956) Did You Know Series (45): (Part I): A visit to the "Cavalry Tank Museum" (CTM) at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India was an educational walk down memory lane of the history of various Tanks used in India and abroad over the Ages: i) The Emblem & Code of the Cavalier ii) The Visit to the CTM:
We went to see an Armoured Corps "Cavalry Tank Museum" at Ahmednagar, located about 125 kilometres out of Pune, thanks to Kanchanji (Kanchan Malhotra) who is an old resident of Ahmednagar.
She had organised a tour of the Meher Baba's Ashram/Samadhi (A spiritual tour) and the Cavalry Tank Museum (CTM), through an Armoured Corps Officer. We not only got to see the history of the Tanks starting from Leonardo da Vinci's first attempt at creating a tank, but also saw Panzer Armoured Cars, Stuart Tanks, Churchill Tanks, Centurion Tanks, Mine sweeper tanks , some of these of World War II vintage and even a Rolls Royce Combat Transport Car.
It was quite an amazing treat for our small group of five, of which two of us were military history buffs. The placards/explanatory notes were like a walk down the evolution of Tank history lane. For me, it was an entirely different experience from my usual Numismatics and Philately.
Not only that, we were in for another treat - a ride on a Training Battle Tank. A bit difficult for me to climb on with my bad leg and all, but the soldiers assisting us were very helpful and we went through the training track on this huge tank. Of course a bit of dust was raised and we looked like weather beaten veterans ourselves. I got a first hand experience of how tough it is for the young men and women who join our armed forces to keep our country safe.
All over Ahmednagar a visitor is greeted by the Emblem and the "Code of a Cavalier" - a reminder to the Armoured Corpsmen of what is expected of them (much like the "Code of Chivalry" of the "Knights of the Round Table" of Medieval time British Isles):
The Code of a Cavalier is positioned here under a Tank. Alongside it is a "Fist".
The legend everywhere says "Fist - No Fingers". (meaning that every enemy threat will be responded to by the Armoured Corps with great force).
The Code of a Cavalier reads:
" I am a Warrior. Defending my Nation is my "Dharma" ("Divine Task"). I will train my mind, body & spirit to fight to win; Excel in all devices especially in the ultimate weapon of war -"THE TANK".
Always protect the weak. Be Truthful & Forthright, be Human, Cultured & Compassionate. Fight & Embrace the consequences willingly. God give me strength that I ask nothing of you."
At the Cavalry Tank Museum - The only one of its kind in Asia:
The Emblems adorning the gate of the Cavalry Tank Museum at left - the fist of the Armoured Cavalry (AC) Regiments
At right - the logo of the Tank Cavalry Museum (TCM) in the shape of a tank
Group Photos taken at the entrance to the Cavalry Tank Museum (CTM) - Sumita, Seema, Kanchanji (in the background) and Kriti
Seema, Kriti and Kanchanji
As one enters, one sees this information board which describes the history of the Cavalry Tank Museum (CTM) -
"The Museum was inaugurated on 15th Feb 1994 by Gen BC Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, COAS. The present location of the Museum was earlier an Ammunition Dump. It was in 1993, due to the relocation of the Ammunition Dump, this place was selected to be converted into a Tank Museum. The shifting of the Tanks and landscaping of the Area was a Herculean task which was achieved due to the support of all Regiments including Armoured Static Workshop. Automotive Regiment was given the overall responsibility to execute the Project. The Museum showcases 53 Armoured fighting vehicles which took part in various conflicts and Battles in the past and influenced immensely the course of history.
The exhibits are from 9 countries with Rolls Royce armoured Car (Indian Pattern) of 1921 Vintage being the oldest. In addition, the Regimental history of all Indian Armoured Regiments/formations and the names of the Armoured Corps Gallantry/Distinguished Service Award winners are also showcased in the triple Halls".
This Display Board gives a brief description of the "History of Tanks":
"1) (The) concept of (a) tank was first conceived by Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, who had designed a tank, "which will enter the closed ranks of the enemy with their artillery and behind these infantry will be able to follow quite unharmed and without any opposition".
Also in the 15th Century, a Hussite called Jan Zizka won several battles using armoured wagons containing a cannon fired through holes on their sides. However, no further development took place on this idea until the 20th Century.
2) The tank was originally designed as a special weapon to solve an unusual tactical situation - the stalemate of the trenches on the Western Front in Europe during World War I. "It was a weapon designed for one simple task - crossing the killing zone between trench lines and breaking into enemy (defences)".
3) In 1903, a French artillery captain named Levavasseur proposed (the) Levavasseur Project, a "Self-propelled can(n)on", moved by a caterpillar system duly armoured for protection.
4) Benjamin Holt of the Holt Manufacturing Company, Califirnia was the first to file a US patent for a workable crawler type tractor in 1907. Holt tractors were used to replace horses to haul artillery and other supplies in difficult terrain during World War I, both by British and French Armies.
