958) 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 Abroad over the Ages: i) History of the Indian Cavalry; ii) Some 20th Century Battle Tanks; iii) Amphibious Light Tanks:
Continuing with the brief of our visit to the CTM, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra:
Continuing with the brief of our visit to the CTM, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra:
"The First Indian Cavalry Regiment was raised in Patna in 1760. It later became the Governor General's Bodyguard and is now the President's Bodyguard. Other Regiments have their origins in the Madras Presidency. Four Cavalry Regiments of the Nawab of Arcot's Paigah Horse were attached to the East India Company's Army. No 3 Regiment, presently 16 CAV is the senior most Regiment of the Armoured Corps. Eventually, the Madras Light Cavalry increased to eight Regiments, of these, three exist today viz. 7, 8 and 16 CAV.
A number of irregular Cavalry Regiments were raised in 1796 by Holkers and Scindias. In 1803, there were six Regiments of the Bengal Light Cavalry. By 1857, there were 10 Regular and 18 Irregular Cavalry Regiments in the Bengal Army, of these two Regiments remain today viz. Skinner's Horse and 2L (Gardner's Horse).
In the Bombay Presidency, three Cavalry Regiments were formed in 1816. The Bombay Light Cavalry, later the 13 DCO Lancers, I today the Senoir most Cavalry Regiment of the Pakistan Army. The Poona Auxiliary Horse was raised in 1817. The Kutch Levy of the Poona Horse formed the nucleus for the Scinde Irregular Horse, raised in 1839.
The Hyderabad Cavalry Contingent consisted of five Regiments, two still exist today in the form of Deccan Horse and 8 CAV.
During the 1857 War of Independence, several adhoc Cavalry Regiments were raised with the help of prominent Sirdars of the Sikh, Punjabi Muslim and Pathan communities and later embodied under British Officers. Hodson's Horse was the first of such Regiments to be raised.
Post 1857, the Military was restructured on the principle of were now inducted into separate squadrons. The establishment was fixed at 10 British officers and 625 Indian Ranks.
In 1895, the three Presidency Armies were amalgamated under a single command - the Indian Army. The order of precedence included units of the Bengal Army, followed by the Punjab Frontier Force, the Madras Army and the Hyderabad Contingent. Concession was also given to subsidiary titles based on historical events or names of officers responsible for raising the regiments.
From 1914 to 1921, there were 39 Regiments of Indian Cavalry excluding the Governor General's Bodyguard. Of these, 36 were organised on the Silladar system with four squadrons each.
In 1920, it was decided that only 21 Regiments were to be retained. The existing 36 Silladar Regiments in pairs for 18 Regiments, in addition to 3 non-Silladar Regiments. These Regiments were formed into three Regiments each. The organisation of regiments changed to three sabre squadrons and a headquarter wing.
In 1937, the seven groups were redued to 3 training regiments at Jhansi, Ferozepur and Lucknow. Jhansi had 15 Lancers, affiliated regiments were Skinner's Horse, 2L (Gardner's Horse), 3 CAV, 16 CAV, Poona Horse and 18 Cav. Ferozepur had Sam Browne's Cavalry (12 FF), sffiliated regiments were Hodson's Horse, Probyn's Horse, Guides Cavalry, Pavoa Cavalry (11 FF), 13 DCO and Scinde Horse. At Lucknow, the training regiment was 20 Lancers, affiliated regiments were 6 DCO Lancers, 7 CAV, 8 CAV, the Royal Deccan Lancers (9H), 19 KGO Lancers and the CIH.
Mechanisation:
In 1938, mechanisation of the Indian Cavalry Regiments commenced. The first two Regiments converted to Armoured Cars and Vickers Light Tanks were the 13 DCO Lancers and the Scinde Horse. The last Regiment mechanised was the 19 KGO Lancers in 1940. The metamorphosis from Cavalry to Armour became official on 01.05.1941, which is now celebrated as Armoured Corps Day. During WWII, Indian armour consisted of 18 pre-war and nearly raised regiments equipped with Sherman and Stuart Tanks.
