Quote:
Originally Posted by dsfraser
Using contemporary photo-reconnaissance images, modern GPS survey equipment, witness statements and interviews, and interviews with current residents to determine the exact location of the participants --- the Northumberland Yeomanry, the Sherbrooke Fusiliers, and Wittman's detachment of seven Tiger Is from 1.SS Pz.Div. "Liebstandarte".
The verdict, proved fairly conclusively from all accounts, is that it was the Canucks who killed Wittman's Tiger, with a flank shot from (gulp) 130m, point-blank range. Wittman's remains were found in 1983 and interred. Parts of his tank (007) remain in the loft of the farmer who now lives on the land, collected by he and his father as they have surfaced over the years.
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A bit more detail.
The Yeomanry were in hasty defences on the top corner of a long rectangular crop field. C Sqn of The Sherbrooke Fusilier Regiment were behind stone walls around a farmyard called Gaumesnil, partway down the other side of the field. The Tigers had charged the length of the field to disrupt a forward assembly of Allied tanks at the end of the field. That was their style - attack at the slightest chance of success!
From the interviews, the Yeomanry opened fire at GPS surveyed distances of 650 - 800 m. The gunner stated he hit three Tigers with his Firefly. Wittman's Tiger was the furthest away from him. Rad' doesn't remember firing, but other tanks opened fire when the Tigers appeared and crossed in front of their positions. His tanks were about 150m from where Wittman's was stopped.