jeff & Maria
Active member
The story here comes from Estonia. This is a Soviet T34 tank that was captured by the Germans, hence the German markings. The tank was believed to have been driven into the lake by the retreating Germans in 1944 during fierce fighting. A young boy had seen bubbles and some oil for a few months after the troops left the area. He recently told some military history folks who decided to investigate. After diving it was confirmed a tank was down there in over 20 feet of water, and mud. It took 6 hours to pull the 30 ton tank out. It still had 116 shells in it and was void of rust. After some minor work they were able to start the diesel engine and drive it out of there. It is being restored and will be on display in the Gorodenko village near the river Narv. How cool is that!