Rare Flail
 

I don't profess to be an expert in WW II armour although I have spent a fair bit of time reading reference books and on the internet searching out info and pictures of some of the rarer vehicles and AFVs. I found this untitled pic while searching for info on M31B2 T2's. It is either an M3, or M31 with a flail set up that I've never seen before. The power unit for the flail is obviously mounted on the rear of the tank as evidenced by the multi-segmented driveshaft travelling up the right side of the M3. It would have been a bugger to maintain, of which I'm sure most likely led to it not being accepted for use. Does anyone have any info regarding this unit? If not, just enjoy the pic for it's rarity.

Hi Derek,

I think that is the Scorpion IV flail, used by British in N. Africa. The Scorpion III, apparantly used power from the main engine and the MkIV had a separate power unit, which would appear to be like the one in your photo.

For more pics and some details, check out this link;
www.afrikakorps.org/grantscorpion.htm

Thanks for the info and link Richard, that web site has some great pics of M3 Flails. A man could make a career out of studying all the various models, both operational and prototype of mine clearing vehicles used in WW II. During an internet search I came upon this picture of a Sherman prototype tank that experimented with spigot mortars mounted on the front for clearing mine fields. I'll upload it for your perusal.