Mephisto

I'm pleased to hear that a unique piece of World War I history is being restored.

'Mephisto' is the only surviving German A7V tank, of which only 20 were built and saw combat during the final year of the war.  It was captured by Australian troops and smuggled out of France under the noses of the British authorities (who wanted it for their own war museum).  Australia planned to display it in Sydney, but the Digger troops (all from Queensland) didn't think that was fair;  so they unloaded it from the ship in Brisbane, where it's remained ever since.

The tank was damaged during the 2011 Queensland floods, and has been undergoing restoration.  Courtesy of Australian reader Snoggeramus, here's a video report about it.

It's good to know that so unique an exhibit is being restored to its former glory.  If I ever make it 'down under', it's on my list of things to see.

There's a replica A7V at The Tank Museum in Britain, probably the most comprehensive institution of its kind in the world.  Here's a brief video report, showing it in operation.

Peter