Aussie Sentinel tanks

[rmgill]

Hey lads, Coldsteel over at Tank-net says:

The Serial number is usually stamped into each of the three major armour castings. On the top of the Axel Housing at the centre just forward of the join to the hull. On the left hand side of the hull just above the hull-gunner's view port. On the left hand side of the turret just above the armoured cover for the spotlight power lead penetration. It's likely to be of the form:

A.C.I. NO. 8030.
HULL. NO. B.K.H. 38.
A.H. NO. B.K.A.H. 31.
TURRET. NO. B.K.T 35.

The ex-Belfield AC1 no in the US at the MVTF probably has a mismatched turret and the only photos online aren't clear enough to be sure but there appear to be markings on the hull and turret with the hull possibly reading:

ACI 800#
NOT AHT TURRET

Which might indicate it was fitted with a turret that was suitable for training only. The armour of the first dozen or so tanks didn't go through the full heat treatment process. Although it is very faint and might be something else.

[Ryan]

Reading Peter Beale's book 'Fallen Sentinel', which is about Australian tanks during WW2. It is stated during the May 1943 review of Australian production that, ' in regards to the AC3, 200 were on order, 146 hulls and 106 turrets had been cast'.

[Ian Fawbert]

Hi Ryan,

I doubt the one Matt posted is the same one i know of/know the guy who has one. So, add another to your list in NSW! As to what type it is, i am not sure, nor have i seen the guy again since first posting- but am sure to run into him one day!

Cheers,
Ian.

[Ryan]

Hi Ian, thank you. Chances are it is the remains of an AC1.

So we have 8 then.
AC1 in the UK
AC1 in the USA
AC1 at Puka
AC3 at AWM
2 x AC1 in NSW private hands
AC3 in QLD private hands
E2 hull in VIC private hands

[Ryan]

I went to a property today that has the cut down remains of a Sentinel.
Nothing above the tracks, no original engines and shortened. But it is a sentinel. Owner will remain anonymous. I believe it is no 8028.