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#1
22-07-12, 21:04
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RCD & M3 75mm GMC?
Hi all. There's a photo on Library and Archives Canada (PA201371) showing an M3 75mm GMC with the RCD in Italy, May 1944. Does anyone have any details of their service, i.e. how many, time frame, etc.? I found a thread on one site that suggested the GMCs were used until Dec. '44 when they "wore out".
Is it possible that they would just remove the 75mm & continue to use the halftrack as a GS vehicle? Spares shouldn't have been too much of a problem as the US was using the same basic halftrack as well. As well as the name "FOX" on the vehicle, there is an 'A' squadron triangle on the side. Any idea as to what it's colour might be? Many thanks, Dave Last edited by Dave Block; 19-03-13 at 18:07. 
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#2
22-07-12, 21:24
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Hi Dave,
Attached is a picture of your halftrack still in use in the netherlands by the RCD. photo courtesy of nederlandsfotomuseum picture was taken in the amsterdam area
__________________
In flanders fields the poppies blow. Between the crosses row on row. Last edited by wim sikkelbein; 22-07-12 at 21:26. Reason: additional information
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#3
23-07-12, 17:08
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Thanks Wim
That photo is absolutely amazing! Very much appreciated.
Cheers, Dave
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#4
25-07-12, 18:40
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RCD 75mm GMCs
They were used by the RCDs in Italy in lieu of the CS support version of the Stag, for details see Service Publication's The Staghound in Canadian service.
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#5
26-07-12, 03:29
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Hi Dave
From the RCD Centennial History book 1983 by Brereton Greenhous, they are mentioned as arriving on 2 Jan 1944 while the Regt was at Altamura Italy, gearing up to go into the theatre of ops for the first time. 8 in total. However they are described as a White Autocar product "cobbled together" by the US as a Tank Destroyer "version of the M3" in 1941. Basically armoured White trucks with a half-track arrangement and were in fact former US Army property in Tunisia. Said to be armed with French 75mm guns. According to the History, they were given to the Regt by the British who got them from the Amercicans when their full-tracked TDs appeared. The RCD had no doctrine for them so organized them as Heavy Troops (2 cars per Troop and one Troop to each Sqn). They would do pinpoint shoots in Italy at night and were somewhat renowned for what they could achieve as Black Hats. Mind you their Officer was former Artillery too, Lt LM Sebert There are photos in the book of A Sqn in Italy Spring 44 and in Holland May 45. I haven't seen the one you reference in your first post yet. Is there a link to see it? I have a disc around here somewhere with a good part of the RCD photo Archive on it. I should look for that too!! Hope that helps. And please, stop saying RCDs, it hurts my ears!! RCD is infinately preferable. regards Darrell Last edited by Darrell Zinck; 26-07-12 at 12:00.
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#7
27-07-12, 17:02
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45Jim's anonomous comment is uncalled for, untrue and not worthy of being posted on this website.
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#8
28-07-12, 05:08
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Hi Ed
It's OK. What may seem a rude and obnoxious comment is not that rude at all.  45jim, based on his Percy Verance sign-off shows himself likely to be a Strathcona..............and when it comes to second, they know all about that spot.  How's that go again? LdSH; Little dumb..........Heads!! Probably just that Jim R. fellow anyway ...............  regards Darrell Last edited by Darrell Zinck; 28-07-12 at 05:13.
