The Renault Char B1 tank, which has been in situ in Jersey War Tunnels since February, is to return to The Tank Museum in Bovington.
Visitors will have their last chance to see the tank in all its glory over the coming week before it makes the return trip on 5th September.
Facing its commanding size and impressive structure it has become an experience not to be missed. It’s been an extremely popular exhibit and Jersey War Tunnels will be sad to see such a unique piece of Jersey Occupation history leave the island.
The tank is returning to its home The Tank Museum in Bovington, where they are in the final stages of their multi-million pound refurbishment. It will travel by road in the early hours of the morning and then be transported by sea with Condor Ferries. It’s a long and strategically complicated journey that will be co-ordinated by the Jersey Field Squadron.
The tank has been popular with visitors and locals alike and has become a picture focal point at the tunnels. It’s been a rare opportunity for the public to see such an important part of Occupation weaponry at close hand. Many on island and overseas school groups have enjoyed the interpretation and talks detailing its Occupation history.
The tank is an impressive 29 tonne vehicle, which was one of the seventeen French built Char’s actually based in Jersey and used by the Germans during the Occupation. In its day the Char B was regarded as one of the most powerful tanks in the world. This particular tank was issued to 1st Platoon, 1st Company, Panzer Abteilung 213, Panzer Division Schweizingen for service in the Channel Islands and was captured on Jersey at the end of the war. In German service, the tank never fired a shot in conflict. When the rest of tanks were returned to France in May 1946, this was sent to the School of Tank Technology in Britain before being exhibited in The Tank Museum, Bovington.
Paul Simmonds, Chief Executive of Jersey War Tunnels, said:
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has made this tremendous initiative possible, particularly His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, The Jersey Field Squadron, Condor Ferries and of course Bovington Tank Museum. It has been an extraordinary privilege to exhibit the Char within the tunnel space. It has greatly enhanced the visitor experience and set us a high benchmark of display of which we will endeavour to emulate next season. Whilst we are all sorry to see its departure, we are eagerly anticipating viewing the Char back in its exciting new surroundings in Bovington.”
His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Lieutenant-General Andrew Ridgway said:
"I shall be sorry to see the Char B1 tank leave the Island. It has been a missing link in the full story of the Occupation and I am delighted that so many islanders have been to see the tank at Jersey War Tunnels. The tank will now take its place in the recently completed magnificent new display hall at the Tank Museum at Bovington in Dorset. The Tank Museum has the finest collection of Battle Tanks in the World and I hope many islanders will visit Bovington in the years ahead to see "their" tank on display. I am most grateful to the staff at Jersey War Tunnels for so willingly providing a temporary home for the tank during the rebuilding programme".
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Issued by Natasha Egré, Image PR, Tel: 01534 734444, email: natasha.egre@imageci.com
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