Tiger 131

**nomis** · 07-03-2011, 05:57 PM

Hi all,

I am wanting to know as much info as possible about the crew members of Tiger 131 [ bovington tiger 1 ].

There seems to be no knowledge of the crew after the tanks capture by the British.

What is the history of the crew [s] of 131 from factory to capture and why is it not possible to trace them in records after that date to know what became of them.

Any help/info to share would be gratefully appreciated,

Regards, Simon Fuller. [ UK ]

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 07-03-2011 05:57 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**nomis** · 07-04-2011, 04:46 PM

No-one out there got any views/help at all then.

SF.

**shadowwolf** · 07-04-2011, 05:17 PM

Have you tried getting in contact with Bovington, they are quite approachable

Try David Brown, AssistantCurator@tankmuseum.org

**nomis** · 07-05-2011, 08:31 AM

Many thanks.
I had'nt considered that as i've heard the talks they give and i don't believe they know this info.
However, in the absence of any other suggestions i will give it a go and let you know what response i get,

Cheers, SF.

**Paul D** · 07-05-2011, 08:19 PM

Very good question , i haven't the answer for you but good luck in your quest !!

**nomis** · 07-06-2011, 07:54 AM

The Bovington response is that no-one knows and its likely no-one ever will.

I do find that extremely difficult to believe. So, if anyone has any info, or assistance then i would be very greatful.

Regards,

SF.

**grimmy** · 12-14-2011, 06:30 PM

My Dad (23rd Hussars) was among a group of fitters who repaired the turret of 131 at Longcross Depot in (probably) 1946.

The story they were told was that after the turret jammed, infantryman climbed aboard and dropped grenades inside. There were no survivors. This is contrary to the accepted account that the crew bailed out.

Obviously, Dad's story is second-hand, but I would be interested to know the source of the original account.

**Paul D** · 12-15-2011, 01:05 AM

Great info Grimmy thanks for posting mate , i feel your Dads account may be correct as although 131 was well known / photographed etc etc no details seem to be available re the crew . who you would think would also have been photographed and interviewed as to the practical combat workings on the Tiger !!

**nomis** · 12-15-2011, 09:45 AM

Sounds less plausible than the documented version. I will put this 'version of events' to Bovington and see what response i get.

131 was photographed with crew clearly visible , but no-one seems to be able to identify the men concerned.

SF.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 12-15-2011, 10:38 AM

How about seeing if the unit's war diary survives? This might give some more detail? National Archives or the Regtimental Museum would be the best bets.

Cheers, Ade.