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#9
29-07-12, 18:34
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Re: M3 Halftrack 75mm use within 21 Army Group from 30 June 1944 to 30 June 1945
Hello all;
This may answer some of Dave's questions regarding M3 Halftrack 75mm use. It is rather long and deals with the use of the M3 Halftrack 75mm within 21 Army Group (Second British and First Canadian Armies) in North-West Europe, from 30 June 1944 to 30 June 1945: Part I: Source: The National Archives (Kew, Surrey, England) file references: WO165/135 - Half Yearly Report on the Progress of the Royal Armoured Corps - Report No. 9 - Covering the period from 1 January to 30 June 1944 - Appendix "F” - Statement of 21 Army Group Reserve Entitlement and Holdings a) Statement of 21 Army Group Reserve Entitlement and Holdings: - as of 30 June 1944 21 Army Group M3 Halftrack 75mm entitlement was 16x M3 Halftrack 75mm - as of 30 June 1944 2 Armoured Replacement Group (21 Army Group) M3 Halftrack 75mm reserve entitlement was 16x M3 Halftrack 75mm (a 100% Reserve) b) 21 Army Group M3 Halftrack 75mm Unit holdings as of 30 June 1944 were: - 11 Hussars held 8 - 1 Royal Dragoons held 8 c) 21 Army Group M3 Halftrack 75mm Reserve holdings as of 30 June 1944 were: - 2 Armoured Replacement Group (21 Army Group) held 4 for a total holding of 20x M3 Halftrack 75mm by 21 Army Group. Part II: Source: The National Archives (Kew, Surrey, England) file references: WO205/638 - AFV - RA Equipment States - 2 Armoured Replacement Group (21 Army Group) - Part I - August to October 1944 a) Reserves held by the Delivery Squadrons of 2 Armoured Replacement Group (21 Army Group): - as at 0600hrs 2 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 2 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 4 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 4 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 5 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 5 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 6 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 6 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 7 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 7 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 8 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 8 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 10 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 10 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 11 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 11 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 12 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 12 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 13 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 13 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 14 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 14 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 17 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 17 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 19 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 19 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 257 Corps Delivery Squadron (8 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 19 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm (unfit) held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 20 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 20 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 21 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 21 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 22 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 22 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 23 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 23 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 24 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 24 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 25 Aug 44 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 25 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 26 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 26 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 27 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by F Squadron, 25 Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (First Canadian Army) - as at 0600hrs 27 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm (unfit) held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 27 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 28 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by F Squadron, 25 Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (First Canadian Army) - as at 0600hrs 28 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 28 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 30 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by F Squadron, 25 Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (First Canadian Army) - as at 0600hrs 30 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 30 Aug 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 9 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by F Squadron, 25 Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (First Canadian Army) - as at 0600hrs 9 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 9 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 258 Corps Delivery Squadron (12 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 14 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by F Squadron, 25 Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (First Canadian Army) - as at 0600hrs 14 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm (unfit) held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 16 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by F Squadron, 25 Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (First Canadian Army) - as at 0600hrs 16 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 17 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by F Squadron, 25 Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment - as at 0600hrs 19 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 20 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by F Squadron, 25 Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (First Canadian Army) - as at 0600hrs 20 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 21 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by F Squadron, 25 Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (First Canadian Army) - as at 0600hrs 21 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 256 Army Delivery Squadron (Second British Army) - as at 0600hrs 23 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by F Squadron, 25 Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (First Canadian Army) - as at 0600hrs 24 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by F Squadron, 25 Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (First Canadian Army) - as at 0600hrs 24 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 254 Corps Delivery Squadron (30 British Corps) - as at 0600hrs 25 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by F Squadron, 25 Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (First Canadian Army) - as at 0600hrs 25 Sep 44 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 254 Corps Delivery Squadron (30 British Corps) b) Note, none shown as held by 2 Armoured Reinforcement Group (21 Army Group) from 26 September 1944 onwards c) as of 30 December 1944 - 8x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 7 British Armoured Division (Source: The National Archives (Kew, Surrey, England) file reference: WO165/136 - Half Yearly Report on the Progress of the Royal Armoured Corps - Report No. 10 - Covering the period of 1 July to 31 December 1944 - Appendix “W” - Annexure 1 - 21 Army Group AFV Holdings as at 30 December 1944) Part III: Source: The National Archives (Kew, Surrey, England) file references: WO219/3353 - G4 