Visitors to Eden Camp can now come face-to-face with one of Britain’s largest Cold War tanks, complete with an extraordinary story behind it. The Chieftain Mk.10 05EB53, named “Bobby Dee” has arrived at the modern military museum from the former British Army gunner Rob Dove who bought the very tank he served in during the 1980s.
Rob Dove joined the British Army aged 17 and trained as a tank gunner before being posted to the 15th/19th The King’s Royal Hussars. Stationed in Detmold, West Germany, he spent two years serving aboard Chieftain Mk. 10 05EB53 alongside his crew before deploying to Cyprus in 1989.
In 2023, Rob purchased Bobby Dee and began working to restore it to running condition. Today it once again carries the markings it wore during its service with Rob in Detmold in 1986, faithfully restored to how he remembers it.
The tank represents an iconic period of Britain’s Cold War military history, but it also has strong links to the North of England as the Chieftain was built using components manufactured at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Leeds, with final assembly undertaken by Vickers Defence Systems in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Rob Dove, owner of Bobby Dee, said: “Seeing 05EB53 at Eden Camp is incredibly special because it’s not just a tank to me – it’s part of my own story. We spent years training and serving together during the Cold War, so finding it again decades later and restoring it has been an unforgettable journey. I’m so excited for people to have the chance to see it up close and personal, with the chance to learn about the vehicle itself and the people who served in it.
The Chieftain Mk.10 05EB53 entered service with the British Army in 1986. Weighing around 56 tonnes and armed with the formidable 120mm L11A5 rifled main gun, the Chieftain was regarded as one of the most heavily armed and best-protected main battle tanks of its generation.
Eden Camp is proud to welcome Chieftain Mk.10 05EB53 into its collection, where visitors can experience not only an outstanding example of British armoured engineering, but also the unique story of a soldier reunited with a trusted companion from his Army career.
Eden Camp is also taking part in the Great British Summer Savings VAT reduction scheme, implementing the full VAT reduction to help make family days out more affordable this summer. Families can enjoy advance purchase tickets from just £14.75 for adults and concessions, £13 for children, with family tickets available from £26.25.
After exploring the immersive WWII exhibits and taking part in all the summer fun, children can enjoy a tasty Children’s Meal for just £6 during the summer holidays, making it even easier for families to enjoy an affordable day out.
