959) 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 used 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):
This is the fourth and concluding part of my post on the visit to the CTM, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra:
8.8 CM FLAK 18
The description reads:
" Designed by the Krupp team in Sweden, to circumvent the Versailles Treaty, the Flak 18 became the most famous gun of the Second World War. Originally designed as an Anti-Aircraft Gun Mount, the "88" assumed a "wonder weapon", status as an Anti-Tank Gun in the North African campaign. With the trend towards higher calibres for Main Guns, the 88 was the primary armament of the PZ.KPFW VI (Tiger), with the addition of a muzzle brake and electrical firing mechanism.
High Muzzle velocity, a rapid rate of fire and long range of the Gun made the Tiger the most formidable Tank of the Second World War. Design of Main Guns thereafter has been very largely influenced by performance characteristics of the 8.8 CM KwK 36 ,the nomenclature of this weapon when mounted in the Tiger. This Gun is thus a forerunner of Tank Armament of today."
Blog Editor's Note:
The Tiger I was a German heavy Tank of World War II deployed from 1942 in Africa and Europe. Its final designation was "Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf. E" often shortened to "Tiger". The Tiger I gave the German Army its first armoured fighting vehicle that mounted the 8.8 cm KwK 36 Gun. 1,347 were built in the first phase between 08/1942 and 08/1944. After 08/1944, Tiger I was phased out in favour of Tiger II. In the movie "Fury" a Tiger Tank with a firing range of over twice that of the US Armour, easily knocks out three Tanks in "War-Daddy's" column (Brad Pitt's nickname) before the last tank gets into range and knocks out the Tiger Tank.
" Designed by the Krupp team in Sweden, to circumvent the Versailles Treaty, the Flak 18 became the most famous gun of the Second World War. Originally designed as an Anti-Aircraft Gun Mount, the "88" assumed a "wonder weapon", status as an Anti-Tank Gun in the North African campaign. With the trend towards higher calibres for Main Guns, the 88 was the primary armament of the PZ.KPFW VI (Tiger), with the addition of a muzzle brake and electrical firing mechanism.
High Muzzle velocity, a rapid rate of fire and long range of the Gun made the Tiger the most formidable Tank of the Second World War. Design of Main Guns thereafter has been very largely influenced by performance characteristics of the 8.8 CM KwK 36 ,the nomenclature of this weapon when mounted in the Tiger. This Gun is thus a forerunner of Tank Armament of today."
Blog Editor's Note:
The Tiger I was a German heavy Tank of World War II deployed from 1942 in Africa and Europe. Its final designation was "Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf. E" often shortened to "Tiger". The Tiger I gave the German Army its first armoured fighting vehicle that mounted the 8.8 cm KwK 36 Gun. 1,347 were built in the first phase between 08/1942 and 08/1944. After 08/1944, Tiger I was phased out in favour of Tiger II. In the movie "Fury" a Tiger Tank with a firing range of over twice that of the US Armour, easily knocks out three Tanks in "War-Daddy's" column (Brad Pitt's nickname) before the last tank gets into range and knocks out the Tiger Tank.
Landing Vehicle Tracked (A) 4
The description reads:
"The Landing vehicle tracked was intended primarily for use in flood relief operations and rescue of crashed aircrew. This armoured version, the LVT (A) 4 mounted the Turret and Howitzer of the M8 75 mm Howitzer Motor Carriage. In all 1890 of the LVT (A) 4 were built. It was powered by a Continental W670-9A 7-Cylinder Air-cooled radial petrol engine developing 250 BHP at 2400 RPM and having road speed of 17 MPH and water-borne speed of 6 MPH. The LVTs were first used in Guadalcanal Operations in 08/1942, in a logistical role. Tactically they were first used in 1943 at Tarawa in the Pacific and, in Europe, were instrumental in the Scheldt Estuary Assault and the crossing of the Rhine. To name but two Amphibious Operations, the LVTs were provided to the British army during World War II and supplied postwar to France, Italy and Spain among others."
