M3 "Stuart 1" in british service

[EDUARDO MAMORETTI]

Gentlemen,
I am searching images from the very early M3 stuart 1 in british service, ( i refeer to the batch fitted with large sandshields, ( "ala" Valentine style) smoke dischargers in the turret, and rear additional fuel tank.
Any info will be appreciated.
Thank you in advance

[Pz.Abt. 190]

This doesn't have the smoke discharger though. 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, 4th Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division. Op. Crusader, Nov 41.

The "sandshields" were a frame with cloth covering created to make the tank look like a lorry by Axis reconnaissance aircraft. Most of the division's tanks had the shields removed.

[EDUARDO MAMORETTI]

Thank you for your kind (and interesting!) response. I am afraid this is not the actual subject of my querie, which is my fault, I was not enough precise with my introduction. The very stuat 1 M3 Honey of the very first batch was one modificated as it appears in R.P. Hunnicut´s "U.S.Army light tanks" in page 388, I will scan for you the image, the model is basically an M3 with the clasical faceted turret btu with thin metal sandskirst, resembles all in those seen attached to brit cruiser tanks. Also sported a rear auxiliary fuel tank, smoke dischargers on turret and new and differented shaped storage bins , plus other changes.
Nevertheless, very kind of You

[red devil]

Strangely enough, I was sent some images only yesterday relating to a 1 RTR member of my forum who served at that time

[red devil]

These are also I believe of the Stuart, in service with 1 RTR, but dates and locations unknown. First looks like Italy and second desert ??????

[AVV]

Good afternoon!
Thanks for sharing the photos!

I was sent some images only yesterday relating to a 1 RTR member of my forum who served at that time

Was the white cross used as quick identification mark or did it have some other purpose?

Best regards, Aleks

[red devil]

Almost certain it will be a squadron badge. Lower image has a diamond on the side.

[AVV]

I see. Thanks!

Best regards, Aleks

[EDUARDO MAMORETTI]

These are also I believe of the Stuart, in service with 1 RTR, but dates and locations unknown. First looks like Italy and second desert ??????

Indeed the mediterranean area, it is a fact that most ex-african campaign equipment from both sides is often seen in the italian front,thanks for sharing the photo.-
Eduardo

[Urmel]

This maybe of interest:

http://rommelsriposte.com/2014/09/29/an ... uart-tank/

Where does the first picture originate if I may ask?

[Alanmccoubrey]

The colour plate is an invention, it is based upon a post war photograph of an M5 Stuart with its turret removed being used as a towing vehicle for the 17 pounder anti-tank gun. This vehicle had a white cross painted on the side , possibly as an exercise marking and had its new registration number painted on the side, I can't read the numbers but the central pair of letters look like ZR to me. You can see that the illustrator has copied the style of XX ZR XX in the way he has painted the numbers.



I believe that the second photograph is also from the same post war period, the vehicle is an M5 for a start and in the background there is what looks like a Bridgelaying tank, definitely not around in 1942/43.