Nature perseveres, and every conflict eventually finds its resolution. Despite human endeavors, earth and time discover ways to mend the wounds of aggression. Everything is intrinsically connected to nature and, in the end, everything returns to it; as time passes, the shapes and components of lethal machinery seamlessly merge into the tapestry of landscapes.
These remnants are strewn across the world, in oceans, dense jungles, vast plains, desolate islands – even Antarctica!
M41 Walker Bulldog, Cambodia
Nature has unmistakably started reclaiming what’s believed to be an M41 Walker Bulldog in Cambodia, an enduring relic of past wars and conflicts. Gradually succumbing to rust and embraced by grass and weeds, this abandoned tank has become an ideal playground for a young child.
Type 97 ShinHōtō Chi-Ha medium tank, Russia
Could there be a more stark contrast? The soft caress of nature juxtaposed with the formidable creation of war – the Japanese-produced Type 97 ShinHōtō Chi-Ha medium tank. While the tank may have irrevocably altered the course of warfare, nature remains steadfast in reclaiming that which has been forsaken.
M4 Sherman, Peleliu
Nature’s reclaiming of war remnants isn’t always overt, with weeds and vines covering the remains. At times, it’s subtle, as seen with this M4 Sherman, now a National Historical Monument on Peleliu Island. Notice the moss emerging over the rusting and battered metal.
Reports indicate this tank fell victim to a Japanese mine amid the fierce fighting on Peleliu during World War II.
Unidentified military vehicle, Antarctica
Antarctica might seem like the least likely location for a corroding military vehicle. Whether it’s weeds and vines or snow, nature asserts its dominance over war machines without fail.
T-62, Afghanistan
In the context of war, disabled weapons and vehicles are often abandoned, such as this Soviet T-62 tank that was discovered along a road in Afghanistan. It’s presumed to have been left behind during or after the Soviet-Afghan War.
Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk
The Allies flew the Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk during the Second World War. Remarkably, this specific aircraft was discovered in excellent condition, considering how much time had passed since the conflict.
Evidently, time has been kind to this piece of history.
Mitsubishi G4M Betty
Throughout the Second World War, several aircraft found themselves at the bottom of the ocean, the victims of anti-aircraft and mid-air fire during combat. Such is the nature of war, as seen by the wreck of this Mitsubishi G4M Betty.
Consolidated B-24D Liberator, Alaska
Seeing action during the Aleutian Campaign during WWII, this Consolidated B-24D Liberator met its end on Atka Island, Alaska. It’s one of just two specimens of the “D” variant that remain of this legendary American bomber.
Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero, Pagan Islad
Nature has truly begun to reclaim the wreck of this Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero on Pagan Island, in the Marianas. The carrier-based fighter aircraft was operated by the Japanese during fighting in the Pacific Theater.
M42 Duster, Red Sea
Located off the coast of Jordan in the Red Sea, this M42 Duster was sunk on purpose and currently serves as a diving attraction in the area.
Churchill Mk 2, United Kingdom
This is yet another example of nature taking over rusty and abandoned war machines. This Churchill Mk 2, without its turrets, can be found in the green plains of South Downs, West Sussex, United Kingdom.
PzKpfw IV, Israel
Officially known as the Panzerkampfwagen IV, this PzKpfw IV, once a powerful war machine, has become half-buried by nature. It’s located just outside of Israel’s Kursi National Park.
Chieftain, United Kingdom
A Chieftain tank that’s been left to fend for itself in the elements in Alwinton, Northumberland, in the northeast of England. Grass has begun to grow around it, and will surely one day completely cover it.
M47 Patton, Germany
More from us: The Oldest Military Tanks Still In Service
The final entry on our list of war machines that have been reclaimed by nature is this M47 Patton that’s currently being used for target practice in Brander-Wald, Aachen, Germany. Named for famed US Army Gen. George Patton, this armored vehicle is a sad sight.