Aussie Sentinel tanks

lynx42 · #1 05-08-08, 12:35

Good luck with your quest, Ryan. I have a bit of 2nd hand info for you.

I was up at Walhalla Vic. on the weekend of 28th and 29th June 2008,
was talking to the owner of a veteran car who recounted this story.

His father, in 1946/47 (?) went to Bandiana for an auction. He placed a sealed bid for Ninety pounds for 1 Sentinel tank. His bid was rejected, but he was advised that if he increased his bid to 100 pounds, then he would be successful. This he did and he chose his tank. From Melbourne they took a Diamond T tray truck loaded with fuel to Bandiana and then drove the tank back to Melbourne. There were many problems both before starting home and along the way. One of the 3 Cadillac engines was US but they fitted another. The turrent was removed at the family farm at ?? Upper Beaconsfield?? and the tank used around the property.

Eventually the tank was donated to the Pucka Armoured Museum.

Not long after picking up this tank, the chap was contacted by Army Disposals who wanted to know when he was picking up the other tanks that he had purchased. Seems his 100pounds was for the line of tanks. 3 or 4 Sentinels. He went into panic and off loaded them to someone else as he only wanted one.

I will look up the name of the chap I was talking to, it is out at our new house and you can contact him for the full story. This is just a precis of his story.
regards Rick

lynx42 · #2 05-08-08, 12:56

Ryan, have sent you a PM with all the contact details. Rick

Keith Webb · #3 05-08-08, 19:47

What a great story, Rick

Sort of thing I'd love to record!

lynx42 · #4 06-08-08, 01:11

PM on the way to you too. Rick

Ryan · #5 06-08-08, 01:42

Thank you Rick,
I'll be following that lead. All I can say is wow, 3-4 Sentinels for 100 pounds. There has to be Sentinels or their remains out there still to see the light.
Of 66 made we only know of 6 remaining? Surely not.
AC Sentinels are pretty under-rated I believe.
Thanks too Keith,
Your work previously has been great.

Ian Fawbert · #6 06-08-08, 09:45

Hi Ryan,

I wont divulge much, but thought i would let you know there is a guy up here who has one. I cant remember what type, but it is definitely a sentinel. Infact i think he might have 2, but i`m not sure. From memory he said it is fairly complete, not running and less turret (for a change)!

I wont give any details as he is a quiet guy who stays at the back of the scene, but i`m sure he wont mind me sharing the little bit i gave on what he has.

Cheers,
Ian.

Ryan · #7 06-08-08, 11:58

Thanks Ian, that's terrific news.
If your friend wishes to stay in the shadows that's fine. Could you twist his arm for some serial numbers though?

Surfing the web I've come across this:
Pucka AC1 is serial 8030
Bovington AC1 is serial 8049
AWM AC3 is serial 8066

Did anyone get the serial numbers of the ex-John Belfield Sentinels back in 06?
The bare hull was possibly prototype E2.

And here is a great Sentinel info link:http://www.mheaust.com.au/Aust/Resea...sentinelmk.htm