Holy Roller track type

[Colin Alford]

Jack,

No problem, I have enjoyed this research exercise.

Regarding the LAC image I linked in my previous post. Upon further research, the stated location of Gruchy, and the date of 9 Jul, does indicate that these are likely Sherbrooke tanks which are about to resume the advance with the SD&G Highrs on their way into Caen. https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/o...8/1104?r=1&s=3

While attempting to determine if orders were given to 2 Cdn Armd Bde to change rubber tracks to steel, I looked at the Sherbrooke’s War Diary. (They included far more documents in their diary than 6 CAR (1H)!) while I did not find any evidence of direct communication that rubber tracks had to be changed out, I did find a critique regarding the rushed issue of unfamiliar vehicles in preparation for Overlord (see attached): https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/o...58/495?r=0&s=3

Given the various references to changing track, my opinion now is that it is likely that there was direction passed that any rubber track was to be swapped for steel prior to Overlord, and that Holy Roller likely had it’s rubber tracks pictured at the top of the thread swapped prior to the operation.