Records, SHAEF, File No. 470.8 - Volume III 1945 - Tanks - 21 Army Group Weekly Returns - March to July 1945, and WO219/3350 - G4 Records, SHAEF, File No. 470.8 - Volume I 1945 - Tanks - 21 Army Group Weekly Returns - May 1944 to March 1945 a) 21 Army Group - Weekly AFV and SP Arty Return: (21 Army Group M3 Halftrack 75mm entitlement: 16x M3 Halftrack 75mm) - as at 1800hrs 13 Jan 45 - 8x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 7 British Armoured Division - as at 1800hrs 13 Jan 45 - 3x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 12 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 20 Jan 45 - 3x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 8 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 27 Jan 45 - 3x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 8 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 5 Feb 45 - 3x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 8 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 5 Feb 45 - 4x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by Corps or Army Back Loading Point - as at 1800hrs 10 Feb 45 - 8x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 8 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 10 Feb 45 - 4x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by Corps or Army Back Loading Point - as at 1800hrs 17 Feb 45 - 3x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 8 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 17 Feb 45 - 4x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by Corps or Army Back Loading Point - as at 1800hrs 24 Feb 45 - 8x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 8 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 24 Feb 45 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by Corps or Army Back Loading Point - as at 1800hrs 24 Mar 45 - 8x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 1 Canadian Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 24 Mar 45 - 3x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 30 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 31 Mar 45 - 8x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 1 Canadian Infantry Division - as at 1800hrs 31 Mar 45 - 3x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 30 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 7 Apr 45 - 8x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 2 Canadian Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 7 Apr 45 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 5 Canadian Armoured Division - as at 1800hrs 7 Apr 45 - 3x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 30 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 14 Apr 45 - 8x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 2 Canadian Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 14 Apr 45 - 3x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 8 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 21 Apr 45 - 8x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 2 Canadian Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 21 Apr 45 - 3x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 8 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 26 Apr 45 - 8x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 2 Canadian Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 26 Apr 45 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 5 Canadian Armoured Division - as at 1800hrs 26 Apr 45 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 8 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 5 May 45 - 8x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 2 Canadian Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 5 May 45 - 1x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 5 Canadian Armoured Division - as at 1800hrs 5 May 45 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 8 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 12 May 45 - 9x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 5 Canadian Armoured Division - as at 1800hrs 12 May 45 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 8 British Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 16 Jun 45 - 7x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 1 Canadian Corps Troops - as at 1800hrs 16 Jun 45 - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 8 British Corps District Troops Part IV: Source: The National Archives (Kew, Surrey, England) file reference: WO165/137 - Half Yearly Report on the Progress of the Royal Armoured Corps - Report No. 11 - Covering the period of 1 January to 30 June 1945 - Appendix “W” - Theatre AFV Holdings - Annexure 1 - 21 Army Group as at 30 June 1945 a) as at 30 June 1945 - a total of 13, out of an entitlement of 16 M3 Halftrack 75mm was held by 21 Army Group, distributed as follows: - 7x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 1 Canadian Corps Troops - 2x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 8 British Corps District Troops - 4x M3 Halftrack 75mm held by 21 Army Group for training Cheers
__________________
Mark
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#10
30-07-12, 23:53
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Hi Mark
Great that! Pt 1 seems to be only accounting for 3 weeks of holdings post- D-Day with 11H and 1RD using them. Their use may not be comparable to the RCD use in Italy at that same time. 21 AG was in the UK for the Pt I reporting period. Pt II has so much more and one can see only little change in the delivery unit holdings until Sep 44. Pt III clearly shows an increase as the Cdns from Italy come on strength in NW Europe (IE The RCD) and more movement. They were a Corps Recce Regt then dodged the bullet and became an Army asset. Not sure who it was in 5th Armd Div. To me is the fact they may be reporting these White vehs as M3s and they weren't. I thought it possible that the original RCD vehs from Italy were replaced but there are no combat losses in the Regt's Heavy Troops that I've read. Maybe they were replaced after just wearing out and they ended up with M3s by Spring 1945. Hmmm I have absolutely no time to dig much on this but may all the same. Thanks. I liked seeing the Cdn Armd Deliv Regt mentioned. Go Elgins! regards Darrell
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#12
01-08-12, 14:41
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Hi Jim
It must have been your warm and loving personality shooting across the internet as a vibe!!  Be well................Strat!! regards Darrell
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#13
12-11-12, 00:27
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Regarding my earlier M3 75mm GMC post
First up, thanks again to all who replied so far! Attached is the RCD photo from LAC that I alluded to in my previous post. The second is the one kindly provided by Wim Sikkelbein showing a vehicle in Holland. Something kept bothering me about the latter photo and I realized the fenders are very odd. The M3 75mm GMC was built by AutoCar and should have 'standard' M3-style rounded fenders. This one has the flat-profile M5/M9-style fenders! Could the base workshop lift the whole 75mm assembly out of an otherwise clapped-out M3 and plunk it into an IHC M5/M9? The firepower of the GMC seemed to be greatly appreciated and this is the only explanation I can think of for the obvious fender difference. The orginal M3s had two previous owners before we got them so I can see the vehicle needing replacement before its 'gun'. Any thoughts & insights would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers, Dave
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#14
12-11-12, 03:04
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As you can see in the second photograph the set up was highly inaccurate. Though fall of shot pattern was highly regular they, none the less, fell either side of the target bicycle using both the 75mm and the .5
This despite an arrow target indicator and extremely close range.
