Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf E (Early production) ‘Tiger 131’, Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 504, Point 174, Gueriat el Atach,

Tunisia, 24th April 1943, ‘To catch a Tiger’ Although the Allies had become aware of a powerful new German heavy tank from its introduction on the Eastern Front in September 1942, British and Commonwealth forces would not encounter the mighty Tiger I until the final stages of the battles to capture Tunis in April 1943. During heavy fighting around Guriat el Atach, one Tiger tank was abandoned by its crew and captured by British troops, who defended their impressive prize until it could be recovered and repaired. Highlighting the significance of this acquisition, Tiger 131 was later inspected by both  King George VI and Winston Churchill and would become the most famous fighting vehicle in the world.