Otto Carius
Otto Carius was a highly decorated German tank commander during World War II, renowned for his exceptional skills as a tank operator and his remarkable success on the Eastern Front. Born on May 27, 1922, in the town of Aue (in present-day Germany), Carius enlisted in the German Army in 1940 and later became a tank commander in the Panzerwaffe, the German armored forces.
Carius is best known for his service with the Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502, a heavy tank battalion, where he commanded the iconic Tiger I tank. Throughout his career, he was credited with destroying over 150 enemy tanks, making him one of the most successful tank aces in the German military. He gained prominence particularly during the Battle of Kursk in 1943 and later in the Eastern Front campaigns, where he exhibited excellent tactical decision-making and bravery under fire.
In addition to his battlefield successes, Carius was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his achievements, one of the highest honors in the German military.
After the war, Carius went on to become a successful businessman, operating a pharmacy which he named the Tiger apotheke (Eng. Tiger pharmacy). He later wrote a memoir titled “Tigers in the Mud,” in which he recounted his experiences and reflections on the war. Otto Carius passed away on January 24, 2015, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most renowned tank commanders of WWII.
Panzer VI, Sd. Kfz. 181 – Tiger tank
The Panzer VI – Tiger tank, often referred to as the Tiger I, is one of the most iconic German heavy tanks of World War II. The Tiger I was introduced in 1942 and was designed to provide the German Army with superior firepower and protection. Its primary weapon was the formidable 88mm KwK 36 L/56 gun, capable of destroying enemy tanks and fortifications at long ranges.
The Tiger I was powered by a Maybach HL 210 P45 V12 engine, producing 700 horsepower, giving the tank a top speed of around 38 km/h (24 mph) and a range of approximately 195 km (121 miles). Its weight was around 54 tons, and it was heavily armored, with 100mm of frontal armor sloped to offer increased protection from enemy fire.
The Tiger I featured a five-man crew (commander, gunner, loader, driver, and radio operator), and its chassis was built to withstand significant combat damage. However, its weight and mechanical complexity led to issues with mobility and reliability, especially in the rugged terrain of the Eastern Front.
Today, a preserved example of the Tiger I can be found at the Musée des Blindés in Saumur, France, where it serves as a valuable historical artifact and example of German tank design during World War II.
More technical information on the Tiger Tank can be found following this link.
