von Marwitz
Forum Guru
So many Likes just for a promise...
Then I guess I have to deliver on it:
There were only very few Maus tanks overall, the largest number of them yet incomplete. In March 1945 when the front came closer to the Heeresversuchsstelle (proving ground), Maus 205/1 and 205/2 moved out. Mouse driver Zebitz was ordered to drive Maus 205/2 for the protection of the OKH to Wünsdorf. Maus 205/1 was unarmed. Possibly, it accompanied Maus 205/1 to help in crossing water obstacles as no bridges were able to bear the 188 ton tanks. Maus 205/1 was destroyed by its crew on Schießplatz West, reasons unknown - maybe it broke down. Maus 205/2 arrived at Wünsdorf (I even have a plan available of its final location but it is very late, so I am too lazy to scan it now) where it was destroyed by its crew when the place was stormed by the Soviets on 21. April 1945.
The front of Maus 205/2 showed 9 impacts by 7.62mm ammo, 3 of which hollow charges. Further more some SMK MG ammo impacts. It is unclear, why the Soviets used such a small caliber. Could very well be that these were just trial shots.
There is some speculation how exactly Maus 205/2 arrived at its destination. I won't go into detail here. No reports are known that Maus 205/2 actually participated in combat.
The Soviets captured both Maus 205/1 and 205/2 of which the former was in much better shape because it held no ammo when being blown up. From parts of both and using 205/1 as a basis, the Soviets build one single Maus after transporting both wrecks to Russia.
von Marwitz
