Armour on display at The University of Manitoba

[David Dunlop]

Ran across this photo this evening, taken in front of the Admin Bldg on the UofM Campus, probably in the early 1950's, in support of the Student Officer Training Program. The Sherman 'BISHOP' is probably FGH and the Sexton is a bit of a surprise. Didn't think any were left in Manitoba post-war. Wonder where the Bishop is today?


David

[David Dunlop]

I noticed the fancy detailing on the road wheel hardware initially, but just noticed that the headlamp guards on this Sherman have also been given a special paint treatment. Was this a standard post-war scheme for armour based in Canada, or was this Sherman a ceremonial vehicle, brought out only for special occasions?

David

[rob love]

I note a sign on the Sexton advertising 39 Field Regt. Here is a blurb about it frm the DHH site:

This Reserve Force regiment originated on 15 June 1914 and incorporates the following regiments and operations room.

The 39th Field Artillery Regiment (Self-Propelled), RCA originated in Winnipeg, Manitoba on 15 June 1914, when the '14th Brigade, CFA' was authorized to be formed.1 It was redesignated: '5th Brigade, CFA' on 2 February 1920;2 '5th Field Brigade, CA' on 1 July 1925;3 '5th Field Brigade, RCA' on 3 June 1935;4 '5th (Reserve) Field Brigade, RCA' on 7 November 1940;5 '5th (Reserve) Field Regiment, RCA' on 1 April 1943;6 '39th Field Regiment, RCA' on 1 April 1946;7 and '39th Field Regiment (Self Propelled), RCA' on 19 June 1947.8 On 31 December 1954, it was amalgamated with the '52nd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA' (see below) and the '6th Anti- Aircraft Operations Room, (Mobile), RCA' (see below), retaining the same designation.9 It was redesignated the '39th Field Artillery Regiment (Self-Propelled), RCA' on 12 April 1960.10 It was reduced to nil strength and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle on 31 January 1965.

[David Dunlop]

Thanks for that, Rob. That would place the photo somewhere between 1946 and the end of 1954. The ladies outfit has a 50's look to it. The two vehicles would have been parked on the West side of the Admin Bldg, just to the North of the main staircase into the building.

At that time, the main drive into campus from Pembina Highway was known as The Avenue of the Elms and ran continuously from Pembina to the front of the Admin Bldg. The Avenue was lined with elm trees planted after World War One (one tree for each alumni and faculty member who had been killed during the war). In the late 1960's, the avenue was terminated at University Crescent for development of the UMSU Building and the elms on the closed section were replanted around the Quadrangle immediately south of the Admin Bldg. Dutch Elm has taken its toll on the elms over the years, but the next time you drive that route and see some of the older surviving trees, that is why they are there.


David