5) The first workable tank designs were made in 1914 by a British Engineer Officer, Ernest Dunlop Swinton who proposed an armoured vehicle using Holt farm tractor caterpillar tracks . Aided by (the) efforts of Winston Churchill, then the first Lord of the Admiralty, the idea of land ships took shape and in Sep 1915, the first machine, "Little Willie" came into existence followed immediately by the Mark I (Big Willie). Armed with rhomboid tracks and two six pounder guns, it performed satisfactorily during the trial.
6) Meanwhile, France had started studying caterpillar continuous tracks from January 1915, and actual tests started in May 1915, two months earlier than the "Little Willie" experiments. However, the British were the first to put tanks on the battlefield, at the Battle of the Somme in Sep 1916.
7) The name "tank" was introduced in December 1915 (proposed by Ernest Swinton) as a security measure, they were falsely described in order to conceal their true purposes. They were described as "Water Carriers" or "Water Tanks" or simply "Tanks".
8) Parallel to the development of tanks by the British, other nations began their own tank development programmes. The French developed Snider, Saint Chamond and Renault FT, the first tank with a revolving turret. (The) Germans responded with their own A7V- a clumpy 30 ton monster with a crew of 18.
9) The first tanks rumbled over the battle scarred landscape of Somme on 15.09.1916. Therefore, this day is considered (to be) the day of arrival of tanks and (the) year 1916 is celebrated as 100 years of Tank History.
We went to see an Armoured Corps "Cavalry Tank Museum" at Ahmednagar, located about 125 kilometres out of Pune, thanks to Kanchanji (Kanchan Malhotra) who is an old resident of Ahmednagar.
She had organised a tour of the Meher Baba's Ashram/Samadhi (A spiritual tour) and the Cavalry Tank Museum (CTM), through an Armoured Corps Officer. We not only got to see the history of the Tanks starting from Leonardo da Vinci's first attempt at creating a tank, but also saw Panzer Armoured Cars, Stuart Tanks, Churchill Tanks, Centurion Tanks, Mine sweeper tanks , some of these of World War II vintage and even a Rolls Royce Combat Transport Car.
It was quite an amazing treat for our small group of five, of which two of us were military history buffs. The placards/explanatory notes were like a walk down the evolution of Tank history lane. For me, it was an entirely different experience from my usual Numismatics and Philately.
Not only that, we were in for another treat - a ride on a Training Battle Tank. A bit difficult for me to climb on with my bad leg and all, but the soldiers assisting us were very helpful and we went through the training track on this huge tank. Of course a bit of dust was raised and we looked like weather beaten veterans ourselves. I got a first hand experience of how tough it is for the young men and women who join our armed forces to keep our country safe.
All over Ahmednagar a visitor is greeted by the Emblem and the "Code of a Cavalier" - a reminder to the Armoured Corpsmen of what is expected of them (much like the "Code of Chivalry" of the "Knights of the Round Table" of Medieval time British Isles):
The legend everywhere says "Fist - No Fingers". (meaning that every enemy threat will be responded to by the Armoured Corps with great force).
" I am a Warrior. Defending my Nation is my "Dharma" ("Divine Task"). I will train my mind, body & spirit to fight to win; Excel in all devices especially in the ultimate weapon of war -"THE TANK".
Always protect the weak. Be Truthful & Forthright, be Human, Cultured & Compassionate. Fight & Embrace the consequences willingly. God give me strength that I ask nothing of you."
At the Cavalry Tank Museum - The only one of its kind in Asia:
"The Museum was inaugurated on 15th Feb 1994 by Gen BC Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, COAS. The present location of the Museum was earlier an Ammunition Dump. It was in 1993, due to the relocation of the Ammunition Dump, this place was selected to be converted into a Tank Museum. The shifting of the Tanks and landscaping of the Area was a Herculean task which was achieved due to the support of all Regiments including Armoured Static Workshop. Automotive Regiment was given the overall responsibility to execute the Project. The Museum showcases 53 Armoured fighting vehicles which took part in various conflicts and Battles in the past and influenced immensely the course of history.
The exhibits are from 9 countries with Rolls Royce armoured Car (Indian Pattern) of 1921 Vintage being the oldest. In addition, the Regimental history of all Indian Armoured Regiments/formations and the names of the Armoured Corps Gallantry/Distinguished Service Award winners are also showcased in the triple Halls".
"1) (The) concept of (a) tank was first conceived by Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, who had designed a tank, "which will enter the closed ranks of the enemy with their artillery and behind these infantry will be able to follow quite unharmed and without any opposition".
Also in the 15th Century, a Hussite called Jan Zizka won several battles using armoured wagons containing a cannon fired through holes on their sides. However, no further development took place on this idea until the 20th Century.
2) The tank was originally designed as a special weapon to solve an unusual tactical situation - the stalemate of the trenches on the Western Front in Europe during World War I. "It was a weapon designed for one simple task - crossing the killing zone between trench lines and breaking into enemy (defences)".
3) In 1903, a French artillery captain named Levavasseur proposed (the) Levavasseur Project, a "Self-propelled can(n)on", moved by a caterpillar system duly armoured for protection.
