Front view of the vehicle which shows the contraption that could be inflated to make the tank float.
During the Second World War, Fritton Lake was requisitioned by the 79th Armoured Division for the secret training of specially modified tanks, which would play a significant role in the D Day landings of 6th June 1944. Sherman >
Link and Valentine tanks were adapted to make them amphibious, so that they could be launched at sea and floated to shore, providing close fire support to the first wave of troops landing on the enemy beaches.
Update, April 2017: The area where this picture was taken, adjacent to Fritton Lake, is in the process to be transformed into a private holiday resort and now closed to day visitors.