23.05.42

Relocation to the OHRDRUF training area. The unit is scheduled for equipping with TIGER (P). Technical personnel and the drivers are trained in the Nibelungenwerk. In early August 1942, the 501 is ordered to change to TIGER (H).

Late Aug 42

The first TIGER I tanks arrive (the other Abteilung 502, had priority).

October 42

The battalion has 20 TIGER I tanks and 16 Pz.Kpfw. IIIs, organized in two companies. The tanks are made combat ready for tropical climate. Parts of the 2nd company (1st and IInd platoon) are transported to southern France.

10.11.42

Entrainment (minus 2nd company) for transport to REGGIO in Italy.

18.11.42

First trains arrive in REGGIO.

20.11.42

Embarkment for sea lift to TUNISIA, the crews are transported by Junkers Ju 52 aircraft.

22.11.42

The battalion commander arrives in TUNISIA.

23.11.42

The first 3 TIGERs arrive in BIZERTA.

24.11.42

Prior to the arrival of the first TIGERs a Kampfgruppe under the command of Major Lueder, is formed (two companies from Panzerabteilung 190 and one Kradschützen Kompanie of the 10th Panzer division) for the support of Fallschirmjagergruppe Koch near MEDJEZ EL BAB.

25.11.42

Kampfgruppe Lueder starts actions at 11.00 hours at DJEDEIDA. After dawn, a successful counterattack is conducted.

26.11.42

Forces retreat to the line ST CYPRIEN -DJEDEIDA.

27.11.42

Starting from the assembly area in DJEDEIDA, the Kampfgruppe mounts an attack against TEBOURBA. Fierce fighting in the following days against a strong British defense.

29.11.42

2 TIGERs are in reserve during disarmament of French forces.

111.12.42

First employment of 3 TIGERs and 4 Pz.Kpfw. IIIs of the 1st company (Hauptmann von Nolde) starting from an assembly area 7 km east of DSCHEDEIDA brings relief for own forces (9 US tanks knocked out). The company commander is killed in action. Oberleutnant Deichmann takes over, destroys 2 British tanks before he himself is killed by a sniper.

tI2.12.42

Kampfgruppe Lueder (with 1 TIGER and 5 Pz.Kpfw. IIIs) is ordered by CO of the 10th Panzer Division to attack TEBOURBA from the north via CHOUIGUI. It stops enemy breakthrough to the west (6 STUARTs and 4 Pak, 3 Pz.Kpfw. IIIs destroyed). Due to the weak combat morale of the accompanying infantry, the attack comes to a stand-still.

()3.12.42

The attack is continued after the subordination of two Grenadier companies to the last combat-ready TIGER and two Pz.Kpfw. IIIs. Encirclement of TEBOURBA after 3 additional TIGERs (unloaded in BIZERTA) are assembled south of EI BETHAN.

04.12.42

Capture of TEBOURBA supported by Stukas (all TIGERs put out of action). Enemy losses amount to 134 out of 182 tanks. Kampfgruppe Lueder is disbanded.

06.12.42

A group of 3 TIGERs and 4 Pz.Kpfw. IIIs moves from DSCHEIDEIDA to EL BATHAN and puts enemy forces to flight without firing a shot.

07.12.42

Assembly south of EL BATHAN. Due to heavy rain no armor movement is possible.

08.12.42

1 TIGER assists disarmament of the French forces in the coastal region.

09.12.42

Tank inventory at 7 TIGERs and 5 Pz.Kpfw. IIIs after reinforcement with one more TIGER and another Pz.Kpfw. III. The rest of the 2nd company (IIIrd and IVth platoon) are transported directly from FALLINGBOSTEL to TRAPANI. The "French" elements of 2nd company are ferried from SICILY to TUNISIA.

10.12.42

Attack together with elements of the 10th Panzer Division, following the road to MASSICAULT in the direction of MEDSCHEZ EL BAB, 2 TIGERs in the lead, the other in reserve. Attack gains 13 km near to M. EL BAB, 14 STUARTs knocked out.