MG 34?

[Simon Peck]

Hello All.
I've a question regarding the MG 34 as equipped the Tiger I mid and late. How many were carried? I know, of course of the hull mounted and co-axial, which I believe were the armoured barrel type, but was the cupola ring mounted MG a third gun, and if so was it also armoured or not, or was it removed from one of the two internal mountings when needed?
Thanks in advance,
Simon.

[Kent Wiik]

Hi Simon,

Only 2 were carried and that goes for all German tanks not only the Tiger I.
Both were with the armoured barrel MG34T.
The one at the radio operator was normally the one that was used at the commander cupola as that one was easier to remove.

Bear in mind the MG34 as Fliegerbeschussgerät placed there as protection against Jabos at road march and never in combat against troops or enemy armour.

It is quite common to see 3 MG34T on 1:35 models but it is not historically accurate.
It make sense with 2 as there is no need for 3 and would have been a waste of expensive equipment and well needed space inside the tank.
Spare barrels and but stocks was stored inside but that is a different thing.

Kind regards
Kent

[Simon Peck]

Hello Kent.
Thanks ever so for the detailed reply, just what I was looking for!!
Kind regards,
Simon

[John Fitzsimons]

Thats good to know Kent. When mounted at the radio operators position was the cupola mount left on the cupola or stored inside.

[Kent Wiik]

Hi John,

Most probably never stored inside the tank.
That space was better used for an xtra round or well deserved free space in the cramped fighting compartment.

In photos of tanks in battle you seldom see the fbg attached to the cupola ring, nor do you see it on in battle lost tanks.
Maybe because the locals had "liberate them" but more likely they was not attached when going into battle.
For example you don’t see them on any of the Tigers lost inside Villers-Bocage but you see them on every Tiger at their road march to Normandy.

There are photos of T2 with them hanging from the turret spare track link hooks, but more likely they was stored in some rear line lorry when the tanks was in battle.

Kind regards
Kent

[John Fitzsimons]

Thanks Kent.

[Christian Steinhauer]

Hello,

today its the same in the german army, the MG-3 is only mounted on the turret when the Leo's are on march.