[PanzerBob]

Excerpts From “Die Wehrmacht” Sept 1947

The StabTiger

…………other panzer conversions continued making good use of recovered or disused panzers. Common were conversions to other types of combat panzer, however, command type vehicles also were in demand as well. One of note was the StabTiger. Utilizing the failed Sturmtiger it finally provided a platform large and heavily armoured enough to meet the needs of forward command and artillery staffs in their lethal environments.

Once the mortar and associated equipment was removed and its mantel area sealed off the interior of the StabTiger provided room for radios, map boards and other command necessities, plus a comfortable space for the staff to work. All the original loading hatches were retained allowing staff easy access. The hull machine gun was retained and two MG42 were mounted topside for local defence.

The first conversions were allotted to forward artillery observer crews. Command staffs quickly saw the value of the StabTiger and for the remainder of the War being issued these heavy-duty command panzers was a prize. In an attempt to meet demand other Tigers were converted as the Tiger Ausf E were phased out. Known as the (Neu) variant, they were easily identified by the front plate having no sealed off hole. The front was one piece, simplifying production. This was last variant of the much valued Tiger Ausf E.

The Waffen SS in Syria first used StabTiger in numbers……………………..