This Spring at Tiger Day, see the world’s only running Tiger I, the star of ‘Fury’ Sherman M4A2, 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.
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!
Sherman M4A2
The Sherman is the most prolific tank of the Second World War and played a crucial role on all fronts, in all theatres, by all Allied armies. This Sherman came to the Tank Museum in 1985 from the Defence Academy at Shrivenham, and is the star of the 2014 film ‘Fury.’
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.
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.
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. Watch our brand-new 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.
M24 Chaffee
The M24 light tank entered service with the US Army in winter 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge. British Army Units who operated these tanks included the reconnaissance squadrons of the 7th Armoured Division (The Desert Rats). This vehicle is part of the Bannister Collection.
Valentine Mark IX
The Valentine is the most produced British tank of all time! Seeing service, in various guises, from the Western Desert to the German Plains. Our Valentine stood as a gate guard in Northern Ireland before being restored to running order and coming to the museum in 2002.
