One for Roddy: Sherman names and numbers

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally Posted by kevinT

Anyone add anymore?

Yes, ‘CORVETTE’ belonged to ‘C’ Squadron of the Ontario Regiment: -

T146527 was issued to the 11th Army Tank Regiment (The Ontario Regiment (Tank)), C.A.C. on their change over from the Ram to the Sherman in May 1943.

T146527 appears on strength of the Ontario Regiment as/at 10 June 1943 in an accounting of vehicles held on their War Establishment prior to embarking for the Mediterranean theatre that they submitted to Headquarters, 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade. In another submission to Bde HQ in September 1943, T146527 again is shown as held on strength of the Ontario Regiment.

I believe that T146527 was lost sometime during the period of 11 to 19 May 1944, while the Ontario Regiment was supporting the 8th Indian Infantry Division (11-15 May) and 78th British Infantry Division (16-19 May) involved in the breeching of the GUSTAV LINE (Sant’ Angelo on the GARI River) and the drive west towards the HILTER LINE (Aquino), during the opening phase of the Liri Valley battle (Operation DIADEM).

For this photo to have been taken in the battle area in September 1945, T146527 must have been one of the 10 tank casualties that were complete write offs suffered by the Ontario Regiment during the period from July 1943 to September 1944, according to the reports of No. 1 Canadian Section Armoured Fighting Vehicle Technical Staff (Eighth British Army Headquarters).

Cheers

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Mark,

Excellent information, again, thanks!

There has been some discussion ove the type of Sherman but as I understand it the 11th Armoured (Ontario) Regiment used Sherman M4A4 tanks. Is that correct?

- Hanno

P.S.: pic was for you too, Kevin!

[kevinT]

Thanks Hanno,

She is a new addition to my name / WD database.

Cheers
Kevin

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Mark,

Excellent information, again, thanks!

There has been some discussion ove the type of Sherman but as I understand it the 11th Armoured (Ontario) Regiment used Sherman M4A4 tanks. Is that correct?

Yes, all three units of the brigade were equipped with the M4A4. In October 1944 the brigade started to receive 17-pdr and 105mm equipped Shermans.

Cheers

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Thanks!

H.

[tankbarrell]

Definately an M4A4 with an M3A3 Stuart at front left.

[Roddy de Normann]

Hanno et al...

Apologies for delay in replying, stuck in London last w/e. Agree with all. Veh initially with 11 CAR but would likely to have been transfered to another regiment as it did not move to NW Europe under Op GOLDFLAKE. I have only what others have...

T. 146527

Sherman V

Contract S/M.1012

11th (Canadian) Tank Regiment (Ontario Regiment)

Jun 43 - Veh issued to regt for Op 'HUSKY' via 1st Cdn Tk Bde -
Sep 43 - Veh noted on Regt Veh List as still with regt - Via Steve Guthrie Archive


Ref GOLDFLAKE, I have only come across bit and bobs in the War Diaries. Has anyone seen a complete listing for all the LCT loads. The details are v good and include every vehicle transported by number - soft skin & armour. Bet there is one somewhere...

Roddy de Normann