Kangaroo named Karla

[Bill Miller]

Hi ROddy,

Agreed, when carrying Infantry, no kangaroo would have been that cluttered. The hull deck would be stripped right down, including the pioneer tools on the inside Sponsons. However, looking at this entire film clip (there is a another tank crew having a meal) I think these are definitely Kangaroos at rest or at least in a non-operational role...

Keep in mind that the Kangaroos actually carried Infantry a small fraction of the time. The rest of the time they were kept occupied as Ammo/Supply carriers, Armd ambulances etc... And since they were constantly on the move at or near the front, far away from their rear echelon they scrounged. Boy did they scrounge. The tank itself had to become their home away from home so to speak.

Jason Spurrier's excellent Kangaroo photos show an informal luch stop (fresh fried chicken was on the menu!) They show what roving garbage heaps the Kangaroos "usually" were...

Also included another Pathé film frame showing a Kangaroo loaded with ration boxes.

Regarding the picture you posted. At first glance, I thought they had a fascine on the rear deck, however on a closer look I think it is a bundle of stretchers (note the handles)... medical supplies? or even possibly the M.O.'s tank?

Bill.