Operation Kangaroo

[Ed Storey]

I found this image while doing a tour through the Royal Fusiliers Museum in the Tower of London a couple of weeks ago. I had never heard of Operation Kangaroo in the Western Desert during the Second World War, has anyone else? This appears to be a Ram Kangaroo in use in the desert, has anyone ever heard of this?

I think the photograph is Post-Second War or perhaps late Second War as it appears that the soldiers are using No. 5 Lee Enfields and I think I see the odd Mk III or IV Helmet. Any comments?

Unfortunately I did not see any narrative on this in the Museum and the photograph was in the Second War Section.

Thank you.


http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...y/DSC09642.jpg

[Bill Miller]

Hi Ed,

Just going from memory right now, but I have some information that the RASC operated a squadron or perhaps partial squadron of Ram Kangaroos in the Middle East in 1946-47 (Palestine). The info I have regards testing and retrofitting of armour plate on the cuppola of these Rams (all mid production Rams with the separate MG cuppola). No mention of an Operation Kangaroo or any specific operational roles?

I am not even sure how or when the Rams were delivered to that theatre (MELF), though information I have about "kangaroo" operations in Italy indicates that Ram kangaroos were alloted to be provided to the Italian theatre but not sent as the war was coming to a close (Shermans and Priests were converted instead). Those same Rams may have been sent after all but post hostilities?

Bill.

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally Posted by Ed Storey

I found this image while doing a tour through the Royal Fusiliers Museum in the Tower of London a couple of weeks ago. I had never heard of Operation Kangaroo in the Western Desert during the Second World War, has anyone else? This appears to be a Ram Kangaroo in use in the desert, has anyone ever heard of this?

I think the photograph is Post-Second War or perhaps late Second War as it appears that the soldiers are using No. 5 Lee Enfields and I think I see the odd Mk III or IV Helmet. Any comments?

Unfortunately I did not see any narrative on this in the Museum and the photograph was in the Second War Section.

Thank you.

Hi Ed;

Some info regarding the 'Kangaroo' itself:
(Source: My own research notes and RamTank.ca)

RAM Mk II - Census Number: CT40174: -

October 1944 - shown as Cruiser, held in stock (1st Canadian Base Ordnance Depot)
July 1945 - shown as Struck Off Strength to the British Army

Cheers

[servicepub (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Mark W. Tonner

RAM Mk II - Census Number: CT40174: -

October 1944 - shown as Cruiser, held in stock (1st Canadian Base Ordnance Depot)
July 1945 - shown as Struck Off Strength to the British Army

Cheers

From RamTank.ca I assume.

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally Posted by servicepub

From RamTank.ca I assume.

Dear servicepub;

... what can I say ... old age and I forgot to quote my source(s) ...

Thank you for pointing out the error ...

I've amended my previous post to reflect my source(s) ... now go back to sleep

Cheers

[Roddy de Normann]

Hi there -

Furher to Mark T's notes ref T-40174 from the Ram Files, I also have:

CT. 40174 - Ram II - Contract CDLV 283

A Sqn, 5th (Canadian) Armoured Regiment (8th Princess Louise's New Brunswick Hussars)

5 Dec 42 - UK. Veh TOS 5 CAR fm Depot - Regt War Diary, Can NA Microfilm T-12651

1944/45 - Veh struck off strength Canadian Central Stocks to British Stocks - Canadian Archives & RAM Files

Roddy

[servicepub (RIP)]

Hi Roddy,
can I use this for my RamTank.ca database?

Cheers,
Clive

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Bill Miller

Just going from memory right now, but I have some information that the RASC operated a squadron or perhaps partial squadron of Ram Kangaroos in the Middle East in 1946-47 (Palestine).

"Royal Military Police (RMP) in Palestine in 1948. Courtesy of Erik Von Rosen."


Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1513...87891821717055