957) Did you know Series (45): (Part II) 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) Use of Mine Destroyer Flail Tanks, Bridge Layer Tanks, Airborne Tanks, Defence Light Tanks, Japanese Tanks, Armoured Personnel Carriers, Churchill ARV Tanks, Sherman Beach ARV et al ii) A brief history of the valour of the valiant men & India Armour during the 1965 Indo-Pak War:
This is Part II of my post on our visit to the CTM, Ahmednagar:
This is Part II of my post on our visit to the CTM, Ahmednagar:
M22 LIGHT TANKS: LOCUST (AIRBORNE TANK)
The description reads:
"The weight of this Tank was kept low at 8 tons to be carried in aircraft. It had a 162 HP Lycombing Petrol engine, which could move up to 40 MPH. The armament consisted of 37 mm Main Gun and AO.30 inch. A crew of three operated this Tank with 25 mm frontal thickness. 830 LOCUSTs were built by Marmon Herrington (USA). The British developed a large Hamicarglider to carry their own Tetrach Airborne Tank. A handful of these Tanks accompanied the British 6th Airborne Division during the Rhine Crossings of 24.03.1945."
The description reads:
"The weight of this Tank was kept low at 8 tons to be carried in aircraft. It had a 162 HP Lycombing Petrol engine, which could move up to 40 MPH. The armament consisted of 37 mm Main Gun and AO.30 inch. A crew of three operated this Tank with 25 mm frontal thickness. 830 LOCUSTs were built by Marmon Herrington (USA). The British developed a large Hamicarglider to carry their own Tetrach Airborne Tank. A handful of these Tanks accompanied the British 6th Airborne Division during the Rhine Crossings of 24.03.1945."
M3 A3 LIGHT TANK (STUART)
The description reads:
" M3 A3 American Light Tank known as Stuart MK V entered service with the US Army in 1941 and was used by the British and other Allied Forces during the Second World War. The M3 A3 was produced in quantity by the American Car and Foundry Company. It was powered by a Conventional radial air-cooled engine and had a road speed of 36 MPH. The armament included 37 mm gun and three 0.303 inch machine guns. M3 A3 was developed directly from the basic Stuart Tank and therefore had a similar performance and size. It had two periscopes on top and carried houses on turret sides. The turret was also extended at the rear to house the wireless set. The Stuart saw action during the Second world war in Africa and in the Pacific with Allied forces. The Indian army employed this Tank in Zozila, Srinagar Valley, Naushera and Nagaland."
The description reads:
" M3 A3 American Light Tank known as Stuart MK V entered service with the US Army in 1941 and was used by the British and other Allied Forces during the Second World War. The M3 A3 was produced in quantity by the American Car and Foundry Company. It was powered by a Conventional radial air-cooled engine and had a road speed of 36 MPH. The armament included 37 mm gun and three 0.303 inch machine guns. M3 A3 was developed directly from the basic Stuart Tank and therefore had a similar performance and size. It had two periscopes on top and carried houses on turret sides. The turret was also extended at the rear to house the wireless set. The Stuart saw action during the Second world war in Africa and in the Pacific with Allied forces. The Indian army employed this Tank in Zozila, Srinagar Valley, Naushera and Nagaland."
GRANT-CANAL DEFENCE LIGHT (CDL)
The description reads:
"GRANT-CANAL DEFENCE LIGHT (CDL): Commander Oscar Le Thoren, RN, proposed mounting a powerful light on tanks so as to blind an enemy during a night attack. His idea of World war I was not pursued till 1940, when the War Office ordered for some 300 special turrets apart from Matildas. These turrets were fitted on Grant Tanks and in this form it was called the "Grant Canal Defence Light", a misleading term adopted as a security measure. The Grant CDL was the Grant Tank retaining its 75 mm gun, thus keeping an offensive role, had the searchlight enclosed in an armoured housing which included a ball mounted MG in the front face. The searchlight contained a 13 million candle-power ARC Light and a special reflector together with a stroboscopic shutter. No large scale CDL operations ever took place. It was used in small numbers twice to illuminate the crossings over the Rivers Rhine and Elbe in 1945. Some CDL Tanks were sent to the Far East in 1945, but were never used. (The) Americans called it "Shop Tractor."
