RCDs & M3 75mm GMC?

[maple_leaf_eh]

I've often wondered what the Commonwealth units did for 75mm ammunition for these tank annoyers. I know the gun was an old design that the Americans adopted, like so many other French implements of war. Is this the same round as the 75mm Sherman tank's?

[John McGillivray]

The 75mm gun in the Sherman was based on the 75mm field gun and used the exact same ammunition. The 75 mm HE shell could be fitted with either the M48 impact fuse or the M54 Time Fuse. It came with three different charge levels, (reduce charge, normal charge and super charge). There was also Smoke WP and AP rounds. This is why the allies were able to use the Sherman as SP Artillery and engage targets with indirect fire.

[Graham Hunter]

This is a photo from RCD Pictoral History of the Heavy Troops in Netherlands one hour after cease fire was called.

http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/a...eavies-NTL.jpg

Sorry as a link as photo is too big for attachment.

RCDHeavies-NTL.jpg

[marco]

Photo from a RCD halftrack made during the liberation of Groningen, Netherlands.
This is an International build halftrack.

Marco

[Dave Block]

Graham, thanks for the scans. I managed to borrow the book through an inter-library loan but wasn't about to try scanning is as it was almost brand new. I'd love to add a copy to my library but it's way out of my price range! Update, just found a copy for under $50.00 on amazon.uk, should have it in a few weeks.
Marco, that's an amazing picture you've shared here and it raises a small question regarding what I assume is a squadron marking. There is a half-circle (in yellow?) on the vehicle's side and on the top rear stowage box. I'm familiar with diamonds, squares, triangles, full circles and even rectangles but not semi-circles. The closest I've come across is with the USMC in the PTO but that certainly wouldn't apply here. I've got a fairly extensive reference library but can't find this one, can anyone shed any light on what it is?
Cheers, Dave

[marco]

Dave,

The halve circle stands for D-Squadron.
Not all Canadian regiments had them but both the RCD and the 12th Manitoba Dragoons had a D-squadron.
In my opinion, the colour is also yellow.

Cheers,

Marco

[Dave Block]

I'll have to add that neat bit of triva to my files! For what it's worth, 'British Tanks in Normandy' (Ludovic Fortin) suggests D sqn markings were in white but I think that it was more of a suggestion than a rule at this stage of events.
Cheers, Dave