MLU FORUM  

Go Back   MLU FORUM > MILITARY VEHICLES > The Armour Forum

Notices

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19-07-03, 02:26
alvin5182 alvin5182 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: North Bay Area
Posts: 46
Default Cromwell Help

Gentlemen:
I have been asked to do a model for a rapidly deteriorating vet. I need help. The only info I have is that he was in the British Army in North Africa. The information is sketchy, but includes he was in the armoured division,he drove Cromwells, and was attached to the Kings Own-3rd Hussars.

Any help as to possible sources, websites, colours, markings etc etc.
would be of great assistance.

I have the Tamiya Cromwell Mk V in hand. Any modifications for the period?

Thanx in advance

Al Davis
__________________
Al Davis
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19-07-03, 03:49
Frank Misztal's Avatar
Frank Misztal Frank Misztal is offline
Old Sigs Type
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kingston, ON, Canada
Posts: 139
Default

Here's a link that might be helpful:

http://www.wwiivehicles.com/html/bri..._cromwell.html

Cheers,
Frank...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19-07-03, 05:10
John McGillivray's Avatar
John McGillivray John McGillivray is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Quebec
Posts: 1,089
Default Cromwell

I don't think that the Cromwell was ever used in North Africa since production only started in Jan. 1943. The 3rd Hussars - Kings Own also served in Italy until the end of the war. Maybe they used Cromwells there.
http://www.queenshussars.com/3krh.htm
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19-07-03, 11:45
DaveCox's Avatar
DaveCox DaveCox is offline
Commonwealth NOT Europe
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Sussex, England
Posts: 394
Default Hussars in Italy?

None of my references mention the Cromwell being used in Italy - almost all allied tanks used in Italy were Shermans ( Sherman 111? ). I wonder if he means Crusader? in the desert.
The earliest overseas use of the Cromwell that I can trace was the Normandy invasion.

As names are sometimes mistaken, you could try showing the gentleman pictures of both vehicles and see if he recognises them?
__________________
Wear a poppy - support our Veterans and the Royal British Legion

A wasted youth is better by far than a wise and productive old age!! (Meatloaf)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19-07-03, 13:52
John McGillivray's Avatar
John McGillivray John McGillivray is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Quebec
Posts: 1,089
Default Syria and Palestine

Another possibility is that he was in Syria or Palestine post WWII. When I was in collage I had a friend who's uncle served with the British Army in Palestine in the late 40's on Cromwells.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19-07-03, 17:38
John McGillivray's Avatar
John McGillivray John McGillivray is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Quebec
Posts: 1,089
Default Another link

I found another link on the 3rd Hussars. Which states:
"The remaining and reconstituted 3rd Hussars were re-equipped with Crusader, Sherman and Grant Tanks ready for the Battle ahead. In the first phase of El Alamein the regiment helped break through Rommel's Defences but in the second phase it was given the crucial task of forcing a gap through the remaining defences to enable the armoured reserves to break through. The "Moodkee Wallahs" succeeded and Alamein was won, at a cost of 21 Officer casualties and 98 other rank casualties whilst of their 51 Tanks, 47 were destroyed in the battle. So decimated was the Regiment that it was unable to join the pursuit. General Freyburgh granted the 3rd Hussars the Honour of wearing the "Fern Leaf" on their vehicles because of their participation with the New Zealand Division during the Battle."

http://www.qrh.org.uk/history1a.htm

There is no references to Cromwells anywhere.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 07-10-03, 16:49
Hanno Spoelstra's Avatar
Hanno Spoelstra Hanno Spoelstra is offline
MLU Administrator
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 14,400
Default Re: Cromwell Help

Quote:
Originally posted by alvin5182
...he was in the British Army in North Africa. The information is sketchy...drove Cromwells
Al, if he drove Cruiser tanks in North Africa, he must have been on Crusaders instead of Cromwells.
http://www.wwiivehicles.com/html/bri..._crusader.html
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 08-10-03, 05:28
alvin5182 alvin5182 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: North Bay Area
Posts: 46
Default

Gentlemen:

i built the man in question a Cromwell with his divisional markings. In his weakened state he was not able to provide any further info.

the tank was presented to him within two weeks of my original post and he was thrilled. He keeps it by his bedside.

Thanks very much for your help in this matter. It was greatly appreciated by the vet and his son.

Al Davis
__________________
Al Davis
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 08-10-03, 09:06
Hanno Spoelstra's Avatar
Hanno Spoelstra Hanno Spoelstra is offline
MLU Administrator
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 14,400
Default thrilled

Quote:
Originally posted by alvin5182
...the tank was presented to him within two weeks of my original post and he was thrilled. He keeps it by his bedside.
Al, thank you for making a veteran's day. Well done!

Hanno
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +2. The time now is 07:19.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © Maple Leaf Up, 2003-2016