Stuart V Recce in Groningen

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Then: "Two typical turretless Stuart Vs are shown here on the 23 May 1945, when the 5th Canadian Armoured Division held a march-past at Groningen, Holland. They are crewed by men of the Royal Canadian Artillery, 4th Canadian Anti-tank Regiment."


Source: https://www.mapleleafup.nl/cmpvehicl..._vi_recce.html


Now: M3A3 hull and parts under assessment prior to restoration by the Keizer family in Stadskanaal, some 40 kilometers south of where the picture was taken in May 1945.

[strat1]

Vehicle return paperwork showing the WD/Census number of the 2x M3A3 OP of Royal Canadian Artillery, 4th Canadian Anti-tank Regiment....

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Two M3A3/ Stuart V Recce vehicles driving down the Zuiderdiep road, Groningen, The Netherlands, in April 1945:


Original caption: "Photograph of two M5A1 Stuart light tanks without turret (forward observation vehicles) driving down the street, seen from the front. Tacsign unclear (maybe 51?) Text: 'Zuiderdiep'. Groningen."
Source: https://beeldbankwo2.nl/nl/beelden/d...1-d2589903fcdd


Another Stuart V Recce at the Sint Jacobsstraat road, Leeuwarden, 15 April 1945.


Original caption: "On 15 April 1945, Leeuwarden was liberated by the Canadian Armed Forces. Here you can see a 'Sherman tank' driving in the Sint Jacobsstraat."
Source: https://beeldbankwo2.nl/nl/beelden/d...0-38f17e434916

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Canadian Stuart V Recce tanks entering Barneveld, 16 April 1945:

David Soltess commented: "Looks like they left a single grouser on the lead M3A3 as a grab handle. BTW, with that small '45' / Red Cross placard up front and no visible MG on the turret ring, it's likely I think this Stuart wasn't recce, but for casualty transport."




Anthony Sewards wrote (April 18, 2020):
"It is known that the Governor Generals Horse Guards of the Canadian 5th Armoured Div, operated M3A3 Recce ambulances , which matches up with the AOS sign on the front fender area."



Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DeMXcuWv2/