German Press Photo – Transport of Tiger Tanks, July 1944

Original wartime German press photograph showing Tiger tanks being secured for transport using strong steel cables (Stahltrossen) and wooden chocks placed under their wide caterpillar tracks. The detailed caption explains how the heavy tanks were fastened and stabilized during movement to prevent shifting on railway or transport vehicles.

The reverse caption reads:

“Mit starken Stahltrossen werden die Tigerpanzer festgezurrt, unter die breiten Raupenketten werden hölzerne Hemmschuhe getrieben. Sie sind so gegen Schlingern der fahrenden Wagen gesichert.”
(With strong steel cables, the Tiger tanks are lashed down; wooden chocks are driven under their wide tracks to secure them against swaying during transport.)

• Date: 10 July 1944

• Photographer / PK Unit: Kriegsberichter Knirsch (/vb)

• Agency Stamp: Weltbild Presseservice, Frankfurt am Main (stamped on reverse)

• Caption Code: L 2129 Wb EM

• Size: approx. 18 × 13 cm

• Condition: Excellent for age – sharp image, full typed caption label intact on reverse, light handling consistent with period use.

Historical Context

Photographed in July 1944, this image dates from the height of the fighting in Normandy, when Tiger I heavy tanks were urgently moved between fronts to counter the Allied invasion. The photo highlights the logistical challenge of transporting these massive armored vehicles safely — an essential part of Wehrmacht operations.

Collector’s Note

Original Weltbild press photos featuring Tiger tanks are highly desirable among collectors due to their rarity and direct connection to armored warfare on the Western Front. This example, complete with a detailed original typed caption slip and agency stamp, offers both visual impact and historical depth — a fine addition to any WWII armor or propaganda photo collection.