Ardennes,Houfflaize Panther Tank Ausf. G,

[Martin Bull]

I'm not sure how I feel about the fact it stands in a quarry, the large rocks would not be easy for a tank to negotiate....

That was absolutely my first impression ! But on thinking further ( actually in response to a query from my wife ) it does make sense. Sure, the rocks don't look at all 'Ardennes '44' '. But having seen the climate damage and spraypaint-vandalism which happens elsewhere ,on closer inspection the rocks are placed to quickly drain away any standing water. The rocks are also sharp and loose .Tough to walk across, and a sign says basically - if you break a leg it's down to you ! As I hope the pics show, my disappointment evaporated when I found that the design of the monument allows all detail to be quite easily photographed, so I wasn't tempted to clamber over it. ( And before my halo gets too tight, I freely confess to having in the past clambered all over the Grandmenil Panther and Vimoutiers Tiger - albeit in soft-soled shoes ).

The whole monument has been well - thought - out IMO ; let's hope that idiots leave it alone......

[CARL]

Very well presented relic of the war, as it should be.

And nicely posted Martin, well done.

[BlackCat1982]

Pleased to hear I'm not the only person to get up "really close" to the Panzers and Sherman's in the past Martin. I agree about the rocks being a decent vandal barrier too.

[Martin Bull]

.....(perhaps it is a small reminder of where it ended up after coming off the bridge into the river)..

I scanned this pic from the (very informative) displayat the monument. One theory is that the guys on the bridge had cut holes under the tank to 'search for Lugers' ( obviously prototype WRF members.... ). This is the Northernmost Houffalize bridge over the Ourthe....