Post Independence:
The 18 Regiments were divided in the ratio of 2:1 between India and Pakistan on pertition. India got the Skinner's Horse, 2L (Gardner's Horse), 3 CAV, 8 CAV, Deccan Horse, Scinde Horse, 16 CAV, Poona Horse, 18 CAV and the CIH. Pakistan got Probyn's Horse, 6 Lancers, Guides Cavalry, Price Albert Victor's own Cavalry (11FF), 13 Lancers and 19 Lancers. The Governor General's Bodyguard was divided equally.
In 1953, 61 CAV was raised with contribution from various Princely State Forces, and remains till date, the only Horsed Cavalry Regiment in the World. Later three units, namely 20 Lancers, 62 CAV and 63 CAV were raised, thus taking the strength to 16 Regiments. On induction of T-55 and T-72 Tanks, as also indigenous Vijayanta Tanks, eight Regiments were raised in the 60s; 14 post the 1971 war and 20 Regiments in the 80's bringing the strength of the Corps to 58 Regiments. Presently, there are 66 Armoured Regiments equipped with night enabled T-72 Tanks, T-90 Tanks and Main Battle Tank Arjun."
Vijayanta Tank
The description reads:
"The Vijayanta is the first indigenously produced Indian Tank and was modelled on the Valiant Series of Tanks designed by Vickers Ltd (UK). The Vijayanta was revolutionary in the design for its power pack and transmission and unequalled for the accuracy and consistency of its 105 mm Gun. In Tech inventory of Tank of the Indian Armoured Corps, it will always be fondly remembered as the "First Amongst Equals".
On 10.08.1966, 2 Lancers became the first Regt to be equipped with the Vijayanta. Thereafter, numerous Armoured Regiments have been kitted with this Tank and it has done yeoman service to the nation by safeguarding its frontiers for nearly four decades. The Vijayanta was phased out of Armoured Corps in 2004 after completing its service life. Trustworthily till the end, firing for the last time on 10.01.2004."
Sherman Tank
The description reads:
"With about 50,000 produced in all variations, the Sherman was the most widely produced Tank during WWII. Its suspension was a rugged and simple design, known as VVSS (Vertical Volute Spring Suspension) with three units (or bogies) on each side and each with two road wheels. (The) early production of M4's had a three piece front. (It had a)Transmission cover and a cast one piece turret mounting A 75 mm Main Gun."
The description reads:
"With about 50,000 produced in all variations, the Sherman was the most widely produced Tank during WWII. Its suspension was a rugged and simple design, known as VVSS (Vertical Volute Spring Suspension) with three units (or bogies) on each side and each with two road wheels. (The) early production of M4's had a three piece front. (It had a)Transmission cover and a cast one piece turret mounting A 75 mm Main Gun."
T-54 Main Battle Tank
The description reads:
"The T-54 Tank entered service with the Russian Army in 1950. This Tank was a logical development of T-44, which was developed towards the end of World War II. T-54 has also been built in China, known as T-59, as well as, in Czechoslovakia and Poland. India was one of the 34 countries using this Tank. The main armament consists of a 100 mm D-10T Rifled Navy/Tank Gun. The secondary armament consisted of two 7.62 mm Machine-Guns, mounted co-axially in the Bow, and a 12.7 mm Machine-Gun in Anti-Aircraft role. The Tank is powered by a V-34 12-Cylinder Air cooled diesel engine developing 520 BHP at 2000 RPM and max speed of 30 MPH. Additional Fuel Tanks can be fitted to the rear of the hull to increase the operating range. The Tank can create its own smoke screen and can ford upto a depth of 18 ft. using a snorkel. This Tank was one of the first of Soviet Union Tanks to be inducted into the Indian Army. It has seen action at Fazilika during the 1971 Indo-Pak War."
