British Shermans

[harry mac]

When I was a very new trooper in about 1983/84 I was detailed to go on an equipment exhibition on Minden (or could have possibly been Sennelager) training area in Germany. A bunch of us had to go down for the rehearsal day and play the part of the visiting VIP party and be shown around the various stands by the lads who'd be man ing them on the actual day. One of the sta ds depicted a REME fitters troop/section cammed up in a small wood and amongst the vehicles draped with cam nets was a Sherman repair/recovery vehicle. Does anyone on here know how many of those we still had on strength at that time, and when we got rid of them? I should add, it was the only time I ever saw one.

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

The very last Shermans were the old BARV's. The VERY last Churchills were the Engineers AVRE's and Bridgelayers in Hohne that were disposed of as hard targets in 1965/66. I think you were seeing the front or back end of an early converted Centurion ARV Mk2

[Badger]

Brings back memories ....

Here's some 40+ year old pics from my very first day on the tank ranges as a fresh young Crew Commander. Two of my first few engagements (different tanks) at 1,500 to 2,800 yards were captured in the color pics below. What the second one didn't show was the result of the 76mm back blast spinning me around in the turret, blowing my beret off my head and over the back deck, plus burning (singe effect) my eyebrows and hair bad enough that it crumbled to the touch. Of course, I straightened myself up and tried to look "very cool" to all of my buddies watching.





Regards,
Doug

==================================
Qualifications:

Sherman (M4A2E8) & Centurion
Group 3 Gunner (RCAC)
Group 2 Driver Mechanic Tracked (RCAC)
Group 2 Signaler (RCAC)
CC and Troop Leader Instructor

[browningautorifle]

Brings back memories ....

Sort of looks like the Argus impact area in Gagetown, but knowing those days...was that Meaford tank range?

[Peter Laidler]

Was just told that the lend lease Shermans we had were all returned to US control* by the mid 50's except the odds and sods specialist vehicles inc the BARV's and one that was made into a SP gun with a 25 pounder howitzer on it - whatever that was.

*All went to the European armies but especially Belgium and Portugal - who took the 17 pounder tanks for some reason!

[harry mac]

If there were categorically no Shermans left on British books, then it may have belonged to the Cloggies or the Box-heads. It was definately a Sherman though.

[Badger]

Sort of looks like the Argus impact area in Gagetown, but knowing those days...was that Meaford tank range?

Yes Jim... good old Meaford..

Regards,
Doug

[browningautorifle]

good old Meaford

Now completely covered in poison ivy...and the Militia Training Center has taken over. They sunk piles of cash into it and re-built and new construction there. Now there's a whole training center there. I doubt if the old Tank hanger is down the hill any more even.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

I understand that the 25 pounder SP guns were called "Sexton; one of the several "clerically" named SP guns in the Brit fleet. Others include "Abbot" (post WW2), "Bishop" (25 pounder on a Valentine chassis), Priest",(105mm howitzer on an M3 chassis) etc.

[browningautorifle]

That makes them fall into place. I wasn't aware there were so many variants.