Spotted, unusual WW2 tank North Bay

[chris vickery]

Gents
I was driving north bound this afternoon near North Bay and spotted an equipment float headed south towards Toronto.
He was carrying a tank, unfortunately speed and traffic didn’t allow me time enough to identify it.
What was odd was that it was painted a light colour, perhaps sand or desert yellow.
It was odd, maybe a Vickers or maybe even a Valentine not sure .
Do any of our connected gurus know what I spotted and where it was headed?

[Colin Alford]

Chris,

What you spotted is an Italian M13/40 or M14/41 enroute from Wainwright to Borden.

Various sources identify it as either an M13/40 or M14/41. I am currently inclined to believe that it is most likely an M14/41, and will work to confirm the proper identification.

Some images of it can be found at this link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bdt/13...n/photostream/

It has been on loan to Wainwright since the ‘80s.

The float is currently parked at Base Transport in Borden, and the tank will be unloaded at the museum tomorrow morning.

Colin

[chris vickery]

Colin, Bingo.
At least it makes me feel better that I’m not delusional, yet Lol.
I’m pretty adept at identifying green beasties but always a challenge especially with only a few second snap shot to make a proper ID. That’s my excuse anyways.

[rob love]

I heard that Wainwright had dropped an MLVW engine and transmission into a small tank some years back. Was it this tank?

[Colin Alford]

Rob,

I was surprised on Tuesday when I was told that the vehicle had been driven onto the float (we assumed that it had remained on static outdoor display). I am now aware that it was re-engined with an MLVW engine but I won’t know any other details until the morning.

Colin

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by chris vickery

Colin, Bingo.
At least it makes me feel better that I’m not delusional, yet Lol.
I’m pretty adept at identifying green beasties but always a challenge especially with only a few second snap shot to make a proper ID. That’s my excuse anyways.

OK, some WW2 flash card recognition refresher training for you boyo...

[Jakko Westerbeke]

Originally Posted by Colin Alford

Chris,
Various sources identify it as either an M13/40 or M14/41. I am currently inclined to believe that it is most likely an M14/41, and will work to confirm the proper identification.

The sign in one of the Flickr photos you linked to says “M13/40”, but we all know how accurate those can be And it’s an M 14-41: it has full-length mudguards and mud scrapers by the drive sprockets.

[Ed Storey]

Here is a photograph of the Italian M14/41 I took while on Exercise RV89 at CFB Wainwright back in 1989.

[David Dunlop]

Anyone know the history of this tank? Italian war trophies in Canada must be very few and far between.

David

[Ed Storey]

Sadly in true Canadian fashion, parking this vehicle outside for 60+ years has trumped any history it might have had. Frankly, I am surprised it has not been traded away by DND to another country who actually cares as I doubt it means much to anyone beyond being just another gate guadian to paint every couple of years.

[David Dunlop]

The paint looks pretty pristine in your photo, Ed, so I suspect it has been sandblasted at least once, taking any surviving markings along with the rust.

That would leave just Borden as a possible source of information, if, as it seems, they probably have primary ownership of this tank, which has now been returned.

I wonder if Colin can find any records at Borden providing details on when and how it came to Canada? My thought would be it was retrieved from Italy at some point, rather than North Africa.

On the bright side, at least it runs. Can’t be too many wartime Italian tanks can claim that ability anymore.

David

[Dave Thompson]

So I’m not on here much but Colin mentioned some traffic going on about our repatriation of the M14/41 Italian Tank from CFB Wainwright. And now your going ask who is this Dave guy. I’m currently working at the Borden Museum and am the Team Lead for the Flakpanzer & Jagdpanzer 38(t) Restorations Projects.
Anyways, Colin and myself off loaded it this morning with the help of the TLAV for a boost, certainly an experience driving it. A little hunched over in the drivers seat, man those guys must have been short. Turns on a dime on the concrete though, steel tracks will allow you to do that.
From what Colin and I have discussed and from the information currently on hand, everything indicates that both the M13/40 and the M14/41 the museum holds came out of North Africa. Will be doing further research and information gathering confirming what we already know. MTF.
As a running vehicle it will no longer be left outside to rot.
Dave

[David Dunlop]

Thanks for jumping in, Dave. I am looking forward to more details. In the meantime, have yourself a safe weekend.

David

[maple_leaf_eh]

Glad to see Wainwright's loss is Borden's gain. Lets hope it does get better treatment in the East - although the humidity will do hell with the steel, if my experience with cars is any guide.

[Frank v R]

as Dave said this vehicle will live indoors from now on inside the reorganized vehicle display bay,