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(sapper @ Feb 10 2006, 08:48 PM) [post=45555]There is no doubt that one invention had a terrific effect on the war. They came under the collective and general term of:
"Hobarts Funnies" The were mainly "AVRE" Armoured Vehicles Royal Engineers,To see the real value of "The Funnies" look them up...What a great shame that the Americans spurned the use of the "Funnies" they were offered them.. For they would have drastically reduced their casualties.
With the American Gung Ho attitude, they thought that they would sweep all before them. It did niot turn out that way, and I think that their refusal to use the "Funnies" was a great mistake. and one that they paid a great price for.
Sapper
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One of these Sapper?
[attachmentid=1507]
Armored Vehicle Royal Engineers. A Petard 29cm caliber mortar was fitted to turret. Fired 40lb bomb 80 yards. 180 available by D-Day. 1st Assault Brigade of 79th Armored Division. 574 more were converted. Some were equipped to care fascines and CIRD for mine-clearing.
The development of the 79th Armoured Division was strongly encouraged and supported by General Montgomery as he prepared to assault through Generalfeldmarshall Rommel's defenses again, this time the Atlantic Wall in Normandy. General Montgomery was determined to be better prepared for the tricks of the Desert Fox'
The pioneers on D-Day than he had been at El Alamein. It should be noted, that some historians attribute the disparity between British and American casualties on D-Day to the decision by General Omar Bradley to use primarily dismounted engineers to breach the beach obstacles, while the 'funnies' of the 79th Armoured Division were able to execute a mounted breach of the Atlantic Wall".