This Spring at Tiger Day, see the world’s only running Tiger I, the unique and quirky FV4005, the only running Matilda II in the Northern Hemisphere and much more!
Tiger 131
Tiger 131 is the world’s only running Tiger I tank. The impenetrable armour, powerful gun and huge size of the Tiger made it a legend in its time and struck terror into the hearts of Allied tank crews when it first appeared in 1942. Tiger 131 was the first Tiger I to be captured by the Allies, 80 years ago on 24 April 1943 in North Africa.
T34/85
By 1943, the T-34/76 was outmatched by newer German tanks. Up to that point, the Soviets had refused to make any improvements that would mean interrupting production and reducing the flow of tanks to the front. This was no longer an option, and thus the Soviets developed the T-34/85 as an upgrade.
Find out more about our new T34/85 HERE.
Kettenkrad
The Kettenkrad began life in 1939 as a lightweight air-portable tractor for use by Germany’s airborne forces, intended to tow supply trailers and small guns but moved onto being a communications vehicle. Our exhibit is believed to be the one photographed in Tunisia in front of our Tiger I and came into the collection in 1952!
FV4005
The FV4005 is a 1940’s British prototype and was fitted with an 183mm L4A1 gun, the biggest ever to be fitted to a tank. It was designed to defeat the new generation of Soviet heavy tanks. TANKFEST 2024 showcased the public debut of the FV4005, which was restored in collaboration with event sponsor World of Tanks and AW Hewes.
Find out more about the FV4005 HERE.
Churchill III
The Churchill tank was a key British tank design of the period, seeing service in the Dieppe Raid, North Africa at El Alamein, Tunisia, Italy and North West Europe. On long-term loan from the Churchill Trust, this is the only running example of its kind in existence.
Find out more about the Churchill III HERE.
Matilda II
The Matilda II first saw action at the Battle of Arras in 1940 and was dominant in the Western Desert battlefield until 1941. The Matilda II first saw action at the Battle of Arras in 1940 and was the only British tank used throughout the Second World War. In North Africa their thick armour earned them the nickname ‘Queen of the Desert.’
Watch our YouTube video: ‘Was Matilda II the BEST Tank of WWII?’
Panzer III
The Panzer III was conceived in 1934 as the principle combat tank of the Panzer divisions. The Museum’s Panzer III went into action in the North African theatre of war and is believed to have been captured at the Battle of Alam Halfa.
Find out about Panzer III and the Tiger HERE.
Ferret Scout Car
Built between 1952 and 1972, the Ferret Armoured Car accompanied British forces in every major post-war deployment for over 40 years. Its speed and agility makes it an iconic and widely used Scout Car.
Check out our new Tank Museum Guide to Daimler Ferret HERE.
Comet
Leyland built a total of 1186 Comets before production ceased in May 1945. They went on to serve with the British Army at home, in Germany, the Middle East and the Far East. The Comet was finally withdrawn from British service, in Hong Kong, in 1960.
Find out more about the Comet HERE.
