Priest Kangaroos in Italy?

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by Bob Potter
From the Sherman Register, I believe, I have some info on Priest Kangaroos in use during the Italian campaign. There is a photo of one with wading trunks. That one I want to model, with one alongside it without trunks.

Glad you remember where you saw it

Priest Kangaroo with British troops in Italy, 1945:

Source - read more about Kangaroos here.

I will examine the photos more closely, but in the interim, here goes:

1. Markings -- Any suggestions form unit or other "tribal" markings? Did one unit drive them and they were attached to troop units as required?

I don't know about Priest Kangaroos in Italy, but those used in Normandy were devoid of any official markings (possibly remains of artillery markings).

2. Painting -- When the conversion was completed, was the thing repainted in British spec colors or touched up with US OD?

Read the Appendix F CONVERSION OF PRIEST TO TROOP CARRIER. Repainting is not mentioned. In Normandy there would not have been enough time to properly repaint them, possibly in Italy there was. By that time Olive Drab was already adopted by the British, wasn't it?

3. Marks -- were these M7's or M7B1's? The photo I have suggests M7's.

M7's, correct.

Thanks, Hanno, and all who serve here. I really admire your work on that Ram 'Roo. If I ever get to the Netherlands, I will have to find it.

Just let me know and I'll take you there!

Regards,
Hanno
Sherman Register