4) Benjamin Holt of the Holt Manufacturing Company, Califirnia was the first to file a US patent for a workable crawler type tractor in 1907. Holt tractors were used to replace horses to haul artillery and other supplies in difficult terrain during World War I, both by British and French Armies.
5) The first workable tank designs were made in 1914 by a British Engineer Officer, Ernest Dunlop Swinton who proposed an armoured vehicle using Holt farm tractor caterpillar tracks . Aided by (the) efforts of Winston Churchill, then the first Lord of the Admiralty, the idea of land ships took shape and in Sep 1915, the first machine, "Little Willie" came into existence followed immediately by the Mark I (Big Willie). Armed with rhomboid tracks and two six pounder guns, it performed satisfactorily during the trial.
6) Meanwhile, France had started studying caterpillar continuous tracks from January 1915, and actual tests started in May 1915, two months earlier than the "Little Willie" experiments. However, the British were the first to put tanks on the battlefield, at the Battle of the Somme in Sep 1916.
7) The name "tank" was introduced in December 1915 (proposed by Ernest Swinton) as a security measure, they were falsely described in order to conceal their true purposes. They were described as "Water Carriers" or "Water Tanks" or simply "Tanks".
8) Parallel to the development of tanks by the British, other nations began their own tank development programmes. The French developed Snider, Saint Chamond and Renault FT, the first tank with a revolving turret. (The) Germans responded with their own A7V- a clumpy 30 ton monster with a crew of 18.
9) The first tanks rumbled over the battle scarred landscape of Somme on 15.09.1916. Therefore, this day is considered (to be) the day of arrival of tanks and (the) year 1916 is celebrated as 100 years of Tank History.
10) It was only on 20.11.1917 that tanks were used in the way they had to be - enmasse - when 476 tanks were deployed in the Battle of Cambrai and attained a six kilometre penetration on a 10 kilometer wide front; the arrival of tanks was announced emphatically.
11) The first tank vs tank engagement in history took place on 24.04.1918, at the Second Battle of Villiers-Bretonneau, when three German A7Vs clashed with four British Whipper tanks. Both sides withdrew after losing one tank each. The stage was set for further development of tanks.
12) In spite of the writings of Col JFC Fuller, acknowledged Father of the Tanks Doctrine and Captain BH Liddle Hart (a noted publicist of armoured warfare, the British believed that tanks should be used primarily in infantry support role. The Germans , under the genius of General Heinz Guderian, realised that the Panzer Arm had to be all arms comprising of aircraft, tanks, artillery, infantry and engineers, all working in unison and evolved their concept of "Blitzkrieg". The Russians developed their concept of "Deep Battle" under Marshal Tukacheuski.
13) Indian Armoured Corps was equipped with the comparatively modern Sherman Tanks (M4) of American origin in 1943. Regiments so equipped formed the spearhead of the 14th Army during the pursuit of the defeated Japanese in the Liberation of Burma.
Post independence, Indian Armour gave one third of its units and training establishments to Pakistan with the Indian share being only twelve regiments. It was these regiments which nurtured the Corps and helped expand the force to its present form. Expansion and modernisation of the Armoured Corps was initiated post independence with Centurions Mark VII and AMX-13 light tanks. Since then, the Armoured Corps has operated the indigenous Vijayanta tanks, the Russian T-54, T-55, T-72, T-90 tanks and MBT Arjun. India since Independence, has employed the tanks at the great heights of Zozila Pass (1948), Goa (1960), Chushul, Sela Pass (1962) & Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971.
A side view of the Rolls Royce Armoured Car
The description reads -
"Rolls-Royce was the most successful of all the armoured cars built on to existing commercial chassis in the early days of World War I. A simple body of thin sheet metal was built on to a silver Ghost Car chassis, and a light round turret mounting a 0.303 inch Vickers Machine Gun was placed above the crew compartment. There were no episcopes or vision blocks. The Commander, Gunner and Driver used slits in the armour for observation. The single 0.303 inch Vickers Gun was mounted on a yoke in the turret and projected through a hole in the armour plate. It weighed 3861 kilograms and was powered by a Rolls-Royce six cylinder inline water-cooled petrol engine developing 40-50 HP and had a max speed of 45 mph. In this guise, it became the most widely used Armoured car in World War I and saw action in France , Egypt, East Africa, Russia, Guerilla Warfare in Arabia and for internal security duties in India in 1945."
M 3 A 1 Reconnaissance Vehicle
The description reads -
"The M2 A1, with Radio and other minor modifications, was standardised as the M3 Scout Car in 1936. This vehicle powered by a Hercules JXD six-cylinder engine had a four wheel drive and was capable of 55 mph on roads. The M3 A1 has a 0.5 inch armour, seating for eight men and the skate ring on three sides of the open-topped crew compartment added to the flexibility of the 0.3 inch M1919A4 Machine Gun. The M3 A1 introduced the distinctive front roller, designed to prevent the vehicle from digging its nose into ditches and other obstacles. The M3A1 was introduced into the US Army as Reconnaissance and Command Vehicle in 1939. The 13th Cavalry Regiment was the first unit to be equipped with it. The M3A1 was used extensively for Reconnaissance duties early in World War II and was one of the first vehicles made available under the Lend-Lease Act of 1941 to (the) British and (the) Soviet Union. The M3A1 marked the end of wheeled reconnaissance vehicles but served as a basis for half-track development.
