Operation Infatuate II: Sherman tanks at Westkapelle

[Jakko Westerbeke]

Originally Posted by MicS

Nice Table!

You should see his bulldozers (I went to visit him today to see his D6 1T3038 shown earlier in this thread. Turns out he has another, but with wide tracks, but I forgot to look at its serial number.)

Originally Posted by MicS

However there must have been additional D6A's built since this one is clearly 1T3060:

Indeed. These bulldozers are just getting murkier at every step …

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Great news: the Sherman Crab at Westkapelle will be restored!

Yesterday a Dutch newspaper published an article stating the municipality corroborates the historic importance of this genuine battle relic and it needs to be saved from further deterioration. It will make a plan with two local museums for the restoration of the Sherman. A great example of local collectors and historical associations collaborating with government officials.

Read https://www.pzc.nl/walcheren/de-tank...ered~a726d1bc/ (in Dutch)

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[Jakko Westerbeke]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Great news: the Sherman Crab at Westkapelle will be restored!

There is a little snag, though, which the article doesn’t mention: the estimated restoration costs are rather more than the amount the municipal government has freed for it. From what I was told in a phonecall yesterday, the people doing the restoration will make a start with that and meanwhile, see how to get the rest together.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Jakko Westerbeke

There is a little snag, though, which the article doesn’t mention: the estimated restoration costs are rather more than the amount the municipal government has freed for it. From what I was told in a phonecall yesterday, the people doing the restoration will make a start with that and meanwhile, see how to get the rest together.

That is typical for these kind of projects. I am sure the museum, municipality and local sponsors can work something out. The museum has been given two Sherman tanks (and possibly other artifacts). I have donated parts for one of their restorations. So maybe they can find ways to go the extra mile and give something back to the community.

[MicS]

Great news indeed! This is the opportunity to restore the original markings of the tank, instead of the variety of fanciful markings it has endured ever since it became a memorial. Accurate information about its commander as well as period photos could also be added to the memorial.

Michel

[Jakko Westerbeke]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

That is typical for these kind of projects. I am sure the museum, municipality and local sponsors can work something out.

Well, yes. I just mentioned it because it’s not like the whole restoration is already sorted.

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

The museum has been given two Sherman tanks (and possibly other artifacts).

You mean the two HVSS Shermans that stand in the museum grounds?

Originally Posted by MicS

This is the opportunity to restore the original markings of the tank, instead of the variety of fanciful markings it has endured ever since it became a memorial.

In the phonecall I mentioned, I was also told that the fellow in charge of the restoration asked the Polderhuis museum (very close to the tank, for those who might not know) for help regarding those markings. Apparently, they told him they knew someone to help with that (that is, yours truly) and I affirmed that if he has any questions, he can contact me.

TBH, I had been thinking about this before already, and it’s actually not that straightforward because all the Crab gear has been removed. I think putting the AoS and 79AD markings on the upper corners of the glacis plate would be the best choice, given that other 1 Lothians Crabs had them there as well, even if this particular one did not.

Originally Posted by MicS

Accurate information about its commander as well as period photos could also be added to the memorial.

Good you mention that: who was the commander? Sgt. Stead?

[Alex van de Wetering]

Excellent news!

This is the opportunity to restore the original markings of the tank, instead of the variety of fanciful markings it has endured ever since it became a memorial.

Exactly my thought! Jakko's book will certainly help with that.
I also hope they will replace those front fenders for some originals, or something that looks close to the original.....even a fender with the correct shape, but without the stiffening rib will look much better that the current flat fender.

I am sure the museum, municipality and local sponsors can work something out.

I agree; the media exposure lately could have a positive effect on that, and I am sure those involved know this all to well.

Alex