The description reads:
"The T-54 Tank entered service with the Russian Army in 1950. This Tank was a logical development of T-44, which was developed towards the end of World War II. T-54 has also been built in China, known as T-59, as well as, in Czechoslovakia and Poland. India was one of the 34 countries using this Tank. The main armament consists of a 100 mm D-10T Rifled Navy/Tank Gun. The secondary armament consisted of two 7.62 mm Machine-Guns, mounted co-axially in the Bow, and a 12.7 mm Machine-Gun in Anti-Aircraft role. The Tank is powered by a V-34 12-Cylinder Air cooled diesel engine developing 520 BHP at 2000 RPM and max speed of 30 MPH. Additional Fuel Tanks can be fitted to the rear of the hull to increase the operating range. The Tank can create its own smoke screen and can ford upto a depth of 18 ft. using a snorkel. This Tank was one of the first of Soviet Union Tanks to be inducted into the Indian Army. It has seen action at Fazilika during the 1971 Indo-Pak War."
M24 Chaffee Light Tank
The description reads:
" The M-24 Chaffee entered US service in 1944 and was supplied to many countries including UK. The M-24 was a quantum increase in technology as compared to the M-5 which it replaced. In firepower and protection, the M-24 surpassed all other light Tanks of World War II, while its mobility was comparable with the exceptionally agile M-5. Its 75 mm Gun was almost equal to that of the Sherman and more powerful than the armament of most medium Tanks. In 1939, the Secondary Armaments of two 0.3 inch Machine-Gun mounted co-axially and in the Bow and a 0.5 inch Machine-Gun on the Commander's Cupola. The vastly improved Hull and Turret shape increased protection by the elimination of shot traps, reduction of the silhouette and better sloping of the armour. Major assemblies were easily accessible for ease of maintenance. This Tank was employed by Allies in Europe and North Africa during World War II."
M-48 Medium Tank Patton
The description reads:
"Entered service with the US Army in 1953 and the production stopped in 1960. The Hull is of cast armour construction, as is the Turret. Main armament of 90 mm Gun, secondary armament of 0.3 inch/7.62 mm co-axial Machine-Gun and a 0.5 inch Machine-Gun mounted on the Commander's cupola. Can be fitted with a Dozer blade at the front of the Hull. It can ford upto a depth of 8 ft. with the aid of a kit. This Tank was later powered by a continental AVDS-1790-2A 12 Cylinder air-cooled diesel engine developing 750 BHP at 2400 RPM and max speed of 30 MPH. The M-48 had a infra-red device for driver and searchlight mounted over the main armament. The M-48 has been used in combat by Pakistan, Korea, USA and Vietnam. The Pakistanis lost almost 100 M-48s in Punjab in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan campaign. This was the most dreaded and publicised American Tank of the 1950s."
M-41 WALKER BULLDOG LIGHT TANK
The description reads as under:
"The standard Light Tank in use with the US Army at the end of World War II was the M-24 Chaffee. Its replacement of the Chaffee. The M-41 was authorised for production in 1950 and was named Walker Bulldog after General WW Walker. The Tank was powered with a Continental 6 Cylinder petrol engine developing 500 BHP. The Tank had a crew of 4, armament was one 76 mm Gun with a "T" type Blast Deflector, one .3 inch Machine-Gun co-axially mounted and one .5 inch Anti-Aircraft Machine-Gun. The M-41 was one of the three Main Tanks developed by the US in 1950s, the other being M-47 and M-103 Heavy Tanks. The M-41 was provided with a Hull escape hatch to give the crew better chances of survival, than if they bailed out via the turret or drivers hatch. The M-41 was later replaced in the US Army by M-551 Sheridan. M-41 Walker Bulldog also saw service with Pakistan and a host of other countries world-wide. This Tank was captured during the 1965 Indo-Pak War."
Sherman Duplex Drive
The description reads:
" The Sherman DD (Duplex Drive) was developed for the Normandy landings in 1944. The Revolutionary Duplex Drive designed by Nicholas Straussler in 1942-43 could make 30 Ton Tanks swim through water. Initially tried out on the Valentine and the Tetrach Light Tanks, the principle was to create a large collapsible boat around the Tank. The bottom being the Hull of the Tank and the Sides, Bow and Transom being Canvas on a tubular frame. The vertical frame members were hinged in Concertina fashion and the Canvas from its closed position on the track-guards was erected by introducing pressure from compressed air-bottles into flexible rubber pipes fixed vertically against the Canvas. By means of the Power take off from the rear idlers, the propellers pushed the Tank through water. Firing was not possible while afloat. The DD Tank could drive off the open Bow-door Ramps of landing craft 2-3 miles off-shore and achieve speed of 4 to 5 knots while afloat."