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#15
12-11-12, 03:41
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Err, umm
What 'set up was highly inaccurate' and how does it apply to my post? Thanks for taking the time to respond but I have no idea what you are referring to. I managed to borrow a copy of Greenhous's history from the local UoT library and he indicated that the RCD appreciated the extra firepower that the the GMC's could provide. 'Accuracy' didn't seem to be the issue at hand. BTW, I'd love to add a copy of the Greenhous book to my library if there's one going cheap, (i.e. $30.00 + shipping). Just throwing it out there.
Cheers, Dave
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#16
12-11-12, 05:12
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My apologies Dave...just an attempt at some amusement. If you noticed in the second photo there is a bicycle leaning against the wall with what appear to be bullet holes either side of it .
I thought it would be amusing to suppose that the half track had been practice shooting at it .  
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#17
12-11-12, 20:05
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Quote:
I merged your new thread with your old one to keep this subject together. Hanno
__________________
Regards, Hanno --------------------------
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#18
12-11-12, 21:12
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Quote:
Well spotted! Although not a modular design, as far as I can see the gun mount could be taken out and fitted to another half track. See this cached page of the now defunct AFV Interiors website for some detail information on the M3 75-mm Gun Motor Carriage. Hanno
__________________
Regards, Hanno --------------------------
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#19
18-11-12, 00:45
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Hanno, et al
Thank you so much. I was trying to figure out how to merge the two threads but realized I'd have to take 'moderator lessons' to get results so I left it to the professionals. I can't afford to join the 1:1 scale crowd so I stick to 1:35 plastic where I can 'fudge' some details. After viewing your 'inside the armour' link I can see that it wouldn't have been an insurmountable difficulty for the RCEME to switch mounts (did I mention my dad was in the RCOC/RCEME so I might be biased?). Now, whose going to produce a decent IHC M5 or M9 lend-lease half track?
Cheers, Dave
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#20
18-11-12, 20:29
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Dave,
I have a original photo of the liberation parade in June 1945 in Amsterdam. It is taken on the "van baerlestraat" at the museum plein (concert hall). i think you like this one. Regards, Paul
__________________
Fox MK1 1942 Austin 10 staff car 1945 Bedford QLR wireless (Canadian) M7B1 "Priest" 105mm howitzer WW2 Museum https://www.facebook.com/collectie WW2 Canadian and American re-enactor
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#21
22-11-12, 00:23
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You're darn right!
I do like this! The first and third vehicles appear to be M5/M9 half-tracks (which officially never had the 75mm GMC mounted) and the centre one is a proper M3 GMC. All sorts of little details set them apart, the lead vehicle has later headlights and side racks while the centre one has the earlier style lights, no racks and both are fitted with front rollers. The third is almost the same as the first but has a winch fitted instead of the roller, a real 'mix n match'. Obviously the placement for the RCA battery wasn't carved in stone either, 'somewhere along the side will do'.
