Stuart VI Recce (was: Stuart Recce replacement)

[John McGillivray]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

In In the background, Alex posted a picture of a Stuart VI Recce on the "Grote markt" in Bergen op Zoom, Holland.

Anti-Tank troops have an OP tank for the troop commander. In the case of the 4th Anti-Tank Regiment of the 5th Armoured Division, they are using turretless Stuarts in that role (see photo below). I went through the photos on the Bergen op Zoom site and there appears to be only one turretless Stuart VI. All of the other Stuarts have their turrets. There are also photos on the site showing 17pdr M-10s belonging to J Troop of the 5th A/T Regt. Could it be that the lone turretless Stuart VI is the OP tank (RJ) from the anti-tank troop?

[Gunner]

Hi John:

I thought so too for a moment but a closer examination of the Bergen Op Zoom Stuart shows that it is an M5 with the raised rear deck and vertical sides (twin caddies). The 5th ATk Stuarts are M3A3 with the level deck and sloped sides (radial engine).

Mike in Mali

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by John McGillivray

Anti-Tank troops have an OP tank for the troop commander. In the case of the 4th Anti-Tank Regiment of the 5th Armoured Division, they are using turretless Stuarts in that role (see photo below). I went through the photos on the Bergen op Zoom site and there appears to be only one turretless Stuart VI. All of the other Stuarts have their turrets. There are also photos on the site showing 17pdr M-10s belonging to J Troop of the 5th A/T Regt. Could it be that the lone turretless Stuart VI is the OP tank (RJ) from the anti-tank troop?

John,

I never knew turretless Stuarst were used in the OP role. Yes, I think you could be right.

Thanks,
Hanno