Rams outside 1st Armoured Carrier Regiment

[Mark W. Tonner]

Bill, Hanno & Clive;

Just a quick note regarding this subject. While going through various messages/minutes/letters, etc... between First Cdn Army/21st AG, and everybody and his brother, there are references to conversion of RAM I or IIs to Armoured Ammunition Carriers, for the (at that time in NWE) Canadian armoured reconnaissance and armoured regiments,C.A.C., along with 1st CACR, on a scale of 7 per unit (2 per sqn (6), 1 spare = 7), for a total of 56 conversions. Priority of which was 4th Cdn Armd Div (SAR; GGFG; CGG; BCR) and 2nd Cdn Armd Bde (1H; FGH; SFR) and 1st CACR. These conversions were to consist of:

i) removal of the turret
ii) install bullet proof turret hull cover
iii) cut side openings and fit bullet proof doors
iv) relocate wireless set in co-drivers pannier
v) install ammunition racks to carry 75mm, 17pdr and .30 Browning ammunition

In another, it states that the original 56 conversions be increased to 84, but the same scale of issue of 7 per unit (56) and the remaining 28 being held in reserve. And yet, at the end of Dec 1944, the eqpt state says there was only 1x RAM ammunition carrier held, out of an estab. of, I think 49 (I don't have my ref to hand).

I have read that these amn carriers were in fact with armd regts in 1945, but I don't have the exact ref to hand at the moment, anyways, thats my 2¢ worth.

Cheers