The great, "almost was" Sentinel tank

[browningautorifle]

I know why she always had a big smile.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

I suspect that the Sentinel was a non-starter because the US could (and did) supply M3 and M4 tanks in mind-boggling numbers.
In the North African Desert, they were "competitive" with anything but a "Tiger" and a LOT more reliable. They were also more than adequate for use in the "Far East" (our Near North); mostly jungle bashing and bunker-busting alongside infantry for the last couple of years of the war.

Plenty of pics around of ancient Matilda tanks also being used for close support of Oz troops during the Island campaigns. Whilst the Matilda was pretty much outclassed by German tanks by 1941, it was pretty much immune to the guns on any Japanese tank likely to be encountered and the 2 pounder was generally enough gun to deal with type 95s etc. Worked on bunkers made out of coconut tree logs too: just drive up to the door and let rip.

Good point about the cast-hull M4s; instantly recognizable by the lack of sharp edges on the upper hull.

There is even one in the "big shed" at the Puckapunyal armour museum.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

And don't forget the Canadian-built M-4 variants.

For example:

The "Grizzly 1"; a cast-hulled version of the M4A1, built in small numbers by the Montreal Locomotive Factory.

The "Ram"; a sort of hybrid M3 / M4 with a VERY different (cast) hull top.

The "Badger" a turretless Ram used as a makeshift APC. (Not a lot of overhead protection).

I'll see if I can find my pictures of M3 and Matilda tanks in Oz service; some in action.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

And another thing...........

The most common tank in use in New Guinea would probably be the dinky little M3 "Stuart" and variants, with 37mm guns. Not much bigger than a "Bren" carrier, but with MUCH better overhead protection and armed with a better "door-knocker". Re-tasked ant-aircraft guns (now THERE's an idea!) were a bit harsh on them, though.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

For further, fairly recent information on the disposition of "Sentinels' and a few other goodies, like Canadian Rams, see here:

http://the.shadock.free.fr/Surviving...iser_Tanks.pdf

Sentinel in the US? Yep!

Sentinel at Bovington? Yep!

Rams in the Netherlands? Several!

[browningautorifle]

Nice expose Bruce. I've seen the tanks in Borden On...