The Rhino and the Leopard: Bovington previews this year's guests at Tankfest

Two examples of German armour will be making an appearance at Tankfest this year – a Second World War Nashorn tank destroyer and a modern-day Leopard 2A4 main battle tank.

The armoured vehicles will be guests at the event from 26 to 28 June, staged at Bovington Tank Museum.

The Nashorn – which is German for Rhinoceros – is a particularly welcome visitor, as the vehicle will be running at the Dorset festival for the first time.

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Best of three

This example is one of only three survivors and is the only one that has been restored to running condition.

The Nashorn saw an 8.8cm Pak 43/1 gun mounted on the modified chassis of a Panzer IV – the Nashorn being one of numerous vehicles to be based on the tank.

The vehicle, which was initially called the Hornisse (Hornet), first saw action at Kursk, where its main gun proved formidable over the open terrain.

However, its open fighting compartment and thin armour made it vulnerable, and it was not well suited to the constrained environment of Italy, where many ended up being sent.

Phoenix rising

This particular Nashorn was restored to driving condition by the Nashorn Restoration Project, but disaster struck when a fire burned down the workshop in 2019, causing extreme damage to the vehicle. This was a massive setback for the team.

Members of the Nashorn Restoration Project, led by Robby van Sambeek, were determined to continue with the restoration and launched a fundraising campaign to bring the Nashorn back from the ashes.

And with donations from the tank community and wider help from the international community of military vehicle restorers, museums and historians, the Nashorn has risen again – earning it the name Phoenix.

The Nashorn will be joined by the modern Leopard 2A4, courtesy of the Royal Netherlands Army.

Leopard set to prowl the arena

The Leopard 2 is a German-built main battle tank, currently in frontline service with several Nato allies as well as the Ukrainian armed forces. The vehicle is prized for its firepower and excellent mobility.

The Dutch Leopard going to Tankfest is an older A4 variant; the current A8 has improved protection and digital systems.

Tankfest features running tank displays, mock battles and living history re-enactors.

Around 20,000 people travel from across the world to attend. Find out more by clicking here.