An image of a Topas - Amphibious APC Vehicle
The description on this plaque reads:
" Topas or OT-62 (Obreny Transporter - 62) was developed by Czechoslovakia and Poland and is the equivalent of the Soviet BTR - 50 PK APCs. OT - 62 entered into service with Czechoslovakia in 1964 and with Poland in 1966. The Polish army calls the transporter the "Transporter Opancerny Sredni". The Chekoslovak Army called it "Transporter Obreny Pasovy" or "TOPAS". In both countries, the vehicle was normally used as an Armoured Personnel Carrier .
TOPAS has a very powerful engine, fully enclosed Troop Compartment and has the capability to carry 20 soldiers. The Commander is seated in the front of the vehicle with a 360 degree Observation ability. The vehicle is fully fitted with an over pressure NBC System consisting of an electrically/manually operated blower.
TOPAS is fully amphibious and is being propelled in the water by two water jets at the rear of the Full. The TOPAS sports a pintle mounted machine gun as the only armament. The Troops enter and leave the vehicle by the large door in either side of the vehicle. TOPAS has a number of variants like OT-62A (Model-1), OT62B (Model -2), OT62C (Model-3), OT-62 Ambulance and Command Vehicle fitted with additional communication equipment.
The TOPAS was in service with India, Angola, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Morocco and Sudan."
Seema alongside a captured "8RAD" armoured car after a fierce battle with the German Armoured Corps
SDKFZ 231- "8 RAD"
The description reads:
SDKFZ 232 Armoured Car was (the) most powerful and best known Model used by (the) German Army throughout World War II, some 1255 being in use. In 1934 the BUSSING-NAG Firm of Leipzig was issued a Development Contract for new Eight-wheeled Chassis with all-wheel drive and steering. The BUSSING-NAG 8 x 8 GS Chassis with new Armoured body, took over functions of the original six-wheeled SDKFZ 231 series with Suffix "8 RAD" designation as distinguishing mark. It had a crew of four, a turret mounted 2 cm gun and was powered by LBV-GS eight cylinder water-cooled petrol engine developing 150 BHP at 3000 RPM, by virtue of a relatively complex chassis layout. This was the most advanced cross-country wheeled vehicle of that time giving excellent cross-country ability, climbing gradients of 30 degrees, crossing trenches of 1.25 metres and vertical obstacles of 0.5 metres and maximum road speed of 53 MPH. It was eventually replaced by the SDKFZ 234 Series."
Coventry Mark I
The description reads -
"Coventry, a British Heavy armoured car, generally similar to the Daimler, but larger, was produced in 1944. The design was a joint effort by Humber Ltd. and the Daimler Company. The main difference between the two models was in armament and crew. The Mark I was armed with a 2 PDR (40 mm) Gun and co-axial 7.32 BESA Machine Gun with a crew of four. While the Mark II carried a 75 mm Gun and crew of three. The engine was the American Hercules, 6 Cylinder 175 BHP which gave it a speed of 41 MPH. The armour was 8.25 mm with angled plates and weighed 11.5 tons. High speed reversing, which had proved so valuable on the Daimler was included in the Coventry design. The principal driving controls were duplicated in the rear position and by means of a forward reverse gearbox, the car could be driven in reverse in all five speeds. At the end of World War II, the production was stopped. A few were, however, used by the French Army in Indo-China in 1955."
M-8 Light Armoured Car "Greyhound"
The description reads:
"The US M-8 Light Armoured Car called "GREYHOUND" by the British was developed by the Ford Motor Company. At the end of 1943, this American Light Armoured Car came into service and a total of 8523 were built between 1942 and 1945. A low, fast and remarkably quiet car, the M-8 saw action in North-East Europe and Italy in 1944-45. A few were used by British Armoured Car regiments and the Reconnaissance Corps in Europe and by the East African Armoured Car Squadron. It was a 6 x 6 Vehicle mounting a 37 mm gun and 0.30 inch co-axial Browning Machine-Gun in an open top, hand traverse turret. Powered by a 6-Cylinder Hercules JXD engine of 110 BHP, the Car had a top road speed of 56 MPH. When the vehicle first arrived in the Middle-East, the floor was considered too thin to withstand mine blasts and it became the practice to line the floor with filled sand bags."
Armoured Car MK 1 FOX 1
The description reads:
" The FOX 1, built in 1942 was the Canadian equivalent of Humber MK III Armoured Car. This version had greater width than any of the British Humbers and was also slightly heavier with more powerful engine. Hull and turret were made by Hamilton Bridge Co and mounted on General Motors Rear-engine Chassis. The Hull was of Nickel Chrome Molybdenum Steel and the Turret was rotated by a single speed hand traversing gear. The Turret was larger than that of Humber MK 1 and II. Crew increased to four and was armed with .303 and .5 inch Browning Machine Guns. It was powered by General Motors 270 6 Cylinder engine developing 106 BHP. Drive was normally on the rear wheels, but four wheel drive could be engaged. Protected vision was provided for the Commander by means of a periscope and the driver by a laminated glass block. For driving in reverse, an observation port in the engine bulkhead could but uncovered by operating a hydraulic pump and raising the engine cover."
