THE Tank Museum’s King Tiger has been sent on loan to the Netherlands, where it will form part of a special exhibition marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Holland.

It will be displayed at the Nationaal Militair Museum at Soesterburg until at least this autumn.

During its absence, the Tank Museum in Bovington will redevelop its own Second World War exhibitions.

Nik Wyness, of the Tank Museum, said: “We have an excellent relationship with our Dutch partners and this loan is part of an ongoing series which has seen a range of other fantastic vehicles visit the Tank Museum.

"Our Tiger 2, which would otherwise be housed in our Vehicle Conservation Centre (VCC) at this time of redevelopment, will be a major exhibit in a special exhibition to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands.”

The Tiger II (Pre-Production), or King Tiger V2, tank is the only one of its kind in the world.

Tank Museum staff said the sight of the imposing machine caused a stir on the roads, with surprised travellers snapping the tank en-route by road and ferry from Bovington.

The Tank Museum’s Second World War hall houses 60 WWII tanks and is currently undergoing a major re-display – part one of which is set to open in April.

To facilitate construction of the new exhibitions, a number of tanks have been temporarily moved to the VCC.