History

Pucka’s potent tanks Russion T-72. One of more than 70 AFVs displayed. Photo By Cpl Damian Shovell, Army newspaper By Cpl Damian Shovell Finding something for the kids to do these school holidays might not be as difficult as you might imagine. Why not join the more than 15,000 annual visitors to the Australian Army Tank Museum in Puckapunyal, which houses one of the largest collections of Australian and international armoured vehicles in the world with more than 60 wheeled and tracked vehicles including every Australian armoured vehicle from the first tank, the Vickers Medium Tank MKII, to the current in-service Leopard AS 1-4. Curator WO2 Joe Linford said the museum has undergone a series of dramatic upgrades in recent years and now boasts some impressive new additions. “The most recent acquisition is the Swedish S tank and the RKV91, which were donated by the Swedish government,” he said. The collection started in 1946 after WW2 and continues to attract visitors from the public and the training establishments in the area. “The main thrust of the museum is educating soldiers, then it’s the preservation of the corps heritage.” The museum also houses 15 artillery and anti-tank guns, and it’s archives contain manuals, diaries, maps, photographs and Light Horse memorabilia “Some of the most significant Light Horse stuff includes Sir Harry Chauvel’s Desert Mounted Corps standard that was the one that flew over his headquarters at Beersheeba, and the lance he was given by Sir Phillip Chetwode when he took command of the Desert Mounteed Corps.” Further information including admission prices and opening times can be found at www.armytankmuseum.com.au