What is the origin of the lake tank image that has become a meme? (2021)
The "Panzer of the Lake" meme features a German soldier observing a submerged Panzer IV tank, taken on May 13, 1940, and gained popularity online starting in 2017.
Read original article
The "Panzer of the Lake" meme originates from a photograph depicting a German soldier observing a submerged Panzer IV tank in the Meuse River, Belgium, taken on May 13, 1940. The tank belonged to the 31st Panzer Regiment of the 5th Panzer Division, commanded by Lt. Heinz Zobel, and was lost during an attempt to capture a bridge. The soldier in the image is identified as a German pioneer, likely involved in the recovery of the tank, which was not retrieved until 1941. The photo first appeared online in 2017, but its exact origins remain unclear. The tank's model is confirmed as a Panzer IV D, characterized by its short-barreled 7.5 cm KwK 37 gun. The soldier's uniform suggests he was part of a tank recovery crew, and the rifle he holds is identified as a Kar98k. The meme gained popularity due to the humorous juxtaposition of the soldier's serious demeanor against the absurdity of a tank submerged in a river, leading to various internet adaptations and remixes.
- The meme features a German soldier looking at a submerged Panzer IV tank.
- The photograph was taken during World War II, specifically on May 13, 1940.
- The tank was part of the 31st Panzer Regiment and was lost during a failed bridge capture attempt.
- The soldier is identified as a German pioneer involved in the tank's recovery.
- The meme gained traction online starting in 2017, leading to various adaptations.
Related
Everything you've been told about the 'Chickenpox bomber' is wrong
The 'Chickenpox bomber' story involves mathematician Abraham Wald correcting military officers' armor placement misconceptions during World War II. Lessons on critical thinking and source verification are underscored for future conflicts.
The Laconia Incident
The Laconia Incident in 1942 involved the sinking of a British troopship by a German U-Boat, leading to a rescue operation and the subsequent "Laconia Order" prohibiting rescues by U-boats.
German Navy blasts out Darth Vader theme on Thames
A German Navy ship in London played the "Imperial March" on the Thames during a training stop, with the music choice made freely by the commander, attracting local attention.
Northern Ontario man solves local legend, finds vintage liquor at bottom of lake
Jason Ploeger discovered a sunken 1929 taxi cab in Larder Lake, resolving a 1937 local legend. He recovered six liquor bottles, with plans for an auction to benefit a charity.
Russia lost so many tanks that nation's largest studio donated movie props
Mosfilm donated 28 T-55 and 8 PT-76 tanks to the Russian military amid significant tank losses in Ukraine, highlighting challenges in maintaining armored capabilities during the ongoing conflict.
- Several users express appreciation for the detailed historical context surrounding the image and its significance.
- There are discussions about the meme's obscurity, with some commenters noting they had never encountered it before.
- Users share personal experiences related to tanks and military history, including visits to tank museums.
- Some comments highlight the humor and absurdity of the meme, referencing pop culture and internet lore.
- There is a general sentiment of nostalgia for the internet's earlier days and a desire for more straightforward, less stylized content.
21 commentsThe mythical Lady of the Lake:
Probably best known via Monthy Python:
Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.
In short: She teaches Lancelot arts and writing, infusing him with wisdom and courage, and overseeing his training to become an unsurpassed warrior.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_of_the_Lake
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/EnigmaticEmpower...
This writeup deserves its own website, something with minimal CSS, where you'll discover a bunch of family snapshots and party photos if you click around.
> 1st Lieutenant de Wispelaere had prepared the bridge for demolition ... De Wispelaere immediately pushed the electrical ignition, but there was no explosion... Wispelaere now left his shelter and worked the manual ignition device. Trying to get back to his bunker, he was hit by a burst from a German machine gun and fell to the ground, mortally wounded. At the same time, the explosive charge went off.
Hats off to all who helped each other find this once lost story from history.
Great writeup, but I did have a little chuckle reading "it was taken about near here", followed by coordinates precise enough to identify a single atom. https://xkcd.com/2170/
If someone was so motivated, they could probably go back to the internet archives of the auction that happened after Jacques died to find a picture of both the restored tank and its providence.
Interesting uniform
"Krupp factory in Essen, apparently."
Related
Everything you've been told about the 'Chickenpox bomber' is wrong
The 'Chickenpox bomber' story involves mathematician Abraham Wald correcting military officers' armor placement misconceptions during World War II. Lessons on critical thinking and source verification are underscored for future conflicts.
The Laconia Incident
The Laconia Incident in 1942 involved the sinking of a British troopship by a German U-Boat, leading to a rescue operation and the subsequent "Laconia Order" prohibiting rescues by U-boats.
German Navy blasts out Darth Vader theme on Thames
A German Navy ship in London played the "Imperial March" on the Thames during a training stop, with the music choice made freely by the commander, attracting local attention.
Northern Ontario man solves local legend, finds vintage liquor at bottom of lake
Jason Ploeger discovered a sunken 1929 taxi cab in Larder Lake, resolving a 1937 local legend. He recovered six liquor bottles, with plans for an auction to benefit a charity.
Russia lost so many tanks that nation's largest studio donated movie props
Mosfilm donated 28 T-55 and 8 PT-76 tanks to the Russian military amid significant tank losses in Ukraine, highlighting challenges in maintaining armored capabilities during the ongoing conflict.