Photos of Grant tanks in Italy

Discussion in 'Italy' started by Tom OBrien, Nov 21, 2020.

  1. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    Hi all,

    I know that there were several Grant command tanks in use in Italy - one (or a steady replacement of an original) continued to be used by the 8th Army commander and has its own thread on here:

    Monty's Grant

    I know at least three more landed with the Royal Scots Greys at Salerno but I'm not sure about other armoured regiments in Italy nor other Corps HQs and I've not been able to find any other photos on-line. Has anyone seen one they could post up?

    Regards

    Tom
     
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  2. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    Looking again today I did find this photo of a Grant Command tank which according to the description was in Italy in May 1945 - anyone have any idea which formation?

    Grant Command tank - Italy May 45.JPG

    I found it here:

    Tank Archives: Lee and Grant: American Generals in British Service

    Which looks like a good source of information all round and also includes the information that the tank was modified to look something like a Sherman - ie fake 75 mm gun in turret.

    Regards

    Tom
     
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  3. chrisgrove

    chrisgrove Senior Member

    There exists a pic of a Grant or Lee command vehicle belonging to a South African formation in Italy, but my reference system has let me down and I cannot at present trace it. As far as I remember it featured a rather comfortable looking chair on top for the benefit, no doubt, of the formation commander..
    Chris
     
  4. TTH

    TTH Senior Member

    That image comes from the IWM and the tank belongs to HQ 6 SA Armd Div. General Poole, the GOC, is one of the men standing around the jeep.
     
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  5. TTH

    TTH Senior Member

    That's probably the same tank in the photograph.
     
  6. TTH

    TTH Senior Member

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  7. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    Are you sure? I've searched their on-line collection and couldn't find it despite much looking (and just a little swearing!). :banghead:

    There is a photo of Major General W.H.E. Poole with Oliver Leese 29 Apr 44:

    IWM NA 14678 - Leese and Maj Gen Poole.JPG

    The original isn't really good enough to confirm but I couldn't rule him out. :D

    The IWM photos allow you to zoom in which would certainly help.

    Regards

    Tom
     

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