The description reads:
"GRANT-CANAL DEFENCE LIGHT (CDL): Commander Oscar Le Thoren, RN, proposed mounting a powerful light on tanks so as to blind an enemy during a night attack. His idea of World war I was not pursued till 1940, when the War Office ordered for some 300 special turrets apart from Matildas. These turrets were fitted on Grant Tanks and in this form it was called the "Grant Canal Defence Light", a misleading term adopted as a security measure. The Grant CDL was the Grant Tank retaining its 75 mm gun, thus keeping an offensive role, had the searchlight enclosed in an armoured housing which included a ball mounted MG in the front face. The searchlight contained a 13 million candle-power ARC Light and a special reflector together with a stroboscopic shutter. No large scale CDL operations ever took place. It was used in small numbers twice to illuminate the crossings over the Rivers Rhine and Elbe in 1945. Some CDL Tanks were sent to the Far East in 1945, but were never used. (The) Americans called it "Shop Tractor."
Type 97 CHI-HA Medium Tank
The description reads:
"The Type 97 CHI-HA Medium Tank entered service with the Japanese Army in 1938 and continued in service until 1945. It was also used by China after World War II. The Tank weighed 15 Tons. It was powered by a Mitsubishi 12-Cylinder air-cooled diesel engine which developed 170 HP and gave the Tank a top road speed of 24 MPH. The armament consisted of a 57 mm gun and two 7.7 mm Machine-Guns, one of which was mounted in the rear of the turret. The CHI-HA had a crew of four, of whom two were in the turret. The engine was at the rear of the hull and power was transmitted to the gear-box in front of the hull, by a propeller shaft. This was one of the most successful Japanese Tanks and was used in large numbers in the Asian and Pacific Theatres. Until the end of World War II, there were many variants of the Type 97 Medium Tank."
The description reads:
"The Type 97 CHI-HA Medium Tank entered service with the Japanese Army in 1938 and continued in service until 1945. It was also used by China after World War II. The Tank weighed 15 Tons. It was powered by a Mitsubishi 12-Cylinder air-cooled diesel engine which developed 170 HP and gave the Tank a top road speed of 24 MPH. The armament consisted of a 57 mm gun and two 7.7 mm Machine-Guns, one of which was mounted in the rear of the turret. The CHI-HA had a crew of four, of whom two were in the turret. The engine was at the rear of the hull and power was transmitted to the gear-box in front of the hull, by a propeller shaft. This was one of the most successful Japanese Tanks and was used in large numbers in the Asian and Pacific Theatres. Until the end of World War II, there were many variants of the Type 97 Medium Tank."
Type 95 HA-GO LIGHT TANK
The description reads:
"The Type 95 HA-GO entered service with the Japanese Army in 1935 and remained in service until 1945. The Type 95 was used by the Cavalry and the Infantry and saw action in China, Burma and Pacific Islands in World War II. When it was originally built, the Type 95 compared well with other light tanks of that period. But by the early part of World War II, it had become outdated. The Tank weighed 7.4 tons and was powered by Mitsubishi Model NVD 6120 6 Cylinder air-cooled diesel engine developing 120 HP. The hull of the Tank was of both rivetted and welded construction. The engine and transmission were at the rear of the hull. The inside of the Tank was provided with a layer of asbestos padding in an effort to keep the temperature as low as possible. The armament consisted of a turret mounted 37 mm Tank Gun and a 7.7 mm Machine-Gun mounted in the front of the hull and another mounted in the turret in the 5 O'clock position."
