From The Drive · Stephen Edelstein · · 1m 10s
Recovering a 65-Ton Tank From Swampy Field
Restoring a 65-ton British Conqueror tank missing tracks from swampy terrain with unexploded mines.
In brief
Restoring a 65-ton British Conqueror tank missing tracks from swampy terrain with unexploded mines. The Tank Museum recovered a 65-ton British Conqueror tank from swampy ground with unexploded mines after 58 years. Originally reported by The Drive.
Tank Recovery Challenge
Joe Hewes and The Tank Museum faced recovering a 65-ton British Conqueror tank missing tracks from swampy ground with unexploded mines.
Tank's Condition
The tank was missing its turret and main gun but had replacements on a derelict Conqueror used for target practice at a U.K. Ministry of Defence gunnery range.
Tracks Missing
The tank lacked tracks, which distribute weight to prevent sinking, making recovery dangerous in a live-fire area with unexploded munitions.
Recovery Process
Two military-grade Foden heavy recovery trucks lifted the tank out of the swamp, and an Oshkosh M1070 winched it onto new tracks before hauling it off-site.
Historical Significance
The British Conqueror was a missing link between the Centurion and Chieftain tanks, developed in response to Soviet IS-3 tanks after WWII.
Recovery Outcome
The tank was successfully recovered after 58 years, with the project highlighting the challenges of restoring heavy military vehicles in hazardous conditions.
The essence
The Tank Museum recovered a 65-ton British Conqueror tank from swampy ground with unexploded mines after 58 years.