A 9 Cruiser Tank Mark - I
The description reads:
"This Tank was designed for large manoeuvres and deep strike for the British Army of 1930s. This Tank replaced some of the Ageing Vickers Medium MK II in British Service. The first A 9's were issued to the 1st Armoured Division, which took them to France in 1939-40 and left practically all of them at Dunkirk. The 2nd and 7th Armoured Divisions operated these in Egypt until 1941. By then, it was out of date and out-gunned. It was made lighter than the Medium Tank so that it could be powered by a commercial engine. The armour protection was very limited. It had a A-2 PDR Gun and one .303 inch Vickers Machine Gun in the Turret. The A-9 was the first British Tank to have power traverse for the Turret and also an auxiliary engine for starting, battery charging and driving a fan for the fighting compartment. Other interesting design features were a combined driving and fighting compartment. External steering brakes on the rear sprockets and the "slow-motion" suspension which was later used on the Valentine."
A22 CHURCHILL INFANTRY TANK (MK VII)
The description reads:
" The Churchill was a replacement for Matilda II. It was designed to function in the "shelled Area" of the Battle Zone, in support of the infantry. It was powered by two 6-Cylinder Bedford water-cooled engines developing 350 BHP and giving a road speed of 15.5 MPH. The MK VII was armed with a 75 mm Gun and two 7.92 mm BESA Machine-Guns. The MK VII was the first British Tank to have an all-round vision Commander's cupola, when closed down. The other changes in the MK-vii included full length track guards, thicker armour, circular side doors and driver's visors, redesigned air-louvres to permit easier water-cooling.
Churchills were used on most of the European Battlefields. The first time they were in action was the Dieppe Raid in Aug 1942 and later in Alamein, Tunisia and Italy. This Tank was also used by Russia, India and Jordan."
Infantry Tank MARK II (MATILDA A12)
The description reads:
" The Infantry Tank MARK II was derived from the A-7 Experimental Series of Medium Tanks. Universally known as "MATILDA", it was designed to perform the same tactical roles as the Infantry Tank Mark I, but was additionally armed with a 2 Pounder (40 mm) Gun and a co-axial 7.92 mm BESA Machine-Gun. The power units used were two AEC 6-Cylinder inline diesel engines developing a total of 174 BHP giving a road speed of 15 MPH. The Anti-Aircraft Machine-Gun mounting on the Turret, apertures alongside the Hull side to expel the Mud Cakes from the tracks while moving and hydraulic power for Turret rotation were the notable features of this Tank. The 7th RTR of the British Army was the first unit to be equipped with this Tank and gave a good account of itself in the retreat to Dunkirk. This was one of the most famous British Tanks of WWII, forming a major part of the British Armoured Forces during the 8th Army's battles in the Western desert."
AMX -13 Light Tank
The description reads:
"The AMX-13 was designed for use as a Tank Destroyer or Reconnaissance Vehicle and served as a Light Tank in the French Army. The Tank entered service with the French Army in 1953-54 and in 25 other countries including India. This was the first Tank to have an oscillating Turret. This design of the Turret mounting the 75 mm Gun enabled the French to install an automatic loader, and this in turn reduced the crew to three. The empty cartridge cases were ejected automatically through a hatch in the rear of the Turret. The Tank also had a 7.5 mm/7.62 mm Machine-Gun co-axial to the main armament. The Tank weighed 15 Tons and was powered by a SOFAM Model 8 GXB petrol engine. This Tank served in two Regiments of the Indian Army till 1970 and then with Reconnaissance Squadrons. It was feared and known as the "Jumping Tank" by the enemy in the 1965 Indo-Pak War. It was employed in Chushul and Nathula in Sikkim and saw very active service in Khemkaran and Chhamb in the 1965 War and again in Chhamb-Jaurian in 1971.