"The Type 95 HA-GO entered service with the Japanese Army in 1935 and remained in service until 1945. The Type 95 was used by the Cavalry and the Infantry and saw action in China, Burma and Pacific Islands in World War II. When it was originally built, the Type 95 compared well with other light tanks of that period. But by the early part of World War II, it had become outdated. The Tank weighed 7.4 tons and was powered by Mitsubishi Model NVD 6120 6 Cylinder air-cooled diesel engine developing 120 HP. The hull of the Tank was of both rivetted and welded construction. The engine and transmission were at the rear of the hull. The inside of the Tank was provided with a layer of asbestos padding in an effort to keep the temperature as low as possible. The armament consisted of a turret mounted 37 mm Tank Gun and a 7.7 mm Machine-Gun mounted in the front of the hull and another mounted in the turret in the 5 O'clock position."
Centaur Dozer
The description reads:
" The Centaur Dozer was one of the variants of the Centaur (Cruiser Tank Mark VIII) A27L. The Centaur Tank was developed by Leyland Motors Ltd. A liberty V-12 engine with a matching Merritt Brown Transmission was fitted. A winch and JIB fitted to operate the Dozer Blade was powered by the main engine. These Dozers were allotted one per squadron to regiments equipped with Cromwell Tanks and also used by Royal Engineers. About 90 Centaur IV with close support Howitzer Armament were used in France after the landings in June 1944. A number of Centaurs were converted to the Anti-Aircraft Role and most of the remainder were converted to Cromwells by the installation of Meteor engine when they became available to replace the original Liberty engines."
" The Centaur Dozer was one of the variants of the Centaur (Cruiser Tank Mark VIII) A27L. The Centaur Tank was developed by Leyland Motors Ltd. A liberty V-12 engine with a matching Merritt Brown Transmission was fitted. A winch and JIB fitted to operate the Dozer Blade was powered by the main engine. These Dozers were allotted one per squadron to regiments equipped with Cromwell Tanks and also used by Royal Engineers. About 90 Centaur IV with close support Howitzer Armament were used in France after the landings in June 1944. A number of Centaurs were converted to the Anti-Aircraft Role and most of the remainder were converted to Cromwells by the installation of Meteor engine when they became available to replace the original Liberty engines."
Seema in front of a SHERMAN CRAB "FLAIL TANK", after a hard day's mine-sweeping operation
SHERMAN CRAB "FLAIL TANK"
The description reads:
"The Sherman Crab "Flail Tank" was developed by the British to clear a path through minefields and was used by 79 Armoured Division in 1944-45 in Europe. The idea of flails was originated by Captain Du Toit, a South-African engineer, as a means of pulverising the ground to detonate the mines or remove them by force. Flails, with small bob-weights on the ends of the chains, were mounted on the Sherman Tank. The drum at the front of the Tank rotated at speed and the flailing chains detonated the mines in front of the vehicle. The speed during such operations was 1 MPH. Flail technology for making an assault lane through the minefield led to the evolution of trawl equipment in 1960. The Tank was armed with a 75 mm Main Gun and was powered by a Ford GAA V-8 water cooled inline petrol engine developing 500 BHP at 2600 RPM."
"The Sherman Crab "Flail Tank" was developed by the British to clear a path through minefields and was used by 79 Armoured Division in 1944-45 in Europe. The idea of flails was originated by Captain Du Toit, a South-African engineer, as a means of pulverising the ground to detonate the mines or remove them by force. Flails, with small bob-weights on the ends of the chains, were mounted on the Sherman Tank. The drum at the front of the Tank rotated at speed and the flailing chains detonated the mines in front of the vehicle. The speed during such operations was 1 MPH. Flail technology for making an assault lane through the minefield led to the evolution of trawl equipment in 1960. The Tank was armed with a 75 mm Main Gun and was powered by a Ford GAA V-8 water cooled inline petrol engine developing 500 BHP at 2600 RPM."
