Phone Tag

The fanboys are whining that I failed to provide or name any credible sources to back up my assertions. So, I spent most of Friday on the phone with Michael Knapp, the Deputy Director of Museums at the Center for Military History, at Ft. McNair, Va. (Mike certainly qualifies as official and credible source.) He was aware of the press release and attributed its timing as a face saving measure and damage control by Mr. Wheatcroft in order to prevent further erosion of his already tarnished reputation in the eyes of museums and collectors. Dr. Knapp pointed out that Wheatcroft's name was not mentioned in any of the official Army press releases about the Tiger; and, this was his way of keeping his name connected with it.That's because he had no role in the recovery. That credit goes to the personnel of RAF Alconbury. Mike told me that, contrary to what was stated in the press release, it would be preposterous to believe that the U.S. would extend an invitation to Wheatcroft, allowing his group to perform any restoration work on the Tiger, considering the circumstances. Mike also said that the personnel who perform restorations for the U.S. Army are more than capable of doing the work themselves. If anything, Len Dyer (He also qualifies as official and credible.) would consult with Bovington, not Wheatcroft. He said Len Dyer had a technical evaluation team sent to KW's place, in 2008, to inspect the vehicle. The team also went to inspect the Tiger this year, prior to its return. They noted that the Tiger was stripped down and a number of parts, which were present during the '08 inspection, were now missing (No rumor or lies here. This is what was found). A large number of parts were found in boxes or just laying around during that  last visit. Once the tank and loose parts arrive at Ft. Benning, Len's staff will perform a more detailed examination/inventory to determine what else is missing. Mike suggested that I contact Len Dyer personally and ask him for further details; so, he gave me Len's number in Ft. Benning. I'd be calling him later in the afternoon.

I called Len later Friday afternoon. He said, among other things, that Mr. Wheatcroft might have an invitation to come and look at the Tiger; but, in no way will he (Wheatcroft), or his staff, will ever turn a wrench on it. That corroborates what Mr. Knapp said. He was invited to RAF Alconbury to observe the Tiger being prepped for shipment stateside; he was a no-show.

Subsequently, the Tiger I was stripped down and cleaned...

According to the press release, Wheatcroft's staff supposedly stripped the vehicle and cleaned it. It must have been a superficial cleaning; because, Mr. Dyer also said that, upon a more detailed inspection of the hull, a solid mass of compacted mud, grease and dirt was found packed in the lower hull around the torsion bars and rails in the driver's compartment. The soil wasn't indigenous to either Germany or North Africa. This rubbery, mastic buildup entered the hull, through an access point which was missing a cover plate, during mobility tests conducted at Aberdeen during the war. This mess is over seventy years old. Must've missed that, huh? So much for "stripped down and cleaned".

After contacting JAG and the APG Public Affairs Office, the very courteous and helpful individuals I spoke with suggested that I file a FOIA request for all documents pertaining to the withdrawn court case, and any settlement which was made. So, I did just that. The press release is only Mr. Wheatcroft's narrative of events. Wheatcroft can spin his version any way he likes. The court and settlement agreement documents will provide the full story. As with the Swedish court papers, Kevin doesn't have the juice to prevent anyone from obtaining them. There are some things money just can't buy, ain't that right Mr. W?