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 began to arrive, delivery priority having been given to the formation of the 502nd Heavy Panzer Battalion.[1] The 501st was promised to the Afrika Korps for use in North Africa, and was prepared for tropical operations. Initially, the battalion consisted of 20 Tiger I and 25 Panzer III.