This Display Board positioned outside one of the exhibit Halls gives a brief account of the various operations the Indian Armour participated in the Indo-Pak War 1965 and the valiant men manning Indian Armoured Regiments, whom the nation remembers to the present day
Lieutenant Colonel AB Tarapore, Param Vir Chakra:
"On 11.09.1965, The Poona Horse, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel AB Tarapore was assigned the task of delivering the main armoured thrust for capturing Phillora in the Sialkot Sector in Pakistan. As a preliminary to making a surprise attack on Phillora from the rear, the Regiment was suddenly counter attacked by the enemy's heavy armour from Wazirwali. Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore who was then at the head of his Regiment, defied the enemy's charge, held his ground and gallantly attacked Phillora with one of his Squadrons, supported by an Infantry Batallion. Though under continuous enemy tank and artillery fire, Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore remained unperturbed throughput this action and when wounded, refused to be evacuated.
On 14.09.1965, though still wounded, he again led his Regiment to capture Wazirwali. Such was his grit and determination that unmindful of his injury, he again gallantly led his Regiment and captured Jassoran and Butur-Dograndi on 16.09.1065. His own Tank was hit several times, but despite the odds, he maintained pivots in both these places and thereby allowed the supporting infantry to attack Chawinda from the rear. Inspired by his leadership, the Regiment fiercely attacked the enemy's heavy armour destroying approximately sixty enemy tanks at a cost of only nine Tank casualties and when Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore was mortally wounded, the Regiment continued to defy the enemy. The valour displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore in this heroic action which lasted six days was in keeping with the highest traditions of the India Army."
(For more on the valour of Col. AB Tarapore, please visit the following link on this Blog: 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
The Battle of Phillora:
"The victory in the Battle of Phillora fought by 1 ARMD BDE with 4 Horse, 17 Horse and 16 Cav was decisively India's. Pakistan lost 67 Patton Tanks against six Centurion Tanks by India. In addition, the Indians over-ran one of the Pakistan BDE HQ and the Tactical HQ of their 6 ARMD DIV. A large number of maps, wireless sets/radio relay equipment. The complete Order of Battle of 6 ARMD DIV along with the 6 ARMD DIV Commander's Helicopter and Jeep were also captured. This Battle broke the back of Pakistan 6 ARMD DIV for the rest of the Operations. The superiority and sophistication of the Patton (Tank) became a myth. The total Pakistan territory captured by the Indians till 11.09.1965 came to over 110 square miles. The Battle of Phillora will be remembered as one of the bloodiest and finest Tank battles from the Indian view point in the annals of ARMD warfare."
Lieutenant Colonel Salim Caleb, Maha Vir Chakra:
Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) Salim Caleb was commaning 3 Cavalry during (the) Indo-Pak War of 1965. The Regiment was placed under 2 (Independent) Armoured Brigade with its Operational Area between Amritsar and Khemkaran when the Pakistani 1 Armoured Division started advancing from Khemkaran towards Bhikiwind. Lieutenant Colonel Salim Caleb took a bold decision with (a) calculated risk by deploying the Regiment in (the) general area of Khemkaran-Valtoha (rather than holding 3 Cavalry back in the general Kuccha Pukka area) in order to prevent the advancing Patton tanks of 4 Armoured Brigade of Pakistan to penetrate deep into India territory.
From 08-10. 09.1965, the Regiment under Lieutenant Colonel Salim Caleb knocked out 58 Patton tanks, near the village of Asal Uttar and shattered the colossal dream of Pakistan 1 Armoured Division of capturing areas upto the Harike bridge and Beas bridge, by blunting their attack. His farsightedness and bold decision making were responsible for saving the whole of Punjab for which the Regiment was honoured with Battle Honour "Asal Uttar" and Theatre Honour "Punjab". Lieutenant Colonel Salim Caleb was awarded Mahavir Chakra for his gallant act."
