Tower for 17-pdr

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by servicepub
I read that the Cdn Army in NWE used the American 2½-ton 6 x 6 lorry as the tower for the 17-pdr A-Tk gun. Can anyone confirm this and can anyone post a photo (ideally with archives reference number.)

In REPORT NO. 141 HISTORICAL SECTION CANADIAN MILITARY HEADQUARTERS I read it was the intention to use the American 2½-ton 6 x 6 lorry, but it was found they were not available.

H.

The question of a tower for the [17-pdr] gun received considerable attention. Within 21 Army Group the policy was adopted of fitting all tanks with 17-pr towing books for emergency use. In March 1944 it was intended to use entirely wheeled vehicles as standard towers, probably the American 2½-ton 6 x 6 lorry. These were found not to be available, and various vehicles were used. 6 Cdn A Tk Regt of 2 Cdn Corps used modified Ram tanks specially for this purpose. In Italy the anti-tank regiments of 5 Cdn Armd Div and 1 Cdn Corps used modified Crusader tanks. Other units used the Field Artillery Tractor. Half-Tracks were also used.