Preservation and current position
Following the discovery, the tank was first planned to be placed in a barn in the village. However, it soon appeared the proposed building was far too small. As an immediate measure, it was decided and agreed between the Mayor of Flesquieres and Philippe Gorczynski to store the tank in the courtyard of the Mayor’s farm. That situation lasted for nearly two years and was not satisfactory, the tank being covered by a tarpaulin and suffering from heavy condensation. Philippe then searched for a suitable location. And after several possibilities, he chose a large open sided barn.
The tank is now preserved in that barn standing on a base made of granite cobbles given by the
Town of Cambrai which came from some of its old streets. It was carefully moved there by a group
of expert soldiers from 118 REME Company who spent two days on the project and used
three large
cranes and a heavy multi-wheeled trailer.
See the video: Getting ready for Deborah's move to her new home(Skynews)
See the video: Deborah moves into her new home(Skynews)
The tank is regularly treated with a special oil to reduce corrosion and has been registered
as a National Monument. Arrangements are being made to lift and replace a run of
track that was excavated at the same time. Even in its current rather temporary and
unsatisfactory surroundings, the tank attracts enormous interest. It is therefore
hoped that in the not too distant future a museum building will be constructed around
the tank to afford it far more protection. It will also enable the various collections to
be properly exhibited. Naturally this will take a considerable amount of work and money.
Next: The Mark IV