Battle of Asal Uttar:
In 1965 Indo-Pak war, the Pattons being the pride of the Pakistan Army were considered unmatched and unbeatable. They were used extensively during the War, especially in the Khemkaran sector and in the Battle of asal Uttar, a total of 97 Patton M-48 Tanks, eight Chaffee Tanks, four Sherman Tanks, two APC and 8 106 mm Recoilless Guns were destroyed, thus creating the graveyard of Pakistani Tanks at Bhikiwind which was later popularly known as "Patton Nagar."
Battle of Chhamb:
In a major offensive in the Chhamb sector, on 01.09.1965, the Pakistani armour launched a massive attack, in what appeared to be an all-out "Do or Die" thrust with two armoured Regiments. The head-on thrust of the enemy was met by the devastating and resolute fire of the AMX-13 Tanks of 20 Lancers which incidentally was considered no match for the more modern and sophisticated Pattons. When the smoke cleared, there were six Pattons and three Recoilless Guns burning on the field.
Between 1000 Hrs & 1600 Hrs on that day a bloody Tank battle was fought in the areas of Chhamb-Sakrana-Mandiala. The Squadron of 20 Lancers facing staggering odds of 6:1 fought with the light tanks with unparalleled fortitude and determination knocking out 17 enemy tanks on the first day alone. It was on that fateful day that the first phase of the Pakistani offensive - Operation Grand Slam - received a severe setback."
Details of Tanks at the disposal ofIndia and Pakistan during the 1965 War:
Indian Armour:
720 Tanks - 186 Centurions, 346 Shermans, 90 AMX 13, 90 PT.76
Pakistan Armour: 756 Tanks - 352 Pattons, 208 Shermans, 96 Chaffees.
(Pakistan lost 471 Tanks destroyed and 38 captured in the War).
Lieutenant Colonel AB Tarapore, Param Vir Chakra:
"On 11.09.1965, The Poona Horse, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel AB Tarapore was assigned the task of delivering the main armoured thrust for capturing Phillora in the Sialkot Sector in Pakistan. As a preliminary to making a surprise attack on Phillora from the rear, the Regiment was suddenly counter attacked by the enemy's heavy armour from Wazirwali. Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore who was then at the head of his Regiment, defied the enemy's charge, held his ground and gallantly attacked Phillora with one of his Squadrons, supported by an Infantry Batallion. Though under continuous enemy tank and artillery fire, Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore remained unperturbed throughput this action and when wounded, refused to be evacuated.
On 14.09.1965, though still wounded, he again led his Regiment to capture Wazirwali. Such was his grit and determination that unmindful of his injury, he again gallantly led his Regiment and captured Jassoran and Butur-Dograndi on 16.09.1065. His own Tank was hit several times, but despite the odds, he maintained pivots in both these places and thereby allowed the supporting infantry to attack Chawinda from the rear. Inspired by his leadership, the Regiment fiercely attacked the enemy's heavy armour destroying approximately sixty enemy tanks at a cost of only nine Tank casualties and when Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore was mortally wounded, the Regiment continued to defy the enemy. The valour displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore in this heroic action which lasted six days was in keeping with the highest traditions of the India Army."
(For more on the valour of Col. AB Tarapore, please visit the following link on this Blog: 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
The Battle of Phillora:
"The victory in the Battle of Phillora fought by 1 ARMD BDE with 4 Horse, 17 Horse and 16 Cav was decisively India's. Pakistan lost 67 Patton Tanks against six Centurion Tanks by India. In addition, the Indians over-ran one of the Pakistan BDE HQ and the Tactical HQ of their 6 ARMD DIV. A large number of maps, wireless sets/radio relay equipment. The complete Order of Battle of 6 ARMD DIV along with the 6 ARMD DIV Commander's Helicopter and Jeep were also captured. This Battle broke the back of Pakistan 6 ARMD DIV for the rest of the Operations. The superiority and sophistication of the Patton (Tank) became a myth. The total Pakistan territory captured by the Indians till 11.09.1965 came to over 110 square miles. The Battle of Phillora will be remembered as one of the bloodiest and finest Tank battles from the Indian view point in the annals of ARMD warfare."
