WWII tank relocated by 48th LRS

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cory D. Payne
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  One of the most feared and powerful tanks of its time is making its way to the United States courtesy of the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron. The German Tiger 1, a World War II era tank, is to be shipped from RAF Alconbury, England, to the U.S. Army Armor and Cavalry Museum at Fort Benning, Ga., for repair and full restoration.

The Tiger 1 tank is a German heavy tank that was used in WWII and was one of the most advanced weapons created during its time. Armed with an 88mm gun on the turret and protected by a very thick layer of armor on all sides, the Tiger 1 was considered a very formidable force by the Allies. Although proven to be effective in both offensive and defensive combat, the tank was very expensive and time-consuming to build. As a result, only 1,300 were built between 1942 and 1944.

With such a relatively small number of tanks produced, finding one in good condition after more than 60 years is a very rare occurrence.

"There are only six known Tiger 1s that are still in one piece that are left in the world," said Len Dyer, Director of the Army Armor and Cavalry museum. "This particular one was captured by the British in Tunis, North Africa, in 1943. She has plenty of combat action and a few combat scars that have had repair work done them."

Although the tank is now being broken down to be relocated, the battle scars that have since been patched can still be seen on several parts of the tank.

This unique task of moving this battle-hardened tank came down from the U.S. Army to the 48th LRS.

"I received an email from the Secretary of the Army requesting whether we could support the moving of this back to the United States and talking to the 48th LRS commander we decided we would go ahead and try to help the Army get this tank home," said Bill Pratt, 48th LRS Transportation Management Office chief of cargo movement.

Although 48th TMO is more commonly known for moving Airmen's personal property when changing duty stations, the office is in charge of moving important military property.

"Part of TMO moves personal property and personal goods, but there is a big part of TMO that never gets noticed," said Pratt. "Everything that comes in and out of Lakenheath - doesn't matter if it's a boat or bomb - comes through TMO."

"That's what we do. We support all the cargo movements all over the world supporting the 48th Fighter Wing and other units of the U.S. military."

This particular cargo is slated to be completely broken down, cleaned, and made ready to be taken back to the U.S. within the next month to join other pieces of military history at the Fort Benning U.S. Army Armor and Cavalry Museum.