Normandy Stuart V First Hussars

[Jack Geratic]

All done my project in 1/35 scale. Thanks to the members that answered my questions.

Juno Beach sector, around the vicinity of Secqueville-en-Bessin, June 7th 1944.

Morning found the Canadian Scottish infantry under heavy flank fire from German snipers. The 6th Canadian Armoured Regiment, also known as the First Hussars, were on hand in the infantry support role. A Lieutenant W.E.P. Smith was given the task to head out in his Stuart to recon the area. In a buttoned down tank, it was difficult to spot the enemy, so the lieutenant threw open his turret hatch for a better view.

With his upper body fully exposed, he was instantly hit by a sniper round in the arm, followed seconds later by another hitting the side of his helmet. Luckily, that one deflected upwards and out the top, causing no injury. His crew quickly rushed their wounded commander back to HQ. On arrival, he refused medical aid until he could fully relay the sniper positions he had observed just before being shot. For this act of bravery, plus several others during the advance inland, Smith was awarded the Military Cross.

Subsequently, two more Stuart recon tanks were sent to the area Smith had last been. There, they helped the Canadian Scottish unit to ferret out the Germans. More than thirty snipers were either killed or captured. The result was a welcomed respite in the rear area.

regards,
Jack