Longest serving mv in cf

[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.