Speaking of the battery markings, can anyone hazard a guess/definitively say what the RCD one would be in this case? I'm looking at Barry Beldam's 'RCA Tac Signs' Vol. Ed.1, 1995 and equating the 'Fox' name to Battery 'F' giving a basic blue square with the smaller red designator square in the lower left quadrant, white 'F1', 'F2', 'F3' or 'F4' depending. (Sigh, a picture really is worth a thousand words!). Thanks again, Dave
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#22
18-03-13, 19:18
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RCD Training with 75mm Halftracks
This is a photo from RCD's Pictoral History. It is a training exercise in the Volturno area.
http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/a...Grouping-1.jpg I posted a link as photo is too big for attachment. I plan on building the Dragon kit as one of the RCD Heavy Troop Halftracks. Last edited by Hanno Spoelstra; 11-01-15 at 22:44. Reason: attached picture
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#23
18-03-13, 22:46
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I've often wondered what the Commonwealth units did for 75mm ammunition for these tank annoyers. I know the gun was an old design that the Americans adopted, like so many other French implements of war. Is this the same round as the 75mm Sherman tank's?
__________________
Terry Warner - 74-????? M151A2 - 70-08876 M38A1 - 53-71233 M100CDN trailer Beware! The Green Disease walks among us!
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#24
19-03-13, 01:37
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The 75mm gun in the Sherman was based on the 75mm field gun and used the exact same ammunition. The 75 mm HE shell could be fitted with either the M48 impact fuse or the M54 Time Fuse. It came with three different charge levels, (reduce charge, normal charge and super charge). There was also Smoke WP and AP rounds. This is why the allies were able to use the Sherman as SP Artillery and engage targets with indirect fire.
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#25
26-03-13, 02:51
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RCD Heavies in Netherlands
This is a photo from RCD Pictoral History of the Heavy Troops in Netherlands one hour after cease fire was called.
http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/a...eavies-NTL.jpg Sorry as a link as photo is too big for attachment. Last edited by Hanno Spoelstra; 11-01-15 at 22:45. Reason: attached picture
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#26
26-03-13, 19:53
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Photo from a RCD halftrack made during the liberation of Groningen, Netherlands.
This is an International build halftrack. Marco
__________________
Staghound F215633, 12th Troop "Sergeants Car" XII Manitoba Dragoons
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#27
30-03-13, 19:20
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Thanks again
Graham, thanks for the scans. I managed to borrow the book through an inter-library loan but wasn't about to try scanning is as it was almost brand new. I'd love to add a copy to my library but it's way out of my price range! Update, just found a copy for under $50.00 on amazon.uk, should have it in a few weeks.
Marco, that's an amazing picture you've shared here and it raises a small question regarding what I assume is a squadron marking. There is a half-circle (in yellow?) on the vehicle's side and on the top rear stowage box. I'm familiar with diamonds, squares, triangles, full circles and even rectangles but not semi-circles. The closest I've come across is with the USMC in the PTO but that certainly wouldn't apply here. I've got a fairly extensive reference library but can't find this one, can anyone shed any light on what it is? Cheers, Dave Last edited by Dave Block; 30-03-13 at 21:24.
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#28
30-03-13, 20:00
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Dave,
The halve circle stands for D-Squadron. Not all Canadian regiments had them but both the RCD and the 12th Manitoba Dragoons had a D-squadron. In my opinion, the colour is also yellow. Cheers, Marco
__________________
Staghound F215633, 12th Troop "Sergeants Car" XII Manitoba Dragoons
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#29
30-03-13, 21:30
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Thanks again Marco
I'll have to add that neat bit of triva to my files! For what it's worth, 'British Tanks in Normandy' (Ludovic Fortin) suggests D sqn markings were in white but I think that it was more of a suggestion than a rule at this stage of events.
Cheers, Dave
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#30
30-03-13, 22:24
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Pictoral History
Dave,
I got really lucky then as I purchased RCD 1939-1945 and the Pictoral History direct from RCD's kitshop. http://www.rcdkitshop.com/index.php?...emart&Itemid=1 I notice the Pictoral History is no longer listed, but as I recall it was under $20. I picked up both the History and the Pictoral history for under $50 (shipping was as much as the price of one book). Both books are great, lots of good photos and info on Royal Canadian Dragoons.
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