Dorset's Tank Museum helping the Ukrainian war effort
They've been offering advice to soldiers driving Cold War-era vehicles
Dorset's Tank Museum at Bovington has been playing a role in helping Ukraine in its war efforts against Russia.
Experts have been digging out manuals and parts for Cold War-era vehicles that are being used on the frontline.
As part of the Government’s support to Ukraine, companies have been asked to assist with replacement parts and upgrades to vehicles – and this included replacement tracks.
Tank Museum curator David Willey, found manuals and drawings for the tanks being used by President Zelenskyy’s forces.
These have then helped Cook Defence Systems re-engineer new tracks, some of which have just arrived in Ukraine and will help the country’s army keep fighting.
Mr Willey said: “When we were asked to help we immediately went and looked for anything that might be of assistance.
“UK’s defence companies are very keen to assist but in some cases the people from the Cold War era are no longer around and the knowledge has gone in some areas.
“Details such as the angles, pitch and tension required for the new tracks were sought and our archive was able to provide them.
“We also found examples of the actual items required such as T72 tracks and pins from one of the vehicles in the collection. The new parts could then be made accurately, some for the very first time in the UK.
“Part of the museum’s role is to help retain corporate memory and it’s surprising how many issues for defence contractors, designers and of course the actual soldiers, come back again and again.
“We also have Ukrainian soldiers training here at Bovington and they visit the museum and just as with the current British Army, the collection is used for training.
“This goes back to the beginnings of the museum which was created as a teaching collection for the first Tank Corps soldiers at the end of the First World War.
“It has been an honour to play a small part in helping our allies in their war against an aggressor.
“And there are many other ongoing projects with UK companies and organisations that are all doing their bit too.”