My trip to the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum, Vienna

[Fred the Fop]

Hello folks, I just wanted to share a few photos I took on my trip in October to the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum.
It is a magnificent museum, with a number of factors that add up to serious examination; the range of history, the personalities, the battles, etc.

I was particularly drawn to the automobile in which the Archduke Ferdinand was riding when he was killed.

THe tunic he was wearing, complete with bloodstains and knife cut of the surgeon to reach his wound were under glass too. I dis not think it was
allowed to photograph, so I did not dare!

But my real purpose was to have my first hands on experience, up close, with the tanks of World War 2. Strangely, there are no panzers on display! I really don't know why this is the case, but I am baffled about this. Maybe someone can shed light on this?
Not to be disappointed, there were a few Soviet AFV's, namely the T-34/85 and the TD based on its chassis, to counter the newer German tanks (Tiger & Panther), the Su-85. I am guessing these examples were left over from the battles in the spring of 1945 or from occupation duty. Of that, I am not sure.
Hope you enjoy the beauties!

[Fred the Fop]

Here are the views of the Su-85. Not the comparison to its cousin, the T-34.

[Dann Falk]

Great pictures....what else did you see?

BTW, your SU-85 looks like a SU-100 to me, because the commanders copola and the bulge on the side armor. The SU-85 did not have this.

[maxxx]

the russian as well as the american tanks were donated by the allied occupation forces (both western and soviet) to the new austrian bundesheer when they left in 1955. (maybe it was cheaper than take the scrap metal home...) You can see the austrian vehicle markings.

And why are there no german panzers? hmmm... maybe because its an austrian museum and what was left of german military equipment was evacuated to germany or destroyed in the fighting or by the post war occupation forces. No german heavy eqquipment went into the new austrian army.

Also dont forget the HGM was the oldest and first ever purpose build museum in Austria and dedicated to the imperial austrian forces. For decades there wasnt even a WW2 exhibition (The new galleries 1918-1945 has only recently be added) even though the austrians always had incredible historic military treasures. But you will see the exhibition is not a Wehrmacht exhibition but has also a lot of items from the different armed party forces of the 30ies, the first republic bundesheer and even the austrian anti nazi partisan battalions.

But my favorite (beside the Franz Ferdinand Room) is the NApoleonic Collection. Did you count the french eagles:)? In London they would have built half a dozen museums around them:)

[Fred the Fop]

Maxx, thanks for the information. I kind of had the feeling they were donated, I am new to vehicle ID's so I will definitely learn for my next trip. Being next to such vehicles, the massive size really overwhelms you. I wonder the effect they had on some infantryman in a ditch, watching them lumber towards him! I did not count the eagles, but I did love the Napoleonic room very much. I think i have a few photos from there, too.

Yeah Dann, you corrected me! I am embarrassed about not recognizing the copula, thanks for that! I have a few more photos to share, indeed. Sit back and drool at these beauts...

[Fred the Fop]

Some more, fellas...

[Marcus]

Thanks for sharing those photos.

/Marcus

[melbar16]

Good snaps indeed.
It's been almost 5 years since i last visited the museum. The T-34/85 has got a lick of paint since i was there. Not quite sure but some of the outdoor displays appear to have been changed around a bit. That's not a bad thing of course!
Also when i was there i just paid my 'photo fee' and was allowed snap away as much as i liked, including the Archduke's uniform! Maybe they don't allow flash photography anymore? Can anyone clarify this?
It certainly is one of the finest museums in it's category that i've ever been to. The presentation and condition of everything on display is simply superb.
Hope i can make another visit within the next year or 2!
Actually i think the attached pic was taken outside this place back in 1945, shame a few of these beauties didn't make the collection!
http://www.ostpanzer.boom.ru/Fkaput.JPG
Enjoy all
DG

[Fred the Fop]

Sorry Melbar! So long to reply, I just saw this now. Well, WOW, what can I say about this photo you posted? I am sure there are people here that can let us know if these Panthers are remnants of the 6th SS Panzer Army that ma have retreated via Vienna after the failure of the Lake Balaton offensive.
The use of flash cameras in the museum, especially in the Archduke Ferdinand room, is not forbidden, as far as I know.

[Jan-Hendrik]

A Big Bertha type Rail gun

No, Sir!

38cm Haubitze M16 von Skoda

http://i41.tinypic.com/sg4x85.jpg

Jan-Hendrik