This is a photoset of the German Panther tank in Houffalize, Belgium. This Panzerkampfwagen V was left behind in the Ourthe river. Although it changed quite a bit over the years we wanted to share our photoset for enthousiast and modellers.
The Panther tank on public display in Houffalize was part of 116 Panzer-Division, LVIII Panzerkorps, Panzer Armee. On 19 December 1944 the Germans invaded Houffalize during the Battle of the Bulge. The German 116th Armored Division endured allied bombings and on January the 3rd the US 2nd and 3rd Armored Division started a counter offensive. The Germans redrew on the 15th of January 1945 and during the fighting the Panther tank ended up in the Ourthe river bank.
It was recovered on 20 September 1945 by engineers from the Belgian army and put on display. Over the years it was repainted several times, starting out with the German Field gray color followed by a three tone camouflage scheme. It was restored from 2017, live ammunition was found inside, and placed back on its pedestal.
The Panther in Houffalize is a Panther Ausf. G. As mentioned it belonged to 116th Panzerdivision and had originally number 111. It has Fahrgestell number 124317 (Eng.
Chassis number )and was built in May 1944 by Daimler Benz.
In total there are three panther tanks in open displays in the Ardennes Belgium, one is this Panther tank in Houffalize, the second can be seen in Grandmenil and the third is in Celles.
Our photos are from 2008 with the old wittering paint job (and live tank munition inside). Today it has a different color scheme and is protected from the weather.
