In the armored forces of the Wehrmacht, the 101st Experimental Heavy Armor Battalion could be considered an extremely special unit.
From its designation, it was not difficult to see that this was an experimental unit, mainly responsible for testing new types of equipment. What set it apart was that this unit often participated in actual combat, exploring equipment improvement schemes, compiling maintenance manuals, and probing tactical uses in the heat of battle.
Given the nature of its mission, equipment not yet put into service with other units was often thoroughly tested by the 101st Experimental Heavy Armor Battalion. This included equipment that was later officially adopted on a large scale and also that which was sent back to the furnaces due to various issues.
Generally speaking, the equipment of this unit represented the pinnacle of the Wehrmacht's armored forces. Each vehicle embodied the potential for future technological developments.