SEXTON SELF PROPELLED GUN
The description reads:
" The SEXTON Self-Propelled Gun was a conversion of the Ram Tank to mount the British 25 Pounder Field Gun/Howitzer. The Sexton was in use since 1944. It served with the British Army until mid 1950s and was also used by Canadian, Indian, Italian, Portuguese and South African Armies. It weighed 25.8 tons and was powered by a Continental R 975-4 Nine-Cylinder air-cooled radial engine located at the rear of the hull. The crew of six consisted of Commander, Driver, Gunner, Gun-Layer, Loader and Wireless Operator. The Super Structure gives protection (to) the crew from mortar, artillery and small-arms splinters. The armament has an elevation of + 40 degrees and a depression of -9 degrees, traverse being 25 degrees left and 15 degrees right. Standard 25 Pounder sights for both direct and indirect laying were provided. This Gun was the mainstay of Indian armoured Division SP Artillery for many years till replaced by Abbott SP Gun."
Archer Self-Propelled Anti-Tank Gun
The description reads:
The 17-Pounder Anti-Tank British Gun was capable of defeating most German Tanks of World War II, but lacked mobility. Vickers started the design work for propulsion of 17-Pounder on Valentine Tank Chassis in July 1942. Archers saw action in Europe from October 1944 and was withdrawn from the Royal Artillery in 1950 and then supplied to the Egyptian Army. Archers gun fired over the rear end of the vehicle due to its length and for speedy movement. It carried 52 rounds of ammunition. It had a crew of four as Commander, Gunner, Loader and Driver. It also had a 0.303 inch Bren Light Machine Gun for use in Anti-aircraft role. It weighed 16.25 tons and was powered by General Motors six-Cylinder inline Diesel Engine developing 192 BHP at 1900 RPM and with road speed of 20 MPH. The 17-Pounder gun was most successful British Anti-Tank Gun of World War II, which was also mounted on Sherman "Fireflies" and American "Achilles".
M3A3 LIGHT TANK (STUART)
The description reads -
TOPAS has a very powerful engine, fully enclosed Troop Compartment and has the capability to carry 20 soldiers. The Commander is seated in the front of the vehicle with a 360 degree Observation ability. The vehicle is fully fitted with an over pressure NBC System consisting of an electrically/manually operated blower.
TOPAS is fully amphibious and is being propelled in the water by two water jets at the rear of the Full. The TOPAS sports a pintle mounted machine gun as the only armament. The Troops enter and leave the vehicle by the large door in either side of the vehicle. TOPAS has a number of variants like OT-62A (Model-1), OT62B (Model -2), OT62C (Model-3), OT-62 Ambulance and Command Vehicle fitted with additional communication equipment.
The TOPAS was in service with India, Angola, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Morocco and Sudan."
The description reads:
SDKFZ 232 Armoured Car was (the) most powerful and best known Model used by (the) German Army throughout World War II, some 1255 being in use. In 1934 the BUSSING-NAG Firm of Leipzig was issued a Development Contract for new Eight-wheeled Chassis with all-wheel drive and steering. The BUSSING-NAG 8 x 8 GS Chassis with new Armoured body, took over functions of the original six-wheeled SDKFZ 231 series with Suffix "8 RAD" designation as distinguishing mark. It had a crew of four, a turret mounted 2 cm gun and was powered by LBV-GS eight cylinder water-cooled petrol engine developing 150 BHP at 3000 RPM, by virtue of a relatively complex chassis layout. This was the most advanced cross-country wheeled vehicle of that time giving excellent cross-country ability, climbing gradients of 30 degrees, crossing trenches of 1.25 metres and vertical obstacles of 0.5 metres and maximum road speed of 53 MPH. It was eventually replaced by the SDKFZ 234 Series."
The description reads -
"Coventry, a British Heavy armoured car, generally similar to the Daimler, but larger, was produced in 1944. The design was a joint effort by Humber Ltd. and the Daimler Company. The main difference between the two models was in armament and crew. The Mark I was armed with a 2 PDR (40 mm) Gun and co-axial 7.32 BESA Machine Gun with a crew of four. While the Mark II carried a 75 mm Gun and crew of three. The engine was the American Hercules, 6 Cylinder 175 BHP which gave it a speed of 41 MPH. The armour was 8.25 mm with angled plates and weighed 11.5 tons. High speed reversing, which had proved so valuable on the Daimler was included in the Coventry design. The principal driving controls were duplicated in the rear position and by means of a forward reverse gearbox, the car could be driven in reverse in all five speeds. At the end of World War II, the production was stopped. A few were, however, used by the French Army in Indo-China in 1955."
