[Gunner]

Hola Juan:

The gun in your photo is the American made copy of the British/Canadian 6 pounder and was called the 57mm M1.

The key spotting features of the US version versus a UK/Canada version are the large 9.00X16 tyres and rims from the WC52 series of 3/4 ton trucks (the US intention was to tow the gun with the 6x6 version of the WC 52 family, the WC 62. Having the same wheels and tyres made sense.) and the large clamps holding the lower front shield flap in the stowed position. These clamps are similar to those on the M101 105mm howitzer and are a quick spotting feature when the wheels are obscured.

The Royal Artillery and later the British infantry were issued some 57mm M1 as part of lend lease. I can find no evidence that Canada used the M1 and must conclude that Canadian factories produced enough 6 pounders to meet the needs of Canadian anti-tank gunners.

If you decide to do your T16 as a gun tractor you will have the option of marking it for either the Royal Canadian Artillery or for a Canadian infantry unit as the gun was in service with both "Corps" during the Normany campaign.

Good luck in your research and restoration... the T16 has always been on my 'gotta get one' list, alas funds and opportunity have never coincided and I have to make do with a rather rough lower carriage and not much else... oh well, I take solace in my Mk II.

Salut, y force au canut! Mike