A lost Nazi tank has been recovered from its watery grave after almost 80 years, revealing the only surviving tank of its kind in the world.
For decades, local legend said that in 1945 the Nazis lost several tanks while retreating across the Czarna Nida River near Bieleckie Młyny in southern Poland.
The legends proved true when two incomplete tanks were towed from the river in 1990 and 2003 respectively, but there were still reports that there was another yet to be discovered.
Now that vehicle has also been found, and history buffs have unearthed a unique Bergepanther – a tank that tows tanks – that may be the last of its kind.
And the tank could be worth a fortune, with a similar model fetching €15m (£13m) in Germany two years ago, according to local media.
The tank is pulled out of the water. History buffs have unearthed a unique Bergepanther – a tank-towing tank – that may be the last of its kind
The tank after being towed to shore. The vehicle could be worth a fortune, with a similar model sold in Germany two years ago for 15 million euros (£13 million), according to local media
Michał Kęszycki, technical manager of the tank farm that organized the recovery operation, traced the discovery back 30 years.
He said: “The story begins in the early 90s when an old man showed my uncle the spot where the vehicle sank.” The story was that there was a tank that pulled other tanks.
“The old man knew a little about German tanks and told my uncle it was a Panther tank without a turret.
“The guy was old and just showed the place, but not exactly. We found the exact location with a magnetometer a few months ago.”
The rusted tank. Michał Kęszycki, technical manager of the tank farm, said: “There are only a few existing Bergepanther tanks in the world, but this version is the only one.”
The tank is pulled out of the water. The Bergepanther was introduced in 1943 because the Nazis were having difficulty recovering lost tanks
He continued: “The wreck of the Bergepanther Ausf. D from the Siebert factory is, to my knowledge, the only one in the world.
“There are only a few existing Bergepanther tanks in the world, but this version is the only one.”
The Bergepanther was introduced in 1943 because the Nazis were having difficulty recovering lost tanks.
Up until this point, they were struggling to recover their tanks with trucks, and other tanks were forbidden from assisting lest both vehicles be lost.
However, the Bergepanther had a winch capable of pulling even heavier tanks and sufficient armor to operate under fire.
Local historian Konrad Maj said five such Bergepanthers had been stationed in the area since late 1944, where the Nazi 16th Panzer Division waited for a Soviet attack.
But by mid-January 1945 the Germans were surrounded, and in their hasty retreat some tried to cross the Czarna Nida without finding a bridge.
The lost Nazi tank. Local historian Konrad Maj said five such Bergepanthers had been stationed in the area since late 1944, where the Nazi 16th Panzer Division waited for a Soviet attack
Mr Maj said: “In a desperate attempt to escape this trap, some tankers tried to cross Czarna Nida.”
“During such an attempt, the rescued Bergepanther sank.
“Soviet engineer troops reported that the ice on Czarna Nida only allowed lighter vehicles to cross – it was not suitable for tanks.”
The tank now remains in the Polish Army Museum in Warsaw, which described the vehicle as an “absolute rarity”.
Mr. Kęszycki complained that the Tank Farm, a museum and vehicle restoration company, could not keep its discovery.
However, he said the recovery itself was a “dream experience.”
He said: “This type of recreation proves some historical messages that have been passed down through several generations of local people – another legend come true!”
“It also provides a rare opportunity to gain access to samples of the parts of this rare vehicle.”