Press Release: Tank Museum provides a look at what might have been: The Living Museum at St James' Park

TANK MUSEUM PROVIDES A LOOK AT WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN

News Release issued: 23rd June 2005

Sixty years ago it would have been an image
that symbolised the final defeat of Britain in World War Two.

Today, the sight of a German Panzer tank at the gates of Buckingham Palace serves as a stark reminder of what might have been; had it not been for the bravery, and determination of an entire generation.

A sight we fortunatley never saw

The Panzer III, provided by The Tank Museum in Dorset, is to be a part of the World War Two living Museum, being constructed in St James' Park to mark 60 years since the end of the war.

Tank Museum spokesman Nik Wyness said; "This is something the nation could have been faced with in 1940 - and with this picture we want to remind people just how close we came to defeat. On top of that is the desire to remember and thank those that gave up six years of their lives to fight a long and costly war they would certainly rather not have been a part of."

The Living Museum is a temporary museum which is being built in St James's Park as part of the official government 60th anniversary commemorations of VE and VJ day. With exhibits being provided by a range of museums and exhibitors, organisers say it will offer an unprecedented opportunity for the public to see highlights from many of the Nation's major collections simultaneously on a 25,000 square metre site.

"The museum will mark the contribution made by the entire nation to the war effort, giving younger people a better understanding of the part played by the British people during the war years. This is a goal all the Museums taking part share, so it is something The Tank Museum is very proud to be a part of," said Nik.

The Tank Museum is providing two other British Tanks to the living Museum; a Valentine mark IX, which made a name for itself during the North African campaign and a Churchill AVRE which played an important part in the success of the British landing on D-Day.

"I've only been there for five minutes!" The Met write repel the Nazi invasion with a parking ticket.

The Living Museum at St James' Park in London
opens its doors from Monday 4th to Sunday 10th July.

ENDS

More information about the history of the Panzer III is available on request.

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