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IN PICTURES: Sunken WWII Tanks Found Off Dorset Coast

Underwater footage has captured the remains of Valentine tanks that sank in the English Channel as the Allies trained for the D-Day Landings.

In 1944, the Allies were preparing for Operation Overlord.

It was to be the largest amphibious landing in human history and the Dorset coast became busy with troops practising for the operation.

Specially modified tanks designed to make amphibious landings were tested at Studland Bay and driven into the sea.

However, not all would make it back onto dry land.

A total of seven tanks sank, bringing six men with them.

During the actual D-Day landings almost all of the 112 amphibious tanks launched offshore were lost. — During the actual D-Day landings, almost all of the 112 amphibious tanks launched offshore were lost (Picture: Isle of Purbeck Sub Aqua Club).

(Credit: Isle of Purbeck Sub Aqua Club) — Seven decades later, the Isle of Purbeck Sub Aqua Club decided to survey and photograph the wrecks ahead of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings (Picture: Isle of Purbeck Sub Aqua Club).

The photographs will form part of an exhibition, 'Project Valentine 75', that will go on display next year.

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