On the second day of my tour of British museums, I headed west to the Bovington Tank Museum. As the museum claims to be the best in the world, the quality and quantity of the exhibits were impressive. The room lined with Tiger tanks was particularly impressive, although for some reason the Elephant tank was missing and there were more T-34s, which seemed to be playing the role of the enemy. Located within an army training ground, the museum also hosts tank demonstrations during the day, attracting large crowds of families who sat on the grass to enjoy the spectacle. As expected of a military facility, the exhibition concluded with a discussion on ‘What will future tanks look like?’ followed by ‘Why is preparation necessary?’ This highlighted the museum’s commitment to educating the public about the importance of preparedness.
I left early to arrive at the venue before opening time from a nearby hotel, but there were Challengers and extremely rare Conways parked along the roads around the venue, several more in the car park, and turrets scattered around. Beyond the fence, abandoned vehicle bodies were rusted red, so it took quite some time to enter the venue. Inside the museum, there were tanks, tanks, and more tanks packed tightly together. There was a Chieftain tank ride experience for families, where each participant was assigned a role—gunner, loader, and commander—which was a lot of fun. The gunner’s seat was so narrow that even I felt cramped, and I could imagine it would be tough to stay there for a long time. Still, there was a note saying, ‘This is a tea set. It’s an essential item for the British Army,’ which was an interesting touch.
The realistic, life-size diorama of World War I, complete with wounded soldiers, is quite impactful for children. The exhibition allows visitors to experience the fear that infantry soldiers must have felt when tanks came charging over the trenches. It was an excellent facility where one could learn about the history and technological evolution of tanks. While the British tank exhibition was exceptionally comprehensive, the German tank section felt lacking in attention to detail, with some equipment not properly restored and model numbers not clearly labelled. However, it was fascinating to see the Japanese Type 95 tank for the first time, though it looked rather fragile compared to the heavier tanks on display. After walking through the museum twice, watching the Sturmgeschuetz III in action, having lunch, and buying souvenirs, it was a thoroughly satisfying day.
Inside the Chieftain. I was assigned to the gunner’s seat because of my small build. The girl whose knees are visible is from Cologne, and she is the commander. It’s so cramped. Her boyfriend is standing to her left as the loader. In modern tanks, the driver is in a completely separate compartment. It must be lonely. I wonder if he can get tea service.The Chieftain is at the front of the line for test drives, with the Challenger 1 and 2 next to it, making for a luxurious display. The staff lady invites children to try painting camouflage on a wooden tank. Outside the frame, there is also a play area for toddlers.This 131 Tiger is famous for being in active service. There are caterpillar track marks on the floor. With Tiger Day coming up in September, we’re sure to see it in action.The Sherman tank used in Brad Pitt’s film FURY. There used to be a picture of a Sturmtiger painted on the floor here.For some reason, the horses are displayed with unrealistic metal skeletons. There are blood-stained dolls lying around.These vehicles kick up dust and rumble around the training ground. The soldiers are not active duty (probably mostly veterans) but volunteers. There were also many retired people working as volunteers inside the building.I can’t forgive the British! Whether they knew it or not, they turned the valuable small turret of the Panther F into a target and riddled it with holes. Idiots!Old Japanese army tank. I’ve never seen one before. Considering it’s from the same era as the Type 2 tank, it’s not too bad. But if you were riding in this and a Sherman came along, you’d have no choice but to run away.Bulletproofing? What a wimp! Cromwell seems to be saying. The huge pointed nut looks sadistically cool.Every man’s dream, a multi-turret tank! To aim with the front gun, you have to turn the whole tank body! The thick gun barrel looks surprisingly strong.It’s definitely true that only short people can be tank drivers in Russian Army, judging by the unusually low height of the T72. And then there’s that long main gun. It has the presence befitting an enemy.Is this paint job okay for this Jagdpanther? The equipment is still attached, and it’s fine to keep it in its original condition, but please research it properly and restore it. You clearly don’t have “love” to German tanks.A bizarre tank designed in Australia. It looks like a British cruiser tank turret cast in iron. What is that squashed thing in front that looks like a gun? The strange curves and unexpected shape even give it a futuristic look. I guess you shouldn’t let Australians design weapons.Unrestored and abandoned, rust-covered tanks lie scattered outside.Like this, before reaching the car park, there were tanks scattered around. If I stopped the car every time to take photos, I would never reach the museum!
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