The ferocious tank battles fought throughout Europe and North Africa during World War 2 were some of the war's bloodiest and most brutal conflicts. These steel behemoths lumbered across vast expanses of scorched earth, spewing forth clouds of smoke and fire as they clashed in apocalyptic duels that would forever leave their mark on history.

One such battle was fought near Villers-Bocage in Normandy in June 1944 during the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France. It pitted a force of German Tiger tanks against an equally well-equipped contingent of British Sherman IVs and American M26 Pershings. The outcome would prove decisive for both sides, with Wittman's Tigers claiming victory but at a heavy cost.

The battle began early on June 13th when elements of the SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugen launched a surprise attack against the Canadian Princess Patricia's (PPCLI) Regimental Headquarters and supporting armor units near Villers-Bocage. The Canadians were caught off guard, with many tanks still refueling or rearming after grueling days of constant action.

The resulting engagement would become one of the bloodiest tank battles fought during World War II. Wittman's Tiger crews proved masterful tacticians that day, methodically isolating and destroying Allied armor piecemeal before turning their attention to soft targets such as infantrymen and supply vehicles.

According to official records, by the end of the battle Wittman's force had destroyed 27 Allied tanks while also killing or wounding another 188 troops. For his leadership during this pivotal engagement, Hauptsturmführer Michael 'Wittmann' posthumously received the highest decoration awarded by Nazi Germany - The Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds.

This harrowing footage from the archives provides a glimpse into one of World War II's most brutal tank battles. Witness firsthand as Wittman's Tigers unleash hell upon an unsuspecting Canadian armored column in this gripping piece of history.

(Warning: Graphic Content)

Watch more historical documentaries about World War II on History Channel US at 8/7c!

World war 2 tank battles