This is a photographic document of the end of the line for Dutch Army Leopards. Granted the subject is a little sad, but the author and photographer, Dirk Bruin, has captured the essence and beauty of these hard targets with some wonderful photography.
Sixty photographs each have a page to themselves. Printed on 170 gsm silk paper, the quality of the photographs comes through. This is not just another tank book, it is a study of the end of days for these machines. A lot of atmosphere – and a lot of detail – is captured in these photographs. We hope that this book will appeal to all people. Not only is this a document to what will never be again on the island of Vlieland (the targets have now been removed), it is a book of magical images and glorious reference.
The Royal Dutch Army established itself on Vlieland in 1956 as Cavalry Shooting Camp. For four years, a tent camp was built at the beginning of each firing season. The necessary material was brought over by landing craft and taken down at the end of the season.
A more permanent encampment was constructed in 1960, consisting of barracks to house the permanent staff and the troops in training. This trend continued in the seventies when the first Leopard 1s arrived at Vlieland.
In time, the Leopard 1s themselves became the targets and these are the subject of this photo-study. In 2004, the range targets were removed and Vlieland returned to nature.
This book therefore marks the tenth anniversary of the withdrawal of the Dutch Army from it’s only live firing range on home territory.
A5, landscape, full colour, 64 pages, 69 photos
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