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.

C233-8 Italian Fiat-Ansaldo M14-41 - CFB Wainwright, Alberta copy.jpg

[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.