PT-76 (PLAVAUSHIY TANK) Light Amphibious Tank
The description reads:
"The Pt-76 was based on the Penguin Cross-Country Vehicle. It entered service with the Russian Army in 1952. It had a Hull of all-welded steel construction. The driver's seat was at the front of the Hull, with the Commander and Gunner in the Turret and the engine and transmission at the rear of the Hull. It weighed 14 Tons and had a road speed of 27.34 MPH. It was the first Amphibious Tank to use Hydro-Jet propulsion, while swimming, at a max 10 KMPH. The Tank was steered by opening and closing "Clam Shell" covers over the hydro-jet vents. The basic chassis of PT-76 has been used for a family of Soviet Armoured Personnel Carriers and Anti-Aircraft mounts. This Tank was imported by India in 1965 and saw intensive action in Bangladesh in 1971."
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:
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.
The description reads:
"Entered service with the US Army in 1953 and the production stopped in 1960. The Hull is of cast armour construction, as is the Turret. Main armament of 90 mm Gun, secondary armament of 0.3 inch/7.62 mm co-axial Machine-Gun and a 0.5 inch Machine-Gun mounted on the Commander's cupola. Can be fitted with a Dozer blade at the front of the Hull. It can ford upto a depth of 8 ft. with the aid of a kit. This Tank was later powered by a continental AVDS-1790-2A 12 Cylinder air-cooled diesel engine developing 750 BHP at 2400 RPM and max speed of 30 MPH. The M-48 had a infra-red device for driver and searchlight mounted over the main armament. The M-48 has been used in combat by Pakistan, Korea, USA and Vietnam. The Pakistanis lost almost 100 M-48s in Punjab in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan campaign. This was the most dreaded and publicised American Tank of the 1950s."
The description reads as under:
"The standard Light Tank in use with the US Army at the end of World War II was the M-24 Chaffee. Its replacement of the Chaffee. The M-41 was authorised for production in 1950 and was named Walker Bulldog after General WW Walker. The Tank was powered with a Continental 6 Cylinder petrol engine developing 500 BHP. The Tank had a crew of 4, armament was one 76 mm Gun with a "T" type Blast Deflector, one .3 inch Machine-Gun co-axially mounted and one .5 inch Anti-Aircraft Machine-Gun. The M-41 was one of the three Main Tanks developed by the US in 1950s, the other being M-47 and M-103 Heavy Tanks. The M-41 was provided with a Hull escape hatch to give the crew better chances of survival, than if they bailed out via the turret or drivers hatch. The M-41 was later replaced in the US Army by M-551 Sheridan. M-41 Walker Bulldog also saw service with Pakistan and a host of other countries world-wide. This Tank was captured during the 1965 Indo-Pak War."
The description reads:
" The Sherman DD (Duplex Drive) was developed for the Normandy landings in 1944. The Revolutionary Duplex Drive designed by Nicholas Straussler in 1942-43 could make 30 Ton Tanks swim through water. Initially tried out on the Valentine and the Tetrach Light Tanks, the principle was to create a large collapsible boat around the Tank. The bottom being the Hull of the Tank and the Sides, Bow and Transom being Canvas on a tubular frame. The vertical frame members were hinged in Concertina fashion and the Canvas from its closed position on the track-guards was erected by introducing pressure from compressed air-bottles into flexible rubber pipes fixed vertically against the Canvas. By means of the Power take off from the rear idlers, the propellers pushed the Tank through water. Firing was not possible while afloat. The DD Tank could drive off the open Bow-door Ramps of landing craft 2-3 miles off-shore and achieve speed of 4 to 5 knots while afloat."