The description reads:
"The Landing vehicle tracked was intended primarily for use in flood relief operations and rescue of crashed aircrew. This armoured version, the LVT (A) 4 mounted the Turret and Howitzer of the M8 75 mm Howitzer Motor Carriage. In all 1890 of the LVT (A) 4 were built. It was powered by a Continental W670-9A 7-Cylinder Air-cooled radial petrol engine developing 250 BHP at 2400 RPM and having road speed of 17 MPH and water-borne speed of 6 MPH. The LVTs were first used in Guadalcanal Operations in 08/1942, in a logistical role. Tactically they were first used in 1943 at Tarawa in the Pacific and, in Europe, were instrumental in the Scheldt Estuary Assault and the crossing of the Rhine. To name but two Amphibious Operations, the LVTs were provided to the British army during World War II and supplied postwar to France, Italy and Spain among others."
The M3 A1 Reconnaissance Vehicle
The description reads:
"The M2 A1, with Radio and other minor modifications, was standardised as the M3Scout 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 had 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 M3A1 introduced the distinctive front roller designed to prevent the vehicle from digging its nose into ditches and other obstacles. TheM3A1 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."
"The M2 A1, with Radio and other minor modifications, was standardised as the M3Scout 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 had 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 M3A1 introduced the distinctive front roller designed to prevent the vehicle from digging its nose into ditches and other obstacles. TheM3A1 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."
TOPAS - AMPHIBIOUS APC
The description reads:
TOPAS or OT-62 (Obreny Transporter-62) was developed by Czechoslovakia and Poland and is equivalent to Soviet BTR-50 PK APCs. OT-62 entered service with Czechoslovakia in 1964 and with Poland in 1966. The Polish Army calls the vehicle the "TRANSPORTER OPANCERNY SREDNI", the Czechoslovak Army called it the "TRANSPORTER OBRENY PASOVY" or TOPAS. In both countries the vehicle was normally used by the Tank Divisions as an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).
TOPAS has a very powerful engine, fully enclosed troop compartment and has a 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 was propelled in the water by two water jets at the rear of the Hull. The TOPAS sports a pintle mounted Machine Gun as the only armament. The troops enter and leave the vehicle (through) the large door on 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."
TOPAS or OT-62 (Obreny Transporter-62) was developed by Czechoslovakia and Poland and is equivalent to Soviet BTR-50 PK APCs. OT-62 entered service with Czechoslovakia in 1964 and with Poland in 1966. The Polish Army calls the vehicle the "TRANSPORTER OPANCERNY SREDNI", the Czechoslovak Army called it the "TRANSPORTER OBRENY PASOVY" or TOPAS. In both countries the vehicle was normally used by the Tank Divisions as an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).
TOPAS has a very powerful engine, fully enclosed troop compartment and has a 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 was propelled in the water by two water jets at the rear of the Hull. The TOPAS sports a pintle mounted Machine Gun as the only armament. The troops enter and leave the vehicle (through) the large door on 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."
BTR-60 PB
The description reads:
"The BTR-60 PB first appeared in 1965 as the third modification in the BTR-60P Series of APCs developed by the Russians after the useful experience of Wheeled APCs in Second World War.
BTR stands for "BRONETRANSPORTER" which means "ARMOURED TRANSPORTER". These were employed widely by the Soviet Army and also by more than thirty export customers including India. BTR-60 PB can carry a crew of 14 and is fitted with 14.5 mm KPVT and 7.62 mm PKT Machine-Guns. It is a versatile amphibious weapon platform and it also performs well in the cross-country conditions. Fitted with overhead armour cover, it has three firing ports which are located on either side of troop compartment. BTR-60 PB is vulnerable to high explosives and small arms fire.
BTR-60 PB has seen action in the Yom KIPPUR War, in Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and also in the Chechen and Yugoslav Wars. There was also a version of BTR-60 PB used as artillery command and observation post by the East German Army.
BTR-60 PB remained in production till 1976 and it was replaced by BTR-70.
BTR-60 PB saw service with Afghanistan, Angola, Algeria, Bhutan, Botswana, Congo, Cuba, Djiboutum, East Germany, Ethiopia, Finland, India and Iraq."
"The BTR-60 PB first appeared in 1965 as the third modification in the BTR-60P Series of APCs developed by the Russians after the useful experience of Wheeled APCs in Second World War.
