Alligators and Buffaloes

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by Gunner
Looking for the unit(s) (and markings of same) for the amphibious transport companies that would have carried the SD&G Highrs ashore at Normandy or for the Rhine Crossing (with a preference for the Rhine Crossing).

I've just finished cleaning up a Mk 1 Alligator which will become a gate guard at the SD&G armouries in Cornwall. Before all the pundits launch their assaults; let me assure you that we (the SD&G and I) are aware that Canada did not use the Mk 1 Alligator, however, it is representative of the type of vehicle they used to invade the Nazi heartland. The plaque will read something along the lines of:

Mike, it was the British 79th Armoured Division ("Hobart's funnies") who operated the LVT II and LVT IV Buffalo (not Alligator) in Europe. The Commonwealth forces did not use LVTs during D-Day (the US Army did shortly after 6 June). Will have to look up the units operating the Buffalos during the crossing of the Rhine later.

H.