File:Panther Ausf.A “BRETAGNE” (49901969501).jpg

German WW2 era Medium Tank Chassis No:- 155506 Built:- June 1944 Manufacturer:- Maschinenfabrik Niedersachsen Hannover (MNH) Official name: Panzerkampfwagen V ‘Panther’ Ausf.A Ordnance Inventory Designation:- Sd.Kfz.171 Total production:- 2,200 (Ausf.A), 6,003 (total) Main Armament:- 7.5cm Kw.K.42 L/70 gun Considered one of the best tanks of WW2, the awesome Panther was designed to counter the Soviet T-34. Although classified as a medium tank, it weighed 45 tons which was more than the 40 ton British Churchill which was classified as a heavy tank. The Panther first saw action in the Battle of Kursk, athough at the time it still had some unresolved technical issues and suffered many losses through mechanical failure. It had excellent firepower and protection and was lighter than the Tiger I, with which it shared its Maybach V12 engine. This gave it a good power to weight ratio and made it very mobile, especially given its size. This operational example is part of the Musee des Blindes in Samur, France. The initial restoration to running condition allegedly used components from 14 different Panther chassis. Her more recent restoration, repaint and transportation to the UK during 2019 were sponsored by World of Tanks. She represents a captured example and wears French markings with the name “BRETAGNE”. She is seen in action at TankFest 2019, during which she despatched a pair of T-34/85s, an M4A1 Sherman and a Sherman Firefly, before finally being taken out by the Sherman HVSS “Fury”. All good fun! The Tank Museum, Bovington Camp, Dorset, UK.