Hi
Hmmm?
Lemme see now..........
Towing x2 RCR Grizz outta the snow by a road in Petawawa 1985/6. Net result was the Inf Sgt wasn't gonna be late and us poor Lynx Crew getting $20!! Inf guys were useless at driving them and it was steady income on winter Ex back then. Glad I was light tracked.
Then a few years later, in Meaford, telling the 1st Hussar student gunner in a Cougar to fire. He did and I waited for his initial report (I didn't see a thing; not eye guard for the CC's sight.) Nothing. I asked him "Gonna give a correction, there Skippy?" and he said "Uhh.....umm.......MCpl? The weapon's on me." I looked and the whole T&E had broken it's weld inside on the roof on the shot and fell on his lap! Yikes!! Luckily the bowden cable was holding it and up went the yellow flag and out went my gunner.
Finally my chum Kevin gettin his first shot at crew commanding as a young Armd Recce NCO; in a "boat" (Cougar) Sqn. He was so pleased, he chalked an anchor and other sea-going drawings onto his "boat", bought a white sailors cap and had 12C put on it, and even effecting a U-Boat Kommandeur's accent and tone. Much to the dismay of his entire chain of command, who were proud "Boat People". Us Recce Types never fit in with them back then. Oh, and saying "Boat" in a "Boat" Sqn, was usually an extra duty tacked on too. Poor Kevin.
They were next to worthless X-country (even with low air pressure and chains) but I remember ripping through tracks and trail well known as well as across open prarie in the Spring. Those later, thicker, sand tires helped the vehicle alot. You needed a good driver but the turret on the Cougar was fine. Simple and effective. Nice punch in a low velocity gun turret.
regards
Darrell