Lieutenant Colonel Salim Caleb, Maha Vir Chakra:
Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) Salim Caleb was commaning 3 Cavalry during (the) Indo-Pak War of 1965. The Regiment was placed under 2 (Independent) Armoured Brigade with its Operational Area between Amritsar and Khemkaran when the Pakistani 1 Armoured Division started advancing from Khemkaran towards Bhikiwind. Lieutenant Colonel Salim Caleb took a bold decision with (a) calculated risk by deploying the Regiment in (the) general area of Khemkaran-Valtoha (rather than holding 3 Cavalry back in the general Kuccha Pukka area) in order to prevent the advancing Patton tanks of 4 Armoured Brigade of Pakistan to penetrate deep into India territory.
From 08-10. 09.1965, the Regiment under Lieutenant Colonel Salim Caleb knocked out 58 Patton tanks, near the village of Asal Uttar and shattered the colossal dream of Pakistan 1 Armoured Division of capturing areas upto the Harike bridge and Beas bridge, by blunting their attack. His farsightedness and bold decision making were responsible for saving the whole of Punjab for which the Regiment was honoured with Battle Honour "Asal Uttar" and Theatre Honour "Punjab". Lieutenant Colonel Salim Caleb was awarded Mahavir Chakra for his gallant act."
Battle of Asal Uttar:
In 1965 Indo-Pak war, the Pattons being the pride of the Pakistan Army were considered unmatched and unbeatable. They were used extensively during the War, especially in the Khemkaran sector and in the Battle of asal Uttar, a total of 97 Patton M-48 Tanks, eight Chaffee Tanks, four Sherman Tanks, two APC and 8 106 mm Recoilless Guns were destroyed, thus creating the graveyard of Pakistani Tanks at Bhikiwind which was later popularly known as "Patton Nagar."
Battle of Chhamb:
In a major offensive in the Chhamb sector, on 01.09.1965, the Pakistani armour launched a massive attack, in what appeared to be an all-out "Do or Die" thrust with two armoured Regiments. The head-on thrust of the enemy was met by the devastating and resolute fire of the AMX-13 Tanks of 20 Lancers which incidentally was considered no match for the more modern and sophisticated Pattons. When the smoke cleared, there were six Pattons and three Recoilless Guns burning on the field.
Between 1000 Hrs & 1600 Hrs on that day a bloody Tank battle was fought in the areas of Chhamb-Sakrana-Mandiala. The Squadron of 20 Lancers facing staggering odds of 6:1 fought with the light tanks with unparalleled fortitude and determination knocking out 17 enemy tanks on the first day alone. It was on that fateful day that the first phase of the Pakistani offensive - Operation Grand Slam - received a severe setback."
Details of Tanks at the disposal ofIndia and Pakistan during the 1965 War:
Indian Armour:
720 Tanks - 186 Centurions, 346 Shermans, 90 AMX 13, 90 PT.76
Pakistan Armour: 756 Tanks - 352 Pattons, 208 Shermans, 96 Chaffees.
(Pakistan lost 471 Tanks destroyed and 38 captured in the War).
The description reads:
"There were many variants on the Churchill Chassis, as it was quickly found out that it was well suited to such tasks as Bridging, Mine Clearing, Armoured Recovery and Flame throwing. Hence, it saw service in many special roles, especially with Armoured Engineer Units, one such role was that of an Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV). Churchill ARV Mark I was produced using the Chassis of the Churchill I or II, but this did not have any dummy turret. The stores were carried in the turret space. The Churchill ARV Mark II was a Churchill II or IV Chassis with the turret removed and replaced by a fixed box like dummy turret and dummy gun. It was fitted with demountable jibs, earth spade at (the) rear and a 2-speed winch with a 25 tons pull. Produced in 1944 and used by 79 Armoured division during Second World War, this ARV remained in service for many years after World War II."
