Published Erkennungsmarke 1/.PZ. ABT. 18 – Schwere Panzer Abteilung 504

Published Erkennungsmarke 1/.PZ. ABT. 18 indicating 1. Kompanie Panzer Abteilung 18 which served with the 18. Panzerdivision. It was formed with parts of Panzer Regiment 7 and 8. It was later renamed Schwere Panzer Abteilung 504 and was outfitted with Tiger tanks. The Abteilung served with the Afrikakorps and after its defeat was split up. The 2. Kompanie with 17 Tigers was sent to Fallschirm-Panzer-Division Hermann Göring. The 3. Kompanie was merged into 11. Kompanie Panzer-Regiment Großdeutschland. On the 4th of may 1944 it was moved to Normandy where it excercised together with the 17. SS Panzerdivision Götz von Berlichingen. On the 3rd of June it was however moved to Italy near Sarzana east of La Spezia. It fought with the American troops in the area untill fall 1944 and was moved back to Germany. More information on the unit here.

The Erkennungsmarke is featured on page 84 of the reference book Deutsche Erkennungsmarken by Jean Höidal. The number of the back corresponds with the number in the book.