[servicepub (RIP)]

From "Tools of the Trade":

Pending the availability of Ram Cruisers, American tanks had been provided by the War Office. By February 1942, 5th Canadian Armoured Division held 40 “General Lee” Cruiser tanks and five “General Stuart” Light tanks. As of that date no other Canadian formation used these tanks.
In October 1943, the decision was taken to use light tanks in place of carriers in armoured regiments following the British practice. At about the same time the War Office adopted a new establishment for armoured reconnaissance regiments which called for 30 light tanks per regiment. This was adopted by the Canadian Army early in November. The War Office undertook to supply Stuart V light tanks (Light M3A3) to cover Canadian requirements. Unfortunately, the supply situation was poor and some of the Stuarts received were in bad condition. This situation showed little improvement during the next five months. At the end of May 1944, the Canadian Army held only 36 Stuart tanks against an establishment of 77 in six armoured regiments and one armoured reconnaissance regiment (later re-organized as an armoured regiment), and the unsatisfactory condition of many of those delivered still prevailed. The 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade was, however, almost completely equipped. By the end of June, before they had seen action, 4th Canadian Armoured Division had also received all but two of their Stuart tanks. Early in August it was possible to release nine Stuarts surplus to field requirements to Canadian Reinforcement Units.
A proposal was made to replace some or all of the light tanks in the Canadian Army with scout cars. Although this was not carried out, in October 1942 steps were taken to replace the Stuart V with some other light tank. A number of American M24 light tanks had been allotted to the United Kingdom on the understanding that they would not be issued until the American troops had them. They would be issued to Canadian formations through 21st Army Group. It mounted a 75-mm gun as compared with the 37-mm carried by the Stuart V. Meanwhile, a policy was adopted of replacing all Stuart V Tanks with Stuart VI’s (M5 and M5A1). Early in November First Canadian Army reported that this replacement was nearing completion. At the end of December the Canadian Army held 76 Stuart VI tanks against an establishment of 77. The deficiency was covered by three Stuart V tanks still held, but no M24 tanks had yet been issued.
Although the Stuart V was not particularly satisfactory in North-West Europe. In that theatre the Canadians employed them principally with the turrets removed and a .50 Browning machine gun mounted on top. Known as “Honey” tanks the Stuarts were frequently mentioned as giving good service.
In addition to the Lees used by the 5th Canadian Armoured Division, a certain number of Grants were subsequently issued. The Equipment State for 31 August 1942 shows 23 of these tanks on issue. These tanks were also used by the 4th Canadian Armoured Division after its arrival in the United Kingdom. By November 1943, only one Grant remained on charge. There were also seven obsolete M2A4 tanks in stock. Stuarts were, at the time, once more required as light tanks for certain units.