The description reads:
"The US M-8 Light Armoured Car called "GREYHOUND" by the British was developed by the Ford Motor Company. At the end of 1943, this American Light Armoured Car came into service and a total of 8523 were built between 1942 and 1945. A low, fast and remarkably quiet car, the M-8 saw action in North-East Europe and Italy in 1944-45. A few were used by British Armoured Car regiments and the Reconnaissance Corps in Europe and by the East African Armoured Car Squadron. It was a 6 x 6 Vehicle mounting a 37 mm gun and 0.30 inch co-axial Browning Machine-Gun in an open top, hand traverse turret. Powered by a 6-Cylinder Hercules JXD engine of 110 BHP, the Car had a top road speed of 56 MPH. When the vehicle first arrived in the Middle-East, the floor was considered too thin to withstand mine blasts and it became the practice to line the floor with filled sand bags."
The description reads:
" The FOX 1, built in 1942 was the Canadian equivalent of Humber MK III Armoured Car. This version had greater width than any of the British Humbers and was also slightly heavier with more powerful engine. Hull and turret were made by Hamilton Bridge Co and mounted on General Motors Rear-engine Chassis. The Hull was of Nickel Chrome Molybdenum Steel and the Turret was rotated by a single speed hand traversing gear. The Turret was larger than that of Humber MK 1 and II. Crew increased to four and was armed with .303 and .5 inch Browning Machine Guns. It was powered by General Motors 270 6 Cylinder engine developing 106 BHP. Drive was normally on the rear wheels, but four wheel drive could be engaged. Protected vision was provided for the Commander by means of a periscope and the driver by a laminated glass block. For driving in reverse, an observation port in the engine bulkhead could but uncovered by operating a hydraulic pump and raising the engine cover."
The description reads:
" The SEXTON Self-Propelled Gun was a conversion of the Ram Tank to mount the British 25 Pounder Field Gun/Howitzer. The Sexton was in use since 1944. It served with the British Army until mid 1950s and was also used by Canadian, Indian, Italian, Portuguese and South African Armies. It weighed 25.8 tons and was powered by a Continental R 975-4 Nine-Cylinder air-cooled radial engine located at the rear of the hull. The crew of six consisted of Commander, Driver, Gunner, Gun-Layer, Loader and Wireless Operator. The Super Structure gives protection (to) the crew from mortar, artillery and small-arms splinters. The armament has an elevation of + 40 degrees and a depression of -9 degrees, traverse being 25 degrees left and 15 degrees right. Standard 25 Pounder sights for both direct and indirect laying were provided. This Gun was the mainstay of Indian armoured Division SP Artillery for many years till replaced by Abbott SP Gun."
The description reads:
The 17-Pounder Anti-Tank British Gun was capable of defeating most German Tanks of World War II, but lacked mobility. Vickers started the design work for propulsion of 17-Pounder on Valentine Tank Chassis in July 1942. Archers saw action in Europe from October 1944 and was withdrawn from the Royal Artillery in 1950 and then supplied to the Egyptian Army. Archers gun fired over the rear end of the vehicle due to its length and for speedy movement. It carried 52 rounds of ammunition. It had a crew of four as Commander, Gunner, Loader and Driver. It also had a 0.303 inch Bren Light Machine Gun for use in Anti-aircraft role. It weighed 16.25 tons and was powered by General Motors six-Cylinder inline Diesel Engine developing 192 BHP at 1900 RPM and with road speed of 20 MPH. The 17-Pounder gun was most successful British Anti-Tank Gun of World War II, which was also mounted on Sherman "Fireflies" and American "Achilles".
The description reads:
"M3A3 LIGHT TANK (STUART) - M3A3 American Light Tank known as STUART MK V in British Service entered service with the US Army in 1941 and was used by British and other Allied Armies during World War II. The M3 was produced in quantity by the American Car and Foundry Company. It was powered by a Continental Radial, air-cooled engine developing 250 BHP and had a Road speed of 36 MPH. The armament included a 37 mm Gun and three 30 inch Machine Guns. M3A3 was developed directly from the Basic Stuart Tank and therefore had similar performance and size. The main differences were the high rear deck, no cupola, rounded hull front and longer superstructure with cutaway corners. It had two periscopes on top and carried grousers on turret sides. The turret was also extended at (the) rear to house the Wireless set. This Tank during World War Ii, saw action in the African Desert, Burma, capture of Antwerp and with the American Forces in the Pacific. The Indian Army employed this tank at Zozila, Srinagar Valley, Naushera and Nagaland."
M3 GRANT MEDIUM TANK
The description reads -
" The M3 Series was evolved from the M2 Medium Tank, weighing 28 Tons. It was powered by Wright Continental R-975-EC2 Nine-Cylinder air-cooled Radial Petrol Engine developing 340 BHP and Road speed of 26 MPH. This Tank mounted A75 mm Gun in a sponson on the right hand side of the Tank. Above the hull superstructure was a turret with a 37 mm Gun and a .30 Machine Gun, two more .30 Machine Guns were in the Hull. This was the first Tank from which indirect fire was possible. This Tank was known as the Grant after General Ulysses Grant and had a British designed turret. The Grant had its first impact at the Battle of Gazala in May 1942. The majority of the Grants were used in North Africa and the Middle East. The M3 was replaced by M4 in 1942 and the M3's were sent to the Far East, where it replaced the Matilda, Valentine and Stuart. The M3 was finally declared obsolete in March 1944."
