Introduction    History    Museum    Restoration   Links

Museum

After the battle of Overloon some local people started to collect the weapons and equipment that were left on the battlefield. That was the start of the National war- and resistance-museum in Overloon. It was officially opened in 1946 by major-general "Bolo" Wisthler of the 3rd British Infantry Division. The exposition of the materials was rather primitive in those days as can be seen in the picture on the right.

 

Panther 222 was also added to the collection. After the track was repaired by shortening it (the last wheel of the tank was not in the track), the tank was towed to the museum park. Apart from the track the condition of the tank was rather good. As you can see in this picture from the early years of the museum, a lot of equipment is still attached to the tank.

 

Despite the regular paintjob the condition of the tank gradually deteriorated. Not very surprising considering the circumstances in which the tank was exhibited. For more then 50 years it stood there in all kinds of weather. Thousands upon thousands of schoolchildren climbed on to it, just to have peek through the rear hatch (which could not be closed) of the turret.

 

It became obvious that Panther 222 needed a great overhaul.