The description reads:
"This Tank was designed for large manoeuvres and deep strike for the British Army of 1930s. This Tank replaced some of the Ageing Vickers Medium MK II in British Service. The first A 9's were issued to the 1st Armoured Division, which took them to France in 1939-40 and left practically all of them at Dunkirk. The 2nd and 7th Armoured Divisions operated these in Egypt until 1941. By then, it was out of date and out-gunned. It was made lighter than the Medium Tank so that it could be powered by a commercial engine. The armour protection was very limited. It had a A-2 PDR Gun and one .303 inch Vickers Machine Gun in the Turret. The A-9 was the first British Tank to have power traverse for the Turret and also an auxiliary engine for starting, battery charging and driving a fan for the fighting compartment. Other interesting design features were a combined driving and fighting compartment. External steering brakes on the rear sprockets and the "slow-motion" suspension which was later used on the Valentine."
The description reads:
" The Churchill was a replacement for Matilda II. It was designed to function in the "shelled Area" of the Battle Zone, in support of the infantry. It was powered by two 6-Cylinder Bedford water-cooled engines developing 350 BHP and giving a road speed of 15.5 MPH. The MK VII was armed with a 75 mm Gun and two 7.92 mm BESA Machine-Guns. The MK VII was the first British Tank to have an all-round vision Commander's cupola, when closed down. The other changes in the MK-vii included full length track guards, thicker armour, circular side doors and driver's visors, redesigned air-louvres to permit easier water-cooling.
Churchills were used on most of the European Battlefields. The first time they were in action was the Dieppe Raid in Aug 1942 and later in Alamein, Tunisia and Italy. This Tank was also used by Russia, India and Jordan."
The description reads:
" The Infantry Tank MARK II was derived from the A-7 Experimental Series of Medium Tanks. Universally known as "MATILDA", it was designed to perform the same tactical roles as the Infantry Tank Mark I, but was additionally armed with a 2 Pounder (40 mm) Gun and a co-axial 7.92 mm BESA Machine-Gun. The power units used were two AEC 6-Cylinder inline diesel engines developing a total of 174 BHP giving a road speed of 15 MPH. The Anti-Aircraft Machine-Gun mounting on the Turret, apertures alongside the Hull side to expel the Mud Cakes from the tracks while moving and hydraulic power for Turret rotation were the notable features of this Tank. The 7th RTR of the British Army was the first unit to be equipped with this Tank and gave a good account of itself in the retreat to Dunkirk. This was one of the most famous British Tanks of WWII, forming a major part of the British Armoured Forces during the 8th Army's battles in the Western desert."
The description reads:
"The AMX-13 was designed for use as a Tank Destroyer or Reconnaissance Vehicle and served as a Light Tank in the French Army. The Tank entered service with the French Army in 1953-54 and in 25 other countries including India. This was the first Tank to have an oscillating Turret. This design of the Turret mounting the 75 mm Gun enabled the French to install an automatic loader, and this in turn reduced the crew to three. The empty cartridge cases were ejected automatically through a hatch in the rear of the Turret. The Tank also had a 7.5 mm/7.62 mm Machine-Gun co-axial to the main armament. The Tank weighed 15 Tons and was powered by a SOFAM Model 8 GXB petrol engine. This Tank served in two Regiments of the Indian Army till 1970 and then with Reconnaissance Squadrons. It was feared and known as the "Jumping Tank" by the enemy in the 1965 Indo-Pak War. It was employed in Chushul and Nathula in Sikkim and saw very active service in Khemkaran and Chhamb in the 1965 War and again in Chhamb-Jaurian in 1971.
The description reads:
"The Pt-76 was based on the Penguin Cross-Country Vehicle. It entered service with the Russian Army in 1952. It had a Hull of all-welded steel construction. The driver's seat was at the front of the Hull, with the Commander and Gunner in the Turret and the engine and transmission at the rear of the Hull. It weighed 14 Tons and had a road speed of 27.34 MPH. It was the first Amphibious Tank to use Hydro-Jet propulsion, while swimming, at a max 10 KMPH. The Tank was steered by opening and closing "Clam Shell" covers over the hydro-jet vents. The basic chassis of PT-76 has been used for a family of Soviet Armoured Personnel Carriers and Anti-Aircraft mounts. This Tank was imported by India in 1965 and saw intensive action in Bangladesh in 1971."
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.
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