BTR stands for "BRONETRANSPORTER" which means "ARMOURED TRANSPORTER". These were employed widely by the Soviet Army and also by more than thirty export customers including India. BTR-60 PB can carry a crew of 14 and is fitted with 14.5 mm KPVT and 7.62 mm PKT Machine-Guns. It is a versatile amphibious weapon platform and it also performs well in the cross-country conditions. Fitted with overhead armour cover, it has three firing ports which are located on either side of troop compartment. BTR-60 PB is vulnerable to high explosives and small arms fire.
BTR-60 PB has seen action in the Yom KIPPUR War, in Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and also in the Chechen and Yugoslav Wars. There was also a version of BTR-60 PB used as artillery command and observation post by the East German Army.
BTR-60 PB remained in production till 1976 and it was replaced by BTR-70.
BTR-60 PB saw service with Afghanistan, Angola, Algeria, Bhutan, Botswana, Congo, Cuba, Djiboutum, East Germany, Ethiopia, Finland, India and Iraq."
APC SKOT
The description reads:
APC Skot or OT-64A is the basic member of the SKOT Series. OT-64 (Obrneny Transporter) was jointly developed by Czechoslovakia and Poland in 1959 and entered into service in 1964,since then it was widely exported outside the Warsaw Pact countries. The Polish designation for the vehicle is "SREDNI KOLOWY OPANCERZNY TRANSPORTER" (SKOT), TATRA of Czechoslovakia provided the chassis and the automotive components and FST/LUBIN the armoured body and the weapon system was provided by Poland.
SKOT vehicles used by Czechoslovakia were unarmed while those used by Poland were fitted with a 7.62 mm Machine Gun. Some of OT-64as have been fitted with two SAGGER ATOG (Anti-Tank guided weapon) mounted over the top of the Troop Compartment. A total of four SAGGER ATGWs can be carried in the vehicle. This NBC protected APC can carry a crew of 20 persons.
Various versions of SKOT are OT-64B (SK-OT-2), OT-64C (SKOT 2A), OT-64C(2) (SKOT-2AP). The production of OT-64 family was discontinued in the mid-1980s.
APC SKOT was in service with Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Uganda and India."
APC Skot or OT-64A is the basic member of the SKOT Series. OT-64 (Obrneny Transporter) was jointly developed by Czechoslovakia and Poland in 1959 and entered into service in 1964,since then it was widely exported outside the Warsaw Pact countries. The Polish designation for the vehicle is "SREDNI KOLOWY OPANCERZNY TRANSPORTER" (SKOT), TATRA of Czechoslovakia provided the chassis and the automotive components and FST/LUBIN the armoured body and the weapon system was provided by Poland.
SKOT vehicles used by Czechoslovakia were unarmed while those used by Poland were fitted with a 7.62 mm Machine Gun. Some of OT-64as have been fitted with two SAGGER ATOG (Anti-Tank guided weapon) mounted over the top of the Troop Compartment. A total of four SAGGER ATGWs can be carried in the vehicle. This NBC protected APC can carry a crew of 20 persons.
Various versions of SKOT are OT-64B (SK-OT-2), OT-64C (SKOT 2A), OT-64C(2) (SKOT-2AP). The production of OT-64 family was discontinued in the mid-1980s.
APC SKOT was in service with Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Uganda and India."
CENTURION MK VII MAIN BATTLE TANK
The description reads:
The Tank entered service with the British Army in 1949 and was replaced in 1967 by the Chieftain MBT. 16 countries, apart from India, have used the 4000 produced Centurions. This family of Tanks was a very effective fighting vehicle, was capable of being up-gunned and up-armoured. This Tank was powered by the Rolls-Royce Meteor MK IV B 12-Cylinder liquid cooled petrol engine and was capable of 21.5 MPH on roads. The engine was a development of the Rolls-Royce Merlin Aircraft engine which was used to power the World War II Spitfire and Hurricane fighters. This Tank was armed with a 17 Pounder and later 20 Pounder Main Gun, a 0.3 inch co-axial Machine-Gun and a 0.3 inch Machine-Gun on the Commander's cupola and six smoke dischargers on each side of the Turret. Israel fitted diesel engine and 105 mm Gun later. The Centurion has seen combat in Korea, India, South Arabia, Vietnam, the Middle-East and Suez. Loved by Indian Regiments and known as "Patton Killer" in (the) 1965 Indo-Pak War."
