T
his year's Tankfest was a dusty
spectacular that nevertheless
included perhaps the best line-up
of historic and current armour yet seen
at the show. The wide array of vehicles
was formed from a varied range from
the Museum’s collection and a stunning
ensemble of guest armour. The result
was a pleasing assembly originating
from several countries and spanning
much of the 20th century and beyond.
An early highlight was the Royal
Netherlands Army display, which this
year brought two vehicles. In 2012,
budget cuts saw almost the entire
inventory of the Dutch Army’s tracked
armoured vehicles disbanded, however,
a number of tracked types found their
way into the Army’s Historic Collection,
including the Leopard-hulled PTRL.
This self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
(SPAAG) was a novel addition to the
line-up, showing off its manoeuvrability
and awesome turret traverse by tracking
a much faster vehicle around the arena.
This second Dutch vehicle – Boxer – is
of much interest. A large, agile, multi-
role 8x8 armoured vehicle, it represents
the future of the British Army, which
has ordered potentially up to 1,500
of them, with the first slated to enter
service in 2023.
It was good to see more traditional
types as well, an uncommon outing
for a Churchill Mk.III infantry tank,and a Tankfest debut for the Sherman
Firefly. The excellent Firefly showcased
was transported over by Bastogne
Barracks, part of the Belgian Royal
Military Museum. The obvious star
of the show for many was the Panther
Ausf. A – ‘Bretagne Panther’ – the
Musée des Blindés post-war French-
marked example of the German
wartime icon. To see this rare running
example thunder around the arena was
a privilege. The tank also participated
in a somewhat curious ‘re-enactment’,
in which it single-handedly knocked
out a joint UK/US/USSR force of
contemporary armour before, in turn,
losing to none other than ‘Fury’, the
film-star Sherman.Questionable
Russian accents aside, this bizarre little
engagement ticked all the boxes.
Our preferred pick for ‘best in show’,
however, was on the smaller side. The
recently restored Type 95 Ha-Gō was
almost certainly the rarest running tank
on site that weekend and was a great
addition. One of only two working
Type 95s in the world, Oliver Barnham
should be congratulated for a superb
restorative effort. Sadly, we hear tales of
the tank going back to Japan, where it is
destined for a museum, so it may not be
possible to see this Japanese light tank
in the UK again.
Proceedings on the Saturday were
slightly marred by reports of an9696 http://www.britainatwar.comwww.britainatwar.comTHE TANK MUSEUM
Amid record-breaking UK temperatures in June, The Tank Museum put on another sell-
out Tankfest. Thankfully, for the masses lining the banks of the arena, the Chelsea
Pensioners in scarlet regalia, and those manning the vehicles rumbling around the
track, the Dorset climes were slightly cooler, writes John Ash.
ABOVE
Some of the
extensive range of
vehicles on display.
L to R: One of
only three running
Jagdpanthers, a
CRARRV towing a
Chieftain, Bastogne
Barrack's Firefly,
the Dutch Army
Boxer modular APC,
Oliver Barnham's
superb Type 95,
and the Bretagne
Panther.
(ALL BAW ARCHIVE/
KEY COLLECTION)MAIN
A British Army
Challenger 2 flying
the flag on its
Armed Forces
Day tribute.TANKFEST|EVENT REVIEW EVENT REVIEW|TANKFEST
DUSTY SPECTACULAR AT
explosion and fire, which led to the site
being evacuated. Thankfully, no one
was hurt, and the incident occurred
following the day’s last arena display,
causing minimal disruption. In spite
of mass media coverage suggesting
the explosion and fire were linked, the
BAW showgoers witnessed that the
explosion was a planned part of the
arena display with the unrelated fire
occurring in the trade stands some
minutes later, which was attended
by two fire engines. Initial concerns
regarding nearby propane gas cylinders
were alleviated and the incident was
soon over with little or no damage to
adjacent stands.
We must praise the team at The
Tank Museum, for another impressive
annual event. It is increasingly difficult
for Tankfest – already confirmed as a
three-day event for 2020 – to continue
to expand and diversify its line-up, year
on year, and we eagerly look forward
to the next show. The BAW team has a
long wishlist of vehicles we’d love to see
roll round the arena, but above all, we
yearn to see a Cromwell put through its
paces next year. Let’s hope the Tankfest
organisers agree.DIGITAL READERS:
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