Events Tankfest, Bovington, UK words Andrew Stone pictures Andrew Stone & James Stone
T
here were plenty of firsts for military
vehicle enthusiasts to enjoy at this year’s
Tankfest, including the appearances of a
World War Two Panther, a Sherman Firefly from
the same period, a Type 95 Ha-Go tank used by
Japan during the war and the impressive Leop-
ard PRTL from the Royal Netherlands Army.
The last-minute inclusion of the Weald Founda-
tion’s World War Two Jagdpanther also proved
a major highlight at the three-day event, which
was held at the Tank Museum in late June. TheFirsts
Tankfest
Some of the highlights of the show included a World
War Two Panther, Sherman Firefly and Type 95 Ha-Go
for
Jagdpanther, of which there are just three run-
ning examples in the world, was a German tank
destroyer based on the chassis of the Panther
tank. It was parked alongside a Panther from Le
Musée des Blindés in France and this was the
first time that a Panther and Jagdpanther had
been seen in action together in the UK.
The restoration of the 50-ton Panther and its
transportation across the Channel was funded
by Tankfest sponsors, World of Tanks. This was
the second time Le Musée des Blindés has senta vehicle from its collection to the event, follow-
ing the appearance of the French Char B1 last
year under a similar arrangement.
Tank Museum director Richard Smith described
the Panther as “an exceptionally important
vehicle” from World War Two and said it had
made a “fantastic addition to our arena displays
at Tankfest”.
There are currently no running examples in
the UK, so it was a great opportunity for tank
enthusiasts to see one in action. “TransportingA young fan meets a Hollywood starThe Sherman Firefly passes by the Jagdpanther, barrels aligned