![]() ![]() With its mere 8 tonnes, this small armoured vehicle could easily be transported by glider, thereby allowing it to cover huge distances in one leap, just like the little creature whose name it bears. For example, our display shows a Locust, primarily used as a reconnaissance vehicle for airborne troops. Tanks were also used for reconnaissance in enemy territory. As a rescue tank, its job was to evacuate damaged and immobilised tanks from the front. The American Sherman M32B1, on the other hand, played quite a different role. After the French defeat in June 1940, the Germans captured a large number of these tracked vehicles, which were then converted and used for other purposes, for instance the defence of airfields. was used for transporting supplies of munitions, fuel and food on the battlefield. Originally, tanks were used at the front in order to penetrate enemy lines and tow artillery pieces. The Military Museum possesses three of those impressive Great War contraptions: the British Mark IV Male, the British Whippet and the French Renault FT17. The large tracks can handle all terrains the trenches and swampy areas are no longer out of reach. This “secret” name however remains in the running, even when all armies are equipped with the new invention. In order to mislead the opponent the armoured tracked vehicle appears on the First World War battlefields under the codename “tank”. The vehicle is soon equipped with armoured plating, in order to resist enemy fire. The British caterpillar tractor is the forerunner of what was later on to become the tank. Numerous armoured vehicles are also on display there. Work is performed at the remote storage facilities the Museum has for instance in Brasschaat (near Antwerp) or Bastogne. Collection items are restored according to detailed documentation. The armoured vehicle section is inaugurated on and comprises vehicles, transmission equipment and pieces used by artillery and military engineering. ![]()
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