World War 2 Tank found in Lake
After 62 years of hiding in a lake this monster Russian T34/76A has emerged from its hibernation in pristine condition.
The tank was purposefully driven into the lake 62 years ago by Germans while withdrawing along the Narva front in Estonia. Intense battle were fought between the Germans and Russians in the narrow Narva front in Estonia seeing 100,000 men killed.
It was discovered not 62 years later but back in 1944 when a small boy (Kurtna Matasjarv) saw tracks leading into the lake and noticed bubbles coming up. So why was it only uncovered now? 62 years later the same person finally told a leader of a local war history club who went to investigate.
The club dived the waters and detected it on the lake bottom covered in 3 meters of mud. They hired a bulldozer and dragged out the 30 ton tank. Not an easy feat.
Amazingly the tank emerged in perfect condition with not a spec of rust. After a little tinkering the team fired up the Diesel Engine and took it for a spin. The tank has a top speed of 53km/hr. The tank was captured by the Germans from the Russians at the battle of Sinimaed and converted into their own which is why it shows German markings.
The tank will be placed in the war history museum and fully restored. It is an extremely rare find. Not sure you will find many of these with your hobby Metal Detector.
