What's the story with this vehicle's aos? Compared to the bull graphic of the 11th Armoured Division, the colours seem to be the same, black '52' on a yellow background? Note too the numbers look to be a different style, possibly hand painted. The photo itself I've seen captioned as being either a 23rd Hussars or 3RTR sherman, regards, Jack
The Sherman is part of 3rd Troop 'A' Squadron 3RTR commanded by Lt John Moorhead. The photo was most probably taken on 24th September 1944 assuming the IWM caption is correct (location shown as Deurne). This was during Operation Market Garden and soon after 3RTR had liberated Antwerp at the start of that month during their 'Great Swan' into Belgium. They arrived in Antwerp with only five operational tanks in the entire Squadron and were quickly issued with replacements. Putting that lot together, I speculate that the '52' was applied in the field with whatever materials were available.
Someone has chalked 'Deurne' several times on the glacis plate. As SDP suggests, 'whatever was to hand' is the most likely explanation for this.
There is the same question currently being asked on missing-lynx. Just found this out and my good friend Dick Taylor has described something similar about this tank in his book 'Warpaint'.
Whatever was available is about right as we were told to change our numbers to that of 1st Cdn Armoured bde......as we were moving into position to start the Golthic Line battles - don't know if it ever confused Kesselring but it certainly confused us.....nonsense at a time like that Chers
My grandfather was a corporal with the Royal Engineers, attached to the Black Bulls. Would you know where I could find more information about him? Understandably he never wanted to discuss the war, and all the information I have about his experiences came from my grandmother, so was vague and selective, as I was so young at the time. Thanks
TDH Welcome to the forum The first place to start is to apply for his service records. They cost 30 but be prepared for a bit of a wait, around 3 to 6 months. https://www.gov.uk/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records Perhaps you would like to start a new thread under Royal Engineers as more members are likely to see it. http://ww2talk.com/forums/forum/78-royal-engineers/ Lesley
What's the story with this vehicle's aos? Compared to the bull graphic of the 11th Armoured Division, the colours seem to be the same, black '52' on a yellow background? Note too the numbers look to be a different style, possibly hand painted. The photo itself I've seen captioned as being either a 23rd Hussars or 3RTR sherman, regards, Jack Jack, Your photo also appears on the Website I attach, which will also be of interest to T.D.H. T.D.H. The attached Website shows both 13th and 612 Field Squadron Royal Engineers attached to the 11th Armoured Division. http://www.flamesofwar.com/hobby.aspx?art_id=551 Regards Tom