Operation Infatuate II: Sherman tanks at Westkapelle

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Jakko Westerbeke

There is a little snag, though, which the article doesn’t mention: the estimated restoration costs are rather more than the amount the municipal government has freed for it. From what I was told in a phonecall yesterday, the people doing the restoration will make a start with that and meanwhile, see how to get the rest together.

That is typical for these kind of projects. I am sure the museum, municipality and local sponsors can work something out. The museum has been given two Sherman tanks (and possibly other artifacts). I have donated parts for one of their restorations. So maybe they can find ways to go the extra mile and give something back to the community.

[MicS]

Great news indeed! This is the opportunity to restore the original markings of the tank, instead of the variety of fanciful markings it has endured ever since it became a memorial. Accurate information about its commander as well as period photos could also be added to the memorial.

Michel

[Jakko Westerbeke]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

That is typical for these kind of projects. I am sure the museum, municipality and local sponsors can work something out.

Well, yes. I just mentioned it because it’s not like the whole restoration is already sorted.

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

The museum has been given two Sherman tanks (and possibly other artifacts).

You mean the two HVSS Shermans that stand in the museum grounds?

Originally Posted by MicS

This is the opportunity to restore the original markings of the tank, instead of the variety of fanciful markings it has endured ever since it became a memorial.

In the phonecall I mentioned, I was also told that the fellow in charge of the restoration asked the Polderhuis museum (very close to the tank, for those who might not know) for help regarding those markings. Apparently, they told him they knew someone to help with that (that is, yours truly) and I affirmed that if he has any questions, he can contact me.

TBH, I had been thinking about this before already, and it’s actually not that straightforward because all the Crab gear has been removed. I think putting the AoS and 79AD markings on the upper corners of the glacis plate would be the best choice, given that other 1 Lothians Crabs had them there as well, even if this particular one did not.

Originally Posted by MicS

Accurate information about its commander as well as period photos could also be added to the memorial.

Good you mention that: who was the commander? Sgt. Stead?

[Alex van de Wetering]

Excellent news!

This is the opportunity to restore the original markings of the tank, instead of the variety of fanciful markings it has endured ever since it became a memorial.

Exactly my thought! Jakko's book will certainly help with that.
I also hope they will replace those front fenders for some originals, or something that looks close to the original.....even a fender with the correct shape, but without the stiffening rib will look much better that the current flat fender.

I am sure the museum, municipality and local sponsors can work something out.

I agree; the media exposure lately could have a positive effect on that, and I am sure those involved know this all to well.

Alex

[Jakko Westerbeke]

Another one that may be of interest here:

D6A S55 in 1944 (John Fernhout).jpg

This is a still from the 1945 British Ministry of Information film Broken Dykes by John Fernhout (credited as John Ferno in the film itself). The first half of it is available at the Beeld en Geluid archive (so is the second half but it contains nothing of interest to this thread). In the black bar across the middle of the page, click the “play” symbol (the square with the triangle in it); the bulldozer can be seen at about 00:43:47:00, but only for a few seconds, and the film doesn’t show anything the still above doesn't.

Anyway, this is the dozer I labelled S55, most likely in late 1944, and it shows markings and other details I had never seen of it, because I’m not aware of any pictures of it taken as close-up as this one.

I’m informed elsewhere that the 344 with a diagonal bar behind it is the AoS marking of 1st Canadian Army engineers, which is slightly confusing to me, unless the bulldozers shipped to Westkapelle were on loan from that? Or perhaps it’s just that I don’t understand how all these units fit together (my interest is much more the vehicles than the units).

[MicS]

Excellent find, which gives us the unit of one of the Westkapelle dozer wrecks!

AoS 344c is 1st Mechanical Equipment Company, Royal Canadian Engineers. See http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4524

Michel

[Jakko Westerbeke]

Originally Posted by MicS

Excellent find, which gives us the unit of one of the Westkapelle dozer wrecks!

Two wrecks The one of which there is a picture when it’s bulldozing in early November 1944, also has this AoS marking on the left rear, just aft of the Allied star. My conclusion is that this is the same bulldozer that ended the war on top of the dyke.

Originally Posted by MicS

AoS 344c is 1st Mechanical Equipment Company, Royal Canadian Engineers. See http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4524

Thanks!

Also, with a bit of luck I may have soon a bit more information on (what is probably) another of the bulldozers at Westkapelle, when I actually get to see some photos from a private collection.