Nature endures and every conflict ultimately reaches its resolution. Despite human efforts, the earth and time consistently find paths to heal the scars of aggression. Everything is inherently intertwined with nature and, ultimately, everything returns to it. With time, the outlines and elements of deadly machinery seamlessly blend into the fabric of landscapes.
These remnants and echoes of warfare are scattered across the globe, embellishing oceans, wild jungles, expansive plains, barren islands – reaching even to 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, Pelileu
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 Pelileu 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 Pelileu 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
The nature of war means disabled weapons and vehicles will be left behind, just like this Soviet T-62 tank, located along a road in Afghanistan. It was likely left there during or after the Soviet-Afghan War.
Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk
The Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk was operated by the Allies during the Second World War. This particular aircraft was found in pretty excellent shape, given how much time has passed since the conflict. Time was merciful with this one.
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.