There are still original WW2 era heavy weapons to be located, proof of this came with the discovery of not one but three original Panzerkampfwagen IIIN's from a Norwegian gunnery range. Above a brace of Panzer III as they are loaded onto the low loaders.
The Panzers had all originally been utilised as static defences, their short 75mm KwK L/24 being little use against the later Soviet tanks that they might have originally seen combat against. All the Panzers were located at Bardufoss airfield in Northern Norway, probably originally belonging to Pz. Abt 211, which had been based in Finland in 1944, alternatively they may herald from Pz. Abt Norwegen.
Unfortunately they are at present all missing their engines, and some running gear. In addition they have had some holes cut into the sides of the hulls (in order that they could be accessed in their later roll as static bunkers.
The hope is that at least one will be resurrected into full running order. All three Panzers have since been moved to Germany for restoration. Below: This is how they first made their appearance, note the hull has been encased in concrete on the side nearest the photographer, the entrance to the fighting compartment being through a hole in the hull on the other side.
