Longest serving mv in cf

[45jim]

I took the last Sherman still on strength from LETE where it was used as a tug. Turret removed, it had been previously modified to mount magnets for range clearance and then relegated to hauling stuck vehicles. We got it to use as a power pack doner for our Sherman restoration in Calgary with the Strathcona's. It had CFR plates on it, we got the maintenance log books and had to do a normal vehicle transfer to get it. It was then struck off strength in Calgary. It was just before LETE closed, about 1994. I think I have some photos about. I'll have to ask about its current disposition, but I imagine Cold Lake or Wainwright to replace vehicles we removed for parts or restoration. So about 48 years, for a vehicle still listed as an "A" echelon vehicle.

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Frow Wiki:

The Royal Marines still use four of these vehicles for training purposes at 11 (Amphibious Trials and Training)Squadron, 1 Assault Group Royal Marines at Instow North Devon. The DUKWs are used for safety to allow the training of all ranks to undertake Drills for boat work for the landing craft ranks and the drivers undertaking wading drills from the LCU (Landing Craft Utility

This RN-registered Duck was photographed ('shot' ) at Portsmouth Naval Base (HMS Nelson) in 1956 I think, at a round of Lorry Driver of the Year.

[Scott Bentley]

I'll post up the CFR and location once I regain access to EDR, but there is at least one 1952 M38CDN that has been converted to a Parade Reviewing Vehicle that is still on the books. That would definitely count as a CF SMP Vehicle that is still used as a "Vehicle".

[Robin Craig]

Jim,

somewhere, I have prints of that Sherman in a wonderful yellow all over scheme minus turret with a powerpack hung off the rear and some kind of de mining kit out front. I undrstand it was used to clear up some lands being handed back to an aboriginal group.

When I saw it at LETE I was visiting to research another vehicle and it used to sit in a lone building off to the right of the main building at the back of the car park.

R

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by Robin Craig

Jim,

somewhere, I have prints of that Sherman in a wonderful yellow all over scheme minus turret with a powerpack hung off the rear and some kind of de mining kit out front. I undrstand it was used to clear up some lands being handed back to an aboriginal group.

When I saw it at LETE I was visiting to research another vehicle and it used to sit in a lone building off to the right of the main building at the back of the car park.

R

That was the old Calgary training area where DND had to guarantee no ordnance or leftovers down to some specified depth. The EOD company was a private business. They may have leased a military owned vehicle, but that is purely speculation from me.

[rob love]

Originally Posted by 45jim

I took the last Sherman still on strength from LETE where it was used as a tug. Turret removed, it had been previously modified to mount magnets for range clearance and then relegated to hauling stuck vehicles. We got it to use as a power pack doner for our Sherman restoration in Calgary with the Strathcona's. It had CFR plates on it, we got the maintenance log books and had to do a normal vehicle transfer to get it. It was then struck off strength in Calgary. It was just before LETE closed, about 1994. I think I have some photos about. I'll have to ask about its current disposition, but I imagine Cold Lake or Wainwright to replace vehicles we removed for parts or restoration. So about 48 years, for a vehicle still listed as an "A" echelon vehicle.

With many of the M113A1s having a build date of 1966 to 1968, they are already at the 45 year mark and still climbing. Sure they have been upgraded to A2 and now A3 status, but they are still in that age range.

I remember that yellow Sherman when I was in Gagetown in 1980. I believe it went to Sarcee later to help clear the ranges I believe, and then to LETE.

[Wpns 421]

I believe that the M38 parade vehicle is in CFB Borden because I remember a parade jeep there. Also I think there is a Sherman in 202Wksp in Montreal, I remember the vehicle as it was used as a towing for bringing in Leopards from the parking. It was in Bldg #3. Gilles

[sapper740]

Originally Posted by Wpns 421

I believe that the M38 parade vehicle is in CFB Borden because I remember a parade jeep there. Also I think there is a Sherman in 202Wksp in Montreal, I remember the vehicle as it was used as a towing for bringing in Leopards from the parking. It was in Bldg #3. Gilles

RCEME at Borden keeps an M38A1CDN in tip top shape for Change of Command parades and reviewing the troops by dignitaries, complete with chrome plated grab bars so as to allow the reviewers to stand. I saw it in use once back in 1996 and it's still going strong, I assume.

CHEEMO! Derek.