The Tank entered service with the British Army in 1949 and was replaced in 1967 by the Chieftain MBT. 16 countries, apart from India, have used the 4000 produced Centurions. This family of Tanks was a very effective fighting vehicle, was capable of being up-gunned and up-armoured. This Tank was powered by the Rolls-Royce Meteor MK IV B 12-Cylinder liquid cooled petrol engine and was capable of 21.5 MPH on roads. The engine was a development of the Rolls-Royce Merlin Aircraft engine which was used to power the World War II Spitfire and Hurricane fighters. This Tank was armed with a 17 Pounder and later 20 Pounder Main Gun, a 0.3 inch co-axial Machine-Gun and a 0.3 inch Machine-Gun on the Commander's cupola and six smoke dischargers on each side of the Turret. Israel fitted diesel engine and 105 mm Gun later. The Centurion has seen combat in Korea, India, South Arabia, Vietnam, the Middle-East and Suez. Loved by Indian Regiments and known as "Patton Killer" in (the) 1965 Indo-Pak War."
Blog Editor's Note:
All over the Armoured Corps Centre, Ahmednagar, one comes across the legend of 2nd Lt. Arun Khetrapal and his 'Famagusta Jx 202' Centurion Tank, together with his famous last words. I have the details on my post titled - Bicentenary of the Poona Horse. The following account is excerpted from this post:
All over the Armoured Corps Centre, Ahmednagar, one comes across the legend of 2nd Lt. Arun Khetrapal and his 'Famagusta Jx 202' Centurion Tank, together with his famous last words. I have the details on my post titled - Bicentenary of the Poona Horse. The following account is excerpted from this post:
"In the 1971 Indo-Pak War, in the historic Battle of Basantar, 2nd Lt. Arun Khetrapal of 17 Poona Horse, (which was assigned to the command of the 47th Infantry Brigade of the Indian Army) showed his grit and determination in destroying enemy armour against all odds. He destroyed Pakistani Tank after Tank, till his own Centurion Tank was hit. The retreating enemy regrouped and attacked him in great numbers trying to break through the Indian lines. Seeing that he was hopelessly outnumbered and under attack from two squadrons of Pakistani armour, his superior officer ordered him to abandon his burning Tank, but he replied "No Sir, I will not abandon my Tank. My Main Gun is still working and I will get these b---------". Along with the two remaining Tanks in his section, he fought off and gunned down 10 Pakistani tanks before being martyred in action, but his gallantry stopped the enemy from breaking through the Indian lines.
At the end of the battle, the Poona Horse was awarded the Battle Honour of Basantar and the enemy's desperate attempts to break through the India lines were foiled. A grateful nation bestowed the Param Vir Chakra upon him posthumously. Lt. Khetrapal was born in Pune and was a warrior in the gallant traditions of the Poona Horse.
Lt. Khetrapal is an iconic figure in the annals of the Indian Army. The Parade ground at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune is named "Khetrapal Ground" after him, while the auditorium and one of the main gates at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) bear his name.
His Centurion Tank was called "Famagusta Jx 202". It was restored after the War and is presently preserved in the Armoured Corps Centre and School at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra."
The Battle of Basantar (or the Battle of Barapind): fought between 04-16.12.1971 was one of the vital battles fought as part of the Indo-Pak War of 1971 in the Western sector of India. The Indian troops won a hard fought battle that secured this area in the Punjab/Jammu sector. The Battle of Basantar encompasses the entire gamut of battles fought in the Shakargarh sector.
At the end of the Battle Pakistan lost 46 Tanks to a handful of Indian Tanks. Indian forces attacking deep inside Pakistan gained control of more than 1000 square miles of Pakistan territory that included 500 villages and came close to capturing Sialkot. The Pakistan army regards this as their most humiliating defeat, next only to the Battle of Longewala despite their numerical superiority over the India forces.
At the end of the Battle Pakistan lost 46 Tanks to a handful of Indian Tanks. Indian forces attacking deep inside Pakistan gained control of more than 1000 square miles of Pakistan territory that included 500 villages and came close to capturing Sialkot. The Pakistan army regards this as their most humiliating defeat, next only to the Battle of Longewala despite their numerical superiority over the India forces.
Cannon-balls similar to the ones which were used as the early fire weapons for the first time during the First Battle of Panipat by the Mughal aggressors
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.
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.