The description reads:
"The Churchill was one of the most important British Tanks of 1939-45, as it was adaptable to specialised armour roles needed for the invasion of Europe in 1944. The vehicle's roomy interior, regular shape and heavy armour made if particularly useful as an Armoured Bridgelayer. Development of this vehicle started in 1942 and was based on experience gained with the Covenanter and Valentine Bridgelayers. The Churchill Bridgelayer was a turretless Churchill III or IV with hydraulic equipment fitted in the fighting compartment to work as a pivoted arm which could launch the 30 ft bridge horizontally from its stowage on the hull top and into a position spanning a ditch or crater. The bridge was made in 4 parts for ease of handling, but was carried and launched rigid. It could support vehicles upto 60 tons. This Bridgelayer remained in service in the British Army until the early 1960's till replaced by the Centurion Bridgelayer."
The description reads:
"The Valentine Bridge Layer was the first of the British Bridge laying Tanks of the Second World War. It was mainly used for training as it was replaced for operational use by the Churchill Bridgelayer in 1943-44. some were however, used in Burma. The Valentine Bridgelayer was a Valentine II adapted to carry a 30 ft scissors bridge. Hydraulic Rams and arms were fitted for launch and recovery with the hydraulic equipment fitted in the turret space. The unfolding type of scissors bridge was raised and then extended over the gap by means of hydraulic power. Once the Bridge had been opened out and dropped in front of the Tank, it could be uncoupled without the crew dismounting. The Tank could then beck away to make room for the fighting machines coming over from behind. A 30 ft. gap could be spanned to transport a load of 30 tons."
The description reads:
" A large number of indigenous special purpose conversions were produced on the Sherman Chassis for service in the British army. This Sherman BARV was one such conversion which came into being following a decision in October 1943, that a recovery vehicle for Beach work would be required for the Normandy landings. Tested in December 1943, it proved most successful. Able to work in upto 9 ft. of water, 52 Sherman BARV's were delivered to the Allied 21 Army Group by D-Day - 06 June 1944. In post-war service, the BARV was named "Sea-Lion". The Sherman BARV was a converted Sherman ARV MK-1 with a welded superstructure, bilge pump and engine intake trunking for deep wading. It was a towing vehicle only. The winch was omitted to simplify the conversion and shorten the production time."
The description reads:
"The Humber Armoured Car entered service with the British Army in 1941 and was phased out shortly after (the) end of World War II. It was used by many countries including India, Burma, Ceylon, Cyprus and Mexico. The facilities for the manufacture of Armoured cars in UK were fully committed in 1939 and yet more cars were needed. To save time, the Rootes Group of Motor Manufacturers adopted the existing design of the Guy Armoured Car. The Hull built by Guy Motors was mounted on a Rootes Carrier Artillery Tractor, which was originally built for the Indian Army, powered by a Rootes 6-Cylinder Petrol Engine developing 90 HP. It had a maximum road speed of 45 MPH. The Mark IV had a three man turret and was armed with a 37 mm gun and a BESA 7.92 mm Machi9ine-Gun. Most Humbers also had a .303 inch Bren Light Machine-Gun for Anti-Aircraft defence and smoke dischargers. (The) Indian Independent armoured Squadron used these in Nagaland from 1957 till the outbreak of Bangladesh War in 1971."
The description reads:
This version of the Indian Pattern Ford (4 x 4) Armoured Wheeled Carrier had a turret. The main supplier of military vehicles to the British other than USA during World War II was Canada. Vehicles produced in Australia, India, South Africa, New Zealand etc were almost invariably of Canadian origin. Although the body work and certain other components were often of local manufacture. The Ford Motor Company of India, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Co. of Canada, was assembling Canadian Ford vehicles. The manufacture of body work was with East Indian Railway Workshops and TISCO. It had a V-shape 8 Cylinder petrol engine producing 95 BHP and mounted a Bren-Gun. India's total war production included 64216 (4 x 2) vehicles, 45213 (4 x 4) vehicles, 3088 (6 x 4) vehicles, 11,614 Civilian Type vehicles and 9876 miscellaneous vehicles."
