Only the war diaries could resolve that I think.
the 2/8 were detached from the 3rd early in 1943 so I wonder at the division insignia still on the vehicles.
The AWM say this
"In April 1943, after over 18 months of training, the 2/8th was sent to New Guinea, where it became part of New Guinea Force, to relieve the 2/6th Armoured Regiment. This was the 2/8th’s only operational deployment. Using M3 Stuart light and M3 Grant medium tanks, the 2/8th’s main role was to defend Allied airfields against possible attack by Japanese paratroopers. The regiment was headquartered at Port Moresby, where it also had one of its tank squadrons, while the other squadron’s were at Milne Bay and Buna. The regiment also carried out joint training exercises to improve tank and infantry co-operation in jungle warfare. The regiment returned to Australia in February 1944."
If only one squadron was a Moresby then at least one squadron of Grants would have been deployed to Milne .....I would like to see a photo of that !! ( three squadrons A B and C one of Stuarts two of Grants.)
Wiki says: From 15 November 1942 the 2nd Armoured Brigade and the 2/8th Armoured Regiment formed part of the 3rd Armoured Division.[3] The regiment was separated from its brigade in April 1943 and deployed to New Guinea where it took over the 2/6th Armoured Regiment's tanks.[4] The regiment's role was confined to infantry co-operation training and static defence of major Australian bases. As a result it did not see any action. Squadrons were stationed at Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Buna.[2][3] Which Makes more sense and discounts those on the Train at Homebush being 2/8
There are no photos of them in PNG in Grants ands Stuarts I can find it is also inconsistent with the story I have been told that Grants and Stuarts were not deployed overseas post Buna. The Wiki article makes more sense than the AWM one.
So Tony if they were posted with Grants and Stuarts then Maybe but if not the insignia is consistent with the 13th tanks returning post disbandment.
Last edited by Mrs Vampire; 31-08-14 at 03:28.
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