Squadron -Bt501-

501st Heavy Panzer Battalion

The first heavy armor units in the German Army were the 501st and 502nd heavy tank companies, founded 16 February 1942. They were combined into the 501st heavy tank battalion on 10 May 1942 in Erfurt, commanded by Major Hans-Georg Lueder.[1] In late August, the first Tiger Is began to arrive, delivery priority having been given to the formation of the 502nd Heavy Panzer Battalion.[1] The 501st was promised to the Afrikakorps for use in North Africa, and was prepared for tropical operations. Initially.