1st Hussars and Holy Roller & Perry Kitson

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Ed Storey

I wouldn't say that the museum capitalized very well on the tank's history or did much to make it look like it did during the war; but Forceful III is on permanent indoor display in the CWM since 2005 and I count that as a 'W*'.

* W = Win

Hear, hear, well said and well done!

Now, how to we influence and convince the city council?

[Hanno Spoelstra]

From: https://globalnews.ca/news/8880090/h...ng-london-ont/

“Retired lieutenant-colonel Ian Haley says some of the biggest challenges with restoring the Holy Roller stemmed from finding original parts, most of which were still in Europe as most tanks never left after the war.”
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“A glimpse inside the restored Holy Roller Sherman tank, which is much more spacious than it would’ve been in the Second World War.”
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And:

“ Volunteer David Wyatt got to sit in the commander’s seat when the tank rolled out to the public during Thursday’s unveiling, a show of gratitude to him and two others for their work on the project.

“It meant a lot to me, it meant a lot to honour all the veterans that have served, especially with what’s going on with the world right now,” Wyatt said.

“These guys were all really, really young when they did and they gave up lives to go to Europe and serve, so it’s the least you can do.”

The tank is now set to return to its home in Victoria Park just in time for the 150th anniversary of the 1st Hussars and Wyatt says it’ll be tough to say goodbye.

“On Saturday, which was our last workday, one of the fellas said ‘it’s almost bittersweet,’ because we came together as a group of strangers, we spent a year together, it’s really nice to be at the end of the project, but it feels sad that it’s over,” Wyatt said.

“I hope it stays in the park in this condition for a long time.””

[David Dunlop]

Why is it more spacious inside now than when it was in the Second World War?

David

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by David Dunlop

Why is it more spacious inside now than when it was in the Second World War?

Because all the interior has been stripped out. Notice the temporary 2 by 4's for a seat. I also wonder what all the brass screws and washers are for on the right side.

[David Dunlop]

Hmm. They made that sound like an accomplishment.

David

[chris vickery]

A travesty is what it is IMO.
Putting all that work into it just so it can sit outside and rot some more, get vandalized etc.
Our museums and government are hardly the best keepers of our heritage, we all know others who have better collections and are way better stewards of history than this…

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by chris vickery

A travesty is what it is IMO.
Putting all that work into it just so it can sit outside and rot some more, get vandalized etc.

Just wait till this happens again... Then start your petition as Canadians with the right sense of history.

Originally Posted by James P

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/londo...ndon-1.5975322

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[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Bruce Parker

Because all the interior has been stripped out. Notice the temporary 2 by 4's for a seat. I also wonder what all the brass screws and washers are for on the right side.

So where did all the interior parts go?

Hopefully not in the scrap bin, as they well know that “some of the biggest challenges with restoring the Holy Roller stemmed from finding original parts, most of which were still in Europe as most tanks never left after the war.”

[David Dunlop]

A perfect example of a vehicle owner seeing what they want, but failing utterly to see what they actually have on hand. In this case, a specifically named and historically traceable and documented Sherman from a local Regiment has now been stripped into yet another generic, arm waving memorial to the Military at large. They are proud of the name on the side of it, but could just as easily put that name on a night club across the street from the park, and have accomplished just as much.

David

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

So where did all the interior parts go?

Hopefully not in the scrap bin, as they well know that “some of the biggest challenges with restoring the Holy Roller stemmed from finding original parts, most of which were still in Europe as most tanks never left after the war.”

I have no in with the restoration group so am only guessing, but I expect the European parts they were so challenged finding were the tracks and roadwheels. Everything else (cosmetic) on the outside is as it was pre-paint job. They would not have wasted time acquiring anything for the inside as it wouldn't be necessary or seen for the next 50 years. Most of the interior looked to be rusty beyond repair so was probably removed and scrapped. Another shame as I've seen restorers bring even he most perforated pieces back to life.

[chris vickery]

To piggyback on to David’s comments;
A unique vehicle that has a documented history should be saved. I guess I’m not really surprised that the Regt itself isn’t putting up a fuss, it takes a core group of individuals who appreciate things to rally for a cause.
The plaques attached to the exterior could have been just as easily removed and mounted in a chunk of cement to be displayed.
Something like Holy Roller would probably be more appreciated at the Tank Museum in Oshawa than sitting as a roost for pigeons in the park…

[GaryC]

Originally Posted by Bruce Parker (RIP)

Because all the interior has been stripped out. Notice the temporary 2 by 4's for a seat. I also wonder what all the brass screws and washers are for on the right side.

The screws and washers were to mount a plaque inside.