TANKFEST 2025 is only a few days away, and the most anticipated guest at this year’s event has arrived at the Tank Museum. The world’s only running King Tiger has made the journey from France to the United Kingdom, and it’s appearance at TANKFEST will mark the first time a running Tiger II will be displayed on British soil.
One of the most iconic tanks of the Second World War, the King Tiger was generously loaned to the Tank Museum by the Musée des Blindés, in Saumur, France. With the help of TANKFEST sponsor World of Tanks, the vehicle was able to transit the English Channel to Bovington, Dorset, where it’ll wow attendees at this year’s event.
Officially designated the Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. B, the Tiger II was a level up on its predecessor, thanks to the blending of the Tiger I‘s armor with the armor sloping used on the famed Panther medium tank. Entering service toward the end of World War II, the vehicle saw action on the Eastern and European fronts – notably the battles of Normandy and the Bulge.
The King Tiger on loan from the Musée des Blindés was pieced together from parts of Tiger II’s captured by the Allies at the end of the conflict. In particular, some of its mechanics and its turret came from a command vehicle that saw action in Normandy.
Speaking in a press release, Nik Wyness, the Head of Marketing at the Tank Museum, said:
“We are very pleased to have this rare Second World War tank with us for TANKFEST 2025. This is the first time a running King Tiger has been displayed in the UK, and 24,000 visitors will have the opportunity to see it up close, as well as in the arena.
“Bringing the only running King Tiger tank in the world to the UK for the first time is a significant achievement. We’d like to thank our French colleagues, and event sponsors World of Tanks for making it possible.”
While tickets for TANKFEST 2025 are sold out, those wishing to experience the event can do so from the comfort of their homes via a live stream on June 29, beginning at 1:00 PM BST.
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Those lucky enough to attend the event in person will not only get to witness the action firsthand at the Tank Museum’s outdoor arena, but they’ll also be able to explore the museum and experience living history encampments – and much more!
The post Running King Tiger Ready to Make UK Debut at TANKFEST 2025 appeared first on warhistoryonline.
Running King Tiger Ready to Make UK Debut at TANKFEST 2025
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