(Parts 2, 3 & 4 of this post are under preparation)
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13) 130 Air Defence Regiment: Golden Jubilee Celebrations: A Special Cover issued by 56 APO commemorating the occasion on 28.01.2017
14) 3rd Battalion The Sikh Regiment: Centennial of the Battle of Hai fought on 01.02.1917 during WW I : A Special Cover issued by 56 APO on 01.02.2017
15) 27 Air Defence Missile Regiment (Amritsar Airfield): Platinum Jubilee Celebrations (75 Years) A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 04.02.2017
16) 237 Engineer Regiment : Golden Jubilee Celebrations ( 50 Years of Glorious Service). A Special Cover brought out by 99 APO on 11.02.2017
17) 26th Battalion The Madras Regiment: Golden Jubilee (1967-2017): A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 16.02.2017
18) Tri Services Veterans: Inaugural Armed Forces Veterans day: 14.01.2017: A Special Cover issued by 56 APO on 14.01.2017:
19) 79 Medium Regiment: Golden Jubilee Celebrations (1967-2017): A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 01.03.2017:
2) Commemorative Stamps on "Project Rukmini"
3) The Scinde Horse: A Commemorative Stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- issued by India Post on 16.11.2012
4) Aero India 2015: Asia's Premier Air Show: A set of 10 Post cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post in 2015.
5) International Fleet Review - 2016 (IFR - 16) held at Vishakhapatnam from 04.02.16 to 08.02.16: Commemorative Postage stamps issued by India Post
6) Bicentenary of the Raising of the Poona Horse Regiment (July 1817 - July 2017): A Commemorative 500 Paise or Rs.5/- stamp issued by India Post on 11.02.2017
7) India's First International Fleet review held on 18.02.2001 at Mumbai
8) Commemorating the Bicentenary of the Raising Day of the First and Third Gorkha Rifles: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post.
Links to posts on Army Post Office (APO) issues on this Blog:
11) 29 Air Defence Regiment (SAMBA): 60 years of Glorious Service : A Special Cover issued by 99 APO on 24.12.2016
12) 102 (VC) Engineer Regiment: Celebrating the Golden Jubilee of its raising in 1965: A Special Cover issued by 99 APO on 28.12.2016
13) 130 Air Defence Regiment: Golden Jubilee Celebrations: A Special Cover issued by 56 APO commemorating the occasion on 28.01.2017
14) 3rd Battalion The Sikh Regiment: Centennial of the Battle of Hai fought on 01.02.1917 during WW I : A Special Cover issued by 56 APO on 01.02.2017
15) 27 Air Defence Missile Regiment (Amritsar Airfield): Platinum Jubilee Celebrations (75 Years) A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 04.02.2017
16) 237 Engineer Regiment : Golden Jubilee Celebrations ( 50 Years of Glorious Service). A Special Cover brought out by 99 APO on 11.02.2017
17) 26th Battalion The Madras Regiment: Golden Jubilee (1967-2017): A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 16.02.2017
18) Tri Services Veterans: Inaugural Armed Forces Veterans day: 14.01.2017: A Special Cover issued by 56 APO on 14.01.2017:
19) 79 Medium Regiment: Golden Jubilee Celebrations (1967-2017): A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 01.03.2017:
Other posts on the Indian Armed forces on this Blog:
2) Commemorative Stamps on "Project Rukmini"
3) The Scinde Horse: A Commemorative Stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- issued by India Post on 16.11.2012
4) Aero India 2015: Asia's Premier Air Show: A set of 10 Post cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post in 2015.
5) International Fleet Review - 2016 (IFR - 16) held at Vishakhapatnam from 04.02.16 to 08.02.16: Commemorative Postage stamps issued by India Post
6) Bicentenary of the Raising of the Poona Horse Regiment (July 1817 - July 2017): A Commemorative 500 Paise or Rs.5/- stamp issued by India Post on 11.02.2017
7) India's First International Fleet review held on 18.02.2001 at Mumbai
8) Commemorating the Bicentenary of the Raising Day of the First and Third Gorkha Rifles: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post.
