger, Wittman and his crew were killed.

The Tour:

1. Villers-Bocage - All aspects of the engagement with the London Yeomanry

2. St Aigan de Cramesnil - The controversial death of Wittman

 - We will visit the position of Wittmans knocked out Tiger and battlefield grave:

3. The German Cemetery at La Cambe - Wittman's final resting place