The description reads:
"The Canadian Ford 3 Ton 4 x 4 Chassis was used for several of these type of armoured vehicles and a special rear engine Chassis was made in three versions (CO II QRF, C 191 QRF, C 291 QRF) and was supplied mainly to India as a basis for the Indian pattern wheeled carriers. It was powered by a Ford V-Shape, 8 Cylinder engine giving 95 BHP. The armament was a Bren-Gun or Boy-Gun or a mortar. The armoured hull for these rear engine Ford Carriers were produced by the East Indian Railway Workshops and TISCO. This carrier was used in World War II in all theatres where Indian troops participated. There were six versions of this vehicle and some 4655 were produced."
The description reads:
"The M-3 Half-Track entered service with the US Army in 1941 and were also used by Britain, France, Soviet Union, Netherlands and was in long service with the Israeli Defence Force. Its development dates back to 1938, when a four-wheeled Scout Car was fitted with the tracked rear bogie of the T-9 Half-Track Truck, in tactical terms. The Half-Track was basically equivalent of the British Bren Carrier, but was larger and more powerful. It found many uses with all the Allied Armies in Europe and North Africa during World War II. Although the concept was pioneered by Kegresse in Russia before World War I, the American Half-Track was an original design by the Ordnance Department. This Half-Track had a crew comprising of a Commander, Driver, Gunner and 10 persons. It was powered by a white 160 AX Cylinder Inline Petrol Engine developing 147 BHP at 3000 RPM. It had a 0.5 inch Machine-Gun. The Half Tracks were out-dated by 1945."
The description reads:
" The Carden-Lloyd Universal Carrier was developed in 1939 from a long line of infantry carriers of similar size. 74000 such were produced in UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and US, where it was called the T-16. Production ceased in 1945 and the vehicle remained in service until the early 1950s. Memories of this carrier are fading in the infantry now. But in its day, it was one of the best-loved of any special vehicle. (The) Design originated from the Ammunition Carrier of 1921, an Armoured Tracked Vehicle intended to convey 16-pounder ammunition across bullet-swept ground impassable to horse drawn wagons of (the) Army Service Corps. This Carrier was powered by a Ford 8-Cylinder water-cooled Inline Petrol Engine developing 85 BHP at 2000 RPM and speed of 32 MPH and was armed with a Bren Light Machine-Gun. Most of the Carriers in service were used for carriage of infantry and its support weapons, such as Mortars, MHGs and Towing of Anti-Tank Guns. This Carrier saw service in all Theatres of World War II."
(Parts III and IV of this post are under preparation)
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.
Santosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"Excellent post."
Thank you so much, Khanna sahab.
Deleteरामचंद्र लळिंंगकर has commented:
ReplyDelete"Very good information."
Thank you so much, Rambhau. It is important that the youngsters today know about the bravery and sacrifices of our Armed forces.
Deleteरामचंद्र लळिंंगकर has further commented:
Delete"Absolutely !"
Hi Dear,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a useful blog. Really! This Blog is very informative for us which contains a lot of information about the tanks museum. I like this post. Please visit at "Kubinka tank museum", I hope you may like our museums, parks and etc.
Visit Here - https://tanksdriving.com/patriot-park/
Thanks, Regards,
Thank you for visiting the blog and your appreciative comment, larkpetyton and for sharing the Kubinka tank museum link here. Have visited the links. Very interesting. Thanks. Much appreciate.
DeleteHi Dear,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such useful blog. Really! This Blog is very informative for us which contain lot of information about counselling service. I like this post. Please visit at "Kubinka Tank Museum" , i hope you may like our Kubinka Tank Museum.
Visit Here - https://tanksdriving.com/patriot-park/
Thanks Regards,,
Thank you so much, Armstrong Harry.
Delete