11) Induction of C-130: A commemorative stamp of 500 Paise issued by India Post on 06.10.2016
12) Did You Know Series (45): (Part I): A visit to the "Cavalry Tank Museum"(CTM) at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra India was an educational walk down memory lane of the history of various Tanks used in India and abroad over the Ages: i) The Emblem & Code of the Cavalier ii) The Visit to the CTM
13) Did You Know Series (45): (Part II): A visit to the "Cavalry Tank Museum" (CTM) at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India, was an educational alk down memory lane of the history of various Tanks used in India and abroad over the Ages: I) Tank variants; ii) A brief history of the valour of the valiant ment & Indian armour during the 1965 Indo-Pak War
14) Did You Know Series (45):( Part III) : A visit to the "Cavalry Tank Museum" (CTM) at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra India, was an educational walk down memory lane of the history of various Tanks used in India and Adroad over the Ages: i) History of the Indian Cavalry; ii) Some 20th Century Battle Tanks; iii) Amphibious Light Tanks
15) Did You Know Series (45):( Part IV):A visit to the "Cavalry Tank Museum"(CTM) at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India, was an educational walk down memory lane of the history of various Tanks unsed in India and abroad over the Ages: i) Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs); ii) Battle Tanks, including the German Tiger (WWII) and the Centurion (used in the famous Battle of Basantar (Indo-Pak War 1971)
16) Did You Know Series (45): (Part V): The Bhima-Koregaon Mamorial Pillar (Obelisk) commemorating a Battle fought on 01.01.1818 between the Peshwa Army and the British Army as a part of the Third Anglo-Maratha War
12) Did You Know Series (45): (Part I): A visit to the "Cavalry Tank Museum"(CTM) at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra India was an educational walk down memory lane of the history of various Tanks used in India and abroad over the Ages: i) The Emblem & Code of the Cavalier ii) The Visit to the CTM
13) Did You Know Series (45): (Part II): A visit to the "Cavalry Tank Museum" (CTM) at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India, was an educational alk down memory lane of the history of various Tanks used in India and abroad over the Ages: I) Tank variants; ii) A brief history of the valour of the valiant ment & Indian armour during the 1965 Indo-Pak War
14) Did You Know Series (45):( Part III) : A visit to the "Cavalry Tank Museum" (CTM) at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra India, was an educational walk down memory lane of the history of various Tanks used in India and Adroad over the Ages: i) History of the Indian Cavalry; ii) Some 20th Century Battle Tanks; iii) Amphibious Light Tanks
15) Did You Know Series (45):( Part IV):A visit to the "Cavalry Tank Museum"(CTM) at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India, was an educational walk down memory lane of the history of various Tanks unsed in India and abroad over the Ages: i) Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs); ii) Battle Tanks, including the German Tiger (WWII) and the Centurion (used in the famous Battle of Basantar (Indo-Pak War 1971)
16) Did You Know Series (45): (Part V): The Bhima-Koregaon Mamorial Pillar (Obelisk) commemorating a Battle fought on 01.01.1818 between the Peshwa Army and the British Army as a part of the Third Anglo-Maratha War
Rajendrasinh Mohite has commented:
ReplyDelete" Important information. Congrats."
Thank you so much Sir. It was a very educational trip for me.
DeleteRajendrasinh Mohite has further commented:
Delete"I will also try for it."
Yes sir. It is just a little way off and unlike the Southern Command Memorial Museum in Pune, which closes in the afternoon, the Museum at Ahmednagar is open from 9.00 to 5.00. It is really worth visiting and beautifully landscaped.
DeleteRajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Very informative dear."
Thanks, Trikha sahab. It was indeed a very interesting trip.
DeleteRajan Trikha has further commented:
Delete"I feel like joining you people in one of such trip which you always plan after doing R & D."
You are always welcome, Trikha sahab... next time we will tie up with you and let you know in advance.
DeleteRajan Trikha has further commented:
Delete"Thanx and will wait for the same..."
ReplyDeleteAnoop Banerjee (Anoopda) has commented:
"Visiting such institutions fills one with pride in our Armed forces & our heritage. All schools should make this a mandatory part of their syllabus."
Great idea, Anoopda. That will indeed go a long way in appreciating the arduous role the various arms of our forces play in keeping us safe !!
DeleteRaj Kumar Srivastava has commented:
ReplyDelete" Nice knowing about history of tanks. I believe ELEPHANTS were the ORIGINAL TANKS for humanity,as DINOSAURS were extinct!🌺 Are there stamps issued on any tank by India?"
Elephants and Camels, Raj. There are a few stamps issued by India Post on cavalry tank units and Special Postage Covers. I think I have at least one stamp set in my collection from the University days
DeleteVineeta Jain has commented:
ReplyDelete" Must see it sometime."
Yes, Vineeta. It is a day trip only.
DeleteKrishnayya Ramadana has commented:
ReplyDelete"Wow lucky to ride a tank Rajeev."
We had a great time, Krishnayya.
DeleteVikram Bhatnagar has commented:
ReplyDelete"Yaar, how do you dig up and figure out what all is worth visiting nearby (and, far away as well)!"
The sequence of the visit just fell in place, Vikram. Sumita's friend who belongs to Ahmednagar was going for Holi vacations and asked us to come along, knowing fully well that I won't be able to resist the trip to the Tank Museum. The rest of the trip just fell in place. :-)
DeleteVinod Khurana has commented:
ReplyDelete" Salutations to our soldiers and you also deserve it for enriching our knowledge. Thanks Rajeev Prasad ji."
Thank you so much for visiting the post Vinodji. It was quite an interesting and educational trip for me which I thought of sharing.
Delete